Demetrios Demetriades was born in Athens, Greece, in 1965. He was a very good runner and soccer player from a young age. He was a track and field athlete, training and competing with some of the athletes of the Greek Olympic team in 800m and 1500m track events, having some of the best coaches of his era. His brother Kostas was also passionate about soccer and athletics.

The National Herald: What brought you to the States?

Demetrios Demetriades: At age 19, after passing a qualified test to enter an American College, I moved to the United States to fulfill the American dream and study Physical Education, exploring the world of health and fitness. It was a big decision to leave my family, and I was a bit sad, but also very excited too to see how the rest of the world was.

My mother had relatives in New York City, and one of those relatives sponsored me to stay at his house there.

I was passionate about leading a healthy lifestyle and helping others do the same. I find fulfillment in guiding others toward improved physical and mental well-being. I always had the desire to help others and to make a positive impact on their lives. I derive satisfaction from seeing my clients progress and achieve their goals.

I was also interested in all areas of exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. I enjoy studying how the body responds to exercise and using that knowledge; I design effective training programs for my clientele.

I started taking courses at Hunter College of CUNY to study physical education. After two years living in New York City, I visited a friend in Honolulu, HI. When I arrived there, I was so impressed by the weather, culture, and tropical climate that I decided to transfer to BYU Hawaii Campus, a religious University on the North Shore of Oahu with an excellent sports medicine program.

I spent three-and-a-half years in Honolulu and traveled to Japan and Hong Kong. In 1992, after I got accepted into the exercise physiology, kinesiology/exercise, and sports science program by the University of San Francisco I moved to San Francisco, CA. In 2000, I earned a degree in exercise & sports science with an emphasis in kinesiology/biomechanics, sports medicine, and overall strength & conditioning. I also earned various certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the USA Weightlifting Association.

I worked with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists during rehabilitation for their patients at UCSF, and eventually, in 2001, I started working as a Master Fitness Trainer at the famous Sports Club LA in San Francisco in the Four Seasons hotel and residencies. That accelerated my career.

TNH: Have you trained famous people?

DD: During my 20 years at Sports Club LA and currently at Equinox Fitness Clubs, I have trained some of the most well-known Silicon Valley CEOs, including executives from PayPal, Oracle, Yelp, and Google, as well as economists, financial consultants, world leaders in politics like the Prince of Qatar, the King of Jordan, some celebrities and music stars, as well as marines and athletes in various sports like soccer, basketball, track n field, tennis, squash, Jiu Jitsu, volleyball.

TNH: What are you most proud of?

DD: One of my most significant achievements was a client named Diana Cramer (an executive in San Francisco) who had breast cancer. She was taking my abs/core class in Sports Club LA in SF and eventually became a regular client. My exercise programs and fitness routines fully helped Diana recover after her chemo. They reduced her fatigue because regular exercise can combat fatigue, a common side effect of cancer treatment, by improving overall physical stamina and energy levels.

Her mood and mental health Improved significantly since exercise releases endorphins, which can help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety often experienced during and after cancer treatment. Her Physical Function was enhanced since fitness activities such as strength training and flexibility exercises can improve physical function, making everyday tasks easier and boosting independence.

Her weight management improved since physical activity helps regulate weight, which is essential for managing side effects like weight gain or loss during cancer treatment.

Her bone health got better because weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which may be exacerbated by certain cancer treatments.

Her immune system got stronger as regular exercise strengthens the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of infections and supporting overall health. Her exercises also reduced the risk of recurrence. Studies have suggested that regular physical activity may lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improve long-term survival rates.

Overall, she Improved her quality of life. Maintaining an active lifestyle through exercise and fitness can contribute to a higher quality of life during and after breast cancer treatment, promoting physical and emotional well-being.

TNH: What are your individually tailored programs based on?

DD: I specialize in total body conditioning and strengthening, integrated flexibility training, core strengthening, rehabilitation therapy, sports-specific training, and performance training for all sports. Working from the body’s center – CORE –  (stabilization) and continuing outward (movement and force), the DSportsFit™ system creates lean symmetry and balance.

From professional athletes seeking to hone their core strength and flexibility to patients facing sports injuries, age-related or degenerative medical conditions, or weight loss concerns, each client achieves optimal results efficiently and safely.

I work with a wide variety of clientele with special health and fitness needs, and my straightforward, no-nonsense approach to training will assist on the path to health and fitness goals.

TNH: How do you lead your life? What are your life’s principles?

DD: As a successful fitness coach, I lead my life as a professional by embodying several fundamental principles:

1. Exemplifying Health and Fitness: Acting as a role model by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and demonstrating dedication to exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management.
2. Continuing Education: Pursuing ongoing education and certifications, I am staying ahead of the latest fitness trends, research, and techniques, ensuring I can offer the most effective guidance to clients.
3. Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize the needs and goals of my clients, tailoring fitness programs to their abilities, preferences, and limitations.
4. Effective Communication: I develop strong communication skills to convey complex fitness concepts, motivate clients, and build trusting relationships.

5.Professionalism: I Maintain professionalism in all aspects of my work, including punctuality, reliability, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

TNH: Have you achieved your dreams?

DD: Yes! Eventually, I built my empire of clientele. I opened my own health and fitness Personal Training Company, DSPORTSFIT LLC, where I provide top fitness services worldwide in person and virtually.

In 2021, I expanded my fitness business in Miami, where I moved with my wife and purchased my first home in the U.S. My American dream has been fulfilled, but I will never stop!