Fitness For The Heart

While at first I was taken aback by his sense of humor, Srgt. E immediately identified a underlying physiological issue that took many weeks for each of my physical therapists to realize. His classes were quite helpful in improving my posture and back pain. some people, just have a gift, and that describes him well. If you need to improve your posture and get your core functioning properly. he’s the best I’ve found to help you.

Sgt. E seems to be only out for the money, beware! He took my check with NO intention of working with me. And after two weeks of promises I still have not received a refund!!! What a waste of time! By the way, he does not have a studio anymore, no email contact, and he sent me a text that disappeared and I could not reply — slippery. I never write reviews — but I am offended by his unprofessional and scam-​artist like behavior.
At first, I thought that his holistic approach sounded like what I needed, but soon cracks began to form in his long winded spiel. He wants $ 2500 – 4000 up front — for what exactly I am still not sure. He did not make it clear what I was paying for. There would be some sessions, but what seemed to be a lot of hours deducted for ‘evaluation’. When I asked questions about what I could expect, and what would happen if I didn’t find the exercises helpful — all I got was defensiveness.
I had talked to him for over an hour on the phone and mentioned that I would have to discuss the expense with my fiancé. I also told him when I met him in person that I was not comfortable with paying $ 2500 for his ‘program’ when I was not sure exactly what I was getting and if his style was a match to help me heal my injury. Personally, the money is not a problem — I just don’t like throwing money away. I was hoping that things would be clearer as I got ‘evaluated’.
The physical evaluation was cursory, not in any way in-​depth. And even though I told him about my back injury he asked me to do moves that strained my injury. AND after 2 hours of mainly him talking about himself (which was only supposed to be an hour) and him going on about other clients (not so favorably I might add) — we were not even done with the ‘evaluation’.
So the time came for the money, I still was uncomfortable with the vagueness but his ‘jim jones drink the kool-​aid’ approach is very convincing, again I asked about results and what would happen if things didn’t work out for some reason, he got very defensive and launched into another rant on my commitment. I offered $ 500 and ended up agreeing to $ 1250 which I thought may be a good compromise because I really need a tailored exercise program. After all he talks a good game.
I called a day later and asked what next — and he just said that he did not want to work with me and that I ‘failed miserably’. His spiel about the client having to be committed fully is sheer BS to cover up that he really just wants your money — again, he took my check with NO intention of working with me. He had many opportunities to say that he either wanted all the money or nothing — he could have easily said that it just wasn’t a fit — and NOT taken payment for half of his course! He said he will return all but $ 312 of my money, but I have yet to see a dime.
He does not have a studio (false advertising) and conducts his meetings in his apartment — which is just weird and I should have listened to my instincts — this guy acts like a scam artist. He says up front that he does not work with everyone — that is because he really only wants to work with the gullible that will give him money without question — drink the kool-​aid. He goes on and on about how he does not judge — but then he tells me that I ‘failed miserably’. He spouts some decent philosophies — but he just seems hard-​up for cash and cigarette money. I went to him looking for help with a back problem that has troubled me for almost two years and all I got was ripped off.

We had Shehabeddin giving a Tai Chi intro session on the Piers in San Francisco to our corporate group of 30. It was a great way to wake-​up!
Shehabeddin is very energetic, outgoing and fun. He made the whole group feel comfortable after 2 seconds, relaxed and ready for a big day after 45mins!
I had the pleasure to spend some extra time with him and Maya and they are really the kind of people you want to surround with to be filled with positive and genuine energy. Too bad that I don’t live in SF, I would have gone to see them very often.
Thanks Maya and Shehabeddin for your kindness and generosity: o)

Shehabeddin and Maya are a great positive team that truly wants to see their clients succeed. The two of them are great at motivating and encouraging people to stay active, eat better and even interact better with each other. They make each client feel important and that they genuinely care about the client’s health and wellness. Shehabeddin is more than willing to share his knowledge on the human body and fitness. It was as if I not only had a personal trainer to help me but a nutritionist and life coach as well. I would recommend Fitness for the Heart to anyone out there who wants to try out something holistic but also get enough information and guidance to have a good shot at continuing to use what they are taught from the professionals.

I was very impressed with Shehabeddin’s discussion of the mind, body, and soul connection when providing strategies to reach my nutritional and fitness goals. He’s provided me with healthy ways to boost my energy levels and ways to maintain a healthy diet with my busy schedule. He and Maya are truly providing much healing and a great service to the community!

Shehabaddein’s program is a wonderful holistic approach to improving life! I was so impressed with their genuine desire to improve my quality of life and just teach me their techniques. Their stories are so inspiring. Him and Maya’s program caters specifically to a persons specific needs and addresses all aspects of lifestyle from sleep & nutrition to fitness, unlike other training programs that make you get your workout in and go home. It’s the beginning of a wonderful journey to change my life.

Shehabbedin is one of my favorite people! If you are looking to train with someone, look no further. Since working with him, I have had significant improvements in my posture and strength. I have had terrible knots on my shoulder blades for as long as I can remember. I’m 3 weeks into the program and they are almost nonexistent now. I stand much more upright, and have so much more endurance now that my muscles are functioning more efficiently.
Shehabbedin’s input on lifestyle have been tremendous. I have eaten very healthy for the last 3 – 4 years, but his guidance on how to structure meals and when to eat have dramatically improved my energy, sleeping habits, and body fat content.
Not only does he help you achieve your physical goals, Shehabbedin helps you on a metaphysical level. He knows we are all human and can slip sometimes, but says «Hey, it’s over, let’s just move on. We have a goal. SMILE!» And I smile every time. With his help, I am more accepting of myself and know how to calm myself if I feel my mind going to negative places.
Shehabbedin stands apart from any personal trainer– he’s a health coach. I highly recommend working with him if you are looking to improve yourself, inside and out.

When I went to Shehabeddin for my initial assessment, I had a lot of postural issues due to working at a computer for many hours during the day. My diet wasn’t horrible, but it needed improvements.
Today, my posture is significantly better. My shoulders don’t roll forward. I have no neck or back pains, and I’m able to better utilize my body for exercises requiring more strength. My diet still isn’t perfect, but I’ve developed a habit of tracking my meals to better understand how different foods affect me.
While I’m ultimately responsible for how I progress, Shehabeddin’s guidance was priceless. He works to help you meet your personal goals and is one of the most motivational people I’ve ever met. *Highly* recommended if you’re looking for someone that will go well beyond what a typical trainer will offer.

Are you sick of working out just for the sake of working out? Because I was. I sit in front of a computer or a conference room all day, and the most physically demanding thing I do at work is walk to the printer and back in heels. Then, with my gym routine, I felt like I was just punching clock to do my hour of elliptical – not engaged, not relaxed and probably not doing me as much good as I think it is.
I took Shehabeddin’s class… and while, I wasn’t dying during class… I felt muscles I haven’t used the next day. The more I went, the more I learned and have changed my outlook and methods of working out. Sgt. E teaches you breathing and techniques to engaged your muscles that you can apply inside and outside of the class.
My posture is better. And I can feel a difference in my workout from applying his techniques. So if you are new to working out or a regular gym rat, you should check out the class, and you’ll learn something that can make a huge difference in your fitness goals.

You can’t deny 5 stars on Unilocal.
Every single one of the testimonials below are accurate to his class. Sergeant E is by far one of the most inspiring and motivating teachers I have encountered in my life! I am elated to have experienced his class!

After an epic meltdown over a looking how unfit I had become from a year of stress at my job, my coworker and I became fitness pals. We started going to yoga and after noticing Sgt E in the class we decided to try him out on a thursday… the intense day. Intense meaning i made a weird noise and face for 3 days after it… finally something that makes me sweat! He said to give it 6 – 8 classes and so far I’ve gotten to 6 now and am loving it more every time.
Finding a good class instructor/​trainer is like finding a good partner. You have to trust them, enjoy them and know that they push you to do better. We’re definitely not breaking up with this class or Sgt E anytime soon!
My coworker and I have completely reworked our weekly routine to revolve around this class. We always leave with a better well being, spiritually revived and awareness of our physical health which is more than we asked for but definitely what we need. His method is straight forward, focused and for anyone who is willing to try as long as it’s their hardest. This is not a class you can skate by in. He comes around and makes sure you’re doing it right (which I often need) and pushes you to do better (also what I often need).
Sgt. E’s approach is definitely what we needed. Even though the end of the week often lands me soaking in a hot bath and literally aching for a luxurious massage, I love the pain and still feel completely recharged inside and out!

Sgt E. is awesome. He’s not your run-​of-​the-​mill personal trainer who just wants to make you sweat (though he’s good at that too!), he also tries hard to make sure you live a healthy lifestyle, and the results for me have dramatic.
I’m a big fan of his Saturday morning class as well. It’s a great way to start your weekend refreshed and motivated.

I was planning on going to a yoga class at 24 Hour Fitness and then all the sudden I realized that the class scheduled was a pilates class. Me being 30-​something guy I really didn’t think pilates was for me and was ready to leave but the instructor Sgt E was engaging and said I should stay and I’m glad I did.
I have been back to his classes several times and definitely feel better afterwords. His tougher course on Thursday at 24 will kick your butt no matter how good of shape you are in. It’s a challenge.
Also Sgt E is very knowledgeable and informative. He makes sure that everyone is both having fun and getting a workout. He is very good at coming by and helping correct any issues or problems with the form or exercises.
Definitely worth checking out!

Wow! I can’t believe I started coming to Shehabeddin Elmarouk’s (aka Sgt. E) Pilates class 4 years ago!!! I took a hiatus but now I am back! I forgot that this is not your gma’s Pilates! This is the energetic, kick ass, highly motivating, I am gonna make you sweat class that I so missed!
He knows his stuff, he is knowledgeable in many forms of exercise and nutrition and does not hesitate to share his knowledge. I greatly appreciate his motivation style and how he genuinely cares about his students.
Sgt. E is upfront regarding expectations and there is one requirement — SMILE!

Sgt E is amazing! I started coming to his classes after my husband got hooked; we now go every Saturday morning at 10am. Every week I look forward to his class, it is such a great way to start the weekend. Sgt E’s classes are a combination of Pilates, foam rolling, and circuit training. I love the variety and I can see differences in my body since going to his classes. I am a fairly active person that works out 3 times a week but I feel like I have gained so much more from going to his classes. He shares his knowledge about a healthier lifestyle and it motivates you to make small changes.
I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who is looking to make a change in their life. You will be happier, healthier, and more motivated in everything that you do.

Don’t be intimidated by the Sergeant in Sgt E! He’ll whip your ass into shape and drop kick it if need be… but it is so worth it.
You’ll learn to smile and keep it there all while gaining strenghth and flexibility. Shehabeddin’s Tues/​Thurs pilates class at 24hr in SOMA has been one of the best things to happen to me in 2011 and I’ll definitely be coming back for more and more in the new year.

Sgt. E offers very clear instructions on proper technique in working out individual muscle groups. Honestly haven’t been this excited about exercise in years.
For hijabi sisters: do wear longer than thigh-​length shirt as some exercises using the foam roller will make the shirt ride up the backside. Also wear head scarf like this one :
That way it stays put and doesn’t get caught up under the foam roller and yanked off.
I learned how to care for my body in 1 hour and am very encouraged by it. I’ll be putting my new found knowledge to work in the AM.

After five surgeries in five years, I was at a loss for how to get back in shape. My doctor recommended pilates and I tried a few classes at other gyms, but was not impressed. I read the reviews on Unilocal and decided to give Sergeant E’s class a try. Only six weeks later, I feel 500% better and have dropped two jean sizes (WHAT!!!). I know, it’s amazing.
This is so much more than a pilates class. You will be encouraged to take very simple steps to reduce your stress and improve your overall health, from breathing more to better nutrition.
If you are serious about better health, I highly recommend you give this a try. If you cannot make it to the Tuesday/​Thursday classes at 24 Hr. Fitness, try an individual session or join one of his private classes at his gym. You will not regret it!

I have been going to Shehabeddin, aka. Sergeant E’s class at 24 Hour Fitness for a few years now and absolutely love his style of pilates! Not only is he knowledgable about pilates and exercising, but he’s also passionate about what he does and loves helping everyone!
He makes it a point to greet people in class with a smile. And smiles are a very important part of class. Why go if you’re not going to smile and enjoy the work out!!!
He’s a great motivator and energizer. After his class, I feel like I“m walking better. My back feels looser and core feels much tighter. I brought my boyfriend to class to and he liked how it really worked him out and helped him be more aware his core. He’s a weights kinda guy with bulky muscles, so he wasn’t aware that he didn’t always engage his core properly.
Anyways, I recommend going to Sergeant E’s class anytime, but if you come, come with an open mind because his style of pilates isn’t your traditional cup-​o-​tea. He’s full of energy and always plays great music.
I’m hoping to attend his classes once he gets them going at his new studio!

I tried Shehabeddin’s group classes, and gave him a glowing review a few months ago. Afterwards, I decided to sign up for personal training with him. For reasons that I will not mention here, I decided he was not the right trainer for me, and pursued other options elsewhere, which gave amazing results. I now want the remainder of my downpayment back, and he refuses to refund it, motivating that it’s been too long since I paid him originally, and the money is spent.
We did not have a written contract, therefore personal training sessions could not have «expired». If you decide to pay him upfront for future sessions (no discount given on his «packages» if you do), make sure you sign a written contract that stipulates the terms of the agreement you have with him. I am utterly disappointed.