​   I have known Al Gallegos for over 25 years.  When I worked out at the Channel Islands Athletic Club in the late 80’s I watched Al train people and build them into incredible physical specimens.  One morning Al approached me and asked if I wanted to train with ​him.  At the time I told him no because I believed I could do it on my own.  Big mistake!  Seventeen years later I found myself getting to the gym one maybe two days a week with no real routine.  I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus and had no confidence in the knee so I had stopped doing any leg exercises.   I remember working in the yard one day about four years ago and being so sore the next day I could hardly move.  I was overweight, out of shape and not happy with myself. 
 Several of my officers were training with Al along with Mayor Holden, Councilmember Dean Maulhardt and several other people I know and respect.  Three and a half years ago I went to visit Al at Future Fitness.  I decided that I was not going to succumb to the aging process and put one foot into the grave.  I was 51 years old and my goal was to get back into the shape I was a young man.  
 Al took me from 275 pounds to 249 pounds and built me back up completely redistributing the pounds.  I am in the best condition of my life, physically and attitudinally.  Al’s motto is “The sport is life, train for it.”  That is so true.  I look forward to the years to come knowing I will have the strength, endurance and vitality to live to the fullest.  My only regret is that I didn’t take Al up on the offer 20 years ago.  Now is the opportunity to make up for lost time and buy even more time.  To still be able to see and feel the progress is so rewarding I can’t imagine ever walking away from fitness ever again.