Tony Valenzuela

Why did you choose a career in health and fitness?

I chose a career in health and fitness because of my athletic background. I initially only wanted to train athletes, but after several years of training the general population, I discovered that it was quite moving to see how people’s lives were affected by personal fitness.

What qualifies you to do this work?

I am a personal trainer because I care about my clients’ success. I have numerous professional certifications: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), and the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). I come from an athletic background and enjoy teaching people about fitness, and I have had years of experience training both athletes and health-conscious adults in their quest for fitness.

What sports have you played and at what level?

Throughout my life I have played just about every sport, but my main two sports have always been baseball and wrestling. I wrestled at the collegiate level at California State University, Fullerton in 1999-2000, and I coached wrestling at the high school level from 1999-2003.

What’s your favorite Quote?

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” Tommy Lasorda

What is your biggest training success story?

My biggest personal training success story is a current client of mine named Markus. When he came to me, he weighed about 260 lbs. After setting him up with cardio requirements and food calorie requirements, he got down to 176 lbs. His current goal is to gain muscle, so now he watches his food by eating “clean” foods, and not just watching his calories. His cardio regimen now consists of less time, but he has to maintain his heart rate within a specified range. Over the last two years he has learned how to take care of his body safely and reach his goal. He is my biggest success story because he has changed his life; it was not just a quick fix, but rather a lifestyle makeover. He is now at 199 lbs, but with a lower body fat percentage than he had at 176 lbs.

What is the biggest health myth?

The biggest health myth is “Carbs are bad.” Carbs are the energy we use every day. Yes, in excess, carbs will cause weight gain, but so will protein and fats. Ultimately, portioning your foods and moving more throughout the day will help you maintain your weight loss in the long run.

What would you do if you could change the world, health wise?

If I could change the world health wise, I would explain to parents that providing a home cooked meal for your children is more beneficial than fast food. There is a time and a place for fast food, but when it comes to our children’s health, we should care more.

How has fitness influenced your mindset toward life?

Fitness has changed my mindset towards life because I now pass it on to others without thinking twice. Fitness is a stress reliever for me, one which I use daily. Fitness has taught me to take care of myself, like I would a brand new car.

What fitness figure or athlete do you respect and why?

The athlete that I admire most is Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. I chose Drew because of his charitable nature, and because of the work he has done in the cities of New Orleans and San Diego. One thing that is near and dear to my heart is charity. I believe giving is the real present in this day and age.

What benefits take place in someone as he or she gets fit?

As someone gets in shape, there are tons of benefits, too many to name. But I believe the most important one is self confidence. When I see a client grow self-confidence as a result of our training, it changes his or her life, as well as mine.