I'm 61 years old....
...and in January I took "the plunge" and became a member of Alter Ego Fitness. My lifestyle previously consisted of sitting most of the time, working at a computer in the day and watching television at night because I didn't feel like doing anything active. I found that whenever I tried working out at other fitness centers, I always seemed to strain a muscle or hurt my back somehow. I finally decided that workouts were not for me because I injured myself far too easily. Every week, I was either visiting my chiropractor, my massage therapist or sometimes even both. Needless to say, these visits were expensive and gave me only temporary relief from the aches and pains I was experiencing.
However, after my free workout with Julia, I changed my mind about exercise and realized that the type of workout she gave me was exactly what I needed to tone and strengthen all of my problem areas without hurting myself in the process.
More than just her fitness expertise, I love Julia's enthusiasm and warm personality. Julia lives and breathes fitness and is able to easily convey that passion to those she is training. She gives me thorough explanations of what she wants me to do, making sure I understand the proper position and technique of each move, and which muscles I am working. Because I was never coordinated enough to take Pilates classes, I was concerned about looking like a "klutz" during our workouts; but Julia is so patient in explaining how and why I am doing each exercise. She walks me through the motions and if I still don't understand, she does it with me. I know that Julia won't let me do anything incorrectly where I possibly could injure myself. Julia's training doesn't stop when you leave the gym; she has volunteered on several occasions to meet me at the grocery store and help me shop, while teaching me how to choose the right types of food to create healthy, enjoyable meals.
Even though I work out with Julia only twice a week, her encouragement and support have given me the motivation to work out independently even on the days I'm not in the gym. As a result, I'm feeling great; I'm not having to see my chiropractor or massage therapist on a regular basis anymore; my body fat has been reduced; I've lost weight and I'm eating healthier food than ever before. The tools Julia has given me have not only led to my reaching my goals physically, but have also promoted a more fulfilling lifestyle overall. I know that I owe these successes to Julia and her training.
Trish Hunter
I was scared at first to work out with a trainer...
....since I am a girl, and I didn't want to bulk up. But Kayla knows exactly what work outs to do in order to lose weight and get toned, instead of just build muscle. Although if that is what you are looking for, I am sure she knows how to do that too. She knows alot about nutrition and health in general. She has helped me make a lifestyle change, not just lose some pounds. If you are a student, you will have alot in common with her!
Shayna Taplin
Ray makes weight training fun and easy.
Ask for an early morning session and you'll be treated to coffee breath, bad jokes, and singing along to ABBA's Dancing Queen. Bring your water and humor for a great workout. Expect to lose weight and gain muscle with Ray Ray. In four weeks my weight loss has been eight pounds and 3% body fat. Nice job Ray!
Annette Kennedy
I must say that Ray has helped me in more ways than one.
From my power and speed, to my endurance and consistency training with Ray has been an experience that i enjoy and one that i can't wait to get back to.
I am an athlete in the Olympic sport of Taekwondo, and where other sports require one main athletic ability, Taekwondo requires many different areas of athletic ability. For example, the sport of Taekwondo requires endurance, agility, speed, power, precission, accuracy, mental endurance, and reaction time. All of which i know Ray is helping me to come closer to achieving and improving.
Though his workouts most of the time force me to get out of my comfort zone, he is always there pushing me and reminding me of my ultimate goal which is to represent the U.S.A. in the 2012 Olympic games. I am continuing my training with Ray and look forward to reaping the benefits of his intense workouts, i know i will. He is the only personel trainer that i have had, and one of the best that Alter Ego has to offer. While i have been sitting here typing this testimony i remembered something that Ray told me when i was training for the 2009 U.S. Open, he said "Dude, I don't care how much stronger or faster you may think your oppenent is than you! What I know and what you should know is that you have worked harder to get where you are so go kick some butt!" I believe that this applies not only to sports, but also the pursuit of becoming a better person both physically, and mentally.
Like i said i love training with Ray, and hope to reap the benefits of his workouts in the coming years.
