“An intense way to get fit”

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 11:16 AM PST

Testimonials: "I believe anybody can get in phenomenal shape if they follow my plan," says John Savidis, owner of the John Savidis' Lean & Fit gym on Upper Gage Avenue.

As well as being voted a Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice favourite for weight-loss control, Savidis gets plenty of praise in client testimonials on the gym wall and website at www.385lean.com.

Gary D'Aurelio writes on the website: "John Savidis' Lean & Fit helped me end a lifetime battle with my weight. In less than one year, I went from 314 lb to 238 lb I feel great. The John Savidis program has given me a new outlook on life."

Savidis explains the genesis of his program: "It started when I took 20 people, most of whom were overweight, and trained them, showing them exactly what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat, making them journal and putting them through intense workouts.

"At the end of the 10 weeks, everyone lost between eight and 40 pounds.

"Lean & Fit was supposed to be a one-time thing, but the results were incredible. I implemented the program full-time because clients wanted it to continue. We have people driving from as far as Toronto."

His story: Savidis, a Hamilton native, has been physically active his entire life.

"I started when I was 7 years old," he says. "I played soccer, hockey, football and primarily martial arts. I still do some kick-boxing."

As an active child, he developed a passion for staying fit but plied another trade as a young man.

"I used to be an auto mechanic working for my father at a garage/gas station. Then I opened up a car lot and basically lost all my money."

As one door foreclosed, Savidis opened another.

"I started my fitness business purely out of passion. I wasn't thinking I could make a living out of it," he says.

From lemons to lemonade, he found his calling and success.

"I've been in business over 20 years. It has become my life's work, but it has never felt like work because I love what I do."

His regimen: As the name, voice, face and body behind the Savidis programs, he must maintain a lean and fit lifestyle on an ongoing basis.

"My workouts range from weight training, running, plyometrics (explosive exercises), rope training, kick-boxing, kettlebells … I also like running stairs because it's intense," he says.

"I try to do something six days a week. Half an hour a day is all anyone needs, but it has to be intense. Jogging, fast walking, sit ups, pushups, it doesn't matter. I just try to be active at a high tempo.

"Intensity is very important when you exercise," he says, citing this as the main reason he feels it's important to have a coach or personal trainer.

"A good trainer will motivate you. A great trainer will push you to the maximum," says Savidis. "I've been doing this my whole life and I still use a trainer.

"James Fields is my kick-boxing coach and he comes from Kitchener once a week. We do a lot of plyometrics, focus pads, bag work, skipping etc. It keeps me motivated. Everyone needs a coach."

Savidis is uncompromising when it comes to his own training.

"It doesn't matter if I'm sick or tired or busy: I make time to exercise."

As well as intensity, he emphasized the importance of mixing up exercises.

"I do a lot of different things. Your muscles get used to a routine and you plateau. Then you lose motivation," he says.

His diet: "I try to stay away from high glycemic carbohydrates (foods that break down quickly during digestion) and stick with lean meats.

"I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Once in a while, I eat whatever I want.

"I like to eat every three to four hours to keep my metabolism running. I eat smaller meals more often and stay away from high-sugar foods."

Savidis says, "Nutrition is as important as working out."

In the lobby of Lean & Fit is a whiteboard for information, with this message at the bottom, "Nothing tastes as good as being lean."

His inspiration: Gracing the gym walls are "before" and "after" photos of clients. Everyone in the after photographs looks healthier and happier.

Savidis proudly points to one fellow who has lost more than 100 pounds and got off several medications.

"A big inspiration is getting my customers in shape and helping them change their lifestyles," Savidis says.

"I love what I do. It's more than a business, I get to help people," he says, gesturing to client photos.

His tips: The Hamilton fitness maestro offers two key tips during this season of resolutions.

• Ease into an exercise regimen properly. "A problem for a lot of people who decide to get shape is that they are too gung ho and get injured and stop," he says.

• Get going! Another problem, says Savidis, is the I'll start Monday syndrome. (Guilty.) Instead, he adds, fitness "has to be a lifestyle change and you have to start now. It's that simple."

The staff at Savidis' facility wear T-shirts emblazoned with the words, "Train like a freak."

Lean & Fit class: Savidis invites me to try a session, saying, "To truly get it, you have to experience a class.

It's Saturday morning and I'm nervous. In no time, the music's pumping, my body's jumping and my heart is thumping. I'm moving, grooving and sweating while focusing on exercise and moving from station to station.

It's an intense, structured, highly motivating and fun work out that focuses on agility, balance, flexibility, strength and stamina. When it's over, I'm exhausted and sore, but feel great.

Doug Lockhart, who lead the class, tells mew: "I originally came here as a client. I was 60 pounds heavier and very self-conscious. I used to sit on the couch and eat and drink.

"Since starting Lean & Fit, I've taken up running and last year I ran more than 20 races."

Special to The Hamilton Spectator

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Boxing

Monday, 17 January 2011

“An intense way to get fit”

“An intense way to get fit”

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