Melisa Briones

Trainer: Tony Nguyen
Goal(s): Lose weight and Gain Muscle
Age: 27
Date: March 18, 2023

My goal was to lose weight, look good, and gain muscle. I wanted to boost my self-esteem and confidence.

I had tried working out in the past, but I always ended up being inconsistent because there was no one to guide me. I signed up for free trials before, but the limited one-on-one training didn’t really help me reach my goals. At first, I was reluctant to get a personal trainer because it can be quite expensive. However, I realized that investing in my health is worth it—and if I wanted results, I needed someone to push me. I hired a personal trainer because I also wanted guidance with workouts that were appropriate for me. My original goal was to lose weight, but the biggest shift since I started training has been in my nutrition. I started eating healthier and became more mindful of what I was putting into my body.

I’m a nurse working in a hospital, and shift work really takes a toll on me. On top of that, I’m also in university for my bridging program. I used to stress eat all the time—binging on anything that brought me comfort after a tiring day. I didn’t really care about what kind of food I was eating. I always told myself, “I’m young,” and indulged like there was no tomorrow.

But as my perspective on food began to change—along with regular training sessions and pushing myself to go to the gym as often as I could—I gradually started seeing the results I was looking for. I feel more confident, I feel stronger, and to date, I’ve lost 25 pounds. I can still enjoy the food I love every now and then, but now I find myself craving healthier options more often.

Tony is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. You can really feel his passion for what he does as a personal trainer, and how much he wants you to succeed in your goals. What makes him special and unique is that I never felt like he was just doing his job for the money—unlike some trainers I’ve worked with in the past. He takes the time to get to know you and even shares great life advice between workouts. It’s not just “do this workout, do that.” He explains why each exercise matters and how it benefits your body.

This experience has given me fulfillment, strength, and confidence. I’m surprised at how productive I can be in a single day—juggling work, school, and life—without resorting to stress eating. I used to head straight to the drive-thru after my shift. Now, going to the gym is the goal, and it has become my stress relief from both work and school. I feel strong—both physically and mentally.

Love yourself. Invest in your health, because you only have one life—so take care of it. Be strong and healthy. When you lead by example, your family will feel inspired too. If I can balance work, school, and working out, you can too. I absolutely recommend getting a personal trainer—it’s worth it. You’ll learn so much, and having someone to guide and motivate you throughout the journey makes all the difference.
Thank you, Tony!