Four years after a ruptured achilles tendon I was struggling to get back in the game. I had always been active and fit - now I was older, slower, rounder - and I just couldn’t seem to motivate. A long recovery and a busy career had made me soft. Enter Diego. The guy knew what I was looking for. Every workout has been well crafted and engaging since day one. Intense. Dynamic. I am impressed by his creativity and innovation. Professional. Personable. I enjoy the banter and coaching. The expectations are clear. Going to the gym is FUN. The payoff for me: more focus, more energy, a better physique and a healthier lifestyle. Training has helped in my day to day routine and in tuning-up for my recent nuptials! I look forward to every session. I look forward to each new challenge. I look forward to seeing if Diego can finally make me puke! Maybe next week! Bottom-line: He’s real good. Thanks man.- Jason |
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I started training with Diego about a year ago. I was dreading turning 40 and I had a goal to complete my first marathon, run it in five hours, and do it without injury prior to my birthday in September. On July 29th, I completed the San Francisco AIDS marathon right on target. I could not have done it without Diego. |
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| This
past year, I took on many new physical challenges. I ran my first
ever half marathon. And followed that up with a second one. Diego
helped me with how-to advice and physical training plans on both of
those. Then came the opportunity to go to South America and trek Aconcagua.
Diego and I talked about it and I decided to "go for it".
We did a training program emphasizing building leg strength with weights,
increase abs strength to improve core body ability to carry the heavy
packs, and finally cardio training to improve my lung capacity and
overall fitness. As the time approached to leave on the trip, Diego
went the further step of giving me advice on the non-physical parts
of "the game". Talking about being mentally prepared and
emotionally ready for this three week backpacking trek. The trip was
fantastic. Something lifetime memories are made of. Diego's knowledge
and planning for the physical preparedness and sharing his training
experience with the other aspects were an integral part of a successful
trip.
Thanks Diego!! - Mark |
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| I
started to look for a trainer by closely watching all of the trainers
who worked at my gym, because I wanted to see how each trainer interacted
with his or her clients. I noticed that Diego was focused only on
his clients, and consistently adjusted each client's form for each
exercise. I also noticed that Diego was a dedicated athlete and obviously
had personal goals that he trained to reach. During our first meeting,
he clearly stated that he wanted me to list specific goals. We agreed
that one goal could be getting stronger and more fit for my upcoming
wedding. Looking back, I realize that an added benefit was that my
training time helped me manage the stress of planning the ceremony!
When I started training with Diego I had never regularly trained with weights, so I was a little concerned about what would happen to my body. Would I develop muscles that I didn't like? I was also a little intimidated by the weight room. I want to walk in there knowing how to use the machines, and not get stuck figuring out how to adjust anything. Diego always introduces the proper form for each exercise, and he changes the routine regularly, so I don't get bored and my muscles don't get used to a single routine. Now, after a few months or regular workouts, with Diego and on my own, I can honestly see my body changing and I LOVE the muscles I'm developing. I also discovered that I really like to lift weights. It's a very focused activity, it works, and it's a great stress reliever. My wedding went off without a hitch, and I looked and felt great for the ceremony. I am continuing to build the strength that lets me perform every activity better--whether it be riding my bike, climbing, or showing my husband that I can do 100 crunches faster than he can! - Cori |
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| After
being crazy busy my first year of law school, I promised myself that
I was going to get back in shape before the next year started. I was
exhausted, stressed out, and having quite a bit of pain from old sports
injuries. I'm a former ACE Certified Personal Trainer myself, but
just couldn't seem to get moving! So I hired Diego to help motivate
me and keep me on track. Not only is Diego an extremely knowledgeable
and conscientious trainer, he is a great motivator, always willing
to be there to help out his clients, and just plain fun to be around!
Diego himself is an inspiration because he is constantly working towards
a new fitness goal. And he doesn't just put you on one boring routine
the entire time, instead he constantly changes things to keep you
challenged and interested. By the time school started again, I had lost the extra twenty pounds I wanted to get rid of and had to buy all new clothes (woohoo!). Additionally, my climbing improved tremendously. Being in shape gives me more energy, eliminates pain from my old injuries, and keeps me relaxed and stress free. I highly recommend Diego's training and classes to everyone - he is the best! Thanks, Diego, for helping me get back to feeling like myself! - Jenny |
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| Your comitment to helping others I just wanted to drop a note to say how much I really appreciate and love going to your classes! I discussed with you in brief one day that I had been having some personal problems. I remember that you immediately told me to email you if I needed to. Thank you Diego. This note really doesn't serve that purpose but it was the fact that you were willing to help that compelled me to write you. I say this from the heart when I say you are doing amazing work! I not only see the benefits in my own life but I notice the attitudes and energy of other people who attend your class always improving. Your attitude and energy has helped tremendously in my recovery. I must admit that I still have trouble trying to stay motivated. Those days are slowly becoming fewer thanks to you. It is inspiring to see someone like you who is focused and motivated to the core and willing to share the energy it takes to get there with other people. Thanks again diego. I hope to sweat it out soon in your class - Colin |
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| Only
when I laugh I've always considered myself a pretty active person, rock climbing, trail running, biking, etc. I took Diego's abs class just to get a new routine. Well, I got more than a routine!! After the class Diego personally asked my thoughts. With a hint of machismo I said it was a good workout, wondering if he'd heard my moans and and the number of times I blatantly fell flat on my face during the routine. Enter day two, after the workout. After attempting to leap out of bed in the morning and falling back in pain I rolled out, instructing my friends not to touch the abs. Their question: "does it hurt?" "only when I laugh." Now that I have a good routine down why do I still take Diego's class? It's actually fun, a great cardio workout, fantastic music, and well, my abs speak for themselves. I've gotten a discipline and increased ab strength that I hadn't yet acquired. Thank you Diego, my girlfriend thanks you too! - Paul |
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| Walking,
talking motivation... Sitting on the couch and feeling depressed, I resolved to change the way I felt about myself. I was just recovering from a shoulder injury and surgery that seemed to consume the last two years of my life. I had finished physical therapy and wanted to continue training and getting my body back in the shape I remember being the most enjoyable to live in. I struggled on my own for a few months with some success but was lacking the knowledge and commitment needed to achieve the results I desired. That was when I contacted Diego and decided to get serious about getting back to my "old self". What a difference. Working with Diego has inspired me. It has given me back the 'HUNGER' I need to reach for my fitness goals. He has supplied me with the knowledge of exercise I so desired and hearing his story and seeing the change he has been able to make to his life, not only is inspiring, it is walking, talking motivation. Thanks Diego! - Ian |
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| My Commitment to Training After just my first fitness training session with Diego, it was clear to me that my commitment towards real physical fitness improvement, as well as my training with Diego, would be long term. I was already eager to put the "work" into my workouts, but it was the realistic, well informed, and motivating guidance and coaching that Diego provided which has allowed me to maximize my workout results. Before, I could barely jog 100 yards because of my excess bodyweight. Now, after 8 months of training with Diego, I am jogging three times a week, one of the times I do 7 miles nonstop and I'm planning on running the Bay to Breakers 10K run for my first time. Friends have complimented me on my improved figure and fitness accomplishments. Thanks to Diego for being a great trainer! - Mason UPDATE: Mason has just finished his first Half Marathon (Golden Gate) in 2:28!!! Congratulations Mason. |
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| I started training with Diego in March 2007 to prepare for the San Francisco Marathon, to lose weight and to beat type II diabetes. He was recommended by The Working Body. Diego surpassed my expectations. In four months I lost 18 pounds, increased my endurance and came to enjoy running. Last year I ran the SF Marathon in 5 hours and 18 minutes, this year I ran it in 4 hours and 30 minutes, an improvement of 48 minutes. For a 52 year old man who has had two back operations that represents a significant improvement. The best part was that while last year I couldn’t walk without pain for two weeks following the marathon, this year I was hiking in Yosemite the next day. Diego is the best personal trainer I have had the opportunity to work with. His attention during the workouts is impressive; he never missed a rep or an improper movement. I’ve worked with two other trainers, neither of who paid such close attention to their clients, nor had the knowledge base of Diego that is reflected in his insistence on form, consistency and mental preparation. Diego has helped me with food issues; my blood sugar has dropped from 132 to less than 100. I can’t recommend this guy enough. - Eugene | |
| You ROCK! I don't know if anyone has told you lately how awesome you are. I was driving home this afternoon and it occurred to me that I am really excited to go to your Spinning and Abs classes on Monday. And the truth about that is that if I didn't have such a dedicated, enthusiastic, absolutely committed, instructor, I probably wouldn't feel the same way. You bring so much energy and inspiration into the gym and you make health awareness and hardwork fun and interesting. So much so that you are the only instructor that needs (NEEDS) a sign-up sheet to accommodate the gym members. Thank you so much for being so committed to your own life, health and happiness that you've make it your path to help and support others in doing the same for themselves. Diego, YOU ROCK!!! - Jen |
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