By DALE MADISON

You can’t help but pick Andy Kress out of a crowd: His infectious smile is unmistakable, and his Asian body tattoos are featured each week in ads for his Kress Fitness Studio. In a town that isn’t lacking in personal trainers, Kress has left his mark by taking a different approach to fitness training. “My technique is cardio-resistence. emphasizing lighter weights and more repetitions,” he explains. “While cardio exercise alone is great for building endurance and working your heart, it is not really effective for weight loss like most people think.” Spend an hour on a treadmill and you would be hard-pressed to burn 400 calories—less than in a single Big Mac. “When I do utilize cardio, we will do high-intensity for three minutes, and then drop back to a slower speed for one minute, and then right back up to the three minutes with greater intensity, light weight and low impact programs.”

Kress tries to anticipate what the unique needs of each client will require, both in terms of a training regimen and budget. “When [we] work out in the studio, you experience a ‘beachstyle’ atmosphere,” says Kress. “We have weekday Yoga classes, Monday and Wednesday starting at 6:15 p.m. The rate is $20 per person. We also offer 30-minute training sessions for $30, or onehour personal training at $50. I really have tried to structure the studio with so many variables to help as many people as possible.”

Andy is a internationally certified fitness trainer (CFT) with additional certification as a Specialist in Exercise Therapy (SET) for those healing from injuries or muscle strains. His unique program was developed at the University of Arkansas where he taught students between ages 16-80, and he has been the personal trainer of superstars and celebrities in Hollywood and Beverly Hills, California.

Now headquartered in his own fitness studio near the Target store in Fort Lauderdale, Andy offers the most cost-effective rates in town. “First time clients can try a 30-minute workout for only $20.

We also offer couples training, step aerobics, resistance training—and we really try to make it a fun experience. The one thing that I have learned working out is that if you have fun, you are far more likely to continue on and succeed,” he explains.

Working out is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle—but so is eating right. “I have a culinary background, so it’s great when I can counsel someone who also wants some assistance with their diets,” Kress notes. “Exercise is about toning the body, not weight loss,” he says, correcting a misimpression. Eat correctly and you’ll lose the fat. Exercise correctly and you’ll build muscle.”

Though he’s only in his early 30s, Andy gets his greatest satisfaction working with those over 40 who fall into the category of Baby Boomers. He is the co-author (with client/writer Richard Hack) of “The Baby Boomers’ Guide to the Fountain of Youth,” which is about to be published (and a certain bestseller).

You can find Andy “The Core” Kress’ fitness studio located at 3042 N Federal Hwy., Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, where there is plenty of free parking. Give Andy a call at (954) 789-3930, or email him at andyfitnesstrainer@gmail.com.