Hello, my fellow citizens of Laredo. My name is James Lewis, team leader for Images. It is my pleasure to write the first in a series of articles covering the importance of exercise and nutrition.
Let me tell you a little about myself. I am originally from the state of Virginia. I served in the United States Navy for seven years (six years active duty, one year of reserve duty). As an avionics technician, I worked on a special type of helicopter. Its primary mission was anti-submarine warfare: to hunt and kill (destroy) enemy submarines.
I can honestly tell you that I had many adventures in the navy. One adventure that every sailor experiences at sea are heavy seas. I would have never believed that a ship so big could rock and roll! The ship would roll so far to one side that you could literally walk on the bulkhead instead of the floor.
Another adventure was when the United States invaded Grenada. About a week after this event, the navy sent a task force of about 20 to 30 destroyers, cruisers, and frigates to patrol that part of Central America. There was concern that Cuba might try to retaliate in some way in response to the invasion. You could look out at the horizon, and you would see ship after ship headed south. We had a full complement of weapons, loading more by unrep (underway replenishment) as we traveled. In short, we were prepared to do battle, and kick some butt!
I worked for the Navy for almost nine years after I was honorably discharged. My work eventually led me to Texas. I decided while living in Corpus Christi that I wanted to make more of a difference in peoples’ lives. It was an honor to do military service, but it was time to move on to something else.
As a seasoned bodybuilder (21 years), I knew a lot about exercise and healthy eating. I made the decision to become a personal fitness trainer. I became certified through International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), and through Health Kick Martial Fitness (kickboxing). As a personal trainer, it is easy to see the positive impact that your work has on an individual. You observe the person’s self-esteem improve, they lose weight, lower their blood pressure; it is a long list of benefits. It is very rewarding to see individuals improve their health, and know that you are a part of the process.

Images Fitness Services, LLC, was created in September 1999. Our company operated out of an office at American Fitness Center. A very special thanks to Librado Piña and the AFC staff for giving Images a helping hand.
The concept and design of Images is simple. We utilize the principle of preventative maintenance. Science has proven that individuals who exercise regularly have fewer medical problems. The body becomes more resistant to disease and injury.
Let me tell you a little story about my family. An individual that I was very close to in my family was my grandfather. He was a wonderful individual; a devout Christian, and a very dedicated family man. From the time that I was a little kid, to when I was a teenager, I remember my grandfather being in poor health. He had arthritis, was overweight, and had heart disease -- the number one killer of Americans. During the time that I was growing up, I witnessed his health deteriorate. Most of us know what it is like to witness our loved ones begin that downhill health spiral. It causes immense pain for surrounding family members. I was very frustrated -- none of the medications, doctor visits, hospital stays, nothing was making any difference. As mentioned before, this is one of the main reasons for the creation of Images. We help our clients through exercise and sensible nutrition programs. A doctor once told me "the older we get, the more important it is to exercise."
We are not a gym or gym service. We are a workforce of fitness professionals and skilled exercise specialists. Our professionals have dedicated themselves to improving the health of our community. The company operates a small personal training studio. At the studio, individuals exercise in private. We understand that not everyone wants to exercise in a huge facility with a lot of people around. We also meet with clients throughout the community at different gyms, etc. The clients choose where they wish to exercise.
Some of the fitness training programs that we offer include weight loss, body sculpting, sport specific, and corporate wellness. Bodybuilding is also offered, but only at a local gym facility. Each program includes the distinct components of physical fitness: cardiovascular, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Program options include one-on-one training and group training.
Each program is designed around the individual’s current level of fitness. We invite the community to call or stop by our office. Start improving your health today!

(James Lewis is Team leader for Images Fitness Services, LLC. He is also a national level bodybuilder. In 1998, he was the Texas Heavyweight champion (South Texas and Texas State championships). He placed 16th in the heavyweight class at the NPC Junior Nationals held in San Antonio, July 1999. He competed in the US Nationals (professional qualifier) in October 1999, Orlando, Florida. He is featured in news magazines and bodybuilding videos. Check out www.musclememory.com on the Internet.)