I am a Ft. Lauderdale Florida based fitness trainer specializing in training individuals living with HIV.  I was diagnosed with HIV 25 years ago and through this time have come to understand the physical and emotional needs of living with HIV.

I have been a body builder since the age of 25.  In the early 90’s, I developed Macro bacterium Avium Complex (MAC) an AIDS defining illness resulting in a weight loss from 150 pounds to 89 pounds.  Add to this a T-Cell count of 0 and combination of muscle wasting and fat loss, the results appeared grim.  The advent of protease inhibitors contributed heavily to my recovery.  But so did my sense of self and the importance my life had yet to contribute.  I am convinced that courage of conviction, a strong sense of self and the power of love add significantly to better health.

I got into fitness with the goal of returning to my original weight and discovered that an intense workout regiment caused an increase in T-Cell count and a decrease in viral load.  I now have been in the business of personal training for 10 years and, although my practice is not limited to individuals living with HIV this is the area of my main focus.  I have seen and experienced the physiological changes that occur with HIV and developed workouts that address these issues with significant results.

I have written fitness articles for POZ magazine which can be accessed by going to www.poz.com.  I have also lectured at Universities speaking about living with HIV, the success of survival and the overall emotional and physical issues that are attached with an HIV diagnosis.  I am also associated with Rush University Medical Center working as a fitness professional at the HIV clinic.  I provide fitness related articles, help patients to become motivated in working out, provide workout programs and physical assessments along with personal one-on-one training.

My goal is not to create the perfect body but to be able to provide oneself with the belief in themselves, the knowing of their importance with the contributions they can offer; and, ultimately, loving who they are.  Living with HIV has taught me the tools in which I can provide results not only with myself but to others.