Camarillo gym doesn't want clients waiting to use weights
'It's very safe emotionally and physically for people to come in and exercise' - George Erb Gym Owner
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

PERSONAL TRAINER- Kyle Kimbrell, a trainer and physical therapist, practices split squats in the training room at the George Erb Fitness Center in Camarillo.

Physical therapist George Erb became frustrated seeing former patients return with shoulder and back injuries because a personal trainer at their gym gave bad advice.

Erb said the experience taught him that some personal trainers at large fitness chains may be wellintentioned but lack the proper education. So Erb, who's had a physical therapy practice in Camarillo since 1988, opened his own fitness center.

"Just because a trainer looks good doesn't mean they know what they're doing," Erb said.

In March 2006, Erb opened the 22,000-square-foot George Erb Fitness Center Inc., devoting 7,000 square feet to the physical therapy practice and 15,000 square feet to the gym.

Since then membership has grown to 800. Erb said because he doesn't want the overcrowded conditions found at the big-box gyms he'll limit membership to between 1,000 and 1,200.

"One of the best things about our gym is we will only sell so many memberships," Erb said. "It's a very positive place. It's very safe emotionally and physically for people to come in and exercise."

Being around a smaller crowd when exercising appeals to Ruth Lust of Camarillo, who had been a member of large corporate gyms before.

"I'm actually coming this time." Lust said. "I like this."

Lust joined in October, after completing physical therapy at Erb's practice, and is happy that one of the therapists gave her guidance on a workout.

Erb said he takes pride that his facility is not like the large corporate chains. His fitness center, including the equipment, is cleaned constantly and has no foul odors.

And the personal trainers on staff are well-qualified, Erb said. Trainer Walter Herrera holds a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology, and Jake Highsmith has a bachelor's degree in exercise science and sports medicine from Cal Lutheran University.

Both men are specialists certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

But personal training is not a well-regulated field and has no national governing body that would set standards, as is the case with the medical profession.

Michele LeBlanc, chair of the exercise science department at Cal Lutheran University, said she's wary of personal trainers who become "certified" after a weekend course, which couldn't provide "the depth and breadth" of education that's necessary and has even stopped her membership at gyms after overhearing personal trainers give incorrect information on how the body works.

"The challenge for consumers is, one, anyone can say they're a personal trainer," LeBlanc said. "It is buyer beware."

On the other hand, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, which certified Herrera and Highsmith, is one of the most "known and reputable" certification agencies around, LeBlanc said.

What's more, a personal trainer with a four-year degree in exercise science has spent more time learning the science of how the body works, LeBlanc said.

She suggests consumers not simply take a personal trainer's certification at face value but find out from the trainer what it took to receive the certificate.

Erb said another feature that sets his center and trainers apart is they don't pressure members to

perpetually buy personal training sessions, because it's not necessary. He recommends that members who want to achieve a certain goal buy a training session or two with Highsmith or Herrera and then perform the customized exercises on their own.

When the member reaches a new fitness level or their goal has changed, they can then sign up

for more sessions, Erb said.

"It's more cost effective," Erb said. "We don't proselytize to anyone to buy a personal training session. Our position is you don't need that."

Sessions cost $75 or less.

Even though the center boasts a national sports figure or two as members, such as 2004 Olympic gold medalist Jessica Mendoza, the staff is capable of serving the fitness needs of everyday people, Erb said.

"We have something for everyone, no matter who you are," Erb said.

The $49 monthly membership fee includes towel service and shower supplies as well as Pilates, spinning, yoga and water aerobics classes. When signing up, members pay only the first and last months' fees and $15 for the membership card.

For more information, please call (805) 484-3307 or visit www.erbphysicaltherapy.com/.