What’s the difference between weight training at the club, CrossFit and the RKC-Wildfitness approach Action Fitness, Inc. offers?

The one and only purpose behind your standard weight equipment (machines, cables, even free weights when used in isolation mode) is to build your muscles. You create a maximum load on the muscles, which is inefficient in terms of movement. It may give you bigger muscles, but it won’t make you a better athlete, nor will it help prevent injuries. “Machine fitness” rarely, if at all, crosses over to the real world, and worse, it allows you to stack fitness on top of dysfunction, meaning you may appear body beautiful, but remain injured or injury-prone. The CrossFit movement is a great concept, and I myself like to borrow from it at times. It was created by Coach Greg Glassman, who observed the most versatile athletes (gymnasts and power lifters), and designed programs that thoroughly challenge you. It’s intense! And that’s also one of the problems: we can’t always go all out, and Crossfit promotes volume over skill development in a timed environment where injuries are worn like a badge of honor. Who wants that?

It also doesn’t quite approach the biomechanics of movement the way Wildfitness or the RKC system does. Our skeleton evolved from the primate skeleton. As we started walking upright, the knees, lower back and shoulders became structurally less stable. Initially born with a C-shaped spine, gravity, through standing upright, created our S-shaped spine and posture. Poor posture (especially bad seated posture) as a result of gravity can also cause pain and injury. Thus, you need to re-learn specific movement patterns:  sitting, walking, running and squatting, instead of relieving symptoms through isolated stretches and exercises like machines.

What is RKC?

Russian Kettlebell Certification, or Russian Kettlebell Challenge. A hardstyle system of kettlebell training pioneered by Pavel Tsatsouline in the US, also considered the Gold Standard for kettlebell training. This system is used in law enforcement and in the armed forces because of its efficiency and efficacy, and easily translates into sports. Many pro wrestlers, MMA fighters, ball players and football players train with kettlebells. Kettlebell training is also a tremendous tool to shed fat without fancy diets, build resilience and forge a solid physique in half the time and none of the imbalances cause by bodybuilding.

What if I am not interested in kettlebells or Wildfitness and just want to build up my body to look good on the beach?

If bodybuilding is your goal, we can modify your training by increasing the load on your muscles, changing your tempo and leverage to achieve the desired results. But what if you could bulk up AND become a better functioning athlete? Action Fitness, Inc strives to address your needs AND your wants with the best tools available to achieve the desired results. The proof is in the pudding. Read my testimonials or come see me for a complimentary assessment to better understand the difference between a corporate environment that only cares about your membership and a coach dedicated to your health.

I have chronic pain from injuries, even though I went through rehabilitation. How is training at Action Fitness going to benefit me?

Ultimately, whatever you’ve been doing to date hasn’t been working for you. You have to change your movement patterns if you want to solve physical issues over time. The goal is prevention, not just relief of treatment (which is what most modern Western medicine is about). Same goes with your eating patterns. Think of training at Action Fitness as “body re-learning”, going back to the movements you’ve been born to perform and lost over decades of misinformation.

I don’t want to be on another diet. They never work. Are you going to put me on one?

You’re right, diets don’t work. The “D” word is often associated with fancy names (Zone, Atkins, South Beach, TNT…) and they work for as long as you’re on them. It’s not the diets that fail ultimately. It’s people’s understanding of nutrition, and the fact that people stop any given program after a while and go right back to what they were doing before. What I strive for is for you to modify your lifestyle so that you develop a habit through proper eating patterns. Consider this: it’s like rehabbing from heavy drug use. You’re only clean/sober as long as you don’t fall off the wagon. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself and be healthy at the same time.

What is the cost of training at Action Fitness, Inc?

The cost of training at Action Fitness is competitive with the rates of packaged training sessions of health clubs in the vicinity. The value, however, supersedes by far that of clubs in true personal attention and privacy (only you and your trainer, i.e. myself), years of experience, proven results and quality that all my loyal clients come back for. Health Clubs have a high turnaround of trainer who often have no certification, little experience and no desire to become coaches for a career (rather do this as a “side” job, or in-between auditions). Don’t be fooled by the price tag at the “luxury” facility either, as you’re only paying a higher price for the amenities, not necessarily the quality of the trainer.

So, really, how much does it cost?

I reward frequent training and volume, on a sliding scale. Come experience your complimentary training session, with no obligations or a hard sales pitch. Promise. Your time is precious, and I only treat you with the respect and integrity that all my active clients receive.

How often should I train with you?

I offer a variety of programs to fit your budget and needs. If your schedule and mine allows, we can discuss several options based on that. The intensity and frequency always take into consideration your current fitness level, with proper resting periods and overtraining avoidance in mind. We want your body to be ready for action, but we need it optimal for any given session too! We push you to be tough, but we don’t want to be stupid!

How long is each session?

Generally an hour, though there are times when your practice may take less time, so you can go home early or simply discuss your nutrition or time management. I only schedule clients in one-hour blocks for training, but coaching can be broken up into 15-minute increments or an email.

How soon will I see results?

That’s a loaded question, but let me address a few points. While you may “see” results visually, your improved vitals and performance indicate your progress. Also, all progress is a direct measure of the focus and attention you put in outside of our sessions. (Are you eating properly? Are you training on your own if you and I only meet twice a week? If yes, what is your intensity? Do you push yourself as hard as I push you?) The time it takes for a body to get back in shape is proportional to the time it took to get out of shape, and that also has to take nutrition, training volume, intensity and frequency into account.

What is Online Training? Is it effective?

It’s a “virtual” alternative to training “physically” at Action Fitness. I design a routine that is tailored to your goals, and we check in periodically on your progress for updates and course correction, if necessary. The responsibility lies 100% on you to perform, so you have to have a certain level of discipline. The reason for checking in is to keep you accountable. It’s great if you (or I) travel, or want to continue getting my guidance when you can’t afford the time (e.g. by moving too far) or the private sessions. I have several clients who are doing great with this alternative, because they hold themselves accountable by doing what they are supposed to.

When should a person start training?

In my opinion, everyone can benefit from training, regardless of age (in that regard, I train adults only). Everyone’s specific needs may differ, but everyone should be physically active. So, the sooner the better! Contact me now!