Greetings to Everyone,

After 20 plus years of not exercising, and eating correctly, it was time for a change. I certainly knew what I needed to do being an ex-athlete, but I needed help, now that I was approaching my mid-40’s. That help was found after talking to Dr. Sam Bakhtiar, the owner of Fitness Concepts. We had an initial interview on site, which also included a tour, a discussion of the program that would be tailored to my needs and a workout with a personal trainer, Mr. Rene Chavez.

I’ve been training with Rene, three times a week, since mid-March, and have lost over 40 lbs., 3 pant sizes, and over 20 total inches. Rene, who is incidentally the newly-crowned Mr. Muscle Beach International, in the welter weight division, is an excellent fit for me. He is with me during each exercise, to monitor technique, document progress, and provide needed motivation. He is extremely knowledgeable and does not allow my workouts to be boring or permit me to be complacent.

Another component of the overall program is proper nutrition and accountability of what you eat. This guidance comes from Armando, the nutritionist, who prepares a menu, does the weekly weigh- in, and performs monthly measuring.

Being held accountable for showing up, eating correctly, and having results documented is what I needed. The way my body is starting to look and feel, my improved energy, the health benefits, and compliments are well worth the INVESTMENT!

God Bless,
Brandon K. Blanchard

I have been dieting for ever!!! Yep, that’s my story. I have been up and down on weight for all of my adult life. I can go up and down weekly-if not daily. Pretty scary, right? Pretty unhealthy is more like it. Over the years I have tried Weight Watchers three times, The Diet Center, Jenny Craig and anything else that came by.

So in the last 3 years my body like everyone else’s has gone through some changes. I tried to get the weight off in 2003 (30+ pounds)- I was going to Lindora Medical Center, spent a lot of money and ended up putting the weight back on in record time only then finding out I had developed Hyperthyroidism by the fall of 2004. I was one of the few who put weight on instead of shedding it. I hated being the big one in the family and wanted nothing more than to shed the excess weight and feel better. I am only 5’5” and the shortest
in the bunch and a dress size 16. OUCH!!!!!

We planned a family vacation to Hawaii for 12 days in the summer of 2005 and I started dieting in June thinking I could drop a few pounds by July. A friend from Girl Scouts told me about Fitness Concepts and I called and made an appointment. I was impressed with the management and the no nonsense way it all was explained. Weight Training, Cardio and Personal Diet combined made sense and I was hooked. I signed up and asked for a trainer that wasn’t going to waste my time by talking too much. I wanted someone who would kick my butt and make me understand why I would use certain machines for certain muscle groups and how they work. Then I met my trainer. One session with the pint sized drill instructor was all it took me to be a believer. She took her time to explain all the machines and pushed me to my limit every session. She is encouraging and sensitive but firm and had earned the nickname-SARGE. She has helped me over the hump and the results are proof enough for me. Losing inches and pounds along with my personal diet, I am down to a solid size 10 dress and working my way to the single digit sizes. It has been a road well traveled and I look forward to working with Fitness Concepts for life. Fitness Concepts is the best thing that has happened to me this year. Watch out 2006-I’m ready for a great New Year.

Cynthia Hunsaker

Fitness Concepts: To Sam & Armando

I just wanted to write this letter to say how pleased I am about being a member at your gym. You have taken the whole atmosphere of working out to a new level, with all the new and modern equipment, to the very knowledgeable staff of trainers, to the cleanliness of the gym even during peak workout periods. Your knowledge of training and nutrition are second to none. I especially wanted to commend Cris my trainer, he is excellent to work with and very conscious of my well being when I’m working out. He knows when I’ve peaked out with an exercise and then pushes a little more but never endangers my health. He consistently motivates me and changes the workout routine as not to be boring. I have been working out about four months now and feeling better than I have in years. I have lost seventeen pounds and several inches all around. Mondo has been crucial in helping me with my nutritional needs, that I have neglected for twenty five years, (I bet I’m a real challenge for him) although I’m sure he has faced larger obstacles than me. Anyway I could go on and on, but thank you very much for everything you’ve done for me and Pam.

Gratefully,
Mark Tseko

Hi Sam,

Just a note describing how my wife and I decided to join Fitness Concepts. As I explained to you during my tour of the Fitness Concepts facility for the past few years my wife and I had thought about joining a gym. Periodically we would see an advertisement for Fitness Concepts in a local magazine and knowing that my wife did not like exercising or large gyms I suggested to her that Fitness Concepts might be a good choice since it was small and she would receive personal training. For myself I thought joining would be a good idea since I had a back injury in the past as well as a cardiac procedure and I had not done any exercise consistently for about twenty years.

Since I have started working out three months ago, I can honestly say I have not felt this good in years, I feel great! I sleep better, my back does not hurt and I can now jog three miles nonstop. I also wanted to thank you Sam, my personal trainer Lilia, and Armando. All of you give great advice and always have an encouraging word.

I would recommend Fitness Concepts to anyone that is looking to get back into shape.

Michael Segura