By Sandra Iruegas

The Center for Disease Control has determined that the overall health status of American citizens is poor, and that if our citizens exercised more frequently their health would significantly improve and the cost of annual health care would be significantly reduced.
Images Fitness Services, LLC, of Laredo is hard at work to improve the health of this community through exercise and sound nutrition.
This work force of fitness professionals and skilled exercise specialists provides in-depth exercise training services that utilize advanced exercise principles and advanced fitness assessment techniques. All Images exercise applications and techniques are based on exercise science techniques, which have been proven to provide results.
Images fitness training services are available to individuals, groups, and corporations. Body sculpting, corporate wellness, and weight loss are just a few of the programs offered. Each program includes an in-depth fitness assessment. Body fat percentage, bodyweight, and flexibility tests are some of the parameters tested monthly. Fitness Programs are designed around the clients' current level of fitness. For all options, the main targets for training are strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise, as well as simple nutrition guidelines for daily eating habits. A sample menu plan is offered to each client.
"We have helped many people lose weight, build more muscle, lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, prepare individuals for military boot camp, and increase or maintain current levels of fitness," said James C. Lewis, team leader at Images. "We have also assisted law enforcement personnel in becoming more physically fit. We utilize safe, established exercise principles in helping our clients get in shape."
Lewis has 15 years of fitness training experience under his very trim belt. He is a National Level Bodybuilder, has competed in the Heavyweight Class division, and has won numerous awards, including First Place Heavyweight at the 1998 Texas State Bodybuilding competition.
Physician Charles Schwartz, D.O., is among the Laredoans who have turned to Images to shape up. "I made the decision three months ago," he said. "They utilize safe and effective exercise techniques. I've lost weight and increased my endurance and stamina. The discreet and private training is a definite plus."
Christina Valls, a client of Images for seven years, admits she had never exercised much before and even though she has always been thin, she knew she needed to improve her physical condition. "Exercise should be a part of everyone's life," she said, adding that she has remained a member of Images for such a long time because "I like the way they structure the workouts and monitor your results. It is encouraging to see your improvements on paper, and it inspires me to keep on going."
Images operates an exercise training studio which is neither a fitness center nor a gym. "We are not in the gym business; we are in the professional fitness training business," said Lewis. "We are not in competition with fitness centers and gyms. We have a well established business relationship with most gyms and health clubs in the community. Our company increases the quality of services provided by fitness centers and gyms. As a result, that benefits everyone."
For further information about the service of Images Fitness Services, LLC, call 725-8883.