Isotonex

I started seeing Ray shortly after the birth of my daughter (She’ll be two in July/​2016). I was also seeing another trainer during the week when I first started seeing Ray because he wasn’t able to take me on during the week; only on Saturdays. I needed to get in shape… QUICK since I had a bachelorette party to attend in VEGAS. Long story short, Ray got me in shape for for that party and shortly after, he had a weekday slot that opened up so I started seeing him at 5:30AM! I don’t wake up that early for ANYONE! He’s an awesome trainer… very professional… knows what he’s talking about/doing…he’s motivational… BUT not pushy. LOL :) I’ve definitely gained MUSCLE (babies are heavy!), strength and lost a good amount of body fat.

Fantastic.
I’ve had 14 one hour sessions with Ray, and I’ve seen results that are nothing short of phenomenal. I’ve lost at least 6 pounds, and I feel STRONG. I can pick up my 35 lb toddler with ease now. My body composition has changed significantly, as well.
I had a bit of an epiphany this past weekend. I went shopping for the first time in over a year, and as I stood in the dressing room, looking at myself in the 3-​way mirror, I realized that it was the first time in a very long time that I hadn’t looked in a 3-​way mirror and hated my reflection. Ray is a very big part of that.
Because of the cost, personal training isn’t something that I will be able to do forever. I decided to try personal training to give my pregnancy weight loss another kick-​start, and I’d have to say that I got everything I wanted and more out of my sessions.
Thanks Ray!

Ray is absolutely amazing! He is so professional and also your biggest supporter. Each session is completely tailored to you and your progression. He changes it up so much that you never get bored. With the heart rate monitor, and the science behind his training, he maximizes your fat burn potential so that you are getting the most out of each work out. Attempting the same exercise on my own, I can probably only yield 8 of the 12 reps that I can perform with him. He pushes you past your limits, but always in a safe manner so that you don’t get injured. He is huge on teaching you how to perform the moves correctly and will stop you if you can’t get it. It’s not worth doing the exercise with poor form, and he has many other options that can work the same muscle. One of the best qualities is that he can make you focused, but also make you smile and actually enjoy your work out. He is punctual and has a quick response time when you need to communicate. He will show you results and motivate you to continue on. And as a special extra, he also serves as a therapist who listens and genuinely cares about your well-​being and goals.

Ray is awesome! He’s very professional and always shows up with a smile on his face, making the workouts enjoyable, entertaining, and highly motivating. I loved how he would always add in new exercises to keep me on my toes and keep my performance improving. He’s super supportive and gives feedback about athletic performance and diet, making for an all inclusive personal trainer service. I wouldn’t go with anybody else!

Ray Vargas by far is the most professional down to earth guy you can deal with. I’ve known Ray since 2005 seen him train his clients, always stayed professional always produce results.
I am a former Manger at the Golds Gym in Campbell home-​base for where Ray trains out of. This man is very consistent never received any complaints about Ray.
Members would Tavel from all areas of the bay to train with this guy.
Ray is the man!

I started my ‘fitness’ journey after I went through a stressful time in my life and I gained a lot of weight. I tried on my own to eat ‘healthy’ and ‘workout’ but I wasn’t seeing any results. I was at the point of just wanting give up. I came across Ray’s Unilocal page and read all these great reviews; seriously, they seemed to be too good to be true. I told myself that this was going to be the last time I paid for a trainer. I am so glad I contacted Ray! I purchased the 2x a week plan for 3 months and got really great results. I lost 10 lbs and 4% body fat. My ENTIRE life I haven’t been able to jog a mile, now I can jog 4 – 5 miles without stopping which is something I always wanted to do but never thought I would be able to! I’ve never worked so hard, or sweat so much in my life!!! The payoff is that I have more energy, my body is becoming more toned, my jeans are fitting better, and I could not be happier with the results. Not only has Ray helped me get in shape but he has helped me get my nutrition back on track. His simple approach to nutrition has become a permanent part of my lifestyle.
I’ve worked with many trainers over the years and I can definitely say that Ray is one of the best I’ve worked with. He is ALWAYS on time, you get his complete attention, he doesn’t yell or scream at you, and rather he encourages you and will not let you quit even when you think you can’t go anymore. He truly cares about each of his client’s well-​being and is so passionate about what he does. He’s super motivating so if you’re like me and need that extra push to get moving, Ray is the guy for you!

Ray is by far the best peak performance trainer! I have never met anybody so up for ANY challenge. Ray truly knows that nothing is impossible and effectively motivated me past what I thought were my physical limits. Before I trained with Ray I reminisced about the shape I was in at age 24. I told everyone that at 24 I was in the best shape of my life and that there was no way I could be that fit again.
After working with Ray my whole mindset completely transformed. I am now in the best shape I have ever been in and know that I can achieve so much more. I couldn’t have done it without Ray’s expertise, positive attitude and adaptable training style. I feel so blessed to have met Ray and look forward to overcoming our next fitness hurdle together — we are training to get me first place in the Pro/​Am Dancesport Competition next month!
With Ray it is so much more than personal training and is one of the best things I could have done for myself.

The best decision I have made towards my fitness goals was to bring Ray on board as my personal trainer. No stranger to the gym, for the last 10+ years, I have incorporated the gym into my active lifestyle. I felt I had reached my plateau and was really uninspired with the same repetitive exercises I had learned throughout the years. I needed a breath of fresh air, something to inspire me to reach 110% and I found that in Ray. It is never a dull moment as he motivates you to push yourself past your limits. Finally the gym is no longer mundane, yet instead is now something to eagerly look forward to. He will never run out of new exercises and variations on the ones you thought you knew. He will not only challenge your muscles and strengthen your core, but also engage you mentally. You won’t believe how fast an hour will go by and how many calories you have burned! That’s the beauty of it.
I have never felt as strong and healthy as I do now, and I will proudly thank Mr. Vargas for that and for his continued support and encouragement. He will support you along the way with advice on sensible nutrition, effective cardio, and of course an endless array of exercises which will work multiple muscles for maximum efficiency. It is clear that Ray is truly passionate about optimal fitness, as he is continually attending trainings and workshops to bring the latest and greatest to your next session. Most importantly he sets himself apart with his sincerity and care for his clients, as it is truly a partnership in health.

I’ve been seeing Ray for about a year and a half and I really can’t imagine him not in my life. I’ve never met someone more inspirational than Ray. He inspires you to keep going and be your best.
Our workouts are so intense; we work on all muscles in the body with plyometrics in between sets to keep your heart rate up. Ray shows me how to do the exercise using correct form so I don’t hurt myself.
Ray goes above and beyond and has helped me achieve my goals. He definitely pushes me to be my best even when I feel I can’t do the exercise. I’ve done so many exercises that I never thought I could do and it’s an amazing feeling when you exceed your own expectations. Not only do I want to succeed for my own benefit, but I also want to make him proud. He truly is an amazing person and the BEST trainer you will ever find.

Before I trained the Isotonex way, I thought I worked out hard. Then I realized the true meaning of a good workout. For years, I always thought of myself as a pretty active and fit person. I hiked regularly, went to the gym, did various workout DVD’s, but nothing I have done or will do, can ever compare to a training session with Isotonex. Isotonex epitomizes everything personal training should be. The genuine attentive care I received enabled me to safely push my limits, build my strength, and inspire me to become better.
I have had personal trainers in the past that seemed disinterested and didn’t motivate me at all. I have seen the personal trainers on TV screaming and belittling his or her client to «motivate» them. So naturally, when I went for my first session with Isotonex, I really didn’t know what to expect. What I found was encouragement that not only motivated me to complete the work out session at hand, but also lit a fire inside of me to ultimately become better. Every time I wanted to quit, every time I thought I was too tired to continue, I heard a genuine voice telling me I could do it and that in this sport, failure is a good thing. Failure is a good thing.
It’s only been a day since my training session and I’m still in awe of how amazing my workout was. I cannot stop raving to everyone I know about it. The Isotonex method is so incredibly dynamic. Trust me, you will be blown away. Even if you think you know it all, done it all, you don’t. I got the hardest and most intense workout of my entire life. There’s something inexplicable about the level of training offered here that words truly cannot express the immense expert care one will receive. I can only urge everyone to contact Isotonex and find out for themselves. Addiction is inevitable.

I’ve had personal trainers on and off for the last 7 years, but no one has ever stood out to make me want to sign up with them again… until I met Ray.
I started searching for a personal trainer a few months before my wedding and uppon some research on Unilocal,I came accross Isotonex. Based on such stellar reviews, I decided to give Ray a try, but I have to admit… I was a bit skeptical, after all, who can have so many reviews all of them 5 stars, right? Well, Ray can and after you meet with him, you just know that you are in good hands. From the food plan (which includes, daily food journal monitoring and trust me, he will make you accountable to do it and you want that), to the personalized exercise plan that will fit your lifestyle and get you results, to the support and energy to get you motivated… Ray covers everything and he will never give up on you, even when you start giving up on yourself.
Every workout with Ray it’s like working out for the first time. Not only does he keep changing the routine making it fun and exciting, he makes sure that my entire body is worked out, which makes me feel amazing when I’m done. Ray is such a great genuine guy, who always cares about his clients and always makes sure, the client he is with is his main priority. His sessions are 60 minutes and that means nothing less than that — for those of you who have experienced careless trainers, who are always looking at the time, rather than concentrate on the client, you know what I mean.
I first signed up for a 3 month plan, to get me ready for my wedding, which was on October 2, 2010. I’ve had my ups and downs, but Ray was right there fighting with me, supporting me and making sure I would not give up… I felt amazing on my Wedding day, therefore I decided to sign up with him for another 3 months. If I was getting married now, I would make sure I would meet with him 1 year before the wedding… He is that worth it!

I began to take my personal fitness seriously in 2009 after reaching an all-​time weight high. I started off with DVD systems like «P90X» and «Insanity» with the mentality that the DVDs were just as good as any personal trainer if not better.
This year, my girlfriend convinced me to join Ray’s summer boot-​camp. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I figured since I’ve been doing «Insanity,» this should be the same. I’m very excited to say that I was wrong.
The first thing I noticed on day one was Ray’s energy. You can tell that he’s a genuinely positive person and very passionate about his work. He’s never fake and never slacking on the job. He pays close attention to detail; you can tell that he cares about each person in the program. I felt that within the boot camp setting, I would be just another face in the crowd; like a kid in a big class, being lectured but not being taught. But no matter how many people attended, Ray was able to spend time with every person on every station and give them individual tips on how to cater the workout to them.
With the DVDs, you go through the motions, but you don’t have any guidance, direction or coaching. The DVD can’t correct your form, tell you to push harder when you’re slacking or modify a move for you when you’re obviously exhausted. Ray does all this, but never in such a way that you feel discouraged or that you’re coming up short. He knew exactly what to say and what to do to get me to give everything I had in every workout. I became excited, looking forward to going to boot camp, as opposed to dreading the time I would have to spend with the DVDs. There would always be something fresh and new. I used to struggle and feel old trying to keep up with my younger cousins when playing sports, but not anymore.
Training with Ray has raised my fitness and athleticism to the next level — to all time highs. Everything about him and his program is the real deal.

As much as I enjoy group exercise, I found I was not getting the desired results. Enter Isotonex.
You know a trainer’s value when, despite the per session charge, has such a full schedule that finding a time for an introductory meeting, much less a regular session, takes a month. Well, it was worth the wait and the expense. From my first introduction, I was impressed by Ray’s knowledge and professionalism. He offered a holistic approach, combining fitness sessions (of strengthening and fat-​burning cardio) with nutritional guidance all based on experience and informed knowledge which other trainers I spoke with did not seem to have.
Ray lives the lifestyle he promotes you undertaking to reach and maintain your optimal physical condition, not only being in excellent condition himself but continually striving to physically challenge himself. I had completed a mini boot camp before signing up which, in a lot of ways, dictated what I did not want in a trainer. I felt like the marketing photos and bio reflected a trainer from a few years before who had clearly fallen off the health wagon. So much so, that he didn’t even demonstrate the exercises. But, I digress…
That is not Ray. First, he demonstrates each activity showing correct form. Then he is focused throughout the session, gauging at which moment to assist or add a little more resistance, helping make sure you maintain correct form throughout. In my case, being unfamiliar with equipment and lacking in strength, quick enough reflexes to to jump in at a moment’s notice to prevent embarrassing catastrophes.
Ray also varies each session. When combined with the ongoing gauging of your abilities and progress, you are continually challenged and find yourself completing activities you would not have imagined possible.
I can not give enough credit for how helpful his nutritional guidance and evaluation of my meals was. That, in itself, has been transformational and I can only say «thank you» again.

Ray was brought up in a conversation I was having with a few friends about trainers. What I kept coming back to was how unique he was. How his focus is always on his clients. Time and again we hear of trainers who just «show up», get paid and go through the motions. Ray on the other hand makes it personal. He «gets» his clients needs. He «gets» why they are training with him. He «gets» IT. (How many people in our lives actually «get» IT? Really, ponder that a moment.)
He is like that song you hear on the radio where your adrenaline races a bit, you just feel yourself get pumped at the mere thought of working out with him. So you crank that song up… all the way. That is exactly how he makes you train. He makes you crank it up within yourself full blast. Focusing on YOUR needs, YOUR goals while making you a better person… both within as well as your physique.

So you’re looking for a personal trainer. Would you like one who wanders aimlessly around the gym during your hour together? How about one who gives you a blank stare in response to any question posed to them? Or perhaps you’d like one who listlessly pokes at the muscle that you’re working at the moment while giving you little to no feedback on form.
Well, I didn’t. I had experienced these «trainers» in previous failed attempts to get in shape over the years, fortunately they were all «free» single sessions that I got when joining gyms that I almost immediately stopped going to. Given my previous experiences, I was a bit skeptical when some friends of mine started talking up this «Ray» guy they had been working out with. Over time though I really saw the changes they were making in their bodies and their lives, and became intrigued. My friend invited me to join Ray’s boot camp this summer, so I did. Oh… the pain… good pain though. After the boot camp was over, I decided to sign up for some one on one training.
After going over my goals with me, Ray set up a comprehensive plan to help me achieve them. This included a nutrition plan, cardio and strength training. I’ve been meeting with him once a week for the past 10 weeks, and the results have been undeniable. I’ve lost weight (more importantly I’ve lost FAT), my body composition numbers are improving and my clothes are getting looser.
Ray has the three qualities that I believe are most important in a personal trainer:
* He knows what he’s doing and can express himself in such a way that you understand too. This is key for when you’re doing workouts on your own.
* He’s a fantastic motivator. Things that you’re SURE you’re not going to be able to do, he somehow talks you into doing and feeling good about it.
* He’s not a flake. When he says he’s going to do something, he does it. He also expects this from you, which I think is just as important. He cares about your success just as much as you do.
I don’t know if I’ve ever been as fit as I am now, and I really have to credit Ray’s program. I had made attempts on my own get in better shape, but was at the point that I really needed direction to continue to progress. Ray was the perfect person to give me the direction that I needed and I hope to continue to improve with his help.

I returned to the gym earlier this year (late April) after many years of slacking with the hope and intentions of getting into the best shape of my life. I’d considered a personal trainer earlier in my life but always figured I could get by, and nobody ever stood out as exceptional. When I opened the binder at Gold’s and saw Ray’s slot missing business cards it prompted me to think there was something going on here & that I needed in on it! So I scheduled a meeting and was delighted with the professional attitude and presence Ray exhibited. Not only did he explain his plan, he made a connection to what I was looking for and translated it to a workable goal.
Ray examines your status (health, lifestyle, day-​to-​day demands) and structures a plan based on your goals. The one-​on-​one training is like nothing like I’ve ever experienced (and I’d trained with the best for the Wildflower Triathlon over 10 years ago). Not only does Ray teach step-​by-​step exercises on the machines, etc., he instills correct form and execution to enable you to benefit to your fullest, working smarter not harder. Isontonex’s plan is to equip you with the overall mindset of health, fitness, & performance not only from the esthetic aspect but also from a functionality standpoint, all while knowing the man has your back, pushing you further than you’d ever expected from yourself. He is there cheering you on, talking the negative thoughts out of your head and believing in you when you don’t!
I did the Isotonex 8-​wk boot camp this summer and was nervous at first as I am older than the other participants. That feeling was null and void throughout the workouts as the sheer spirit of teamwork and absolute joy was the in the air every single Saturday morning at 7am! It was THE best experience and I am looking forward to the next opportunity.
I’ve signed on for the remainder of this year and I’m sure next year and the so on. I’m sold that Ray is THE trainer to side with when looking to put yourself first, both in body and mind as well as spirit. He is the essence of a great personal trainer and I only hope everyone allows themselves a few sessions with Ray to experience not only challenging yourself to be your best but to experience someone who gets and stays in the game with you, day in and day out.
I have lost inches of body fat, gained muscle tone, strength and most of all confidence and the sense of well-​being in these first few months. I’ll update this as time goes along… and I climb higher to the top!
Hoorah…Isotonex baby!

UPDATE TO MY UPDATE: I’ve completed a 5K, ½ marathon and a Muddy Buddy race since training with Isotonex. Who would have imagined?!
UPDATE: I am seeing results bigtime! Inches are being lost. New clothes are in the closet because my other ones were too baggy. Whooo hooo an excuse to shop and feel good while doing it! :)
Ray has been amazing. He has helped me a tremendous deal with my ankle strength and stability. Since having one-​on-​one sessions with him, I have gone the longest in my adult life without a sprain or injury. If you choose to met him, be prepared… your life will not be the same. His positivity, passion and knowledge for what he does will effect you. If you put in the work, he will show you how to push yourself to new limits.

Ray IS THE BEST TRAINER I have met so far. He’s very knowledgeable as well as nice to deal with. He’s definitely not intimidating, and looking at him and his wife is walking advertisement enough.
I currently work out at Club One and although he trains at the Gold’s Gym its making me change my mind about where I work out at or even adding another gym to my monthly expenses to have more training sessions with him.
It’s definitely true that he works with your schedule. My schedule is quite hectic being a mother of a three year old and so my work out times with him is at 6am. CRAZY ME I KNOW!!! He’s definitely so much fun to work out with. All workouts are different and challenging, but fun and I’ve learned so much about my health and fitness that I never knew before. At first I wanted to train for 3 months, but now I’m considering of extending that to 6 months.
After the first month, I lost 5 lbs and lost 3.5% BODY FAT… HELL YEAH DAMMIT… He’s GOOD!!! My clothes are starting to fall off too!!! It’s also nice to see my improvements from day one. I’m able to keep up with the intensity of my personal training sessions and my world around it just feels so much better. I’m not as stressed out with life when I can hit the gym and I know that Ray has helped.

I was a competitive rower for 14 years, and I contacted Ray because I have having a hard time putting on any muscle. I have been training with Ray for the last 2 months and I have seen more progress during this time than I have in years. I have been able to gain muscle while loosing fat.
Ray’s program is very comprehensive and tailored for each person. He covers nutrition, weightlifting and cardio. His workouts are intense and he pushes you to your personal limit while encouraging you in a positive way.
I would suggest Ray to any of my friends who are looking for an excellent trainer.

Ray is a really outstanding trainer. I have been exercising for quite some time but wasn’t really seeing the results I wanted and needed some major help getting on track with my diet. Since I started with him two months ago i have lost 3% of my body fat, kicked my really horrible eating habits to the curb and am well on my way to a much healthier lifestyle: o)
Plus, he makes every session interesting and unique, he really knows his stuff and most importantly he makes working-​out a fun experience. Basically… he is the best!

I’ve been with Ray since mid-​November and I am truly AMAZED at what he’s been able to do to me. In January I’m competing in my second pageant on the Miss America circuit, and I started with Ray to get in «swimsuit shape» so I could become a real competitor. In the first three weeks I dropped seven pounds and countless inches off my legs and upper body. (I’ll update this review with my total numbers and results from my pageant when I know them!)
What’s truly incredible is I started a complete novice, and horribly out of shape. When we began I had limitations on what exercises I could do because of a bad back, and he worked around them. Then two and a half weeks in I sprained my knee (freak accident having NOTHING to do with Ray), and he still managed to work me to the bone! He’s fantastic at pushing you to your very limit, and beyond, without making you feel weak, or like a failure. I always leave our sessions exhausted, but very excited about the work we’ve done.
Ray emphasized working out correctly and maintaining a healthy diet to complement the exercise you do with him. It’s an incredibly healthy approach that anyone can follow and see results. (He really works you smarter instead of harder)
Iso-​Tonix is worth every penny, I know Ray could make anyone look good for any occasion!
**Update: Didn’t win the pageant…(the judges went for a much leggier blonde… oh well), but I looked AMAZING in the swimsuit and never felt more comfortable in my own skin. It’s amazing to think how even three months ago I was living so un-​healthfully, or that I was carrying around 15 extra pounds! (That’s right, 15 pounds in 10 weeks!) Pics to follow shortly!

Ok, so my fat ass has yet to train with Ray… but I’m working on it. The reason for the five stars is because I have referred him to a couple of clients and they cannot stop RAVING! about him.
They both tell me that his workouts are fun and productive, and he keeps them motivated! Best of all, the results are phenomenal! Maybe I need to stop sending clients his way, because he is making them look too good, and they may not have a need for me again! Slow it down, Ray… hahaha…
I am usually very leary of recommending people I have not used myself because my reputation is on the line. But, Ray came so highly recommended I decided to send people there, and I am so glad I did! Ray didn’t let me down. I will definitely continue to recommend him to my friends and clients!