Tania, CSULB Studen - Long Beach, CA

     "That was me, on the left, back in August 2011 (183 pounds) :-( . By January 2012, I added 10-15 extra pounds (193-198 pounds) :-( :-( . I was so self-conscious. Although I wanted to lose weight really bad, I didn't have the motivation.

     I started going to the gym but didn't know how to train properly. I decided to start taking High interval/strength training classes. I started taking B&G with Melina at the CSULB Rec Center. The first day, I remember thinking to myself "Oh my God, I'm going to die" but boy, did It feel so good afterwards. She's very encouraging and pushes you to your limits. She's very tough but that's because she REALLY cares. She wants you to get results and you will if you give it your best and are consistent. I did.

     She's an exceptional trainer. She brings so much energy in the room. I trained with Melina 3 times a week and was consistent through out the whole spring semester. Additionally, I signed up to her newsletter and received monthly motivation, workouts of the month, meal of the month emails, etc... I followed her nutritional guide and workouts of the month every month. Melina motivated me like no other and brought strength out of me that I never knew I had. There is so much to say but In short as a result, by the end of the semester (May), I went down 163. I lost about 30 pounds. Yesssssss...!!! I feel so good. Melina Fitness is the way!!!! Thanks for your motivation and the hard work.

Sincerely,

Tania"

Dr. Bonnie L. Gasior - Long Beach, CA

"I have such high regard and appreciation for Melina’s training techniques that I think I could write a chapter-length testimonial on her behalf. In only a few short weeks, Melina has made a believer out of me and earned a fan for life through her grueling but paradoxically energizing fit camp. She’s helped me attain my short term goals and as a result, I am 100% committed to continuing to work “all day, every day” (as she asserts) to maintain and better my fitness level.

I have been an athlete most of my life, even securing a college athletic scholarship, and strive to take care of myself in general in other ways, such as developing and maintaining good eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. Still, my weight has always tended to fluctuate +/- 10 lbs. I finally decided this was unnecessary and unacceptable, particularly after seeing pictures of myself on a trip in May (ironically, on a bike ride!). Obviously, my exercise habits were falling short or simply not working. While I attribute some of this to turning 40, I also realized that I needed to step up my game, so to speak. When I saw an advertisement for Melina’s fit camp in late May 2012, I took it as a sign (no pun intended) and knew what I had to do.

What I love about her fit camp is that it changes constantly, and the unpredictability factor keeps the routines interesting and the participants on their toes (sometimes literally!). And although the class does not get easier, your body does get stronger, leaner, and becomes more efficient. Melina is also a stickler for proper form, which many instructors casually overlook. She makes you think about each movement as key to reaping the maximum benefits from each workout. There will be times you feel like you cannot take another step, that your heart rate cannot get any higher, that pigs will fly before you squeak out another push up. But Melina has mastered beautifully the art of motivating you to do the impossible. You will leave her class feeling absolutely exhausted but at the same time invigorated and empowered, both mentally and physically.

If you’re in a rut or need a challenge, Melina is definitely the person to see. She has revolutionized the way I approach working out and staying healthy, both in and outside of her classes!

Dr. Bonnie L. Gasior"
 

Shari, mother of 3 - Los Alamitos, CA

"I'd just like to let everyone know what Melina's approach to fitness means to me!

I began attending her boot camps in the fall of 2009.  Prior to that, I was at a plateau with my running… I just wasn't seeing much improvement in my overall physical fitness.  

Melina's no nonsense approach to cross training during training sessions has been a breath of fresh air…literally!!  I love the park setting and I thoroughly enjoy how Melina changes up the workout routines…it's NEVER boring or predictable.  Melina is a motivating coach, a knowledgeable dietician, and lots of fun to work with! 

As the saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race." Although I have only been attending an average of one boot camp per week, my core strength has improved tremendously…I don't think my core has been this strong since my college years! My endurance has also greatly improved and I definitely see a difference in my running.  I look forward to beating my best 5K time at the Race on the Base in Los Alamitos next month! After that, who knows?  I definitely see a half-marathon in my near future!

I would highly recommend Melina to people at every fitness level!  She's great at tailoring her workouts to suit each individual and she really helps motivate you to attain the results you want!

Best of luck to you all in 2011 and beyond!!  Thanks to Melina, it really does "feel great to get in shape!"
 

Steven - Long Beach, CA

"...My experience with Melina Fitness has been amazing! I have seen dramatic changes in myself nutrionally and physically. My goals in joining Melina Fitness was to lower my body fat percentage AND to develop a healthy lifestyle. The results? Slowly but surely, my body did tone up. I loss body fat and gained more lean muscles. I look at food in a more healthier way cutting out all the unhealthy junk food.

   Melina Fitness is way more than just a fitness program to help you eat healthy and either lose or gain weight. Although her workouts are really butt kicking, you will feel amazed of how much your body can take! She will push you to your limit! Her workouts and nutrition methods are always switched up so your body does not get used to the same routines. I have always looked forward to her class. Because I have seen great results, I WILL CONTINUE to follow Melina Fitness. Follow her instructions and you will reach your goals! If you are looking for changes in your body or lifestyle, Melina Fitness is the way to go! THANK YOU MELINA!"

Kelly - Huntington Beach, CA

"...I love working out with you Melina.  I love that you're constantly changing it up...I don't think we've done the same exercise twice.  You make it go by fast, you are so motivating AND you have completely changed the way I think about eating.  Didn't see that one coming!  I'm totally cooking differently and ordering differently in restaurants.  And the cool thing is: My family loves the recipes.  This works for everyone.  ALSO I have issues with my blood sugar and since I've been working with Melina I have not had ONE sugar crash.  I feel fabulous!  <3..."

"...PS: after 2 months I'm down 11.5 lbs.. and at our last weigh in I had lost 3% body fat. I never thought I'd say I'm excited for the next weigh in! The scale and the mirror don't lie..."

Ora - M.D. - Manhattan Beach, CA

"...At age 17 I was athletic, in good shape and conditioning. At age 57 I thought my athleticism was a thing of the past. And then I met Melina. She has taught me that no matter one's age, with hard work and dedication, you can choose to live a healthy life style and get back to being conditioned, feel strong and energetic and have fun doing it!  I feel very lucky to have met Melina and have her be my trainer..."

Vicky - Rossmoor, CA

"... I have been working with Melina Christidis for several months now and I hold her knowledge and abilities as a trainer in high regard. My personal reflection is based on how I feel both physically and mentally since we began working together.

   As a mother of three ( two of who are under 3) it is hard enough to get up in the morning and function normally let alone incorporate a workout routine into your daily schedule. Having Melina show up bright and early to train me has been a wonderful way to start my day and give me the energy to keep going.... Her flexibility to work around babies and bottles has been very much appreciated and necessary. There has been a lot to work on physically since having my third and I cannot say enough how proud I am when I hear " You have 3 kids?" Those are the results I have seen because of Melina Fitness. I have seen such a difference in the mirror, but also in my stamina and strength level as I go about my daily routines.

   In addition to how good I feel in seeing results that I can trace back to my vain self, I also am amazed in the physical difference I feel in regards to my medical condition.

   I was diagnosed 5 years ago with arthritis in my spine and have suffered in pain for 8 years now. There have been many days when moving out of bed in the morning have been excruciating. I am not saying that my pain is completely gone, it never will be, but I have seen a TREMENDOUS improvement since beginning the workouts. I often find myself out of bed and beginning my day before realizing I didn't take any medication to do so.....

   MelinaFitness has been a wonderful inclusion in my daily life. Melina is truly a professional, always giving 100 percent of herself to you, and adjusting her workouts to accommodate my physical needs, weaknesses and desires in achieving the best me I can!! Thank you !..."

John D.D.S. - Walnut Creek, CA

"...I just finished a 3 mile walk around Heather Farms. It was both refreshing and invigorating. Thank you Melina for getting me into shape and also losing 18lbs in the last 3 months. I feel great both mentally and physically...."

Ken - Long Beach, CA

"...Melina motivates me to be the best I can be.  She is very knowlegeable about both fitness and nutrition..."

Cathy - Walnut Creek, CA

"...I just got off the scale and I am 22 pounds lighter.  It hard to believe that in a little over 2 months I have lost that much weight.  It is all thanks to Melina.  She motivated me to start being accountable to myself and to start eating better.  I have one of her delicious shakes every morning along with a great one hour walk with my dog Agape.  I have learned that the I am in charge of my food instead of my food being in charge of me and this is because of MELINA.  She is a great teacher, friend, motivater, and counselor.  I feel blessed to have her in my life.  Keep motivating the world Melina!!!!!!!..."