welcome !
this is DEFCON Athletics
ABOUT US
DEFCON Athletics, established in 2012 and located in beautiful Montrose, is a private boutique Cross Training gym that offers individualized personal training and group fitness classes for individuals of all walks of life. We are proud to say that we were the first fitness studio in Montrose, CA, and with the opening of our gym, we can serve individuals throughout Montrose, La-Crescenta, La-Cañada, Glendale, and Pasadena. We pride ourselves on having some of the best trainers in the industry who will meticulously coach you through all the movements and exercises. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, we train our athletes to achieve their personal fitness and health goals. Our private training sessions are ideal for individuals looking for customized training, while our fun group training classes are filled with like minded individuals who achieve their personal fitness goals with the help of our community. We also offer personalized nutrition consulting and body composition assessments.
CORE VALUES
DEFCON Athletics strives to deliver its members measurable results, regardless of fitness level or each client’s personal goals. Our central core values are community, integrity, and safety. Historically, from the time we first opened our doors in 2012, we built a community of people of various ethnicities, ages, fitness levels, and walks of life whom all had a common goal to be healthier and live better every day. Our classes provide an environment of camaraderie, community, and fun! At DEFCON Athletics, we take our athletes’ safety seriously and support our athletes in achieving their fitness goals safely.
COMMUNITY
DEFCON Athletics is for people who are willing to give an honest effort, want to be challenged, like to try new things, enjoy training with others, and are serious about changing their lives. Our groups are made up of varying degrees of fitness level, age, and exercise history.
FOUNDER
Vaz is a full-time health and wellness coach specializing in performance nutrition and physical training. “I work with high-level endurance athletes as well as individuals who are looking to better their health” (Vaz). He started his fitness career by accident while training his high school girl friend, now his wife, over 18 years ago. He studied Business and Management at Woodbury University and shortly after started Crossfit Array, now Defcon Athletics, in Montrose CA. He states, “it has been a beautiful journey along side a supportive and loving community. We, as a collective, have supported each other and grew up together. I am honored to have spent the last 12 years serving this beautiful community”(Vaz).
Vaz’s fitness journey started in gymnastics at the age of 6. “My grandfather, his brother, and two of my cousins were national athletes in Tehran, Iran. So as far back as I can remember I was surrounded by regimented and athletic men who inspired me” (Vaz). Gymnastics set the foundation for Vaz’s success in the different endeavors of his fitness journey to come.
While in high school he discovered weight training and spent most of his time outside of school hours weightlifting at the local gym. His all time personal icon is Arnold Schwarzenegger. “I followed Arnold Schwarzenegger annual Sports Festival (IFBB Pro) watching professional bodybuilding (Arnold Classic), strongman (Arnold Strongman Classic), fitness, and figure competitions and learning so much from the heroes of that time like Ronnie Coleman and Kai Greene” (Vaz). Body Building taught Vaz about the intricate details of nutrition, fitness regimen workout planning, and consistency.” (Vaz)
In his early 20s, while still attending university and growing his personal training business, Vaz discovered Crossfit. “Crossfit really changed my personal training style and my methodology in fitness coaching. Initially, I was primarily focused on strength training. CrossFit helped me to become a multidisciplinary athlete while developing my endurance and olympic lifting skills” (Vaz). To become a better athlete and a coach he studied olympic weight lifting from American olympic lifting champion, Norik Vardanian; 2012 Olympic champion, Oleksiy Torokhtiy; and USAW Weightlifting coach, Bob Takano. Crossfit was a play ground where Vaz combined his skills from gymnastics, strength training, and Olympic weight lifting.
Today, Vaz’s personal fitness journey is focused on endurance training. In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, Vaz found peace and a new challenge in road cycling. Since then he has completed over 50 criterium races and three Belgian Waffle Races. He is part of a cycling team and is always present in the Montrose and Rose Bowl Pelotons. “It is important to listen to your body and honor the different seasons of life. In my mid 30s I have an urge to get strong in the gym and translate that strength on my bike while meeting challenges on the road. Cycling has yet again influenced my methodology and my style of coaching. I am cognizant of longevity and low impact movements while coaching and training” (Vaz).
“I am honored by the opportunity to train and befriend such a supportive community, most of whom have been journeying with me since the beginning of my career. I am excited to meet all those who are yet to walk into the doors of my gym. Remember, it is never too late to start your fitness journey. Come as you are..” (Vaz)