STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Islanders looking to get into better shape for 2025 — and for life — are invited to participate in the Staten Island Slim Down, starting Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Church, located at 505 Watchogue Road, Westerleigh.
Since 2011, local legendary fitness personality Tony “Books” Avilez has been helping Staten Islanders keep their New Year’s resolution through the Staten Island Slim Down. Avilez founded this annual health, wellness and weight-loss initiative in 2010, and this month marks its 15th year.
Avilez, a recent Staten Island Economic Development Corporation Health Hero award winner, stated: “The most important thing is to show up and have fun. This is an incredible opportunity to join a wonderfully supportive community. Over the years, we’ve seen many incredible transformations, and I’m immensely proud to reach 15 years of service.”
The Slim Down encourages Staten Islanders to embrace healthy lifestyle practices, such as exercise and nutritious eating. The program features weekly “Fitness Surprises” held at various locations across the borough, as well as an online program and resource library.
Over the years, the Slim Down has grown into a supportive family in which people of all health and fitness levels come together with the mission of making Staten Island a healthier and happier place to live.
Participation is free — all you need to do is register at StatenIslandSlimDown.com. Fill out and sign the waiver forms, then participate at any or all of the multiple fitness and exercise events. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey to better health. Bring a friend or two and discover what all the excitement is about!
The first fitness surprise event will be a kick-off on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Church. Participation is free, but you must sign a waiver form in person. Then you can join in at any or all of the multiple fitness and exercise events.
The Slim Down encourages Staten Islanders to embrace healthy lifestyle practices, such as exercise and nutritious eating. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
ABOUT TONY BOOKS AVILEZ
Avilez has distinguished himself as a top-notch fitness adviser and lifestyle coach. He has been recognized as one of the best in his field.
He is a medical exercise specialist, corrective exercise specialist and has certifications from American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer as well as a certified health coach. He is certified as a nutritional consultant by American Fitness Professionals & Associates. He also possesses the prestigious Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Most importantly, Avilez has used his special gift as a communicator to motivate and inspire his personal clients and seminar audiences to implement exercise, nutrition and lifestyle management as a means to effect change in their life for the better.
The Staten Island Slim Down was founded by Tony Books Avilez, seen in this file photo. (Staten Island Advance)Staten Island Advance
Avilez is also the author of five books on health and fitness. He has appeared in national periodicals, such as Flex Magazine and Black Enterprises.
He has been acknowledged as one of the top 100 fitness professionals in the country and recognized as Staten Island’s top personal trainer. He has performed over 40,000 client sessions over a career spanning three decades.
The free program features weekly “Fitness Surprises” held at various locations across Staten Island. (Courtesy Tony Books Avilez)Courtesy Tony Books Avilez
