BUSINESS IN THE NEWS Body By Berle Workouts Work

With peoples' hectic schedules, finding time to work out is seldom a priority. Richard Berle, owner of Body by Berle personal training center, not only has a workout program that is convenient, but it is also certain to show results. All it takes is a half hour, 2-3 times per week to get in shape. The key to Berle's system is his unique Nautilus equipment.
Body by Berle is the only one-on-one personal training center for men and women of all ages in Queens. Unlike overcrowded health centers who try to pack as many people in as possible, Body by Berle operates by appointment. The personal trainers show clients how to utilize efficient workouts to achieve maximum results in a minimum amount of time. The goal is to enhance the cardiovascular system, develop muscle strength and increase flexibility.
&#8220Exercise is a contradictory behavior,” Berle says. &#8220People don't want to sweat and work hard; they look to make things easier for themselves.”
A typical athlete, Berle played many different sports growing up. To be on top of his game he dedicated hours upon hours in the gym. Though at first rewarding, he could not continue the habit as he had little time to devote to the rest of his life. This predicament was solved as Berle discovered some innovative exercise machines called Nautilus.
Berle began studying physical fitness. He noticed the variety of ways people exercised and thought there must be a way to maximize the potential of the machines. Berle decided to contact the inventor of the machines and eventually learned how to correctly use the equipment.
&#8220Nautilus equipment was created to channel exercise into a scientifically substantiated method of achieving maximum fitness with a minimum amount of time and minimal risk of injury,” Berle says.
With his newfound knowledge, Berle wanted to share his gift with the public. In 1986, he opened Body by Berle in Great Neck. It was the first one-on-one fitness center to open on Long Island. Berle spent 16 years there perfecting his program before moving to Fresh Meadows in January 2002. Body by Berle remains as one of the select few Nautilus training facilities in the country.
All personal trainers at Body by Berle are Nautilus-certified to guide clients in using the machines while monitoring the use of proper form. &#8220Exercise is something that has to cause change in the body in a safe way,” Berle says. A free trial workout is offered so people can experience the potential of the equipment.
&#8220Working by appointment makes exercise important. People can add it to their Blackberry and follow through with it like their other obligations,” Berle said. With a staff of eight personal trainers, Berle makes a point of controlling the traffic. There are no lines for machines and all clients' progress is charted by the trainer.
A resident of Bayside, Berle is no stranger to Queens. &#8220I love the diversity of the community,” he says. With clients ranging in age from 11 to 80 and of all nationalities, Body by Berle caters to everyone. &#8220People need to realize great bodies are not born they are made,” Berle says. &#8220Everyone comes in wanting to look like Brad Pitt, but their goal should simply be to be lean and add muscle.”
&#8220I'm not in this for the business,” Berle says. &#8220I love it, this is pleasure to me. If I won the lotto tomorrow I'd still do what I'm doing,” he added.
Body by Berle is located at 61-17 190th Street, Suite 206 in Fresh Meadows. They are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. From Monday to Thursday, they re-open from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Each session is $25. For more information, call 718-264-8787 or visit their website, www.bodybyberle.com.