Pssst……Have you ever been around negative people?

You know the ones that suck all the energy from you and everyone around you.

That one person who has a problem with you but rather than confronting you talks to everyone else around you but you.

I would love to know on the comment section below how you deal with “Energy Vampires”?  I would also like to know do you agree with me firing these clients or should I just leave them alone and let them bring down everyone in the gym? Please comment below as I need your help on this.

Below I am going to share with you why I  don’t mind “firing clients” every once in a while (It has happened only 3 times in the past 11years).

Honor & Integrity

First let me explain our  motto here Fitness Concepts:

1) Have fun: This is something my mother taught me. ” Do what you love and you never have to work another day in your life.” I absolutely LOVE what I do. I get to change my clients lives through exercise and better nutrition. My clients live a healthier, happier lives and they are forever grateful. To me that is so empowering. I was talking to my friend Dr. Unger the other day (Dr. Unger is a top metabolic doctor in the area) and he said ” Sam your role in the patient care is just as important as ours”.

2) Deliver excellent results: That’s the bottom line. That’s where the rubber meets the road. At Fitness Concepts we not only assign you to one of our excellent personal trainers but I also will personally teach you nutrition(which accounts for 70-80% of your results). Our clients also have a scheduled appointment with my staff to weigh and get their body composition tested every week to make sure they are on track.

3) Provide excellent service and always over deliver: We at Fitness Concepts provide complimentary bottles of water and towel service, send out weekly educational blogs to help you stay motivated and on track,  provide you with the best equipment that money can buy, maintain our equipment impeccably to assure our clients get the best possible service.

4) Always strive to improve our service and product: All Fitness Concepts clients have my email address and phone number in case they have any questions or concerns about anything that pertains to their program. We always welcome any suggestions to improve our product.

5) Make money: Did I dare say that? Don’t we all have to make a living? The reason we have been SUPER successful is because we deliver RESULTS.  We are not the cheapest  but we are the least expensive(not the same thing).

Now let me explain to you why we have to “fire” clients  or “refuse services”  every once in a while

1) If a client comes in one day and just doesn’t have anything positive to say about anything and anyone it could be just that they are “having a bad day”. We all have bad days and that’s very understandable. But if they are having a “bad everyday” and draining the energy from our staff and other clients then that particular client is not a good match for us because it violates our motto of having fun at work.

2) Can someone get excellent results and service and still not be happy.  ABSOLUTELY!!! I had a client that lost over 60lb and  totally changed his health and physique but still managed to complain about every little thing (music in the gym, someone was busy and forgot to say hi as they walked in, pricing,  etc……)  to everyone else around but me. The funny thing is that he/she once told me that they have tried for years to get in that kind of shape with no luck and that Fitness Concepts was one of the better investment he/she has made. You see even when our 2nd motto is to deliver excellent results that might not be enough.

Never Satisfied

3)  Even if you come in under budget and over deliver, this client just isn’t happy with any of his trainers or results(They would probably complain if it was free).  I understand that not every person is a perfect match, but come on!!   He may have something in  mind that they just can’t communicate, and when you don’t deliver this idea that lives in his head, he’s disappointed.  Even if they have gotten results they still are complaining that something isn’t right.

I am not a mind reader!!

4) As a business owner all I can do is to make myself very accessible to all your clients. After all everyone of my clients gets my biweekly blog posts to educate and motivate them(if they need to talk to me all they have to do is push reply).  I am always in the gym, my personal cell phone number is on the front desk on my business card and I am always available to meet with my clients to answer their questions and/or concerns. It is very frustrating as a business owner to find out that a client is not completely satisfied with your services through other clients. The only way I can make sure my clients are happy is through communication.

But hmmm……….NO, ,NO, NO I remember  that movie w/ Mel Gibson

We strive to have a very upbeat and friendly atmosphere at Fitness Concepts. Click here to see hundreds of written testimonials

A client who constantly berates you or your business is not a client that should  be at the gym.  So why do they come??  That client like a tornado will suck up all the positive energy.

For some reason in today’s society no one wants to confront you and tell you their true feelings. Instead they expect you to read their mind. If you don’t read their mind most people rather not say anything, or talk to others about issues that they have with you.

Let me ask you a serious question? If I had an issue with you or your business wouldn’t you want me to come to you regarding the issue and give you a chance to correct it? Or would you rather me talk about my issues with everyone else but you? (Please leave me your thoughts on the comment section below the blog)

These people know your job better than you
Losing weight is easy. Building muscle is even a simpler concept.   Just pick up the weights and start lifting, once that gets easy move on to heavier weights.
Why should I pay anybody for that?
Any one can do it!!  My cousin Vinny can show me that.   In that case I should hire that client to train me.  Or better yet their cousin Vinny!
Not Being Upfront and honest

Trust and integrity are a vital element to any good business relationship. Finding out a client hasn’t been upfront with you is a huge disappointment. Actually their complete honesty is in fact crucial to their success and health.
My personal satisfaction is getting everyone to their optimal shape and health.  Seeing them blossom, this effect seems to be a domino effect and my clients share positive results in other areas of their life!!  This is what drives me and I love it!!   My own health and sanity are at stake when I go round and round with a client trying to help them and they aren’t being straight and upfront with me.

GOODBYE!!

Firing a client may be an uncommon step for most businesspeople, but if a client is causing me, my staff & clients as well as my business undue hardship or loss, it is probably time to say goodbye.

I would love to know your input in dealing with “The Energy Vampires” on the comment section below.

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We are having a Blast doing these Blogs for you!!

Diamond Bar Personal Training

Our 2^nd Annual Chino’s Biggest Loser Event was AMAZING and a huge success because of you all of you!!  Over 140 people entered our event….and it inched down to TEN finalist.

1^st Place John Hayen     LOST 79.4 POUNDS

1st Place Winner John Hayen

2^nd Place       Rosemarie Roman     LOST 54 POUNDS

3rd Place Winner Rosemarie Roman

3^rd Place       Roquel Alameyer     LOST 38.5 POUNDS

3rd Place Winner Roquel Alameyer

4^th Place Adrian Rodriguez       LOST 41 POUNDS

4th Place Winner Adrian Rodriguez

5^th Place     Tammy Jones      LOST 30.5 POUNDS

9th Place Winner Tammy Jones

6^th Place          Bill Wuertz    LOST 45 POUNDS

6th Place Winner Bill Wuertz

7^th Place       Ronny Zavosky       LOST 29.5 POUNDS

7th Place Winner Ronny Zavosky

8^th Place       Alex Flores   LOST 24.5 POUNDS

8th Place Winner Alex Flores

9^th Place        Mark Coday       LOST 31.5 POUNDS

9th Place Winner Mark Coday

10^{th Place} Judy Gonzalez    LOST 16.5 POUNDS

1oth Place Winner Judy Gonzalez

Our 2nd Annual Biggest Loser Event was yet another huge success!!

We are so thankful to have so many awesome people in our Community!!!

It is only because of all of you that made our event a success!!

Just sitting here sipping my second 20-oz bottle of water of the day and got to thinking…

Glenn Holmes Before

Working first with Ryan and now Randy (would you believe I coached him in Jr. All-American Football when he was 12 and 13? WOW), I have been able to turn the highs low and the lows high.

I work out 3 times a week, but just as important I do cardio anywhere from 7 to 12 times a week. That’s Monday thru Friday, both in the morning and afternoon, along with Saturday and Sunday mornings. I vary the frequency (days and times) so as to not fall into a rut, and alternate my cardio between the elliptical and the treadmill.

Glenn Holmes After

I do 30 minutes on weekday mornings and before my afternoon workouts, and an hour on my ‘off’ days. While the workouts have increased my strength and muscle mass, the cardio workouts have turned my cholesterol from mid-200s to 113, my triglycerides from mid-300s to 103, my high blood pressure to 120/76, my high weight from 280 to 230, my body fat from 39% to 22%, and my frustration level is tempered by knowing that I have more work to do – but I can do it. And my energy level is in top gear – workouts, cardio, hiking, and softball. I fear no stairs!!

While I wish I could loose more weight (and I will), I am happy that I have gone from a tight 44″ waist to a comfortable 38″ waist as my weight has dropped, and I am very happy that my cardio has helped me beat the high numbers into submission.

Finished this bottle, another one to go…

Dr. Saman Bakhtiar is a Corona Personal Trainer and Boot Camp Instructor.

If you know anyone looking for personal training in the Inland Empire, send them to Fitness Concepts.

We will take good care of them. He is ‘thee’ Fitness Expert and Body Transformation Specialist this side of Los Angeles and Inland Empire.

Here at our amazing Health Club we are the gym of all gyms….or also referred to as the Gem of all Gyms.

We offer Boot Camps, Fitness Training, Nutritional Consultations and a friendly awesome staff ready to take on all weight loss and fat loss challenges.

Burr Northrop-Before

Hey Sam, just following up on our discussion at the gym today.  I really want to bust that last 15 pound barrier.  My progress has been steady; 22 lbs in the four months I’ve been at the gym.  I’ve lost a total of 90 lbs since August. Not sure how much of that weight was actually muscle.

I’ve gained strength and certainly muscle (my readings on the hand held machine are a little confusing).  As you pointed out I’d like to get rid of the belly fat before summer.

Can you send me a strict diet I can follow, and commit to, that will get me there without muscle wasting?

I weight train 3 days per week and do 20-30 minutes of cardio those days.  I do an hour of cardio on off days usually three days per week.

My current diet is basically “clean foods”,  protein drinks/bars, (five meals per day usually less than 2000 cals per day) and of course periodic (every 7-10days) cheat meals.

I take Creatine on work out days and L -Arginine  twice every day.  Im satisfied with my progress but of course a little impatient.  I wish I was 15 years younger probably wouldn’t be an issue!
Thanks,
Burr

Burr Northrop-After (hitting the gym)

Burr Northrop-After with Fitness Concept Trainer Sherwin

MY RESPONSE:

Hi Burr,

Like we discussed earlier today to get the last 10-15 stubborn pounds off you should really buckle down and confuse your body.
Here is my secrets to getting the last 10-15 stubborn fat pounds off.

When I was competing back in the day this is exactly what I did to get rid of the last bit of my belly fat. I used this method to get as low as 3% body fat one year.

Now I warn you this is not what I recommend to my clients. I always recommend that they follow a sensible eating plan.

The best question to always ask yourself is “Can I follow this the rest of my life?”

If the answer is no then that means that, the program in question will only produce temporary results.

This is exactly why you see bodybuilders look amazing at the day of the show BUT if you see them couple of weeks later they don’t look a thing like they did at the day of the contest. And that’s exactly what we don’t want.

Having said that, we live in a vane world. A world that we are constantly judged by the way we look on the outside. So without further ado here is a good way to get ready for an event, pool party or whatever you are getting ready for.

1) Ok now it’s time to get rid of all the protein bars. I recently saw a study that concluded that none of the bars’ nutritional labels matched what it claimed. For example if it said it had 10 grams of sugar, it actually had 15.

2) I would replace the creatine with glutamine and I would put 10-15 grams glutamine in my protein shakes 2-3x/day. Glutamine is essential for recovery and it prevents muscle loss during caloric restriction. Remember we want to lose fat and NOT muscle.

3) L-Arginine is not good or bad(I think it’s unnecessary). Instead I recommend getting Flaxseed oil and add a teaspoon to your protein shakes 2-3x/day on your low carb days. It is essential to take essential fats since we are limiting our fat intake. Essential fats are fats that we need to get from our diets. They are very important. They are Linoleic and Linolenic acid found in Flaxseed oil. (My favorite is called Udo’s choice which can be found at Henry’s and other health food Stores)

4) Your protein sources should come only from: (Chicken Breast, Turkey breast, egg whites, Halibut, Snapper, Tilapia, Tuna) at this time.

5) Your Starch sources should only come from: (Old fashion Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Red Potato, Yams) at this time.

6)With every Major meal have plenty of greens: (Broccoli, Asparagus, and Spinach) especially on low carb days. Fiber makes you feel full and also keeps everything moving on a high protein diet.

7) You should eat every 2.5 hours. I like to have a solid meal then a liquid meal and repeat the sequence. It is essential that you prepare for this. You don’t want to go hungry and then ask yourself “What should I eat next.” That’s a recipe for disaster.

To confuse your body you should go 3 days of very low carbs followed by one day of high carbs. This is essential so that your body never catches on that you are on a diet. If your body catches on then it will shut down the fat burning process through lowering your metabolism.

9) Drink as much water as possible. The more you drink water the more your body gets rid of water. Limiting your water not only is dangerous but will also trigger your defense mechanism to release anti- diuretic hormone, which in turn makes you hold water. Remember your body is very smart if it senses something is off then it will do everything possible to reverse it and bring it back to “homeostasis”. (that is a whole another blog post by itself)

10) Limit eating foods that are high in sodium. Make sure your veggies are fresh or frozen and not canned. Stay away from sauces that are high in sodium (soy sauce, hot sauce etc…) Don’t get lunchmeat chicken or turkey instead buy them fresh. Also, rinse your canned tuna under water to get rid of the excess sodium or get the one that is labeled “low sodium”. I would still rinse it though.

So here is a sample low carb day(Follow for 3 days)

Meal 1)

6 egg whites,
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 cup broccoli(or 1 tablespoon of Psyllium husk fiber)
Multivitamin/Mineral Pack

Meal 2)

40 grams of whey protein with 10 grams glutamine and 1 teaspoon of Udo’s choice

Meal 3)

6-8oz Chicken, fish or turkey
Big spinach salad with small amount of Balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Meal 4)

same as meal #2

Meal 5)

6-8oz Chicken, fish or turkey
Bunch asparagus

Meal 6)

same as #2

Meal 7)

6 egg whites and spinach omelet.

Here is a sample of high carb day(follow for 1 day immediately after 3 low carb days)

meal 1)

6 egg whites
1/2 cup oatmeal

meal 2)

30 grams of whey protein, 1/3 cup oatmeal

meal 3)

6oz chicken, fish or turkey
1/2 cup brown rice

Meal 4)

same as #2

Meal 5)

6oz fish
6oz yam

Meal 6)

same as #2

Meal 7)

3 egg whites
1/4 cup oatmeal

Burr, I hope this helps and please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Sam