Somagenesis Health and Fitness

10/05/2008 Posted by JonnieC

My name is John Michael Cione, I am 40 years old and have played sports my entire life. I never worked out regularly with weights. I was referred to Rivak after I had sustained a severe foot injury. I weighed 178 pounds. I thought I was in reasonably good shape. My first workout was more challenging than I could ever imagined. Undaunted, I changed my eating and drinking habits, trained with Rivak 3 days a week. Now I weigh 150 pounds and in the best shape of my life. My strength, speed and endurance have increased dramatically. I also had to buy a new wardrobe and I even fit in clothes that have been in my closet for 10 years. I found that a consistent workout regimen has greatly reduced my stress levels and enhanced my overall attitude. I credit Rivak and his approach to fitness for positively affecting many facets of my life which I had not expected. His discipline and guidance were pivotal in keeping me on track. I honestly feel getting involved with Somagenesis is one the best things I have ever done for myself, my family and my business

Pros: Fast paced, high calorie burning workouts

Cons: None

09/28/2008 Posted by SargeantPass

I never had to worry about exercise during my 20 years in the Army. PT (Physical Training) was a guaranteed part of my day. Lately my weight started to rise and my energy level dropped. Not a good combination in my current line of work. Rivak's no nonsense, get it done and get it done right ethic, along with his medical expertise is just what this old Sergeant needed. My wife and I are busy and have little time to spare in a day. For couples wanting to stay in shape and stay healthy together, Somagenesis and Rivak is the only solution. I went from 35% body fat to 11% body fat in under 5 months and am still losing fat and gaining muscle. Rivak and Somagenesis kick but OOORAHH

Pros: No nonsense, innovative, produces results.

Cons: None

09/18/2008 Posted by Billsheffler

Rivak has been instrumental in my recovery from injuries, and provided a much more balanced strength and flexibility program. I'm now stronger than before and have a more efficient workout schedule, that yields better results. He is experienced and has a thorough knowledge of exercise physiology. My principal exercise activity is ultra-marathon cycling supplemented with raquetball and skiing. Besides technical expertise he also can adapt to changing personal goals, and provide important motivational messages. I've tried yoga, pilates, and traditional physical therapy, the Somagenesis program easily surpasses all of them!

Pros: Innovative, attentive, very professional

Cons: None

09/14/2008 Posted by MajorLucht

Rivak's cutting edge approach to fitness and nutrition opened up my potential to new levels. For years, I have struggled to establish proper fitness goals. Rivak helped me redirect my focus in the right direction and establish those goals. In the past, I have always thought the answer lay somewhere between bodybuilding and power lifting. Boy I was mistaken. For years, I had neglected cardio, core and interval training, and neglected what I really was looking for. That was a lean athletic body. My favorite activity/sport is surfing, so Rivak trained me like a swimmer. He showed me different exercises college swimmers perform, and integrated them into a high intensity workout 3 days per week, with long relaxing jogging on the days in between. In one month I lost 15 pounds, and barely had to change what I was eating... As long as it was in moderation. As a Marine Officer, I am expected to be in premium condition. Yest, I have, at times pushed my body weight limits. With Rivak's techniques and his ability to clarify what I need for my specific life style, I will never struggle with what I need to do to maintain a high-level of fitness. I have never used a personal trainer before, but I can now say it was a life changing experience and money invested wisely.

Pros: Professional. always on time, always there for me!

Cons: None

09/07/2008 Posted by JAMerrittMD

’ve been in general fitness training with Rivak Hoffman for about a year. I can honestly say it has marked a turning point in my life. This is much more than an intense workout session. Sure, I’ve lost body fat, and built up my endurance and strength. More importantly, I’ve also gained insight into the aging process, and how to combat it. I am in my late ‘50’s and have changed from a sedentary person prone to aches and acute tendonitis from participating in casual sports, to a more conditioned man, probably in better shape than I was in college. Thanks to Rivak Hoffman’s training techniques, I have regained youthful agility, balance, coordination and flexibility. What distinguishes Somagenesis is professionalism, knowledge, individual attention, and a comprehensive, enthusiastic and guided approach to health and fitness. This is not ‘cookie-cutter’ body sculpting. Rivak has an impressive resume, but he doesn’t flaunt it. His medical and neurological training coupled with his credentials in fitness training sets him apart and makes him an ideal trainer for clients of all ages and abilities, those with intact musculoskeletal systems as well as those with disabilities or chronic disorders. Most importantly, he approaches his clients as a true professional. He keeps detailed records and monitors progress. He makes sure you get each exercise right and monitors every movement for mistakes that can lead to injury. Make the call! I’m sure glad I did.

Pros: Always attentive, precise and effective

Cons: None

08/22/2008 Posted by KeithValentineCOO

Rivak Hoffman is a one of a kind personal trainer. He sincerely cares about the health and wellness of his clients. He is alos a sincere friend that you can trust. His workouts are never boring, always challenging and time fly's when working with him. I met Rivak several months ago at the San Diego Biotech conference through one of my friends. I thougth he was "one of us" In all actually he is better than us. He is physically healthy, sharp as a tack and is very funny at times. I highly recommend andy businessman who is looking for the cream of the cope to meet with Rivak. He will make your head spin!

Pros: Well groomed, intelligent, good with innovative programs.

Cons: None

08/21/2008 Posted by StevenCohenMD

Looking great is an important aspect of my business. Over the years, I have struggled with weight gain and retention. Being an MD, I though I can handle the task on my own. I guess not! I continued to gain weight and started feeling melancholy about my appearance. Rivak's name came up during a medical conference i attended several months ago. My business partner and his wife have had great results with him, and he was all I would hear about. Well, the timing was right and my mood stimulated me to pick up the phone and make the call. It wasn't east admitting my failure, but I am glad I did. Its been a few months, but finally my belly fits back into my size 32" slacks and I feel wonderful. Rivak and his fitness know- how are a big part of my life, and i now recommend all my patients to use him to maintain their body's after surgery. Rivak is a great guy, easy to talk to, full of information, and besides, he is also a PA, and well medically trained. My suggestion. Use him or lose out.

Pros: High medical aptitude, phenomenal personal trainer

Cons: I should have begun working with him years ago!

08/21/2008 Posted by BernsteinJD

I met Rivak Hoffman 1.5 years ago after finding him on the internet. I have had numerous personal trainers, but always achieved the minimal expected results. This time I was looking for an upper echlon trainer who could motivate me and push me to a whole different level of fitness. Besides i needed to lose a good 20 lbs of fat off my mid section. Rivak and I were a good fit right from the start. He is very much full of energy and his passion for fitness is very evident. He explains and executes his programs very well, and there is never a dull moment. I although i am often gasping for air, I enjoy my workouts. What really shocked me is my 15 pounds of weight loss that happened in just a mere 4 weeks! Although I have a chived my goals, I will continue to work with Rivak, as I enjoy his company and camraderie. My new goal is to run a triathlon, which is Rivaks forte' and his past for many years. I highly recommend Rivak Hoffman if you want to "cut to the chase" and get the job done. Don't waste your money elsewhere. I have had 5 personal trainers over the years. Rivak is the real deal!

Pros: Easy to talk to. Interesting program design, never boring.

Cons: I would like to train with him 5 days/ week, but his schedule is very busy.

07/22/2008 Posted by BeverlyWeurding

Rivak the miracle worker! I was needing to find an exercise specialist/trainer to strengthen my core lower back muscles, shoulders, arms and thigh muscles, which have degenerated from a very rare disease called polymyositis. For 13 years I have watched my once, very slim and fitness body, gradually become ravaged by the destruction of muscle mass, leaving me unable to climb stairs, walk without a cane and always using a wheelchair when outside the home. By chance, I found the link to Somagensis. A call and a response from Rivak, was the beginning of an incredible journey to wellness and muscle rejuvenation. Rivak has the medical education, training and experience, in particular, a strong interest in working with challenged people. With a customized program and a commitment to Rivak and myself, the challenge was set and I was ready to see results. Rivak encouraged me to reach for my maximum potential exercise level but he cautioned me to be aware of my physical limitations. Only an experienced exercise trainer, like Rivak, has the ability to design an exercise program to achieve the greatest outcome. My workouts are intense and strenuous at times. That was in 2006. In two years, I have seen a major change in my muscle strength throughout my body. I was told that my muscle weakness could never be reversed with exercise. Rivak gave me the courage and motivation to look beyond these false statements. It takes a challenge, a life-long commitment to be in my best physical condition, consistency, discipline, belief in myself and my trainer and a knowingness that I will succeed. Without Rivak, my coach, my mentor, I would be permanently using a wheelchair. Thank you Rivak and thank you God.

Pros: Kind, compassionate, patient and knowledgeable.

Cons: Nothing

07/16/2008 Posted by JeffStrauss

Trying to keep weight off, never the less remove extra fat pounds has never been easy for me. I needed help. Thanks to a good friend who referred Rivak Hoffman Master Personal Trainer with Somagenesis, I was able to grab the cow by the horns and get things going. It hasn't been easy, but well worth the time and effort. It could not have been done with out Rivak's wisdom, motivational tools and complete understanding of good and bad nutrition. Since my business is food, I am always surrounded by it and sampling it for quality. I have learned how to avoid habitual noshing and the importance of wholesome organic foods. Since first working with Rivak I have shed 36 pounds in a 3 month time frame. I am very stoked! My long term goal is to drop 60 pounds and I know we can do this over the next 3 months. Rivak is a good guy who is always on time, works around my schedule and constantly keeps the keeps my mind in the fitness loop. You just can't go wrong with this guy, but only if you go it alone like I did for so many miserable years. Thank you Rivak

Pros: Really understands diet and nutritional couseling in relationship to weight loss needs.

Cons: None