Fitness Together is local and grass-roots. And is more dedicated to the La Jolla landscape. Owned by Alan Ezeir, the La Jolla facility recently underwent facility renovations. But, above and beyond, Ezeir, along with general manager John Lenz, decided to kick their business philosophy up a notch. Instead of just being a gym with sweat, dead-weights and showers, the facility is now focused on approaching clientele with more personalized and focused workouts that help customers achieve long-term health and fitness goals. In the long run, Fitness Together upgraded its physical presence through renovations, the addition of modern equipment and a focus on health and attitude in the community. “Alan and I agreed that the gym needed a makeover,” Lenz said. “We decided to open up our front cardio area to a protein bar and reception area. Training rooms were updated to give our trainers all the supplies necessary to deliver effective workouts every session.” The two also added a private consultation and evaluation area. “This helps us track our clients’ results and make sure we are doing our job, which is getting results for our clients,” Lenz said. Floors were upgraded, walls were painted and several mirrors were added. “The renovations started in April and were completed over the Fourth of July weekend 2008,” Lenz said. “It was a lot of work, but I could not be happier about how the gym turned out.” In April of 2008, much had changed for Lenz. “I actually just finished training a few sessions on that Saturday morning and was driving over to surf with a few buddies at Ocean Beach,” Lenz said. “I arrived late and they were leaving as I was getting in. It was such a beautiful morning. Waves were about waist to chest high.” Lenz, at that point, said he noticed the tide level was low. He kept paddling out into the waves. “On my third wave of the day, I was riding in and the wave closed out on me while I was on the top of it,” Lenz said. “It threw me forward head-first into the water, slamming the back of my head onto the sand bar.” Right away Lenz heard a bunch of cracks and thought he’d chipped or cracked a tooth. After that, he blacked out for a second or two. “I tried to get up but my body was not working so well,” Lenz said. “My neck and body went numb and I could hardly stand up.” About ten minutes passed and Lenz finally made his way to a nearby lifeguard tower. “From there it was four days in the hospital with no guarantees on what my life was about to turn into,” Lenz said. “On the fourth day, the doctors told me along with my family that I would make a full recovery.” After the accident, Lenz was excited to try and integrate Fitness Together more into the La Jolla community. His health, the health of others and his views on health were challenged. “You can escape the worst if you live your best every day,” Lenz said, after being told this by his doctors. “I have more reason than ever to continue spreading that message. It is all about choices: choices of deciding what to eat and how to live each day. After a while those turn into habits, which turn into lifestyle.” Doctors said that luckily for Lenz he is a personal trainer, a nutrition specialist and in great shape. This aided in his fast recovery. Lenz is working on transitioning from his lengthy recovery and has a clearer vision in his life, including his career focus at Fitness Together. The renovated Fitness Together facility includes better use of space, reorganized training studios, new flooring and the installation of a protein bar. “We provide our clients with a protein shake after their workouts so we at least know they are getting this very important post-exercise meal,” Lenz said. “All of our shakes are custom ordered to what the clients desire.” Shake ingredients include either chocolate or vanilla protein that has four different types of protein in its mix. There is also fresh fruit available including bananas, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. “We believe providing protein shakes helps achieve goals faster by teaching our clients what to consume post-workout,” Lenz said. Together, Ezeir and Lenz are approaching their grassroots business with a whole new look on life. Unfortunately, it took more than just the renovation to get them there. Lenz has been trolling and riding Southern California waters for four years. He was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., and until he was 23 had a career as a hockey player, including collegiate Division 1 play at Miami of Ohio. “I played and lived all over the country,” Lenz said. “I moved to California and began working as a personal trainer and Alan was one of my clients.” Together the two trained three times a week and soon began talking business. And the allegiance and relationship was formed. “I also spent some time in Australia and had taken up surfing,” Lenz said. “After my time there, I knew I needed to be near the ocean and live in a culture like Australia. It was not very tough to decide on San Diego as my new home, and I love it.” Fitness Together offers each client a consultation designed to determine how to reach life goals, nutritional goals and modify lifestyle. Each client has personal goals that are realistic and a workout program is established. There is also a new marketing plan to promote its products, services and philosophy to La Jolla and a hospitality manager. Lenz says that Fitness Together’s new focus is on the mark. “It’s all about commitment. We offer the tools that our clients need to achieve their health and fitness goals, as well as become educated on how to live a healthy life, for life. It’s a no-fail philosophy,” Lenz said. For now, Lenz continues his physical therapy. “This process is a yearlong one in order to get back to everything normal,” Lenz added. “I wore a large neck brace for the first three [months].” Obviously Lenz has not been back surfing in the Pacific Ocean. “The plan is to be back in the water next April,” Lenz added. “I am not near ready to go in yet, but when it does happen I will be ready.” In addition to Lenz’s position as general manager of Fitness Together, he is a recently elected member of the La Jolla Town Council. “I just want to be more a part of La Jolla,” Lenz said. “All of our clients are amazing people with such great outlooks on life and I want to be a part of it.” Fitness Together is located at 7777 Fay Ave. For information, call (858) 454-7774.