Bryan>		Bryan Low fat, carb-rotation plan. 5 days/week weight lifting protocol. 3 hours of cardio a week at its peak.
May,08		May,09

	Oks>		Oks Intense power-lifting protocol. 2-3 days/week. Individualized nutritional plan. No cardio.
start		2 months

	Bill>		Bill Low fat, low carb plan, progressively decreasing carbs. 2.5-3 hours of cardio a week at its peak.
May,06		July,07

	VCal3>		VCal3 Progressive low-carb plan with high to moderate fats, 3.75 hours of cardio a week at its peak.
vc: 13%bf		vc: 4%bf

	sa>		SA Progressive diet with high to moderate fats, elements of timed carb delivery (TKD). 2hours of cardio a week at its peak.
sa: 13%bf		sa: 4%bf

	st>		ST Steady progressive 40/30/30 nutritional plan. 4-way weight-lifting protocol. On average 1 hour of cardio a week at its peak.
st: 26%bf, 39.5'' waist		st: 13%bf, 32'' waist

	twest>		TWEST High Fat TKD approach converting to lower fat carb rotation diet plan. 4hours of cardio a week at its peak.
twest: 214lbs		twest: 194lbs

	vcal>		VCAL Low fat, carb rotation diet. 5hours of cardio a week at its peak.
vcal:241lbs, 18%bf		vcal:226lbs, 6%bf

	sa1>		SA Steady progressive diet with high to moderate fats, elements of timed carb delivery and carb loading and depleting. 2hours of cardio a week at its peak.
sa:38'' waist		sa:32'' waist

Grace 2009

"I am so lucky to have found Alex. I needed a trainer to help me pass a law enforcement physical fitness test that tested power, strength, and endurance. I emailed several trainers and Alex was the only one who was prompt, listened attentively to my needs, and took time to look into the test to help me plan a personalized program. Alex pays close attention to form and posture and during the entire training session was concentrated on me: watching my form, watching to see if the exercise was not challenging enough or too challenging for me. At my own gym, I see trainers all the time not paying attention to their clients and just putting them through the next piece of available equipment. Part of my training with Alex also involved continual nutritional consultation which made a world of difference to me not only in my fitness goals but also in my personal life as well. For most of my adult life, I have suffered from cold hands and feet constantly and I’ve always considered myself addicted to carbohydrates. Following Alex’s nutritional recommendations, I was able to kick the carb addiction and I am no longer suffering from being cold all the time! I know that my training with Alex has completely worked, far beyond what I had originally hoped for. I not only passed my test, but did far better than I had originally hoped to perform. I out-did all the other females who were testing the day I did. I receive so many compliments from people. I’m told all the time how fit I look and that I’ve lost weight. I also noticed that it’s easier for me to maintain good posture throughout the day because I am stronger. Lastly, he changed the way I exercise. Instead of just jogging for hours at a time and not seeing any changes, I now exercise intensely for about an hour a few days a week and see leaps and bounds of improvements. I am a Physical Therapist trained in orthopedics and I was always comfortable with the exercises Alex put me through. He understands the human body well and knows how to challenge you while keeping you safe. He’s personable, flexible with scheduling, prompt to respond to phone calls/emails. Most importantly, he made my goals his goals and he was in my corner with me with my best interests in mind." Grace L., Doctor of Physical Therapy

Corey 2007-09

"What can I say? Alex is just what you want - and need - in a personal trainer. He's great at creating a workout and nutrition plan based on your specific goals and abilities (everyone is different). He doesn't just repeat all the boilerplate crap you may get from a more detached trainer that doesn't care as much about your results. He takes a personal interest in making sure you get where you want to go, which is why everyone says the same thing about him: He gets results! He doesn't sugarcoat what it takes to get there, and he kicks your ass when you really need it. What else can you ask for?" C.T.

David 2004-07

"I hired Alex as my personal trainer in July of 2004 after many years of physical inactivity. I have been using him ever since then. I went from 226 pounds with a fairly high body fat content to 197 (in under 6 months) and in MUCH better shape. People all around me are incredulous at the change, and it doesn't hurt the old love life either! Alex is truly a wonderful trainer -- committed to my growth and health, professional, diligent, hard-working, attentive, and, most of all, extremely knowledgeable and capable. I also appreciate his good heart and sense of humor. I believe Alex is the best trainer in the Bay Area, and I would recommend him to ANYONE serious about "getting physical !!" D.P.

Lisa 2008-09

"I've been working with Alex for a few weeks now. I'm super excited about training with him. We established what my goals are, and I know that he is committed 100% to helping me get there. He is very attentive, and I am learning so much. I came to him without any weight training experience, and he makes sure that my form is perfect. And, he doesn't let me just go through the motions. He pushes me past what my preconceived limits are. I had concerns about working with a trainer, mainly because I had to get past my notion of it being a frivolous expense. Those thoughts are way gone because there is no way I could do these workouts on my own. I want to be in the best shape of my life, and I know I have to pay the price to get there, both physically and metaphorically speaking." L.H.

Tyler 2007-09

"I met Alex two years ago off of a Craigslist posting, and he's simply one of the best! First of all, I was a beginner dealing with weights, and he is patient, very attentive to form, and a great motivator. Many other trainers I've worked with get stuck in ruts of the same routines every week. Not so with Alex: I've never been bored with a workout with him and every workout seems so fresh. Alex's understanding of physiology is simply brilliant. If you have any sort of muscle or joint issue, he will deftly tailor the workout around it, and help you find solutions to fixing the issue. I can think of several times where my neck or back was hurting (unrelated to Alex's workouts) and he was able to find ways of fixing my form, and help me build strength around the area in question. And finally.. Alex walks the walk and talks the talk. As a former body builder himself, you can see first hand the guy knows what he's doing. Even if you don't want to become "huge" and are just looking for a great workout, Alex is your man." T.M.

Maria 2007-08

"After having 2 kids a few years ago I was at a point in my life when it became important to me to get back to my previous shape. I've gone through couple of trainers but nothing seemed to work and none of the fancy excercises we used interested me or produced results. Finally after talking with my friend Alex, he tweaked my routine and I now feel and look better than I did 10 years ago. His no-nonsence old-school approach of working hard and eating right was exactly what I needed and it worked perfectly ! Thank you !" M.Z.

Bryan 2007-09

"I've had a few trainers and no one compares to Alex. He's introduced me to better routines, importance of form, and has pushed me past mental limitations that everyone has. I certainly can't cheat with Alex too, he knows what I can do and if I'm off or slacking he gets me back on track mentally and physically. If you're stuck in a routine, seeing no results, need motivation, or need a change, Alex is your trainer from beginners to advanced levels. I've trained with Alex on and off for 3 years and he has never missed an appointment which proves his dedication to his profession. Thanks Alex!!!!" B.H.

Steven 2005-07

"I have been working out for years, but it was not until I started working out with Alex that I saw real and measurable progress. We set a baseline (weight, body fat composition and measurements) and then through a combination of focused workouts, cardio and discussions on healthy eating I watched as month over month my body and my metrics improved. I never viewed myself as an athletic person, but after 9 months of working with Alex my image of myself was transformed. Alex is a great coach and teacher and I believe that the lessons I learned from him will stay with me all my life" S.T.

Bryan 2006-09

"Alex is the second trainer I've had and I hit the jackpot with him. He is dedicated, focused and serious, this is not a part time job for him. I've always hesitated doing some workouts due to the possibility I would injure myself. Now I'm doing workouts I would have never tried before and feel confidant with Alex's direction. He has pushed me past many physical and mental obstacles with my workout routine and raises the bar further for me. Alex is passionate with training, I trust him 100%, and look forward to every workout with him." H.B

Vincent 2005-08

"To: Gold's Gym Management, Attn: Gwynn Villegas From: Vincent C. Gold's Gym Member #3849 I am pleased to write this letter to inform you of an outstanding employee. I made a decission in July of this year to make some changes. Some drastic ones. I wanted to drop the fat percentage in my body, gain muscle strength and match my external attributes to my internal attributes. I have been weight-training for over 16 years. I decided that I didn't know everything and that I wanted to get rid of my "pasta-layer", so I could begin to appreciate my hard-earned "raviolis". I approached David Ames, Gold's Trainer Manager, about hiring a trainer. David believed that I needed a special kind of trainer to assist me with my current goals.

David said he strongly believed that he had the right person for my training need, obstacles and challenges. He strongly believed that person was Alex Shula. I have to admit, initially I was very intimidated by the thought of training with Alex. In retrospect, I have to confess, I have been pleasantly surprised. I have found Mr. Shula to be extremely professional, focused, compassionate, understanding, tolerant, an active-listener and very schooled in his profession. I have been pleased beyond my wildest dreams. He developed an overall workout program, best suited for my fast-paced life. I began training with him on August 1, 2005. Since then, I have gained muscle-mass, lost fat, gained confidence and completely changed my body shape/image. In addition, I have learned to be more patient with myself and others around me. When I walk down the street, many friends and acquaintances don't recognize me. In fact, I began at 17.1% bodyfat and was 241lbs. As of Nov 1, 2005, I am 226 lbs and I am 7.3 bodyfat and by November 13, 2005, I am sure my bodyfat will drop to 6%. Not bad for 15 weeks. Of course, most of the credit goes to the perservance and focused professionalism of Alex Shula. I know that it's not everyday someone takes the time to address the positive attributes of an employee. Usually, people like to whine and complain. I have found in the time I have worked with Alex on meeting my goals and expectations--there has been very little time to whine or complain. Please accept this letter as an exaple of how proud the Gold's Organization should be at having someone like Alex Shula, helping people change their lives one pound, one rep, one cardio session and one gym visit at a time." V.C.

Hasad

"I've witnessed Alex's clients make some amazing physical changes throughout the past few years. I've seen several guys go from average gym shape to entering bodybuilding competitions! I've seen some clients go from mediocre shape to being very fit and toned. The results speak for themselves." H.F

Marcus 2005-06

"I trained with Alex for 2-3 times a week for almost a year, about 3 years ago. Thanks to Alex, I was in the best shape of my life! I ate the healthiest I ever have in my life- learned a ton about nutrition, worked out like a madman, ENJOYED it, lost a lot of body fat, learned a lot about anatomy and all that- just really *understood* stuff. Dudes, Eastern Europeans do not f*** around with health and fitness! He knows his stuff like no one's business. That said, Alex is not some sadistic drill-sergeant; he always crafted my workouts around where I was energy-wise for any given session, made 'em work for me. His pricing is excellent, too. I'm making peanuts at the job I have now, or else I'd totally still be training with him. Dude got me RESULTS." M.E.

Paul 2006-07

"Alex, I don't know how to thank you enough! In the last 5 months I've learned things I didn't know existed and after our intense contest prep I came in harder, denser and 15lbs heavier than my last show. I did NOT expect it and neither did anyone else in my life. My winning the weight class in a highly competitive show is the highlight of my year and there is no way I could've achieved such progress without you. Thanks for everything bro !" P.A.

Terry 2004-06

"Alex, First of all I would like to thank you for your dedication to my exercise routine. Your diligence and hard work has really helped me re-think my work-outs and eating habits. Before I started to be trained by you, I thought I was full of knowledge. Now I know there is so much to learn. I started at 194lbs and now, I am at 209lbs in just a month and a half. (over 215 now !) Re-working the regimen from a long 2 hours to an hour and 10 minutes of intense weight training coupled with a new diet, I have been able to attain the goals I have set for myself. I have more energy and my entire mood has changed. People have noticed at work and socially that I have made some great changes. You are an inspiration Alex. I admire your drive and will to succeed with your clients. Thank you so much for helping and working with me so that I can attain goals I thought were never attainable." T.W.

Allen 2004

"I've lifted weights all my life and didn't think that I needed a trainer. Alex you gave me the direction and extra strength I needed to take me to that next level." A.E.

Irene 2006-07

"Alex's patience and guidance made all the difference in my transformation. I have been disappointed with many "trainers", but after chatting with Alex online I decided to hire him and never regretted the decission. I am very happy with my results and would recommend him to any woman who is serious about the training and nutrition." I.G.

John 2005-08

"Training with Alex has changed my life. I have never felt better. Alex is able to work with individuals specific goals and create programs which enable those goals to be met and then exceeded. The motivation I receive from Alex is amazing. He inspires me to do more and to work harder, thus reaching my goals much faster. His nutritional guidance has helped me tremendously as well. I highly recommend Alex to anyone serious about taking their health and fitness goals to the next level." J.M.

Bruce 2004-05

"After training with Alex I can proudly say that his expertise and knowledge are showing results . I am finally attaining the physique I have always wanted and I owe so much of this to Alex. His knowledge of musculature is phenomenal and he is able to target the exercise to the specific muscle we are trying to develop. His nutritional advise has helped me gain the muscle. It has taken me numerous trainers to find the perfect fit and Alex is exactly the right trainer to help me attain my goals." B.G.

Ilyas 2004-05

"Alex and I focus so well on my workouts that the world dissappears for an hour. I feel I'm getting stronger and bigger with the least mental resistance. I would prescribe Alex to all of my patients ! :)" I.I MD