Los Angeles Personal Trainer

Just did an interview with THALIA and it went great. We talk about moves that you can do at home as well as tips and techniques to follow to get and stay fit!

Tune in!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles California

Back in 2007 I was putting together some ideas for my first DVD. One of my friends insisted I should meet her client, who was the owner of a big fitness DVD company, to give me some guidance. I met with the client to find she was an overweight businesswoman with an even bigger attitude. Over the next hour she bluntly told me that I didn’t have any idea what a fitness video should be like or what American audiences wanted. Then the final few, defeating phrases we exchanged:

“Tell me something Lalo, is your video going to be FUN?” she taunted.

I replied, “Well, it is going to be challenging and…” but she cut me off before I could finish.

“Then it won’t sell!” she snapped. “Come up with something fun and people will buy. If you need somebody to produce it for you, we can help.”

Those were pretty much the words that closed that meeting. I walked back to my car with my ego feeling like it had been beaten with a bat over the last hour. It’s over, I thought. All that effort, time and money to create what I thought a perfect video should be like; it was for nothing. I felt like I’d been wasting my time on something that wasn’t going to work. I felt stupid.
On my way back home, I started thinking about all the possible ways I could make this video “fun” so people would buy it; music, props, costumes. The very things I disliked about fitness videos. Every idea just kept leading me back to something I didn’t want my video to be like in the first place.

So, I went back to the drawing board… and didn’t change a thing. Why? I decided that I was going to do something that I would enjoy working out to, like if I were creating it with myself as a client in mind. The Fun Factor lady was right; this was something completely different than other videos out there. It didn’t have bright lights or colors, no extremely happy people behind me doing the exercises, no porn-like music playing on the background. I knew that this video was either going to succeed or it was going to sink badly, but I was willing to live with it on my terms. People may like easy, but they want to see results. I decided to create the tools to deliver them, but it had to be physically challenging. I don’t know about you, but challenging is my kind of fun.

Months later, the Fun Factor company almost closed shop due to lack of sales, while my video got featured on TV, radio and magazines, including SHAPE as DVD of the month. The sales were (and still are) something I never expected. We started receiving orders from people all over the U.S. and the rest of the world including Japan, Germany, Australia, England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Vietnam, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Spain and Portugal. How these people learned about my video? I still have no idea.

Up to this day, there are still people who just don’t get it. To these people: Good things in life don’t always come easy. Why do you think I went to college? Do you think I was in my biology class thinking, this is so much fun!? I didn’t, because it wasn’t, but I knew a good education would benefit me in the future.

I truly enjoy exercise. I know it’s good for me, but that doesn’t mean I wake up every morning before my alarm because I cannot wait to go workout. Think twice! I’d rather sleep in, but I do it because I like the way a healthy body feels, and the way it looks too. I like to know that no matter what activity the day brings, I’m not going to feel like the last kid to be picked to play at recess; the one nobody wants on their team.

Big exercise companies know most of us are lazy. They know that in order to get their hands in our pockets they need to sell us something that promises to be fun and easy. They advertise their product like it will get us runway model looking bodies while we sit watching ‘American Idol,’ sipping on a root beer float. If it were that easy, everybody would be fit already. People act like being healthy is doing somebody else a favor, rather than doing it for them selves. They want to have a body like so-and-so, but they don’t want to give up their daily grande Mocha Frappuccino. That wouldn’t be living! They want to get lean and look thinner, but don’t want cut this or that out of their diet. They don’t want to get sore, or much less sweat. They need something that’s easy and that won’t make them give up their so-called pleasures in life. Many companies know that’s what we want to hear, rather than what we need.

Funny enough, a few weeks ago my rep suggested that I should check out this new abdominal machine because they needed a spokes person for their infomercial. The machine was actually pretty good and seemed to work the way they described it. Even though it was a big chunk of money, I declined. What was my reason? A few sections of the script they would not change:

“That makes it easier to get a tight, toned tummy AND lose those ugly love handles, too.

You can have so much fun on this, you shouldn’t even CALL it exercise.”

So, what made me start doing fitness videos? Two things. First, I wanted to help people achieve their fitness goals to give themselves something to be happy about. Second, I got tired of people asking me to write them a fitness plan at every party I attended. Instead, I give them a training session wrapped inside a case. You might think they would stop asking, but they still do. I just keep pointing at my DVDs. I wanted this to be the closest thing to training them without having them come over or without having to spend their vacation money on training sessions.

If you want to get in shape it’s not going to be an easy journey, but it will be a worthy one. Regardless of what type of exercise regimen you’re doing to achieve your goals, if the program, class, DVD or instructor is too easy, no matter how they may promise to make you look instantly amazing, you won’t. Your body needs to be challenged to transform from fat to fit, period.

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

If the US wins the World Cup… Could you imagine what would it be like? A few years ago tennis was a sport that not many people could care much about. These days, over 20 million Americans have played tennis at least once! And did I mention that tennis is a great sport? Just look at the bodies of tennis players, guys or girls and you’ll agree with me. The same thing goes for soccer; look at David Beckham or Cristiano Ronaldo. Not to mention what a great sport it is for kids; soccer helps them develop, interact with others, and just enjoy themselves, something kids should do anyways.

If the US wins the World Cup… Could you imagine what would it be like? Groups of friends calling each other to get together for a quick soccer match. A little BBQ on the weekends after a great game that you just finish playing with old and new friends.

“A lot has happened in my life. I have worked hard and it is nice to know that sometimes hard work gets rewarded. This is the kind of thing I wanted, the chance to help my country, the chance to show I could produce great things, the chance to do what I know I can do. It is amazing.” – Landon Donovan

Maybe, in a few days…we are not going to just be cheering for the Lakers or the Celtics but also for the USA vs. Argentina or some other country with great players like Brazil.

And Last but not least, If the USA wins the World Cup, maybe we can include the word fútbol or futebol into the English dictionary so we can stop using the word soccer…Just an idea.

GO USA!! Keep them coming!!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

We are very happy to announce that SHAPE magazine Germany will be featuring Lalo Fuentes in this July 2010 Issue. The article will be 7 pages long featuring Lalo's signature moves and of course, his unique FREEZE technique. Here is a quick video blog where Lalo and Tara Macken talk about the article. Don't forget to pick up a copy of SHAPE this July!

Hope you guys are enjoying the World Cup as much as we are. Let the best team win!
Cheers!

Isabelle Deluca
LaloFitness

Send us your fitness questions to: AskLalo@LaloFitness.com

Oscar De La Hoya & Fitness DVD LaloFit at the 3rd annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting the George and Ann Lopez foundation.

George Lopez has been recognized for his amazing work in giving back to the community, and today is just another example of how much he cares. I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring charity, one that not only creates positive and permanent changes for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health, but also increases community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.

Cheers!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

This past weekend I've been working on a fitness trailer for me and a team of top trainers that I'm putting together. I'll be introducing them to you very soon!

have a great week!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

Muy buenos días desde España,


Permítame presentarme y que no lo haga en inlgés. Acabo de adquirir sus dos videos en Collagevideo, pero acabo de ver que tiene una guía de Fitness, mi pregunta es si está en español.

Por otra parte, he estado curioseando el blog y los programas de entrenamiento; ¿puedo preguntarle si tiene en cuenta la frecuencia cardiaca, y por tanto el trabajo aeróbico y anaerobico realizado para diseñar un programa?

Un saludo,

Milagros
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Good morning from Spain,

I just bought both of your videos at Collagevideo but just noticed that you have a Fitness Guide, does it come in Spanish as well?

Also, I’ve been reading your blog and your fitness tips. My question is, while designing your fitness program, did you take in consideration the frequency of the cardio as well as the anaerobic moves?

Cheers,

Milagros

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Hola Milagros,

Gracias por escribir. Si, a guía de ejercicios viene también en español.

A la hora de diseñar el programa de ejercicios para el video tuve muy en cuenta de hacer una rutina que tenga incluida trabajo aeróbico mezclado con ejercicios de fortalecimiento. Es por eso que hay tres ejercicios de fortalecimiento seguidos por dos o tres de aeróbicos y despojes un descanso de 30 segundos. Esto hace que tu cuerpo logre quemar mucho mas grasas y calorías que si solo estuvieses haciendo ejercicios de fortalecimiento. El descanso de 30 segundos es para que puedas recuperarte y poder seguir la rutina con buena postura pero al mismo tiempo es un descanso mínimo para que poder mantener tu ritmo cardiaco elevado.

Cuando hice este video, lo hice lo mas parecido posible a un entrenamiento que hago con mis clientes.

Espero disfrutes del video!
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Hi Milagros,

Thank you for writing. Yes, the fitness guide comes in English and Spanish.

When I designed the moves for my fitness video, I did plan the frequency and the amount of cardio and strength training exercises. There are 3 strength training moves followed by 2 o 3 cardio moves, this makes your body burn more calories and fat. After that circuit, there’s a 30 second brake. This brake allows you to catch your breath so you can continue with the workout with good form. At the same time, by just taking 30 seconds we are making sure your heart rate stays in a good zone.

When I did this exercise video, I wanted to make it as close as one of the sessions I have with my clients.

Hope you enjoy your video!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifetyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

Hi Lalo,

I have a busy schedule so I prefer to work out first thing in the morning when I get up. I usually just have a glass of water and then start my workout -- it's too early in the morning for me to eat anything. And getting up a 1/2 hour in advance just to eat something and digest doesn't work for me.

I find that I'm more energetic for the rest of the day after my workout in the morning. My goal is weight loss.

I've heard that working out on an empty stomach is like running on an empty gas tank so there will be no fat burn. However, I've also heard the contrary -- that it's good to work out on an empty stomach because your body would use the "fat reserves" and more fat will be burned. Though my body feels more toned, I have not seen any changes in my weight. I've also been eating well and keeping to the right caloric intake for my weight and height.

Am I doing something wrong?

Lisa
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Hi Lisa,

Both quotes are wrong to a point. Your body needs fuel to operate and if you operate without fuel it will use fat reserves but it will also use muscle, “protein”, so there will be little gain. It also depends on how long your workouts are.

Before your workouts your body needs fuel. Fruits are a great choice since they digest quickly and are easy to eat right after you get out of bed. Start by eating a bite and try one that you really love, you’ll have a lot more energy to burn a lot more calories. If that doesn’t work, try to have few sips of a light protein shake. Muscle Milk has a light version of their original protein shake that is easy to drink; the chocolate one is my favorite.

During or right after your workouts your body needs protein so make sure you eat something well balanced right after your workouts with emphasis on protein.

I don’t really know what are you doing for your workouts; the length, how often or what are you really eating. But, if you have a balanced diet and you’re mixing strength training, cardio and nutrition you should be getting results. Also, try to change your workouts once in a while and make sure you’re not concentrating on the weight you’re lifting but on the intensity of the workouts.

Also, it is very important that you don’t concentrate only on your weight. Muscle weights more than fat and I usually tell my clients they will gain 2 or 3 pounds the first two weeks but then all that weight will drop. What I’m guessing is that you have gained muscle by doing strength training, which is great, but at the same time you have burned fat making your weight a bit even. Nothing to worry about, after all, you said you’re getting more toned right? I have also seen people loose a few sizes but haven’t dropped much weight. All that muscle will eventually burn the fat and you’ll start loosing weight.

In the meantime, enjoy the journey!

Lalo Fuentes, CSSC
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

Hi Lalo!!

I LOVE your workouts!!!

I have a 2-part question:

1. Is there a cardio workout routine you can recommend that doesn't require any equipment but is also effective for burning calories? I find the traditional jumping jacks, on the spot running and kick-back exercises you do in LaloFit v1 exceptionally effective. So on my "cardio only days" I do these exercises in rotation for about 30 minutes. Although I feel the burn, the exercises can get boring. Are there other simple exercises I can do in combination with those moves when I am on a "cardio day"? I really like to sweat it out!

2. Is it ok to alternate between LaloFit v1 and v2 (e.g. Mon, Wed, Fri: v1; Tues, Thu, Sat: v2) or is that too taxing on the body?

I really want to see results quickly...but I guess patience is a virtue!

Thanks!
Claire

p.s. any plans to produce a cardio-only workout DVD?

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Hi Claire,

I’m glad you like the workouts!

Take your cardio workout outdoors. While you’re getting some cardio done you are also enjoying the outdoors, which could be a great way of reducing stress. I filmed my fitness videos inside a warehouse and only using 5 Lb weights to send the “Do it anywhere”, “No excuses” message. Try running, hiking, biking, swimming, play tennis, beach volleyball, racquetball and the list is endless. Any of those activities will make you burn a lot of calories and fat. If you still want to keep it indoors, you should try to also include the ab workouts in between your cardio moves. That should get you sweating and will ad variety to your cardio days. The only way I would do a cardio-only DVD is if I end up doing a 3 month program

Having both videos gives you more variety, which is great, but you should not workout every day with them. Since both LaloFit exercise videos are full body workouts, you’ll be working the same muscles. Try to do V1 Mon, Wed, and V2 the same days but the following week. You can also do V.1 Mon, Wed, and V2 on Friday or the other way around. On Tuesday Thursday and Saturday you can do cardio and abs. And yes, patience is a virtue; as long as you do strength training, cardio and have a balanced diet you should be on the right track.

Good luck!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California

Just to get the 2010 started, I decided to twist things a bit. Instead of me coming up with something to write on my blog, now you could be in control of the topic by sending me any question/s you may have. I will paste your question into the headline section so please, keep it clean

Be specific with your question. I receive a lot of e-mails asking me the same generic question, which is “What can I do to lose weight?” or “Could you design me a program to lose weight?” and my first thought is, really? I mean…If there was just one simple answer that would fit every single person, I would just write it down, sell it and go back to Brazil to party, eat amazing seafood and surf all day, really!

Maybe you are having a difficult time with an exercise from one of my workout videos and you want to know how to modify it. Maybe you have an example of a breakfast you are eating and want to know how to make it a better meal. Or maybe you’re about to buy a piece of equipment and you want to know my thoughts. Whatever your question might be, send it. We all want to know and learn something new. Along with your question please tell me a bit about yourself and include your fitness goal.

The topics are unlimited; it’s your choice to make this interesting. Also, feel free to post comments, all of us want to know your thoughts on each topic as well, not just mine. Lets have some fun!

Send your questions here: AskLalo@LaloFitness.com
(Jackie came up with the e-mail address; I think she’s genius!)

Looking Forward!

Lalo Fuentes, CSCS
Fitness Trainer & Lifestyle Coach
Los Angeles, California