“I train because I want to be the best version of myself that I can be,” says Luis Lizardi, regular gym-goer at Anytime Fitness, Temple Terrace, FL. His recent physical transformation is evidence of that statement; Luis has lost 75.6 pounds and 23% body fat since joining AF in 2021, through a mix of running and group workouts. But his transformation didn’t stop there.
Taking the first step
After four years in the military, Luis experienced several major life changes: moving to Tampa, going to school, and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was so tired all the time and didn’t feel like I had the time to devote to [fitness],” he says. The stress of school and the pandemic led to a period of weight gain. “I woke up one morning and I didn’t like looking at myself in the mirror.”
Around that time, a friend told Luis that he’d been going to Anytime Fitness and really enjoyed it. Luis decided to give it a shot, focusing on weight loss and overall wellness — and getting back into running. He says, “I used to run 5Ks and half marathons, but I could barely run a mile when I joined AF.”
From the moment he picked up his purple fob, Luis was impressed by the atmosphere. “The staff was amazing and they wanted me to explore all the options the gym had to offer,” he says. “The coaches were very understanding, they knew where I was coming from, and they had my best interest at heart.”
Building community
Luis started out with treadmill workouts, but soon after he joined, one of the AF Coaches talked to him about group training classes. “I was in the military so the group training really resonated with me,” he says. “And it takes the brain power out of [working out].”
While Luis still has a busy schedule, the structure and pre-planned nature of the group training sessions made it easier for him to stay consistent.
Another major benefit was the community. “The people, the coaches, they always make me feel good about being there. It’s nice seeing a regular crowd and really getting to know everyone,” Luis says.
Even regular gym-goers who don’t know Luis personally have noticed his transformation. “People have come up to me and said, ‘I’ve seen you coming in here from day one, and you are completely different now.’ They make me feel like the hard work is worth it.”
A home away from home
Today, with workouts being a regular part of his routine, Luis is not only back to running, but he’s also stronger.
After recently completing a 5K, Luis was pushed by Coaches J’Marie and Scott to run farther. “So I did 10 miles one day,” Luis laughs. His cardiovascular fitness and strength have improved, and perhaps most impressively, he doesn’t get tired walking up stairs. “I feel better about myself and my confidence level is up,” he says.
Even after his remarkable physical transformation, Luis’ fitness journey is far from over. “Anytime Fitness just feels like a home away from home,” he says, expressing his gratitude for the Coaches and the supportive community he’s found in the gym.
His advice for newcomers? “The first and hardest step is just showing up and being present.” For Luis, taking that first step was certainly worth it.
Thank you, Luis, for sharing your story with us! Feeling inspired? Take on a group workout with your gym buddies.
