Boba answers some frequently asked questions, and gives us insight into the process of working with this very unique and dedicated master trainer.
Q: Where did you grow up? What brought you to LA?
I grew up in the former nation of Yugoslavia. I was a professional ballet and jazz dancer for over a decade and performed throughout Europe. I decided to move to the US in the late 1980’s to teach dance and it eventually lead me to begin personal training.
Q: How did you get into a career in fitness? Did you go to school for it?
Since dance is such a very intense exercise that requires focus, endurance, athletic ability and flexibility, being unhealthy was never an option. It’s always been a way of life for me, not a choice.
Q: How long have you been a trainer?
For over 20 years.
Q: What do you like best about your job? What do you like least?
I love seeing the way my expertise and training affects my clients both in their fitness level, their spirit and health. When people come to me and ask for help, I make the commitment to them to improve their lives and make them stronger. This is the best part of my job. The worst part is when I see the clients only commit to their routine halfway or they give up.
Q: Do you ever train your clients outside or in locations other than a gym? Explain.
Yes, I train them outside of the gym as well. Some of my clients don’t live in Los Angeles and when they come to Los Angeles, I will sometimes train them at their hotel gyms. I also have a few clients that travel often and I will train them via SKYPE when they are away from the gym.
Q: What’s your daily/weekly schedule like?
I usually begin training clients beginning at 7:00am so I wake up at 5:30am. I ask the clients to come to the gym 30 minutes before their session in order to do a cardio workout on the treadmill, rowing machine, bike or eliptical machine. I train clients in 30 minute to 1 hour increments throughout the day. Most of my clients come for 3-4 sessions per week.
Q: What’s the demographic of most of your clients (age, sex, race, weight, professionally, financially, etc.)?
I train clients of all shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicity. Most of my clients are professionals in the entertainment industry.
Q: What are your methods / tactics / approach?
I like to take the first two sessions to determine strong points and weaknesses of my clients. For example, can they do a push-up? What is their strength level? Do they have any injuries or do they experience pain in any part of their body? Once I have an understanding of the basic capabilities, I begin to tailor the workouts to their needs so that its a challenge, but also so there is gradual improvement. I like to be creative and show my clients exercises that require good form and I think repetition is important. I typically do 3 sets of 15 in a circuit. I like to blend arm workouts with legs and abdomen using free weighs, isometric, plyometric, strength training and balance.
Q: How do you motivate your clients?
I encourage them with words and with my undivided attention. With the technique of gradual development, the clients don’t feel inclined to quit if they can’t perform the exercise immediately. I want them to always try. That’s the most important thing to me. They must try. I don’t want my clients to get frustrated, but I feel it’s very important to make them push their limits.
Q: How do you stay fit? Have you ever been overweight?
I stay fit by running with my dog Sammy, by doing yoga and weight training. Because of my rigorous dance training since I was very young and my natural inclination to eat healthy, I am very lucky that I have never been overweight.
Q: Do you have strong opinions on nutrition? Describe.
Yes. I feel nutrition is very important in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercise alone will not allow you to reach your weight management goals. I like to eat healthy and clean and in small portions. I never sit down to eat a big meal because I don’t allow myself to get to the point of being ravenously hungry. I eat a lot of fresh fruit, nuts, protein (grilled chicken, egg whites, turkey breast). I eat very few carbohydrates and only a very little bit of sugar. I like to taste sweets, but I make a point of not eating them regularly.
Q: How are you different from other trainers?
I make myself 100 percent available to my clients. If they are willing to do whatever it takes to become healthy and fit, then I will do so as well. I also like to have a personal connection with my clients and get to know them. I think to know their personal and fitness history is important so I understand their pitfalls so they don’t fall into them again.
Q: How would you describe your personality? (Or how do family/friends describe you?)
I am often described as being direct, driven and relentless, yet I’m loving and encouraging.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
I like to spend time with my dog Sammy at the park and the beach. I go to the theater often and I also like to spend time with my friends trying new restaurants.
Q: What do you typically charge your clients?
I prefer that clients make the commitment to ten 30-minute sessions or ten 1 hour sessions. It varies from $600 to $950.
Q: What’s the best way for clients to reach you?
Bobamaxx@yahoo.com