Helen Villareal
Helen Villareal
Helen Villareal can sympathize with people who struggle to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 12 years ago she made the decision to start working out and change her outlook on nutrition. After tipping the scales at almost 210 pounds, Helen lost almost 80 pounds and has managed, through working out and healthy eating, to keep it off.
“I’ve been there!!” says Helen, “I know the struggles, the temptations, the hidden dangers, but it can be done. I am proof of that.” After adopting new eating habits, Helen immersed herself in not just working out but full-contact kickboxing, Tai Chi Jitsu and Lima Lama. Not only did she practice these disciplines, she persevered. She became a kickboxing instructor under Al Gonzales, a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tai Chi Jitsu under Soke Great Grand Master Fredrick Peterson (one of only two women in California to hold that belt) and hold a Purple Belt in Lima Lama under Master Richard Nunez.
While earning these honors, Helen began to use her knowledge of nutrition and training programs to begin personal training her own clients at Max Muscle in Whittier, CA. Eventually, she earned her Certified Personal Training degree through the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association, a world-wide recognized leader in personal training and fitness. Helen has also trained at Fitness City in Los Angeles, CA, John the Bodyman gym in Brea, CA and Hardcore Training Company in La Mirada, CA. She currently trains out of United Mixed Martial Arts in La Mirada where she is able to incorporate her love of martial arts into some of her training programs. “Some of my female clients are a little reluctant at first to put boxing gloves on and learn punches and kicks but once I show the proper form and technique, they love it!” Helen has trained a wide array of clients from high school students to doctors to members of Los Angeles County Sheriffs and Los Angeles Police Officers.
Not only does Helen train clients, she also conducts boot camp classes and cardio kickboxing classes. “My desire to see my clients achieve their health and fitness goals are what drives me to do all I can for them. To motivate them, encourage them, instruct them and be there for them is what being a personal trainer is all about.”
