Our mission

My name is John Michael Cione; I am 40 years old and have played sports my entire life. I never worked out regularly with weights. I was referred to Rivak after I had sustained a severe foot injury. I weighed 178 pounds. I thought I was in reasonably good shape. My first workout was more challenging than I could ever imagined. Undaunted, I changed my eating and drinking habits, trained with Rivak 3 days a week. Now I weigh 150 pounds and in the best shape of my life. My strength, speed and endurance have increased dramatically. I also had to buy a new wardrobe and I even fit in clothes that have been in my closet for 10 years. I found that a consistent workout regimen has greatly reduced my stress levels and enhanced my overall attitude. I credit Rivak and his approach to fitness for positively affecting many facets of my life, which I had not expected. His discipline and guidance were pivotal in keeping me on track. I honestly feel getting involved with Coach Rivak is one the best things I have ever done for my family, my business and myself.

I’ve been working for 4+ years with Rivak.  He’s been a huge motivator and he’s helped me lose weight, eat better and get fit.  He’s customized a program for me and that’s probably the most important thing.  You see, I travel almost weekly and he’s helped me find a way to “fit in” a workout program.  He keeps me accountable, even when I’m not seeing him every single day.  If you’re serious about getting into shape, call Somagenesis.  If you aren’t sure, stay on the couch and buy some bigger jeans.

Working with Rivak as my personal fitness trainer has been the best personal health decision I have made in decades. He developed a tailored program for me based on my health goals and physical condition (including a detailed review of lab results from my last physical) and keeps me focused on actions required to meet my health and fitness goals. In one year I lost 6 inches from my waist and saw huge strength and cardio/endurance gains. Reliable, knowledgeable, focused and enthusiastic, he’s an amazing personal trainer.

I was referred to Rivak via a fellow cyclist and I am happy to say my life has never been the same. Prior to working with Rivak, I had reached a point in my life that no matter how often or how hard I exercised I was not making any progress. My cycle times were not improving and I was getting just as exhausted cycling the same distance. Rivak’s insight, experience, and knowledge of physical training and diet continually impress me. His assessments and recommendations for training routines are 100% on the mark. Rivak is totally committed to his clients and his dedication has produced amazing results. I have dropped weight, reduced waist size, gained muscle, and increased my endurance. At 46 years old I am amazed at what Rivak has helped me achieve physically. Rivak has been key to my physical aspirations as well as playing an integral part to my mental well-being. Pros: Gets things done quickly and efficiently! Cons: You wish you can train with him every day, but he advises moderation to avoid burn out.

Rivak the miracle worker! I was needing to find an exercise specialist/trainer to strengthen my core lower back muscles, shoulders, arms and thigh muscles, which have degenerated from a very rare disease called polymyositis. For 13 years I have watched my once, very slim and fitness body, gradually become ravaged by the destruction of muscle mass, leaving me unable to climb stairs, walk without a cane and always using a wheelchair when outside the home. By chance, I found the link to Rivak’s company. A call and a response from Rivak, was the beginning of an incredible journey to wellness and muscle rejuvenation. Rivak has the medical education, training and experience; in particular, a strong interest in working with challenged people. With a customized program and a commitment to Rivak and myself, the challenge was set and I was ready to see results. Rivak encouraged me to reach for my maximum potential exercise level but he cautioned me to be aware of my physical limitations. Only an experienced exercise trainer, like Rivak, has the ability to design an exercise program to achieve the greatest outcome. My workouts are intense and strenuous at times. That was in 2006. In two years, I have seen a major change in my muscle strength throughout my body.

My doctor had told me to lose weight, but not how successful weight loss is accomplished. It was time to find a personal trainer. My search began on the Internet when miraculously up popped Rivak Hoffman on my computer screen. I had known Rivak when he was working as a Medical Researcher at UC Shiley Eye Center but had not spoken to him for years. I knew he was an honest hardworking individual. He was always driven to do his best, and is a person who never backed down from a challenge. It was at that moment I decided I was going to be his next challenge. If anyone was able to help me through this difficult stage of my life he would. In our initial consultation and fitness assessment, Rivak’s calculations confirmed I was in the “clinically obese” category. We discussed a training program that worked for me, and I began my new lifestyle of combining diet, resistance training and cardiovascular exercise. I have been working with Rivak for 1 year and have lost 45 pounds, decreased my bad cholesterol by 20 points, and best of all am now wearing a size 12 dress! I feel great and my friends say I look wonderful. Thank you Rivak for helping me meet my first weight loss goal!