If you’re looking to tone up, build the endurance to make it up a few flights of stairs, or even re-discover the rock-hard abs you once possessed back in high school, Shapers Fitness of Merrick can provide the guidance you need to achieve your goal.
Taking one look at owner Jamie Izen’s physical credentials should be enough to convince any naysayer that he’s clearly a fitness expert; but if that’s not enough, certainly his extensive real-world experience would do the trick.
“I started martial arts when I was four years-old. Later, I started working out with weights to get better at martial arts and I got bit by the iron bug,” he said. “I ended up getting into bodybuilding, competed in some local shows and when I was 18, I moved out to California for a few years to learn from the pros. Then I came home and put that knowledge to work.”
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As for the training regimen you can expect to be put through at Shapers Fitness, Izen said that depends on the individual.
“Everyone’s body is different, so I don’t go by a certain kind of protocol,” he said. “I’ll take any client, from age nine to age 70, and depending on their goals, I’ll help them meet those goals through diet and training. And we can train around any injury, because we carry all Cybex equipment here.”
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In contrast to larger-scale gyms, Shapers Fitness is a smaller, studio-style workout facility where Izen takes on all of his client’s training and nutrition duties, one-on-one.
“Big gyms give people the wrong idea about fitness because they get intimidated,” he said. “They see a lot of machines, a lot of people who intimidate them, and they stop going for that reason. So I have the look of a gym, with a lot of equipment, but I really just train people one or two at a time, tops. I’m the only trainer here and I work all day. This way, I know everyone’s going to get the results that they want.”
Initially opening up shop in Bellmore back in 2003, Izen eventually transplanted the operation down Merrick Road to his current location, a move he feels was best for business.
“Four years ago, we changed up and came to Merrick,” he said. “Our lease was up and I was looking to move into a better facility. There’s more walk-by traffic here, it's a better area, we get more exposure and we have a nicer landlord.”
When it comes to getting yourself into better shape, Izen encourages people not to take any shortcuts.
“Don’t put a price on your body,” he said. “If you have to have to have surgery, do you go to the OK doctor, or do you go to the best? If it’s your health, you should get the best. Find a good place that focuses on your body and not just on your wallet.”
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