By Clyde Noel

Kevin English, certified strength trainer and condition specialist, works with John Berwald at the FIT (Focused Individual Training) facility at Rancho Shopping Center.

For years the building was occupied by Sanwa Bank and open a few hours a day, a place where people stepped up to the cashier for their financial health. It’s now occupied by FIT (Focused Individual Training), open from 5:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., where people now step up on blocks for their physical health.

FIT does not offer group exercise programs like the senior centers with classes of 20 or more. When seniors come to FIT for personal training they receive an age-appropriate customized workout program. The program focuses on maintaining and building strength, balance, coordination, agility and power.

“We believe there is an athlete in everyone just waiting to come out no matter what the age,” said Tracey Downing, FIT employee. “The beauty of our program is that it is tailored to the person’s unique needs and goals. That could be why many of our clients are over 50.”

John Berwald, Armadillo Willy’s executive, has been working on his program to gain strength in his back for three years.

“I work with my trainer two days a week and several times on my own,” Berwald said. “Kevin, my trainer, has me stepping up and stepping down and as much as I hate this, I can see much improvement.”

Kevin English is a certified strength and condition specialist who specializes in clients who are 50-plus.

Client Betty Tight has been with FIT since October 2001 and has worked out continuously since 1999. At 79, she works out two days a week for one hour. She likes every exercise except step-ups.

“I love it, it’s very challenging and stimulating. It’s great to see improvements, they make me feel younger,” she said.

Tight recommends the program wholeheartely and wishes she could get more friends to work out with her. She enjoys working with the young, motivated people at FIT.

Dowling said the beauty of the program is having an individual routine tailored to each person’s unique needs and capabilities; that distinguishes it from a group program. Each person is closely monitored (one-on-one) throughout his or her session.

FIT’s team of professionals has developed programs to help people reach their personal fitness goals. They have programs to lose weight, become more active or improve recreational sports performances.

FIT is located in the Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos. For more information, logon to www.focusedtrainers.com.