Shopping for new clothes was no longer something I enjoyed to do. It had become a chore, so I decided enough is enough!!  If I want a new body I need to do something about it.  I was not going to melt 40lbs away without working at it.  This is when Phoenix came into my life.  Right away I felt comfortable, but I had never gone to a gym before and had no idea what I was doing… Leslie suggested I invest is some sessions  with a Hamilton Personal Trainer and she matched me up with Anthony.  How lucky I was… Right away I felt a connection with Anthony.

Through Anthony’s wonderful communications skills and knowledge, he inspires me everyday to work hard.  With hard work and determination I WILL achieve my goals.  No only does he help me with my physical well being, but he helps me make better food choices and to stop and take care of myself.  As a mother of three and a care giver to many other children, taking care of myself has always come last and usually never.

After only 4 weeks I am already stronger and doing things I never imagined I was capable of .  I look forward to each session with a smile and will to do my best.  Anthony believes in my abilities and he pushes me to find my inner strength.

Thank You Phoenix, but most of all THANKS ANTHONY !!!!!  You are my inspiration and I will always be truly grateful to you.

Carrie Domanico
March 2009

It seemed simple enough but it was something that I had been putting off for far too long.  I had been retired for nine years.  The lifestyle that I led in the years leading up to my retirement was anything but healthy.  Too many years of fast food, smoking, lack of exercise, high stress and little, it any, physical exercise resulted in high blood pressure, lack of energy and a substantial gain of weight.

Every year following retirement I made new years’ resolutions  to loose weight and get back into shape.  However, there was a major gulf between intentions and results.  Every year I gained more weight and was fast approaching the point where I felt that I had lost control.  Even though I had an academic background in physical education and a very supportive wife who is extremely knowledgeable in nutrition and exercise, I simply could not maintain the commitment to do what had to be done.  There had been flashes of diet successes which was followed by increased weight gain.  The cycle did not hold out much hope for success.  I realized that I needed additional help and support.

The information that I received as a result of that first assessment was extremely sobering.  My weight was almost 270 pounds – which wouldn’t have been that bad if I were 6’9″  rather than 6’2″.  My cardiovascular capacity was very low, my flexibility was limited and my strength was declining.  I looked like and moved like an old man.

Leslie assigned my file to Ori Haripko.  He is an extremely capable young man who has been with me for the last three months as my trainer.  Initially, we met twice a week.  However, for the last month, due to my fanatical devotion to golf, we meet once a week.  His knowledge of his craft is outstanding.  He quickly helped me identify my short and long term goals and, using that, developed a program that has been incredibly successful.

As of my last assessment which marked three complete months with Ori I essentially met my initial goals.

MY TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS AFTER THREE MONTHS IS 35 POUNDS.  I HAVE LOST A TOTAL OF 21 INCHES FROM MY BODY.  MY ENERGY LEVEL HAS INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY.

Ori has convinced me that I can accomplish anything that I want.  My goals have changed.  I am committed to reach my new goals of 210 POUNDS AND A 36 INCH WAIST by the end of this year.  Further, I am committed to maintain that loss through a fundamental change in lifestyle.  It has been a wonderful first stage on my personal journey.  It has not been easy.  I am at the gym 6 days a week – 3 days of cardiovascular work and 3 days of weight training.  Each session takes about 1-2 hours.  I have fundamentally changed my diet – no more fried foods.  I am not on a diet.  I have realized that diets are simply fads that do not have any long term hope of success.  What a person has to do is commit to a lifestyle change.  Portion control and good food choices do result in long term success.

I read recently the, as a person ages, in order to maximize himself he must commit in three areas.  He must maintain and expand his social contacts.  He must continue to grow intellectually.  He must take care of himself physically.

MY JOB NOW IS TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.  IF I DO NOT DO THIS, I AM SHOWING DISRESPECT TO NOT ONLY MYSELF, BUT THOSE WHO LOVE ME.

What I have done and will continue to do is the most selfish and selfless act of my life.

PHOENIX FITNESS, THANK YOU

KEN WATERS

When I became a member of Phoenix Fitness West Hamilton, I hired a Hamilton Personal Trainer to teach me how to properly use gym equipment, acquire new programs to use on my own and hopefully reach my goals faster than I would alone.

“Is it what you expected?”  Yes and more, Now I feel very comfortable using the free weights and other equipment on my own.

“Are you happy with the results?’  Very Happy!!!!!  I don’t think, no, I now know, I wouldn’t have improved nearly as much without a Hamilton Personal Trainer.

“What would you tell someone who is sitting on the fence?”  Get off and get on with it !!!!!  Having a Personal Trainer is a great way to jump start your fitness program.  Why ease into it??   I lost fat, gained lean muscle and got a stronger upper body, not to mention I learned a lot of different workouts.

Eddie was a great Hamilton Personal Trainer for me.  He had new ideas each and every workout.  I learned from him how to do exercises safely as well as how much harder I can push myself than I ever thought.  He’s a great teacher and  Personal Trainer (with a sense of humor).  I will work with him again in the future when I need an extra little butt kicking !!!!

Melinda Sealy, Happy Hamilton Personal Training Client

And I quote, “Leslie, I have just finished my last training session with Hamilton Personal Trainer,  Eddie Warne.  Once again I would like to express my complete satisfaction with how Eddie approached our five months of training.  Eddie was able to analyze specific joint and muscle weaknesses and target my strength and cardiovascular development.  I have achieved or exceeded all of my targets.

I will be running in the Around the Bay race, in Hamilton and feel that Eddie’s approach to Hamilton Personal Training will make this a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience.  As well as his professional assistance in preparing for the race, Eddie also shared his personal experiences, of what works, what to watch out for and his own training.

Eddie is an excellent professional Hamilton Personal  Trainer and I have enjoyed his enthusiasm and humor while getting re-invigorated.  I would highly recommend Eddie to anyone looking for a Hamilton Personal Trainer.

Regards, Nick Houston. Satisfied Member

Time

“I’m too busy/there are not enough hours in the day”  The reality is we are all busy, work, school,  housekeeping, kids, you name it.  However there are 168 hours in a week.  To benefit from an exercise program, an individual needs to set aside 3 hours a week.  The average Canadian watches over 21 hours of television a week.  We have TV’s here that you can watch while you workout.  It is all about habits.  We will help you establish a habit towards exercising regularly and coming to the club will be part of your weekly routine.

Don’t like to exercise

“I’m not good at sports/ I don’t want to hurt or sweat”  It’s a myth “No Pain-No Gain”.  Exercise should not hurt and you don’t have to be athletic to find an activity in the club  that you can do.  There are lots of things we don’t like to do, like going to the dentist or paying taxes, but we do them right?  We try to make exercise fun by offering different classes and encouraging you to work out with a friend, and for variety, with at Hamilton Personal Trainer.  One thing we guarantee is that you will LOVE how you look and feel once you start exercising.

Procrastination

“I’ll start again after the Summer/when the kids are older/when we’ve moved”

The average person puts off exercising for 6 months to years before getting started.  Think about how much of the result that could have already been achieved if we exercised for as long as we put it off.  We procrastinate, because we are always putting everyone Else’s needs in front of our own.  You need to start making your HEALTH and happiness a priority or you won’t be able to care for others.

Don’t have the energy

“I’m too tired at the end of the day”  It sounds unbelievable, but by exercising you will actually feel like you have more energy.  This is because your body becomes more efficient at delivering oxygen to your working muscles and also muscles become stronger.  Being in better physical condition will make every day activities like; cleaning, grocery shopping, your job, etc. less physically draining.  Therefore you will have excess energy to do the things that you enjoy like; playing with your children, doing  hobbies, and socializing.

Money

“Health club memberships are expensive/ I can’t justify spending money on  myself”  A fitness membership is not expensive.  It is as little as $1-2 a day.  Think of the ways we spend a couple of dollars a day on incidental items; chewing gum, coffee, lottery tickets,etc.  That money would more than cover the cost of a membership.  A fitness membership is not a luxury, you need to be proactive about taking care of your health.  It is a fact that being physically fit will increase your productivity and therefore increase your earning potential.  Don’t look at an exercise program as a cost, but instead view it as an investment in yourself.  You will reap more than monetary rewards from this type of investment.

PLEASE STOP MAKING EXCUSES AND GET STARTED ON A PROGRAM TODAY !!!

]]> http://personal-training-in-hamilton.com/2009/04/27/excuses/feed/ 0 http://personal-training-in-hamilton.com/2009/04/20/one-happy-client/ http://personal-training-in-hamilton.com/2009/04/20/one-happy-client/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:38:47 +0000 murray http://personal-training-in-hamilton.com/?p=248 Why did I go with a Hamilton Personal Trainer, some might ask ?… I had been working out regularly for quite some time, but not achieving the goals I wanted… I was “stuck” you might say.   Well let me tell you, it was everything I expected and much more!!!

The results are phenomenal and I am absolutely positively happy with my results and my personal trainer.  If you are sitting on the fence trying to decide if its the right thing to do, or if you really want or need a trainer… JUST DO IT !!!!   Hire a trainer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised  at what you’re able to  accomplish, your abilities may shock you and motivate you even further.

My Hamilton Personal Trainer, Kevin McIsaac, was able to push me beyond my limits.  I’m happy to say that I lost the few pounds and inches that I felt were a problem for me and I’m still amazing myself.  It was worth every cent!!!  One of the best decisions I’ve made in a very long time!

Simone Moore, Very Happy Hamilton Personal Training Client.

It’s simple; I just wanted a change in lifestyle.  A better looking and feeling me!!!!

I started training with Simon March 08, weight of 215 lbs., 24 sessions later of, I’m not going to lie, HARD workouts, I still felt as though I was not quite at my goal.  Some days I didn’t try so hard, but that’s when I realized, I am doing this for a reason, and I should put my “all” into it.

I decided it was time to get a few more (24) sessions with Simon. I don’t know why, given the fact, that I was dead after every workout with him !!!  No seriously,  I felt his workouts were just right for me, and exactly what I was looking for and what my body needed.

My biggest concern was getting BIG and BULKY, I wanted to loose weight,  stay fit and change my life in general.  Simon gave me workout plans that accommodated me and my lifestyle in every way.

Basically, with the help of Simon, 48 sessions later, I have lost 471/2 lbs so far and I have also lost my tummy !!!!!!  My arms look wicked, my legs are nice and slim and everyday life is just easier for me now.

The whole atmosphere at Phoenix Fitness Hamilton is just wonderful.  Something that is maybe too hard to explain with words !  All the trainers are so very welcoming and willing to help anyone and everyone.

I recommend that anyone  serious about getting into better shape, living a healthier and longer life, do what I did… HIRE A PERSONAL TRAINER to get you those desires.  Thank You Simon

Laura Bickham

You’re fat.  Or you’re not really fat but you feel fat.  And lazy. And tired.  And old.  Surprise!  You’re unhealthy!!!

Actually, it shouldn’t really be a surprise,  it wasn’t for me.  I knew that my body was starting to falter to my bad habits (that’s what happens when you inch closer to thirty) and whining and being depressed doesn’t  change anything.  So, how do you make changes???

Well, eating well was never an issue for me.  Call me lucky (or thank my parents) but I love cooking and wholesome food.  Not to say I don’t indulge in the occasional deep fried goodness or too-big-for-one-meal portion sizes, but diet was not the culprit.  Getting off my flabby butt and sweating was. I used to be very active, LOVED sports.  But throw on a mortgage, a marriage and a more than full-time job and you get lazy.  Sound familiar?

So, I joined a gym. And then I tried running on my own.  And then I tried another gym.  And nothing really made a difference.  I sort of stuck to stuff and then something got in the way (you know how it is) and then all of a sudden two weeks passed before I got off my butt again.  I needed something different.  So, I joined a new gym (one with NO contract obligations!!) and got a Hamilton Personal Trainer.  And boy was there a difference!!!!

Now,  like most people, I didn’t think I needed a Hamilton Personal  Trainer.  They are expensive (I thought) and why do I need someone telling me what to do?  I know my way around a gym.  Right?  Well, if I was so right then I would have noticed changes and without a trainer, I didn’t.  Now?  It’s been a little over five weeks and I notice changes.  I’m faster, stronger, happier, my skin is nicer, I can see muscle definition and my butt is not so flabby (and this is just the beginning).

SO WHAT GIVES?  WHY IS HAVING A TRAINER SOOOO WORTH IT?

1.  The first few weeks are always the hardest.  Seriously, we all know the first bit is the hardest in changing ANY habit. Having appointments, someone to coach you, someone to motivate you and tell you how hard you are working, that’s what you need to keep going until it becomes part of your lifestyle.

2.  Paying for something makes you commit.  Yes, it’s expensive, but only if you look at the money.  If you look at the VALUE for what you’re getting, then no , it’s not expensive.  But either way, when you pay for something you make sure you get your money’s worth. You show up. You think twice about stuffing those french fries in your mouth.  You just keep thinking “I’m not going to throw my hard earned money in the garbage.”

3.  They know way more than you do.  If you have a toothache; are you going to fix it yourself? Not likely.  Face it, they are training professionals  (It says so  in their job title).  Even if your knowledge of working out in gyms is above average they still know more than you do.

4.  It helps to build your community.   If you feel like you are a part of something, like you belong, you are more likely to enjoy it.  If you enjoy something, you are more likely to do it (I know; I’m profound).  I know gym time is not social time but it’s nice to have little chats with Leslie now and then.  I like knowing that Hamilton Personal Trainer, Brenda is an artist and Hamilton Personal Trainer, Cindy is a Roller Derby Girl.

5.  Do you really need a fifth reason?  Seriously?  ‘Cuz I’m pretty sure that one through four were good enough.

I can’t remember the last time I felt this healthy and I can  feel improvements everyday.  If you want to make a serious difference in your life this is a sure-fire way to do it.

Zoe Siskos, http://www.mediumandthemessage.com/ Fan of Hamilton Personal Training

REDUCED RISK OF HEART DISEASE:  As insulin levels decrease, your risk of heart disease decreases.

REDUCED RISK OF DEVELOPING ADULT ON SET TYPE 2 DIABETES:  Usually on thinks of diabetes as a disease in which your body produces no insulin.  This is called type 1 diabetes.  However, more than 90% of all diabetics have type 2 diabetes.  This is when the body produces too little  insulin for your body weight, or ignores insulin.

PROTECTION FROM ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOPOROSIS:  Lowering insulin can alleviate tissue inflammation because reduced insulin levels also mean reduced levels of the building blocks of pain-producing eicosanoids  By decreasing these eicosanoids you relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

FEWER INFECTIONS:  Adequate protein intake ensures proper functioning of the immune system; which is your body’s natural defense mechanism against disease.  Many people on high carbohydrate diets have suppressed immune systems and are more susceptible to infection because of excessive insulin levels.  They’re more likely to get sicknesses such as a cold or the flu, compared to people that get adequate protein throughout the day.