A commitment to fitness
By Denise Baran-Unland Correspondent February 12, 2013 1:30PM
Bill "Trainer Bill" Friedl offers both biweekly boot camps and individualized personal training sessions at ApexFitness in Mokena.
If you go …
What: Trainer Bill Boot Camp
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays.
Where: ApexFitness, 19062 Henry Drive, Mokena.
Etc: An hour workout adapted for all fitness levels. Exercises vary with each boot camp and are designed for the participant to continue at home.
Cost: The first camp is free. Subsequent camps are $15 each.
Reservations: Are encouraged but not mandatory.
Contact: Trainer Bill at 708-845-6020 or visit www.facebook.com/trainer.bill.7.
Updated: March 14, 2013 6:16AM
Although Toni Tomczak, 30, of Homer Glen already had a personal trainer, she needed a second one who would work with her on weekends.
So when she heard about “Trainer Bill” Friedl at ApexFitness in Mokena, Tomczak scheduled an introductory session with him. Tomczak was so impressed with Friedl’s knowledge and training style, she asked him if he could host a fitness boot camp for her friends.
The women enjoyed the one-hour, full-body workout so much, the Trainer Bill Boot Camp quickly became a biweekly event: Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
“I was impressed with his knowledge, honesty and that he’s got his heart and soul in this. He’s not doing it for the money,” Tomczak said. “His love for training absolutely radiates from him. He’s there to help.”
Flexible plan
What makes the Trainer Bill Boot Camps unlike similar programs is that participants don’t have to commit to several weeks of classes. Although reservations are encouraged, they are not required, which allows individuals interested in the program to try it out when their schedule accommodates it.
This means a person may attend one boot camp, every boot camp or an occasional boot camp when time permits. The boot camps are open to anyone 18 and older, regardless of sex, weight, health status or fitness level. Average attendance is six to eight per camp, although Friedl can accommodate 10 at one time.
“Whether you want to lose weight, tone weight or get into shape, come on out and have a good time,” Friedl, 35, of Crestwood, said. “Everyone is laughing and chatting. You won’t feel like you’re working out.”
All exercises are body-weight exercises, where the participant builds muscle and strength only by using the resistance of his own body weight.
Routine varies
Friedl varies the routine each week; each exercise is designed so participants feel comfortable repeating them at home. If need be, Friedl adapts his workout to fit any individual’s needs and limitations.
“If I see someone struggling with an exercise, I’ll show them how to do it a different way or an easier way,” Friedl said. “I’ve had clients with scleroderma, a client with over 50 different surgeries on his neck and back, overweight people and people in good shape. I can modify any exercise to work with anyone’s fitness level.”
Friedl understands firsthand the importance of an individualized workout program.
When he became interested in fitness four years ago, he wasn’t sure where to begin until he started working with a personal trainer who made training fun and effective.
“A lot of people think they’re doing things correctly but their form is not right,” Friedl said. “Most of the time they’re close; they just need a little bit of help. If your form is off, you could pull a muscle or cause that muscle to develop the wrong way. When your form is correct, you see more benefits from your workout.”
