Changing lives through motivation, education

Yuma native Israel Trevino looks upon the human body as a sculptor looks upon clay.

"If people are consistent and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then they can transform their bodies," Trevino said. "Beginners should work out every other day so they don't wear out their bodies. Be consistent. If you start with a diet, you have to stay with it. You will not see results overnight. You have to be patient."

Trevino stays active and sticks with a diet to keep himself healthy.

"I work out about five days a week, and I run two miles every other day. My diet consists of high carbs and high protein, but I do take in a moderate amount of fat, because it helps maintain healthy organ and brain functions.

"I eat mostly vegetables and white rice during the day and oatmeal in the morning. For protein, my favorite source is chicken breast."

Trevino said that hiring a personal trainer can greatly boost a person's confidence while on their quest for health.

"A personal trainer is a motivator that can teach how you to train safely and get results. They will keep you focused each step of the way."

The 290-pound beefcake has recently been certified as a personal trainer and has started a personal training business called Distorted Training Services. Trevino can be reached by calling 246-2000.

"The name Distorted Training Services comes from distorted self-perception, which is when you look into a mirror and don't like what you see," said Trevino, who is a 2003 graduate of Yuma High School. "I like the potential of the human body, and after training with me, people will see what they want to see in themselves."

Trevino said the first step is to meet with his clients for a discussion about their goals.

"I will then develop a personal workout plan for them based on their height, weight and current physical ability. After that I will meet with them throughout the week, depending on how how often they would like to do so.

"I will also give them dietary guidelines based on the amount of protein intake they need to be following. I want my students to have a healthy lifestyle."

Trevino once wanted to be a police officer, and is currently a detention guard at the Yuma County Juvenile Detention Center.

"I started at the Yuma County Adult Detention Center, and I wanted to be a police officer. But after I went to the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in Phoenix, I decided it wasn't for me. The commander kept saying 'You have to want to be here,' and I kept thinking and thinking about it, and I decided I had other goals."

Trevino said he strives to be a supportive role model for the kids at juvenile detention.

"I decided to work at the juvenile detention center because it's better than guarding the adults. These kids still have a chance to change, while many of the adults are stuck in their ways. "

He talked about a new venture called the Step Up Program, which helps the kids realize the faults in their actions.

"We want the kids to identify the negative aspects of their lives, and think of ways to change them. There is a lot more respect from the kids.

"If they see me on the street, they are not afraid to talk to me and tell me what they've been up to in their lives. Most try to stay out of the system."

Jacob Cordova, one of Trevino's clients, said he enjoys working with him.

"I've been with Izzy for three weeks. He is a good trainer because he asks what you want to do and sets up a program to accomplish it. We joke around between sets, but this is all business. I want to get something out of this and I am.

"I can feel myself getting stronger and healthier. It is a lot of fun and I like coming. He has taught me many new techniques which work well to improve strength."

Trevino said he strives to be a positive influence in the lives of his clients.

"I try to motivate and educate. It is important to be positive, because during the workout the mind starts to wander and the body starts to wear. Encouragement keeps them going, and after they are done, they will feel a sense of accomplishment.

"You have to keep the atmosphere light, because if you are not having fun, why do it?"

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Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.