Shon Halasi – Back to the Basics Training

Thanks to Shon, and his practical approach to fitness, I’m more fit than I’ve been in a long time! Shon personalized a diet and fitness program specific to my needs and encouraged me to believe in my ability to follow through. Prior to working with Shon, I had tried just about every diet out there — all to no avail. Nor was I getting the results I wanted working out on my own. From the moment I met Shon, I knew that I was going to succeed in my weight loss journey. With Shon’s guidance, I began eating healthy and nutritional meals that didn’t leave me feeling hungry. I also had plenty of energy for my workouts. I’ll admit that changing my eating habits was difficult at first, but it became easier as I began to see results! I would recommend Shon to anyone, of any fitness level, looking to improve their health and endurance.

Shon’s Back to Basics Training is just what it claims to be – a solid, informed, and common-​sense approach to getting into better shape, whatever one’s specific goals. I am particularly impressed with Shon’s consistent focus on the «science» of exercise — what the exercise is supposed to accomplish, which specific muscles are involved, and how one knows if it has been properly executed or not. I found this approach invaluable in my own independent workouts. Shon’s concerns with diet and general health, in addition to exercise, make his a balanced holistic approach to basic training and fitness. I highly recommend him!

I started out with Shon back in ’04 when I was under a serious fitness program with renowned fitness guru, Michael Thurman. I remember, at that time, wanting to be paired up with a female trainer (because I was very self conscious), but Michael insisted that Shon would be the best match for me. He was SO RIGHT! Shon demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and expertise both during my training sessions and while he counseled and encouraged me with my nutrition. I saw results almost instantaneously (I was, however, sticking 100% to the program set for me and I didn’t waiver). I did so well under his guidance, both with my eating and with my training, that I got into the best shape of my adult life.
I then moved, lots of life happened, and I lost touch with Shon. Through the non-​Shon years, I had tried about five different trainers —- wasn’t happening. Three were in very questionable shape, one was just there to drill me and provided no support whatsoever, and the other one would cancel at least once a week and had no backbone when it came to dealing with me (okay, here’s where I will admit that I will OCCASIONALLY try to manipulate my trainer into being easy on me). Well, it worked with everyone else (because they really didn’t care), but it doesn’t work with Shon. He truly loves what he does, and he really cares about people and their health/​fitness. He is NOT A PUSHOVER! He keeps me focused, he doesn’t play, he doesn’t give into my weaknesses, and he challenges me. He keeps me accountable with my food intake and with my exercise, both in his presence and out of his studio. All this, yet he is very encouraging and positive — never negative.
As far as training, Shon is an extremely detailed trainer (which is exactly what this OCD’er needs). He doesn’t just focus on general sets, reps, and cardio, he specifically targets and isolates muscle groups that need to be worked on so that you can look and feel your best.
I highly recommend Shon not just for those who are already in great shape, but for those, like me, who have been in and out of shape as well as for people who, for the first time, have decided to take care of themselves and make a healthy lifestyle a priority.

Shon is a fantastic coach/​trainer, I only wish I had met him sooner! He helped me set goals, put me through offseason workouts, and continues to focus on my race strategy, nutrition, and mental focus. It’s not just a job for him, he truly cares and it shows.

I have had several trainers and have had nothing but frustration after a few weeks. Shon is different. As an ex-​pro athlete, he has been at the top of his game and knows how to get other people to the top of theirs. I really appreciate his personalized approach and wealth of knowledge about nutrition, stress management, weight training, etc. He is realistic and honest, and that’s refreshing. I’m 42, and never thought that I would be competing in bicycle racing like a 20 year old again. Also, my wife suffered from a heart condition, and had never excercised. With Shon’s help, she’s running 9 miles a week, and has lowered her heart rate by about 18bpm. Amazing stuff.