If exercising in a gym makes you shudder or the thought of running on a treadmill gives you a headache, you probably aren't doing the right workout programme.

If making a lifestyle change by doing a programme designed specifically for your needs sounds a bit better, Innovative Body Sculpting (IBS) might be the jumpstart you need.

IBS is a holistic approach to exercising by "encompassing your lifestyle, circumstances, body and spirituality".

The programme was introduced to the Island a few months ago by fitness enthusiast, Preston Ephraim. Mr. Ephraim, a dual citizen of Bermuda and the US, found out about IBS when researching which fitness programme he wanted to be certified in.

"I've always been in the fitness industry," he explained. "I started playing active sports at seven- or eight-years-old and ranked high in the US, top 15 for track and field, hurdles."

Mr. Ephraim said his career was aborted when he got injured so he decided to focus on training people. It turned from a hobby to something more serious when he joined the Bermuda Police Service in early 2004 and began training his colleagues.

The trainer received his certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and worked with a gym in Washington, DC to be trained in IBS.

He went through business and practical courses in order to be certified in the programme which is accepted worldwide and is used to train NBA players and other top athletes.

Mr. Ephraim explained the great thing about IBS is it's all about making a lifestyle change and progressing at a pace that resonates with the client.

He said in his first meeting with a client, he finds out if they have any ailments and creates a workout especially for them. If the client wants to lose weight, Mr. Ephraim said he focuses on "cardio blasts" for the whole body.

"I show people that fitness isn't always working out. It's about creating a lifestyle," he explained. "I train in an area that is conducive for you whether it's your house, the beach or a park. I take you out into the open environment using your body weight."

The trainer explained IBS doesn't use weights or any fitness machines that many people associate exercise with. It is his job to show the client exercises using their own body weight.

Asked to offer sample exercises, Mr. Ephraim explained each client has a programme specified for his or her body. He said if someone has a tight back, he might focus on stretching and rotational movements that will take care of that ailment.

"I'm the catalyst for the change within you," he said with a smile. Mr. Ephraim explained his clients are usually middle-aged women but he takes on people from all walks of life.

"It's people who just want to get that spark back in their life. IBS brings you the tools to enhance your life and well-being," he said.

Asked what he would say to people who need motivation to get going, Mr. Ephraim added: "I would say take the first step. Acknowledgement is the first key. It's when you realise you want to put your life in a balanced direction."

IBS is for people who want to lose weight as well as gain weight as each plan is "detailed to each person to enable them to reach their goals".

Although it is fitness-oriented, Mr. Ephraim will throw in a bit of nutritional information as he is currently studying to be a certified health counsellor. He said: "I give people enough to get out of their rut." Sessions are 30 minutes or one hour depending on the fitness level of the client. He explained the programme is not about losing 15 pounds to fit in a dress for New Year's, it's about changing the whole lifestyle. "It's because diets don't work. You want longevity," he explained.

Mr. Ephraim usually meets with clients either two or three times a week depending on how much motivation they need. After about a month, the sessions can decrease if the client has progressed smoothly.

For more information on Innovative Body Sculpting or to schedule an appointment with Mr. Ephraim, contact him on 599-3488.