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Former Strongman Competitor Weighs in With Studio

Posted on: Thursday, 18 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Anthony Cudjo is a big man with a big message.

When I say he's big, I don't mean overweight. I mean muscle-mass big.

The former Strongman weight-lifting competitor has opened Fitness Rx, a fitness and wellness studio in Richmond, with his wife, Sabine. Both are certified personal trainers.

Together, they have more than 30 years of experience in the fitness industry.

Cudjo's message is far-reaching.

"I challenge all of Richmond's community leaders to take control of their health and well-being, and become more healthy," he said.

Today, he said, we have more health clubs, health-care organizations and medical treatment facilities than ever before.

"And we're sicker than we've ever been and fatter than we've ever been," said Cudjo, who spent a couple of years on the road as a motivational speaker before settling back in Richmond as a fitness professional.

Even now, he makes a point to get in front of corporations and community groups, urging individuals to lead by example, to adopt better habits before sickness besets them.

"Nothing else matters if you don't have your health," he said.

Cudjo said studies show that about 85 percent of illnesses could be prevented through changes in diet and exercise. But people aren't heeding that warning, he added.

"When is our country going to wake up?"

Cudjo lost a 43-year-old sibling to substance abuse. His mother is overweight.

Those factors along with a strong calling from God, he said, prompted him to open Fitness Rx in hopes that he can help individuals in danger.

The studio, which opened in western Henrico County in January, has about 200 clients, each of whom has paid the $500 upfront fee to have a full metabolic and physical health screening. From that, trainers develop programs for weight loss, strength building and cardiovascular improvements.

Fitness Rx trainers work one-on-one with clients at all times to ensure safety and adherence to the program. Meal plans are offered to help clients stay within prescribed daily calorie limits.

Cudjo said he can give anyone a plan to become healthier. But it's up to the individual to act upon it.

"Behavior modification is key," he said.

Fitness Rx asks clients who are striving to lose weight to turn in meal logs to registered dietitians, who calculate whether the calories are too high or too low.

Weigh-ins are part of the program and each pound lost is celebrated, Cudjo said.

If he hasn't seen someone in the studio for a few days, he calls that client.

Richard and Julie Eberheim have been losing weight and getting in shape at Fitness Rx since April. Richard was medically released from physical therapy on his knee, which was injured in a car crash. But he was barely able to get around.

He's lost 22 pounds and now is able to walk normally. "I couldn't do eight minutes on the treadmill," Eberheim said. "Now I'm doing 55."

The personal training and the check-up phone calls have helped keep him on track.

Fitness Rx has cardiovascular machines and weight-lifting equipment, but it should not be considered a typical gym, according to the owners.

There are no monthly memberships, no group classes. Yoga and pilates are available. But again, the sessions are one-on-one.

"They just pay for our services," said Sandi Davis, director of marketing for the studio.

Cudjo is thrilled with the community's response so far. "I see the need," he said. "We created this business to fill that need in Richmond."

Fitness Rx

At: 10128 W. Broad St., Suite H, in The Forum office complex.

Info: (804) 726-9992 or www.myfitnessrx.com

Source: Richmond Times - Dispatch

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