"The doctors tell me that these surgeries will put the contestants' bodies under extreme, rapid chaos. My job is to prepare them for it," Pacifico said. "The main focus for each person is to lose about 10-20 pounds of body fat, become healthier and more physically ready to withstand the upcoming stress."

How does a plastic surgeon, a dental surgeon and an eye laser surgeon prepare a client for surgery? Not just any surgery, but an extreme makeover consisting of several grueling operations.

This particular elite team of medical doctors called on Larry Pacifico, recently crowned Personal Trainer of the Year by the International Sports Sciences Association, a leading personal trainer certification organization. "When someone undergoes extreme, rapid changes to the body, the body pays a heavy toll. Stripping excess body fat, proper nutrition habits and resistance training not only prepares one for surgery, but makes your body look great as well," said Pacifico, owner of Champions Gym in Dayton, OH.

"When I received the phone call from this prominent team of doctors, I almost jumped out of my skin with excitement," he said. "Over 50 doctors currently refer patients to me for rehab and general musculature system development, but this project was even more exciting. A local extreme makeover is a great way to prove to the community that if you stick to some basic principles with proper guidance from a certified personal trainer, you can literally transform your body."

When the extreme makeover team announced its agenda, they received over 300 applicants. While they couldn't take everyone, they did narrow the contestants to three, who began their personal training sessions at Pacifico's gym in early January. Training ends on Easter Sunday, April 11th.

"We do complete body assessments every two weeks, like clockwork. This keeps everyone focused and enables me to make adjustments in the training regimen, if needed," Pacifico said. He has trained over 6500 clients since he started in 1990 as an ISSA certified personal trainer.

"The main focus for each person is to lose about 10-20 pounds of body fat, become healthier and more physically ready to withstand stress placed upon the body. The doctors tell me that these surgeries will put the contestants' bodies under extreme, rapid chaos. My job is to prepare them for it," Pacifico said confidently.

"I have to chuckle because this is something everyone should do, not just those that want to compete in an extreme makeover," he said.

About Champions Gym
Founded in 1993 by champion powerlifter Larry Pacifico, Champions Gym has five locations in Ohio. They employ over 36 certified personal trainers, and offer aerobics, weight training, sport-specific training, rehab and just about every fitness related activity there is. For more information on Champions Gym or to open your own Champions Gym Franchise, go to: www.championsgym.com

About ISSA
Since 1988 the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided certification and continuing education to over 50,000 satisfied fitness professionals. ISSA certifications are recognized worldwide. From Youth Fitness to Senior Fitness, ISSA offers 10 certification programs and dozens of continuing education courses. For more information on the ISSA, please visit: www.issaonline.com

To schedule an interview with Larry Pacifico, or with an ISSA
representative, please contact:
Rochelle Yoshida
ISSA
800-892-4772