It's been three weeks since your New Year's resolutions should have kicked in, and you're still working your way through that box of peppermint bark in the freezer. You've decided that the minute you run out of eggnog, you'll really get going on eating right. And why waste a good stollen? As soon as it's gone, you'll dig in and start looking for those ab muscles you've always wanted.
Emily Piraino
Move over, Suzanne Somers. Thighmaster Kevin Csatlos is here.
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Uh-huh. Me, too. Except that the truth is we'll never trade Reese's Pieces for broccoli; we won't suddenly find the ability or desire to exercise -- not even in this week's Resolution Guide. We'd sooner give up oxygen than our space on the couch, where we clutch the remote and a crumpled box of Bugles, and the only squats we're going to do will take place in front of the fridge, because it's the best way to see what's way in the back on the bottom shelf.
If only we lived in the proper zip code, Kevin Csatlos might be able to help us. Csatlos has been assisting flabby, lazy rich people to get into shape for years with his Premiere Mobile Gym service. But in spite of his big, friendly personality, it sounds like Csatlos might just drive right past those of us with less than a six-figure income. Which means we'll never get our pants buttoned this year; we'll never be invited to any A-list party. Maybe we should have resolved to make more money this year, so we can get a really cool trainer to help us ditch some pounds. Meantime, there's comfort to be had from Pepperidge Farms Milanos. Also that new caramel-flavored ice cream shake at Jack in the Box. And Marshmallow Peeps has just announced three new flavors. We'll exercise next year.
New Times: Let me guess: You used to get sand kicked in your face. Then one day . . .
Kevin Csatlos: Sort of like that. When I was a kid, I had a real unflattering body. I was the one who got kicked around and pushed off his bike and never got picked in gym class.
NT: I can't imagine what that was like. Were you a fat kid?
Csatlos: No, just God-awful skinny. My hips were wider than my shoulders, and I never had a body or the willpower to do anything about it. But I went to Vietnam, and then I became a biker when I got out, so I just about killed myself by doing horrible things to my body.
NT: You mean like tattoos?
Csatlos: No, I mean like [mistreating] my liver. I mean a couple of bad accidents on my bike. I had one accident, and I had just started lifting weights at home a little before that, and the doctor said that all that saved me was that I had a little extra muscle on me.
NT: Muscles saved your life.
Csatlos: Literally. And I've devoted my life to them.
NT: I read where some of your clients include members of the Royal Family. I wasn't aware they lived in the Valley.
Csatlos: I know. I've been putting together a book about all my wacky clients here. It's so hilarious. And one of them was the Saudi Royal Family when they came through town. This guy with a British accent called and said, "My boss would like to work out with you." I thought it had to be Prince Charles or Lady Di or something.
NT: Neither of whom appear to be working out much these days.
Csatlos: Right. So I went down there, and this guy finally makes his grand entrance in his white robes and whatever that thing is they wear on their heads. He climbs onto the stair-stepper, and his robe is catching on his heels, and I'm thinking, Take the robe off, you're gonna injure yourself. Then I get a mental picture of this guy in a Speedo and a headdress and sandals, and I think, Never mind. But this guy was in bad shape.
NT: Well, if you're wearing a robe all day, who cares what you look like underneath? Okay, here's the deal: Exercise is boring.
Csatlos: I think that's a good part of why I do this. There are probably 2,000 ways to exercise, but they only work if you stick with them. You don't need to go skipping through the daisies enjoying your workout, but a good trainer can make it fun.
NT: Wouldn't it be easier to just not put the weight on in the first place?
Csatlos: Amen. The way you look is one thing, but it's how you feel once you start that's most important. Working out is more about improving your health.
NT: Uh-huh. Except that most people do it because they want to look groovy. You know it, and I know it. And whatever the reason for exercise, here's something that never changes: You wake up the next morning and you can't move. Which sucks.
Csatlos: (Laughing.) Well, it depends on your fitness level going in. And just because your trainer has big muscles doesn't mean he knows what he's doing. You can't take someone who hasn't exercised in a year and start slamming them against a wall. You gotta put kid gloves on when you're starting out.
