Mick Herrera is a personal trainer who really enjoys helping people keep fit for life.
“Fitness should become a lifestyle,” he said.
The former body builder and manager of Gold’s gym in Walnut Creek, a Danville resident known as “Mick the Brick,” is the head personal trainer at Crow Canyon Country Club. In addition to helping people get fit there, he is a physique judge for the National Physique Committee and directs its bodybuilding shows throughout the year.
“Aside from health benefits, being fit helps a person’s self-esteem and gives them confidence in the work place, sports and in their social environment,” said Herrera.
“The best way to get involved in a regimen is to make it fit your chosen lifestyle,” he advised. “Do not treat it as a job or chore because you will lose interest. You need to make it fit your daily routine and it will slowly find its way to being a priority in your day. Without you knowing, it will become second nature.”
As the population grows older and people begin playing more sports like golf, Herrera recommends that they “stretch, stretch and stretch.”
“Repetitions should be on the high side, 12-15 reps per set,” he said. “Muscle mass and golf do not mix. The key is muscle flexibility. In addition for people over 50, they need to be aware of their dietary habits and how your body reacts to certain food groups and or condiments.”
Working out can become boring, he admitted. He said to avoid this, “alternate exercises every workout or at least change the order around each time.”
In addition he has five top fitness tips everyone should know:
1. Keep well hydrated
2. Listen to your body
3. More is not always better
4. Consistency
5. Stretch
Being a personal trainer has its good and bad points like everything else in life, he noted.
“On some days I use all my energy on getting everybody in shape and I have nothing left for my own workouts,” he said. “On the other hand, the pleased look on clients’ faces when they start to see the results of their efforts is very gratifying. Their renewed confidence and self-esteem are very exciting to witness. Being ‘fit for life’ has many benefits and may be the most worthwhile investment a person can make to insure a rich, active lifestyle as father time ticks on.”
Community Briefs: Tango and Jazz at City Center | Alamo and Danville road closuresApril 3, 2026 9:31 am
