Writer

I came to Andy Petranek in March, 2004 looking to increase strength and get help with a recurrent back problem. I have been physically active most of my life and a few years ago tested at the ninetieth percentile for aerobic fitness for my age group (over fifty.) Unfortunately since I neglected a strengthening program I experienced significant decline due to age related muscle mass loss.

Two years ago I began working with the book Strength Training past Fifty and did the recommended program twice a week. Progress was very slow and the exercises were extremely boring and tedious. During that time I had also been doing Swiss ball exercises from a Paul Chek video a chiropractor loaned me. I don't live in America and planned to visit Colorado last spring and contacted a Chek practitioner in the state from the website. When my travel plans changed she recommended Andy.

I have worked with him for about nine or ten sessions during two visits to LA this year. Since beginning an upper and lower body strengthening program in the last three months I have made incredible gains of about five or six times what I started with. I would have believed this to be impossible only a few months ago. There have been major improvements in my bicycle riding and roller skiing as a result. I'm don't need someone to motivate me but Andy gave me the confidence that I could push myself way beyond what I was doing. I have found him to be a very knowledgable, patient, and skilled teacher and highly recommend him. I look forward to working with him the next time I'm in LA.