David Kim, CPT

My fitness interests grew from an exposure to bodybuilding when I was young by a family member. Being interested in such a physique-focused field, as well as track and field events naturally produced a desire to build my own body and reach goals. Those two backgrounds, as well as a hunger for knowledge set me on the path to train other people. Bodybuilding gives a different insight to exercise, and I fully believe in thinking "outside the box" versus following trends. I work hard to get results for myself, and for anyone who is under me. I don't do things just for fun, or just because they're different. Scientific approaches are what I believe in, as well as tried and true methods. Although every body is different, there are two things are a constant in realizing your dreams: consistency and desire. With those two things, I can help anyone. Results are what I am about, and that will never change.

Below David explains how he got into the business of personal training, his overall approach with clients, his fitness philosophies and more.

A: I became a personal trainer because it was the best way for me to help people- period. There is nothing more natural for me than to talk about or guide people in the fitness world. I almost feel like I can do the job blindfolded, not because it is easy, but because it is so natural, and so instinctual for me. It gives me great pleasure to guide each person over every hill and move onto new goals.

A: I am different from other trainers for two main reasons: 1. I think outside the box, never giving in to trends just because they're cool, or the new thing someone saw in a magazine. I have a scientific approach to training, and it always has to work in theory as well as in the real world for me to utilize methods. 2. I genuinely care about reaching those goals for the person. It is a personal statement as to what kind of trainer I am- not just for the money, not just because it's a job, but because it is my name on the line. I want every client to say that they've reach their goals, and I want to be the force behind their hard work and effort. I specialize in sport-specific training, traditional weight training, and weight loss. However, my real specialty is with people who come to me that need to change.

A: My biggest challenge when I face clients has got to be no-shows, or people with absolutely no motivation. These are the hardest of people to train, because they bring nothing but money to the table, and that is a very hard client to work with.

A: I deal with clients who are not serious by being patient and being firm. I am here to bring them results, but it is their time, money and body. However, I have yet to really have any seriously challenging clients- fortunately.

A: The most important component in personal training is trust. If my client trusts me, which equates to listening and carrying out our game plan, then we are headed towards that finish line sooner or later. Everything else takes a back seat to trust.

A: My strength as a trainer is determination. Alot of times, I am more determined to get my clients results than they are. Like I said, it's my name on the line. Sometimes they need to be in that position, and alot of them believe that is what they pay for. My training is not about doing a certain exercise, or following a certain "program", but about getting results- period. Whatever it takes. My weakness is being too nice. As tough as I am as a trainer while training, I am a very soft person inside, and alot of times, that may come to play when it comes to scheduling, or taking excuses for not showing.

A: My view on the Atkins diet is this: like any diet, if it is needed to be used, then use it for only the minimum time necessary and move on. I believe that every facet of life can be a tool, but your life needs to be your life. The Atkins does not seem to be entirely healthy in my opinion, but no doubt, cutting carbs will help lower overall calories, as well as cut out carbs stored to fat. However, I would never, ever suggest someone go on a certain "diet" and stay there. I will offer areas to cut corners off in nutrition, and help shape their eating lifestyle, but never will I encourage a premeditated way of unhealthy eating.

A: The question I face the most with anyone including clients, is "how long" before I lose this amount of fat- here or there. It's the expected time before they see what they want, but most of the time, they're looking for an excuse to not work hard because they allow themselves to be discouraged. The determined ones, however will reach their goals.

A: My favorite fitness author has to be John Romano, an editor of a bodybuilding magazine Muscular Development.

A: I believe almost every client has a chance to be my greatest sucess story. I will state two of my proudest: Francois, a young 19 year old came to me in January with ambitions of winning a modeling contest in mid summer. Dedicating himself to transforming his body and the desire to resemble Tyson Beckford's physique, we worked three times weekly. He was outstanding nutritional-wise, and training-wise. Within four months, we had put on three inches around his chest and shoulders, two inches on his arms and dropped a couple inches off his waist. He went on and gained a modeling contract in NY. My other example is Sonia, a 66 year old woman who was just looking to get in shape. We worked from February until she went home for Thanksgiving. She lost inches everywhere, tightened up everywhere, and got infinitely stronger to her astonishment. She came back and told me that at the party she went to, all her friends who haven't seen her for a while asked if she had gotten plastic surgery! In her mid 60's she could keep up with almost any 20 year old woman in the gym, and I was definitely proud of her accomplishments. While people may credit me for all of my clients' success, I can only take a little credit, as I always say, "it's my client who showed up, poured out the sweat, time and money to do it. It was all them!"

A: My advice for clients starting out has to be this: keep your eyes on the prize. No matter what happens, because life always has bumps and dips to give you excuses as to why you won't reach your goals, but it's the people who keep their eyes on their prize who eventually hold that trophy in their hands. No one else is going to show up for you, no one is going to sweat for you, and no one is going to feel bad with you about staying the way you are.

A: I prefer one on one, as it is more personal, but I have gotten great results with best friends working out and such. I will train anyone, anyhow, as long as it's efficient.

A: My personal goal for the future is to retire my parents within five years from now. They have worked infinitely hard in ways I will never know about until I have my own child. It is time to let them rest and enjoy life as is. I want to be loyal to the company that is loyal to me. To be the best trainer I can be, to reach my own goals, and still be able to say that I have a 100% success rate is what I see down the road.