"I am a self-employed CPA (Certified Public Accountant). I met Pierre in 1996 shortly after the birth of my youngest daughter, now 11. At that time I needed training to keep up with two children under the age of 5 and needed some help to lose the baby weight from two pregnancies as well as get back into shape and regain the energy and strength needed to keep up with two young children. Pierre did an amazing job and I faced my 40th birthday feeling great!

Shortly after turning 40 I underwent some life changes and found myself going from a stay at home mom, working part time to a single mom working full time to support two growing children. I had the good fortune to meet Pierre again, (now married to Tunde) and we began a program to reduce the stress I experience each day running my company, dealing with deadlines, clients, and, of course a teenaged daughter and a preteen.

Working with Pierre and his wife, Tunde a second time around helped me regain my confidence, relieve stress, lose 25 pounds and look and feel good for public speaking engagements and my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. It was a great party and I had a great time, largely in part to the self-confidence I felt knowing I looked well.

I am continuing to work with Pierre and Tunde (I am a “lifer”) for continued good health, reduction of stress and self-confidence. Besides, I have a sweet sixteen coming up this year—and turning 50 just doesn’t seem as bad with Pierre and Tunde around.

The benefits of one on one training cannot be overemphasized enough. Even when you are loosing sight of the big picture. Pierre and Tunde have your goals in mind and remind you. The euphoric feeling and relaxation I feel after training is almost “Zen-like”—the euphoric feeling one gets after a long rest or meditation.

The gym is spotless! I never worry about catching any type of bacterial infection from dirty equipment at Pierre and Tunde’s facility. I enjoy the privacy afforded as there generally aren’t too many other people there during my time and they are, obviously known to Pierre and Tunde. All the equipment is maintained (you never see an “out of order” sign on any equipment). Pierre and Tunde are constantly keeping abreast of new equipment, techniques and news in the industry."

- Rhonda A. Mannes

I grew up during the time when physical fitness was very important. When I was in grammar School John F. Kennedy was the president. We were required to be able to Perform a certain number of chin-ups, pull-ups; sit ups, push-ups and other Activities.

Physical Education was required to graduate from high school and it was even a requirement for me to earn my Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Degree.

As a health care provider, working in hospitals in both staff nurse and administrative capacities in areas including high stress intensive care and emergency nursing, physical activity and exercise were extremely important both for my physical and mental well-being.

I was a person who performed physical exercise including approximately one hundred (100) sit-ups almost daily throughout all nine months of my three pregnancies. I continued to work out through law school, even though I had to work a minimum of twenty fourhours a week as a nurse and was raising three young boys on my own.

Even though I had been able to find time to exercise through all of the above, when I started practicing law and remarried in 1992 my time was so full my physical activities suffered.

In approximately 1997, I ventured into GNC in the Meadows Mall. I was looking for some sort of supplement one of my boys wanted. In addition, I decided I would look for a quick fix to get a few pounds off. The service person we who came to assist us was none other than Pierre Gonzalez.

He was very helpful and provided some good suggestions. In addition, he advised me that he was a personal trainer with many years experience and that he had his own gym. He gave us his business card and an invitation to tour his facilities.

I thought what the heck; I will go check it out. It could not hurt. I had not been diligent in using my membership at Family Fitness which I had joined way back, and thought perhaps someone to prod me along may be helpful.

I toured the gym and decided to give it a try. I have continually worked out with Pierre since our meeting in October of 1997. During that time, at times all three of my sons and my oldest girlfriend have worked out with Pierre at various times.

Pierre was especially helpful and a positive influence for my middle son who is approximately 5”7. His brothers are both well over six feet tall And I am 5“9 tall. Pierre helped my son gain in his self confidence and deal with his stature and middle child syndrome, among other things.

My personal experience has been somewhat of a roller coaster, at times. I Go up and down and fall of the food addict wagon. On the positive side each fall is a shorter one. I learn for all of my mistakes and I will never give up.

I may be 90, but I will meet my goals. My body is certainly healthier than it was in 1997. My goals are to be at or close to my ideal weight, to have a strong body and to be able to perform at my optimum. Of course, as we age we have to be realistic, but it is even more important to continue with weight training and aerobic activity to deal with the aging process.

I have been with Pierre for almost ten years. With my nursing background, I have a good basic understanding of exercise and nutrition.

However, I have learned a great deal about different strategies and ways to enhance both nutrition and physical activity. With the addition of Tunde my horizons have expanded more. Her culture, her enthusiasm for life and her positive attitudes are a breath of fresh air. She studies hard and gives 100% to her clients. She contributes some great recipes and is an inspiration. Yes, Pierre is too.

They care about their clients. They give encouragement, even when you don’t want to hear it. They allow one to vent frustrations and give sound suggestions. The equipment is state of the art and has the highest quality. Each piece has been chosen with purpose and great thought.

What more can I say. Sometimes the gym is my safe haven. I have not competed in physical fitness events; however have played baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, racquetball, bowled and other activities.

-Sarah Marie Ellerton