Referrals
The RICKY WORKOUT is a challenge but when I first began the workout, I thought it was going to be easy (keep in mind, I am a former athlete). But, to my surprise, I was challenged and pushed beyond what I thought I could do. Ricky was very encouraging. He even worked out with me! He didn’t sit there and stare at me like “some” creepy trainers do at the gym…HA! Ricky has a vast array of workout equipment and does a good job keeping the workout fun and enjoyable. Here are a few of the cardio exercises we did: Ladder agility, medicine ball lunges, jump rope, punching bag (This was very new to me, but fun!), wall touches, Bosu ball squats, medicine ball/abs (KILLER), military planks, pushups, kettle bell arm raises…and much, much more. Most of the cardio exercises were a combination of upper and lower body activity, which I learned is crucial to burning fat. The training started out easy but progressively got more difficult. Despite the challenge, the workout was extremely fun. It was much more enjoyable than spending countless hours on a TREADMILL/ELYPTICAL, and I burned the SAME amount of fat (or more) in HALF
THE TIME!
Macey Hill (Middle School Teacher/former collegiate athlete)
I highly recommend Ricky Lawson as a personal trainer. In the 3 months that he trained me, I saw significant improvements in strength, cardiovascular endurance, and my appearance. My bench press max went from 180 pounds to 205 (10 pounds heavier than ever before,) and I ran a sub 6:30 mile for the first time. I was undoubtedly in the best shape of my life. Ricky helped me attain these results by introducing me to new and different workout exercises and routines, while also pushing me to do those exercises I knew I should do, but could never force myself to do on my own. He would always finish my workout a challenge that pushed me past where I would ever go on my own. He was encouraging and challenging, without being forceful or overbearing. Ricky also has a strong knowledge and understanding of the importance that your diet plays in attaining your fitness goals. He helped me realize some of the places I could make simple changes and see real results.
Sean Harrison (High School Teacher/former high school athlete)
I recently attended a few of Ricky’s fitness sessions and found them to be easily some of the most beneficial and demanding workouts I have ever done. I am someone who runs and does push ups and pull-ups a few times a week to stay in good shape but that is the extent of my exercise. I have participated in various races and fitness competitions in the past and found my own training insufficient at high intensity levels. When I want to prepare for an upcoming challenge I will without question begin training under Ricky after which I am confident I will be well prepared. It is clear to me that participating in a workout program like Ricky’s is the best way to raise your fitness level from any training to any individual. While doing a workout with Ricky whether it be with a group or one on one I am confident that anyone will be pushed to their limits as he strives to create an environment of maximum effort combined with well planned and executed exercise scenarios. Ricky is professional and knowledgeable in every respect and he maintains the highest standards for his programs. At the same time though you will find opportunity for open discussion and adaptation regarding yo0ur fitness goals doing a wide range of different exercises for extended periods of time with little rest has certainly given me the best total body results in strength and endurance. I cannot say enough about how effect and motivating working out with Ricky is, and how necessary the type of training he provides can be to anyone looking to improve their fitness level.
Andy Aldermann (Former Marine)
Testimonials
To the average person, the typical personal trainer is quite intimidating. The idea of getting in shape is daunting enough, but top that with a fear of the person you are working out with, and finding the motivation to go to the gym each week becomes difficult. Ricky, however, is not the typical personal trainer. Ricky can relate to his clients in a way many trainers cannot. As the saying goes, you have to walk in someone else’s shoes to understand what they are going through. Ricky has walked in those shoes. He knows what it feels like to be intimidated and to be unsure of yourself, but he also knows through personal experience that success is possible for anyone with the right support behind them. Ricky has a story to share and he has a desire to be that support system. Ricky has changed his life for the better, and now desires to help others do the same. His ability to relate to his clients while they struggle through their weight loss journey would be a great asset to any club or gym.
Kerri McCormack – Elementary Teacher
As a middle school science teacher, I strive to implore variated instructional tools to connect my students to the material. When, recently, we were discussion health, diet and nutrition, I turned to one of the most useful and relatable examples of personal health that I know of: my friend Rick Lawson. I was the former editor of Ricky's weight-loss and lifestyle blog, and it was to this I turned to press upon my students the importance of proper nutrition and making the right choices in life. Many of them told me that their parents were overweight, and that seeing this made them realize that eating at Chili's twice a week wasn't the best thing they could do. I actually had a few parents angry with me, saying that they love places like Chili's, and now their kids are coming home telling them how much sodium and trans fat are in a rack of ribs. These kids were provoked by the story. Some of these kids had no idea about nutrition before our lesson. It was Ricky's story that really showed them what to expect in life depending on the choices you make.
When I first met Ricky, he was pushing 400 pounds. He was sloth embodied, and he was on a very rapid descent into depression, diabetes, death and any other horrible thing that starts with the letter 'd' and can fit into my string of alliteration. But Ricky didn't go that route. Ricky decided that he'd had enough, but the thing that really struck me about his actions was that when he decided that he'd had enough, he leveled blame precisely where it belonged-- himself.
Ricky looked at himself and was more self-aware and honest than many people twice his age are capable of being. He knew his choices, and no one else's, had placed him directly in the position he was in. Ricky made himself fat. Then, Ricky made himself healthy.
Ricky is an inspiration to me, and he is an inspiration to others that encounter his story and realize that your life can be what you want it to be if you are willing to work hard enough.
- Sam Brown (Middle School Teacher)
