out with a personal fitness trainer.

Andy Soucie, president and director, has a varied and specialised background in fitness with years of experience. His positive energy and addictive enthusiasm is contagious! The facility, located in Hamilton on No. 2 Woodlands Road, will host a special grand opening on March 20 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Mr. Soucie welcomes adult clients who are interested in one-on-one fitness instruction.

"My primary focus will be on people age 30 and up. I can help the mature sector get ready for the health club scene. Many older people are reluctant to join a health club because they perceive they have a less than perfect body. I am here to change that thinking.'' In the privacy of his studio Mr. Soucie aims to teach people how to train and safely use all the state-of-the-art equipment. He advised, "They can take what they learn from here and know how to work out anywhere.'' Mr. Soucie was voted Bermuda's best personal trainer by the Bermudian Magazine in 1997.

He is well qualified and experienced in his field. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from New England College in 1992. He holds a certification as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise with a diploma from the International Correspondence School on Fitness and Nutrition.

Prior to working in Bermuda Mr. Soucie interned at health clubs in the US and was taught by fitness professionals trained specifically to train the trainers.

After college he came to Bermuda for a visit and ran across a former college friend who was working here in a health club. He procured work here and has been successful in helping numerous people achieve fitness goals.

When he was asked how he motivated people to set goals and reach them he said, "The key to my motivation is creating an environment where people want to motivate themselves. My clients become confident with the techniques I teach them and they can take their knowledge anywhere. Knowledge also boosts self-esteem.'' According to Mr. Soucie, many people join a health club and they go a few times, feel awkward and don't return. He explained the four main reasons clients drop out: "They feel insecure and inept because they don't understand how to use the equipment. At first glance some of the equipment can appear complex.

"They feel alone because they do not know anyone.

"They feel self-conscious about their appearance.

"They have the misconception that you have to be an athlete to exercise or be physically successful.'' People are encouraged by Mr. Soucie to go at individual levels. "Every little bit of exercise helps when it comes to overall fitness. Anytime you can go for a little walk, play golf, tennis, ride a bike, it is worth it to the individual in the long run. Success breeds consistency.'' When asked how he maintained his fitness level Mr. Soucie shared, "I train about three times per week. I was blessed with great metabolism but I am conscious of healthy eating and take that route for the most part. I train mostly indoors on the equipment. I do enjoy walking the dog on the beach.

Recently I did the three mile walk at Windreach with founder, Sandy Mitchell.

Overall, I would rate my fitness level above average.'' The facility is very upscale with excellent equipment, a sparkling shower and a comfortable lounge area perfect for a refreshing drink after a vigorous workout. Fresh towels are provided for workouts and showering.

There is a variety of equipment such as: Stairmaster 4000 PT, Treadmill Wide Stride Duo 48 for two, CyBex exercise cycle, Free-weights Troy and four benches. There is a show room filled with Body Masters circuit master equipment offering ten different stations, five on each module with a cable cross-over unit which helps with upper and lower body exercises.

These machines offer triceps press, biceps curl, abdominals, leg extensions, leg presses and pec deck. Body Masters has maintained commitment to the primary goal of designing, and providing the best weight resistance exercise equipment anywhere.

"I choose Body Masters equipment because I am focused on providing my customers with the highest quality exercise equipment available,'' he said.

Weight training helps the body strengthen its muscles which aids in your balance, speed and stride. It can help you walk faster and helps to keep people physically active. Another benefit is the self-confidence it builds.

A variety of training programmes are available: Individual Fitness Training Sessions.

Partner Training Sessions.

Weight Management.

Take Home Training and Travel Sessions.

Post Rehabilitation Sessions with a Doctor's referral.

Mr. Soucie is a member of the National Federation of Personal Trainers. He plans to set up a training programme here for future staff, preferably young Bermudians, committed to fitness education and certification in personal training.

If you need a personal trainer, contact Andy Soucie for your fitness plan.

Telephone is: 295-0297 and Fax is: 295-0463.

Hours are dictated by clients. Get your body moving! Don't miss the Grand Opening on March 20.

Personal Trainer: Andy Soucie specialises in giving one-on-one health and fitness instruction at the newest health studio in Hamilton, No. 2 Woodlands Road. The grand opening for Positive Results Health and Wellness Studio is on March 20.