Losing a few pounds is no big deal, right? We’ve all done it many times, only to gain it back (and then some). “Starve yourself for a couple of weeks and you’ll drop enough pounds to fit into your dress or tux for that big event,” says Jay Perez, co-founder of Evolution Fitness. But keeping it off is another matter, he notes. “Extreme diets aren’t sustainable. And each time you regain those pounds, you feel a little worse about yourself. It takes a toll on your health, too.”
Evolution Fitness focuses on the marathon, not the sprint. “We don’t believe in quick fixes,” Perez says. Lifelong fitness isn’t about a number on a scale, he notes, and it’s not about the latest fad diet or fat-burning supplement. “It’s about learning how to take care of yourself while you’re building a healthier you. It’s about staying motivated for the long run, so you get lasting results. And it’s about feeling at the top of your game, physically, mentally and spiritually, so you can be there for your family, your job, your life.”
Evolution Fitness is a locally owned, full-service lifestyle and fitness company that focuses on in-home personal training, although sessions also can be arranged at Magna Fitness on Brentwood Boulevard. Established last year, the company has more than doubled its staff to meet demand. “All of our trainers and nutritionists are degreed professionals with years of hands-on experience and a passion for wellness,” Perez says. “They care about motivating and energizing clients.”
Perez and co-founder Eric Emig believe in a holistic approach to fitness. “We assess your current health and fitness level and discuss your goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle building, increased flexibility, rehab after an injury, or all of the above,” Perez says. “Then we map out the best way for you to get there.” Evolution’s trainers don’t put you through your paces and walk away, he adds. “We care about the entire person, not just your muscles. We make sure you’re eating well, sleeping enough and handling stress in a healthy way.”
Just ask Debbi Grebler, a property manager and mother of three who lives in Clayton. “I completely gave up on exercising during the dark days after my husband’s death,” she recalls. “I was overweight and depressed. Quite honestly, I just didn’t care.” With help from her Evolution Fitness trainer, she went down a dress size in two months. But losing weight was just the beginning of her personal evolution. “I’d tried trainers from three other companies, but I always got bored. Not this time. No two workouts are ever the same. With every session, I gained strength, energy and joy. Even when I didn’t feel like working out, my trainer was there, kind and caring, cheering me on. He got my life back on track in a positive direction. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.”
Photo by Suzy Gorman
[For more information , call Evolution Fitness at 314.222.0435 or visit evolutionfitnessstl.com.]
