Meet the Fitness Coach to the Stars!
Boxing and combat sports aficionado Eric Fleishman (known as “Eric the Trainer”) is a familiar face working at the sprawling Powerhouse Gym Sports Complex in the San Fernando Valley.
I had a chance to meet this busy “Trainer to the Stars” as he preps for THIS weekend’s “The 2013 FitExpo” event taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center January 19-20.
The California-based trainer and strength/conditioning coach has been working in the Valley for six years and has been involved in fitness for over 20 years. In 2012 he stood side by side with Michelle Obama “Let’s Move” campaign spearheaded by the President’s wife.
And just like Madonna, Beyonce, Usher and Bono, he goes by just one name. He is simply known as “Eric,” as in “Eric the Trainer.”
Eric works his magic out of a popular gym located in Burbank. Powerhouse Gym also has a large section solely dedicated to boxing. “We have a dedicated section of our gym just for boxing; we have trainer Jesse Reid Sr. here too,” Fleishman tells me during our phone interview. “Jesse is great and he has a lot of experience with boxers. Many pro fighters come here to train.” Malik Scott, Dominic Breazeale, Anatoliy Dudchenko, Shane Mosley, Audley Harrison, Kendall Holt, and trainers John Bray and Jesse Arevalo are just some of the athletes and coaches who have recently worked out of Powerhouse. And the spacious Powerhouse has quickly been gaining steam as a premiere boxing gym.
Eric loves watching boxing and is good friends with heavyweight Malik Scott. As a boxing fan, he lists former champions Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and George Foreman as his favorites. Fleishman has worked with MMA stars Tito Ortiz, Cung Le, referee Big John McCarthy and countless A-list movie stars. When an actor needs to get “buffed” for a movie role, they know who to call. When an actress needs to tone up or slim down quickly in a safe manner, they know who to call. And when somebody wants to keep their New Year’s resolution, they call Eric the Trainer.
It’s clear that this energetic coach enjoys helping others get in better form. From the A-list superstars to the Average Joe coach potatoes, Eric works tirelessly to encourage and inspire his clients from pros to amateurs. And now sports fans and fitness freaks of all levels can meet Fleishman at this Saturday and Sunday’s “FitExpo.” The jam-packed weekend will feature the trainer unveiling his new “Flip N Smash” Festival, an innovative event that will showcase martial arts, Sumo wrestling, gymnastics, board and ice breaking and more!
“The weekend will be great–it’s very exciting,” he shares, “and the ‘world of fitness’ is a vast world for everyone pursuing a better, healthier and more physical life.”
But you don’t have to have a famous face or have a perfect body to get in shape and stay in shape. Aside from his celebrity clients, Eric loves working with all levels and ages from the beginner to the elite athlete. He has seen many physical transformations take place through the years while working with hulking bodybuilders to scrawny newbies.
He practices what he preaches. The spirited trainer holds three Black Belts in Martial Arts and is involved in several sports. He’s starting 2013 off with a bang and during our conversation, he also mentions an upcoming trip he’s looking forward to. “I get to play in the NFL Celebrity Football Game a day before the Super Bowl!” the blonde trainer tells me about playing in the Superdome. “My birthday’s February 3 so it will be a great weekend in New Orleans.”
Since it’s a brand new year, I ask the coach for his best advice on how people can employ a healthier, stronger lifestyle.
“That is a great question! There are just three small things anyone can do,” Fleishman says. “I can simplify it: 1. Get regular exercise 2. Maintain a healthy diet 3. SLEEP! Sleep is the priority, the most important thing that will build a healthy and strong body.”
There’s no better time to get healthy.
And “Eric the Trainer” will continue to motivate clients to make it a real “KNOCKOUT” 2013!
For tickets: www.thefitexpo.com
Photo courtesy of Eric the Trainer (With Boxer Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini)