MUSCLING IN

You say you can’t get out to the gym to stay fit? Mike Glass of Costa Mesa is a physiotherapist who makes house calls. Now, are there any other excuses? FOR THE RECORD:

An article in Monday’s Daily Pilot, “Muscling in,” contained an incorrect e-mail address for physiotherapist Mike Glass, who can be contacted at newportmuscle@sbcglobal.net.

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Here’s a word of advice from Mike Glass, a physiotherapist who lives in Costa Mesa.

“There’s nothing you can’t accomplish in your home,” he said. “You don’t need a $10,000 gym set. All you need is willpower.”

Glass makes house calls as an independent contractor and is also affiliated with OC Fitness, a physical training studio in Orange. He classifies himself as a physiotherapist, as distinct from a physical therapist, because he does not have a physical therapist’s license. Friday, Glass made a stop in Newport Beach to work with one of his clients, Stella “Faye” Askew.

Askew, who is 82 years old, has been diagnosed with Paget’s Disease, a condition that causes the bones to degenerate and can lead to arthritis and broken bones. She simply described Glass as “the best.”

Under Glass’s supervision, Askew undertook a simple workout in which she exercised by getting in and out of a chair in sets of 25 repetitions, and lifted 5- and 6-pound free weights and 5-pound ankle weights. Glass has been working with Askew twice a week for about two months.

“When I came here, she was just using that cane, Glass said. “Now she’s freer.”

Glass believes people need encouragement toward proper exercise. He compared people who are out of shape to a child who is having trouble at school and needs a parent to help the child focus on studying.

“[I] try to motivate them -- push them to the next level,” he said.

Glass’ interest in exercise started when he was 13 years old. “I got into this when my father died of a massive heart attack and I said ‘I don’t want to be like him,’” Glass said.

Glass cites personal experience as a former competitive bodybuilder and has a souvenir photo of himself with former Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, of the television series. He said his clients are not limited to people who are battling illness.

“I work with kids. I work with senior citizens. I work with women who want to compete in the Miss Universe contest,” he said.

Glass charges as much as $100 per session, though he can waive charges for poorer clients who are sent to him with a medical referral. He can be contacted at newportmuscle@sbcglobal.com.

* ANDREW EDWARDS covers business and the environment. He can be reached at (714) 966-4624 or by e-mail at andrew.edwards@latimes.com.

20051226is2x8bncDON LEACH / DAILY PILOT(LA)At home, 82-year-old Stella Fabian-Askew works out with trainer Mike Glass using light weights.