Testimonials

I would like to thank Fred Smalls and his staff at Gold's Gym for enabling me to get into shape before I had extensive knee surgery. I was getting a high tibial osteotomy.

Over the course of a year by practicing Atkin's lifestyle and moderate exercise I lost 42 lbs. I started at 261 lbs. I had hit a wall with my weight loss. My goal was to lose 15 lbs. and build muscle so my rehab would be easier and I could get back to work as soon as possible. (I was told that 4-5 months was the average time out. I wanted to do it in 3.)

A friend and co-worker (Mark Yaeger) told me about a training program and diet plan he was on at Gold's Gym. Mark said that Fred was a licensed nutritionist and could create a plan that would enable me to achieve my goals before surgery. I joined the gym with 3 months to go. I wasn't completely sold on the programs so I opted to work my own by using some of Mark's old routines. After 1 month I was feeling great and getting stronger buty my weight continued to stay around 220 lbs. I finally decide to ask Fred if he could help me with my goals. Fred said my goals were very achievable if I followed his plan accurately. He kept me on a low carb lifestyle but eliminated a lot of the fat. I was to eat 6 meals a day. The workout program focused on all the body groups with a lot of cardio. Because of my knee I was limited to what I could do with my legs. Fred had me focus on the muscles around the knee so there wasn't any impact on it. Also my cardio was all on the incline bike (30-45 min a day). Fred measured and weighed me and then asked to see me again every 8 days.

I started at 220 lbs. and 22% body fat. After 8 weeks I was 204 lbs. and 12.9%. I also lost 22lbs. of fat and gained 6 lbs. of muscle! I went from a 40 to 36 inch waist. I haven't seen that since high school!

I'm now rehabbin my leg and knee and my doctor says I'm ahead of schedule. He's amazed at my ability to do strength exercises so soon after the surgery.

I'd like to finish by saying, with Desire, self Discipline, and guidance from Fred and his staff, anyone can achieve their fitness goals at Gold's Gym. I plan to continue working out there and have a new goal to share with Fred.

Thanks for everything,

Rick Hughes