Ron
At 57 yrs. old and almost 300 lbs, I thought my best fitness days were well behind me.
I had always been in decent shape. A multi-sport letterman in college, I played competitive volleyball until my mid-40’s, worked out with weights, and never really thought too much about my diet. About 10 years ago I ripped both rotator cuffs – within 1.5 years of each other – and transitioned from a very active to a sedentary lifestyle. As the years progressed, I found myself taking medication to control high blood pressure and cholesterol, had no energy, and often wondered how the heck I ended up ‘like this’.
I was the poster child for metabolic syndrome, on a direct collision course with a heart attack or stroke.
One Saturday morning last year I was looking for a place to eat (go figure) and noticed a lot of cars parked next to a restaurant. The restaurant was out of business, but I heard music and enthusiastic voices. I walked around the corner to see what all the commotion was about, and that was my 1st introduction to a family of sweating, smiling, friendly Iron Fitters and Erik Guerra. I spoke with them, got information (for my wife!), and headed home to give her the exciting news.
She joined, and completely changed her body. She kept encouraging me to give it a shot, but I used every excuse known to mankind, and some new ones! Finally, this past January, I made a commitment to myself that I would use the 3-day trial pass and go with her to workout. My number 1 goal: don’t re-injure a shoulder! I started going once a week, then twice, then 3 times- I think it took me 6 weeks to get up to 4-5 times a week.
I think this is a very important point. Iron Fitters are not in direct competition with each other. I was obese, and working out next to encouraging people in fantastic shape. And, I never felt unwelcome, or self-conscious- just part of the team! That’s the Erik Guerra Secret Sauce!
Fast forward 10 months.
I have lost 70 lbs. take no medication, went from a tight 44 to a comfortable 36 pant, and I am in the best overall shape I have been in since my early 20’s. I have energy, stamina, strength, and belong to a family of like-minded Iron Fitter’s that truly care and excitedly cheer through every struggle, plateau, and goal achieved. We follow Erik’s awesome guidance, add our effort, sprinkle in lots of fun, throw in a challenge for those that may be interested, keep in touch daily through our workouts and social media, and before you know it you are buying new clothes, feeling great, and helping the next new Iron Fitter meet their goals.
Thanks for saving my life, Erik Guerra and the Iron Fit Family!
Pearl
I was asked by a friend to join her at her gym for a free trial and was a bit skeptical, but joined her anyway. I’m so glad I did. I would go to a regular gym before that and would always leave unsatisfied and felt I had accomplished nothing. I didn’t know how to work different muscles and I stayed stagnant for longer than I should have, I know I needed change and that’s when I joined Iron Fit.
Since joining, I have noticed muscle growth and my strength has increased drastically. I went from barely doing a push up on my knees to knocking them out and lifting some pretty heavy weight. These are the best and most rewarding workouts you’ll ever find. Losing more than 40 pounds since starting has been an added bonus. For me what has been life changing is learning how to eat better and being aware of the little things that I never thought mattered. I have ran the Rock and Roll Relay Marathon and will be doing my first lifting competition soon, which is something I would have never thought of doing before joining Iron fit.
I am more confident and feel so much better about many things. I no longer need to take medication for my ulcerative colitis and no longer suffer from stomach pains and I only have Erik to thank for that. He gave me the tools to be successful and it was up to me to implement them and make it work. With his help and his guidance I have come a long way and he is the reason behind my success. The comradery at Iron Fit is one of the many reasons I enjoy coming in everyday and leaving satisfied with the diverse workouts is the icing on the healthy cake 🙂
Alyssa H.
Hello my name is Alissa H. This is my life this is my journey. Ever since I became a mother of two beautiful daughters, I have struggled with my weight. The idea of being 118 again has quickly faded. The scale was once a true enemy who controlled my mood and happiness.
For the last 15 years, I have tried to be active and fit! However, looking back on my attempts I realized they were without guidance and direction. Hiring trainers, many gym membership with no true results. Yes, I would lose weight but yo-yo back and forth.
Then I met Erik G. owner and operator of Iron Fit Circuit Training. I joined in November. He does not know this but I once tried to join over a year ago. I came to IF and no one was there. I am disappointed in myself that I did not go back. I can’t imagine how I could have transformed if I would have been more persistent over a year ago. However, I am on the right track now.
Since joining Iron Fit I have lost 10 pounds, numerous of inches and gained much strength and satisfaction. Ten pounds may not sound like a lot but it has been several years since I was able to lose this much weight. One or two pounds was all that would fall off. For the first two months prior to class, I would have anxiety of the unknown. Afraid of what challenges Erik was going to put before us! Will I throw up today? Will I be able to finish today? Will I look weak? All of these thoughts would take over my mind and then the voice would say. “Don’t go!” I would ignore that familiar voice you know that voice we all know that voice and face the new challenges that would come.
Erik assured me everything was going to be just fine and that I would go at my own pace and rest when I needed to. He made me feel very comfortable, he eased me into the workouts, he taught me proper form, and now I can do exercises and workouts I never thought I would be able to do and finish. It feels empowering to face fears and overcome the unknown!
Erik has been the only trainer that I have met that truly cares about our health and fitness. He has taught me that it’s not about the scale. It is about how you look and feel. Through his guidance I have finally started to learn how truly important your diet is. Everything in moderation. We eat to live. Not live to eat!
I am thrilled to be a part of an amazing fitness program! I have never experience anything as positive as this program. Iron Fit is the Perfect Combination of Strength Training and Cardio! I have witness my Co Iron Fitters transform right before my eyes. It is a Blessing to be a part of something truly magical about being fit! I am amazed by the transformation of my body and want to see where I can take it all with the guidance of Erik. Looking forward to what the future holds! This is my life, this is my journey!
Courtney
My name is Courtney, I am a 27 year old RN. I came across Iron Fit a few times on Facebook back in the summer of 2014. I was a standard gym girl at Gold’s Gym, would go a few times, so about 30min to an hour and do random things. I even did Krav Maga and outdoor boot camps while in nursing school so when I went to a standard gym, it was just boring. I always loved to be active and fit. But I loved to eat junk food and party with friends also. Well, the day of my 26th birthday in October 2014, I got home from work expecting several phone calls from family. Instead, I got the most heartbreaking phone call of my life from my mother. One of my younger brothers had died in a very horrific way. I was heartbroken. I finally decided to email Erik at the end of that month. I told him what had happened and that I needed something to help get me back and to ease my mind. Erik emailed me right back and was very sincere about what had happened and told me to come out. And I did. He walked everything through with me about my posture and making sure my form was good.
I finally decided to sign up. But, for almost a year of going there, my mind was still not out of that depressed stage. I was drinking so much and eating horribly to just numb what pain I was having. I treated my then boyfriend so bad due to me drinking and trying to cope. I went to the gym a few times during the week, and even would miss weeks at a time. I just didn’t have any life motivation. Erik called me out during the summer of 2015 about me not ever being there yet I was lifting more than the girls that went there on a daily basis, and that’s when I thought “well, you need to start going more if your trainer is calling you out”. And I did, I started going 2-3x a week. But, when Erik told me about a 90 day challenge that was starting January 11 2016, I felt that this, this was my opportunity. My opportunity to get back in shape, get my mind and my body right. So I did this weight loss challenge. My goal wasn’t to necessarily lose weight but to stop drinking and start a new chapter. I learned from Erik about counting my Macros, watching my calories, the difference what a home cooked meal was compared to eating junk food. The difference eating 6 small meals a day made compared to eating one maybe two large ones. And as an RN that works in the Emergency room, it’s hard to take the time to eat. I set my alarm to give myself five minutes to eat food.
Erik gave us the tools to use in this challenge. And I was going to the gym 5/6x a week. I got sick, injured my back at work, and yes, had a FEW cheat meals at times for certain special occasions but every so often. But, not a single drop of alcohol. I would even text Erik about meals or questions, he always answered back. He was determined to have not only me but everyone else get to their goals and improve on themselves. He gives you all the things you need to reach your goals, you just need to take his lead. I saw the weight coming off and the inches shredding. Several times, people commented that I was looking great, but didn’t realize it until Erik said that I was really looking fit. These Iron Fit strength workouts and cardio circuits really do transform your body! I ended up losing 12 lbs. in 12 weeks.I didn’t think it was much, until Erik posted my before and after picture and I saw how much my body changed.
It hit me how much I had transformed into an actual fit chick. I look and I feel amazing. I haven’t looked this good since I was in high school. Erik did a damn good job teaching me about nutrition. If I had used all of the things he had given me way at the beginning, and not been so set in my ways, I would’ve been where I am now a lot sooner.
Even now after our 90 day challenge has been over, I still eat the way I did during the competition. Nutrition is a huge key and Erik played the biggest role in guiding me. I still workout 5/6x a week because it’s my daily routine. It’s a habit. It’s my life. Everyone calls it a diet and a workout phase, but it’s not. It’s a lifestyle. The things he’s taught me and shown me I’m going to use for the rest of my life. I look to him for encouragement and guidance still. When I have bad days in the ER from losing a patient, even on the good days, my time at his gym, takes all of that away.
Erik is my friend and always will be and I’ll continue to go to his gym and support him in every phase of my life and still ask for help with nutrition. He never misses a class, he points out if you need correction rather than hurting yourself, and is wanting you to improve overall health and fitness, not just 1 rep maxes. Not only is he a great trainer, but the people at this gym are amazing. Their family. Their encouragement and uplifting spirits help keep everyone active and stay on track. Thank you Erik, I never get tired of you yelling, encouraging, and trying to make me a better athlete. I am a completely different, but yet so much better version of myself and it’s thanks to him. Ironfit athlete for life!
Carol N
I joined Iron Fit in March of 2016 and was slow going at first to get myself in the habit of concentrating on my health and fitness. I was not as committed and continued to struggle with schedules and EXCUSES. In September, Erik started a fitness challenge. I love challenges. I went to the meeting and was pumped and ready to start. Erik talked about eating habits and changing bad habits. He reviewed the importance of exercise and not just showing up and going through the motions – but having correct form and doing each exercise correctly.
When I started, I thought there was no way I could ever win a challenge like this because I was too heavy and this was really going to be hard. I was never happier to be wrong. I followed Erik’s guidelines and posted updates, and hints; talked to him in person when I felt confused or frustrated! Erik encouraged me to come to him – he doesn’t know what I’m thinking – I need to let him know –and he was there every step of the way. I started the challenge really out of shape and a lot of weight to loose. My ankles ached, my knees throbbed, and felt I would never advance in fat loss and muscle gain. I committed to the challenge and worked out every day. This was not a competition it was a challenge.
I faced my excuses and worked hard on the diet and exercise. I made the “Biggest Loser” board every week and was number 1 loser for several weeks and ended up the Biggest Loser Female! YES, I DID IT! After dropping 34 lbs. 16.8% of my body weight, I feel amazing and my ankles don’t hurt anymore, I am increasing my endurance along with building a stronger body. My family and friends do too! It is such a great feeling and what a motivator to continue. I still have weight to lose and I know I will continue to lose weight, build endurance and strengthen my body at IRON FIT. If there is anything I can say to change a person’s life to be healthier and happier it’s NO MORE EXCUSES.
If you give Erik Three Months to prove to you what YOU can do once you set your mind to it – YOU will look back and say “Why did I hesitate to get started?” You will feel better, look better and live happier! The next challenge is coming up real soon – and you can bet I’m going to be a part of it!!! I hope to lose another 20-30 pounds in 90 days. The first 34 are still gone – and gone for good… now for the next life changing event!
LET’S DO THIS!
Lisa
In May 2015, my husband and I moved from Pittsburgh, PA to San Antonio, TX. It was a tough move on me because I’d lived in Pittsburgh my entire life and moving meant leaving behind all of my family and friends. In Pittsburgh, I was active playing soccer on a few teams and going to TRX and kettlebell classes at my local gym however, in October 2014, I had suffered a severe concussion playing soccer. I was limited on exercise for 4 months while I recovered. During that time we learned that we would be moving to San Antonio – I was out of shape already from not being able to exercise and I was stressed/emotional over the big move. My last few months in Pittsburgh were filled with going out to eat and drink with family/friends and eating fast food or take out as we packed all of our belongings. When we arrived in San Antonio, we didn’t know anyone so we spent a lot of time going out to eat and trying out all the new restaurants around us (Texas has amazing food!). I was out of shape and unhappy and I knew that I needed to find a gym and get myself back in shape both for my physical and mental health. I started Googling gyms near me, checked out several in the area, read reviews and after exchanging a few emails with Erik, I decided to go to Iron Fit Circuit Training for my 3 day trial.
I had never really used barbells and heavier weights before so I was a little intimidated. I kept telling Erik that my arms were very weak from a shoulder injury years ago and that I was worried about being able to keep up. He assured me that everyone worked at their own level and that we could build up strength in my arms and modify exercises as needed. My first couple weeks I was sore but I was also proud of myself for sticking with it. Erik made sure that I was using correct form and knew when to push me to add a little more weight or do one more rep. I like how the classes are structured at Iron Fit; they are balanced between weight lifting and conditioning/cardio. Erik focuses on good reps with challenging but safe weight – not just how fast and how heavy you can go without regard to form. In my first few months at Iron Fit, I lost a little weight and gained some strength but I still felt like I was missing something. I joined the 12 Week Transformation Challenge in January 2016 to get my nutrition to match up with the work I was putting in at Iron Fit. I had not realized that my eating habits had gotten so bad and that was what was holding me back from reaching my goals. With Erik’s guidance and support, I reached my weight loss goal, losing 25lbs and 24 inches overall in 12 weeks.
With encouragement from Erik to add in additional cardio, I also started running and I ran my first 5K/mud run this past weekend. I plan to do more 5Ks and work my way up to at least a 10K. I am the leanest I have ever been with muscle definition in my once weak arms and even in my abs. I can run 4-5 miles consecutively, without stopping at a decent pace which might not seem like a huge deal to some, but I was never able to do that before Iron Fit. I look forward to working out every day and the only time I ever skip the gym now is when I am out of town (and even then, Erik gives me workouts to do while I am gone). Finding Iron Fit is one of the best things that happened to me since we moved to Texas. Erik has created an environment at Iron Fit where everyone supports each other and pushes one another to improve.
I have made wonderful friends while getting in the best shape of my life. Iron Fit has not only gotten me in shape physically but it has helped me mentally and emotionally adjust to living 1500 miles from my family and friends. For me, Iron Fit is more than just a gym or place to work out, it has truly been an amazing life changing experience. I will never be able to say thank you enough to Erik for all that he has done to help me and I look forward to continuing to get stronger and achieve my goals with my Iron Fit family.
Jena S.
Before I came to Iron fit my life was much different. I was tired all the time, I suffered from constant back and body pains, and basically had no energy for anything. All I wanted to do was stay in bed. I have always been overweight but in the last few years I really let things get out of control. By the end of October 2015 I was over 250 pounds and I was miserable. I had been wanting to start an exercise program when I came across the iron fit post on Facebook promoting the three days free. I thought “what do I have to lose? It’s 3 days and it’s free!” So the first week of November I gave it a shot.
I wasn’t expecting much from myself or from this place. I struggled the first three days to say the least. Every part of my body scream for me to stop but I pushed through. After just three days I was hooked each day I feel stronger and better. I had never been to a gym with the trainer that took the time to ensure that each person performed the exercises correctly but also pushed them to do more and be better. With Erik’s advice and guidance I completely changed my eating habits and committed myself to my health and body.
I’ve lost over 65lbs in under 5 months and needless to say I’m a health and fitness addict. I can’t get enough of Erik’s workouts and even come for doubles many days. I look forward every day to the new fun ways Erik will push me and make me stronger on the inside and out. My life has truly changed for the better since becoming a part of the Iron fit family. I no longer have back pain and I have more energy than I know what to do with. I am a better mom to my kids and I no longer doubt my abilities. I know that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Without Erik and Iron Fit Circuit Training I don’t know that I would’ve found this new amazing person I’ve become.
I am so thankful to Erik for his hard work and support in my journey and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Amber
I am a stay at home mom with 3 kids and I had let myself go in a way that I never I thought I would. I was sacrificing every part of me for my family, but was actually cutting all of us short of the mom and wife I could be if I was happy with myself. I was depressed and hated looking in the mirror at what I had allowed myself to do to my body. I never made time to take care of myself because I felt like there just wasn’t enough time in my day to take care of all of them AND myself. One of my dearest friends, Christy Chapman Massie asked me to come with her to Iron Fit, which was a huge deal because my husband and I are actually part owners in a CrossFit gym here in San Antonio.
My husband, thankfully was supportive of me going to a different gym because he realized my desire and need for a change. I almost died during my first 3 days of Iron Fit workouts because I was so out of shape, but after every workout I felt accomplished…. better than yesterday. I was hooked. I signed up and have never looked back since. I started off inconsistent because of the holidays, but in January we started a transformation challenge.
Erik Guerra is so passionate about what he does and about getting people in the shape they so badly want to be in. He not only gives us the tools to be successful, he makes sure we fully comprehend those tools and is always available and willing to help us along the way.
My first challenge started off great but I found myself slipping back into mom mode and was putting everyone before myself again half way through it and I didn’t finish it out. I messaged Erik one morning and told him I wanted to start the challenge over on my own and he helped me the entire way. I did Iron Fit workouts and followed my macros that Erik told me to use. I lost weight and was feeling great, feeling stronger and faster in workouts. I couldn’t believe it. I never thought I would feel good again after being in such a slump.
Now I’m almost at the end of my second Iron Fit challenge and I’m smaller than I’ve been in years. I feel great every day!! I end my weekdays with an Iron Fit workout and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m still mom, but I’m a better mom and my family is able to do more now together because Mom is no longer wanting to hide in the house because she feels so bad about herself and can’t fit in her clothes. I have lost over 30 lbs. and gone from a size 8 to a size 0 in less than one year by simply following the plan that Erik set out for me. Erik has literally guided me every step of the way.
Iron Fit has changed my life and I am so grateful for it. Thank you Erik for all you do and for always being available to help me with my 1200 questions throughout this journey.
Gene
I’ve trained with Erik for almost 5 years now. I’ve followed him from gym to gym and when he finally took the plunge and opened up Iron Fit Circuit Training at Stone Oak, I immediately joined! Erik’s always been a great trainer, but since venturing out with his own gym and being able to utilize his own methodology of instruction, I have seen fantastic results!
Before Iron Fit, I trained on a pretty regular basis but never ever really took it to that next level. With Erik, I’ve been able to do just that! I began training 5-6 days a week, always setting a goal to achieve whether it be participation in an obstacle course race or some other event, I found it becoming easy to push myself with Erik’s guidance!
My most recent accomplishment with Iron Fit began this past January with a 12 week Fitness Challenge. I had been determined that I wasn’t going to do it as I had done weight loss challenges before, but I never took them seriously and never got anything out of them; but his time, something was telling me to follow through with it, so I joined the week before the challenge began. For whatever reason, this time I found myself determined and focused. My initial goal was to just get under 200 pounds by the end of the 12 weeks, which seemed unrealistic.
The first week was the toughest, but Erik was always there with encouragement and words of wisdom to push through the difficult times. Erik taught all of us, there was more to fitness and weight loss than just exercise and in order to transform our bodies, we needed to learn the tools to a healthier lifestyle. I took everything Erik taught me to heart as he monitored and pushed us each and every day.
Through it all, I had made the decision to make the necessary sacrifices needed to be successful and in 12 weeks, I had lost a whopping 39.5 pounds!! 16.93% of my body weight!!! I went from 233.3 pounds at the start of the challenge, and on day 90, I weighed in at 193.8 pounds!! I not only met my initial goal, but I surpassed it and was under 200 pounds for the first time since college! I had not just ‘lost weight’ though; at the age of 47, I am presently the leanest and strongest I’ve ever been! I’ve made some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for!! If you were to look at my 90 day picture (and squint), you can even make out abs!! 🙂
For anyone whose looking to change their life…for anyone whose looking to make great friends…for anyone whose looking to become part of THE best gym in San Antonio….you need to come join Erik and us at Iron Fit Circuit Training at Stone Oak!!!
Sandy M
I have been a member of Iron Fit Circuit Training since July 2014. Prior to joining, I’d spent over 30 years working out in big clubs during prime time. It became increasingly difficult to get a good workout in a jam packed gym. I spent an average of 2.5 hours a day in the gym and walked out feeling like I’d accomplished nothing which was both frustrating and discouraging.
Iron Fit was recommended to me by a friend. I was definitely ready for something new. I hoped to find a way to become motivated again. I needed a program without all the guess work. I decided it was time to give Iron Fit a try during a free trial offer.
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into whether this was a hardcore CrossFit gym, what the movements would be like and whether or not I could even do them. I worried my body wouldn’t be up to the task due to middle age.
Iron Fit is like nothing I have ever experienced before. Erik Guerra has created the ultimate exercise experience, with a no nonsense approach, which is accomplished through a one-hour class. It’s hard work, he offers constant variety and the results are nothing short of amazing. The Iron Fit workouts are specific and structured, I know what to expect as far what we are training for that day. Since joining Iron Fit, I have strengthened my core, lost weight and many inches while remaining injury free. Erik takes pride in every client and is personally vested in their success. He balances the right amount of weight training, cardio exercise and provides exceptional nutritional guidance.
Iron Fit has allowed me to consistently improve my level of fitness by working smarter and more efficiently; every rep counts and no time or energy is wasted! I am extremely pleased with my results and feel like I am in the best shape of my life at age 55. I’ve lost over 20 lbs. in 3 months, competed in several races and obstacle course runs, and my energy levels are through the roof. If you’re serious about getting healthier, stronger, and fit in a fun and inclusive environment – Iron Fit is the place for you!