Hubby's Journey

Alright so to catch everyone up to speed, my husband has been dieting (kinda sorta) for a few months. He has been guest blogging for me because honestly, he really tells it like it is from a perspective that I would consider real world. I am going to Re-post his last blog for me and then get him working on another. I know he has fallen off the wagon a bit in the last few weeks and it is now summer-time and he needs to get on it. So here is his last blog post:

I wasn’t sure if the theme for this blog would be more “Fitness Level Reality Check” or more “Things You Shouldn’t Do Unless You Are Noel.” See, I’ve lost 17 lbs. this year and 12 lbs. since I started this blog for Noel, and I just commented to a good friend the other day that I was actually beginning to feel like I was moving better. It’s hard to explain, but for me, when I begin getting into shape one of the first things I notice is how much easier it is to move and I start to feel a little more athletic, if that makes sense. Tonight I got my reality check, a sort of “Not so fast, my friend!” ($1 to Lee Corso) on the calling yourself an athlete again.
Noel says to me, “Hey, I have a program I want you to try.” I said, “Cool, sounds like fun.” What I should have said was, “Thank you, but HELL no!” But I’m not that smart. So even after she shows me this monstrosity tonight before I head to the gym, I’m looking at it thinking, doesn’t look too bad. Obviously I was blocking out the fact that Noel came home from doing this same workout on Tuesday feeling like she was going to throw up – not a good sign. But again, I was feeling good, feeling athletic again. Plus, it’s really just a circuit of exercises for 30 seconds with a short rest between each set. No rep counting, no heavy lifting, just 30 seconds of exercise and then rest. I can do anything for 30 seconds. Or so I thought. I now realize 30 seconds is an eternity when you’re doing burpees and jump squats. Not to mention I’m trying to do burpees while this cheap, interlocking matt system our gym has for a floor is ripping apart. I mean, I know I’m a big guy but really, I shouldn’t be popping up floor boards every time I kick my big butt back. Another highlight were the “explosive” pushups, which really looked a lot like regular pushups after about pushup #3 and the question really became less about how “explosive” the pushups were and more about “am I going to fall on my face if I bend my elbows again.” Like I said, athletic.
After the first time through this circuit (or maybe my second exercise, whatever), I began to rethink my fitness level. After my second time through, I began contemplating what might be the most plausible injury I could fake – maybe a pulled groin? After my third time through, I started to laugh at some of the directions Noel provided me before heading out tonight. Like when she said, hold the dumbbells over your head during your lunges, what she should have said was, try not to fall down during your bodyweight lunges. And when she said, you probably won’t need a lot of rest after some of these exercises, what she should have said was, you’re going to want to kill yourself after some of these exercises. I’m not sure what I thought after the last time through … I think I blacked out for a few minutes. If fitness were skiing, that program was a double black diamond and I should still be snow plowing down the bunny slopes.

Client Email

I got a great email the other day from a client of mine that I would like to share:

I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed and appreciated working with you, Noel. You know your stuff. I was also impressed with you ability to build a plan around me and my life style. My goals were probably very different than many of the younger people you work with. I was able to work on health issues that apply to me and not some generic person. As a result, I am 50 years old and feel better both physically and mentally than I have ever felt in my life! With your encouragement, I have been able to achieve my goals but if I see a problem in the making I know where to come for help.Thanks for everything,Kara Yost

This is what makes me love my job!

Getting Things Up and Running

I am getting closer and closer to launching my site. I am very excited how things are coming together. I am working on a new nutritional service that is going to be amazing - talk about giving you choices! I am also working on getting packages together brides, couples, and figure athletes - so stay tuned!

On a personal note, I am dieting now. Trying to see if I can get ready for some figure shows this summer or fall. Not sure what I am going to do yet, but I will keep everyone posted!

Client Testimonial - Nicole Masella

This one really touched me!


This may seem like a very long story - but it is well worth the read and Noel needs to be praised throughout! Noel was the college roommate and soccer teammate of one of my best friends. My friend Jill has hands down one of the most physically fit bodies I have ever seen -and she always has. However, this past Spring, when my family and I went to visit Jill and her family in Florida she somehow was in even better shape than usual and that is when she told me about Noel. The last time I had met Noel was at Jill’s wedding when she was pregnant with her third child. However, over the years Jill had filled me in on Noel’s competitions and her training. After that visit, I was motivated - however, I was not going to bother making contact because I did not think “I had the time.” After a few weeks of thinking about it -I decided to email Noel - that was the single best decision I could have made. I am honestly shocked at the results, especially in the training circumstances that I have been working with…
I explained to Noel that I was moving back home with my parents and my two young children as my husband had to move three states away to complete a one year job (which he is only in month three of right now. So, my concern was that I was going to be in the middle of a move and a huge transition (which took place three months after I started working with Noel) - not to mention that I had not been to gym since my 4 1/2 year old was born. I used to go to the gym at 5:00 am, however, once I had children that was impossible to do because my husband leaves the house at 5:30 am for work. In addition, I also work full time as an attorney. So basically, I had all the reasons in the world to say that there was no way we could accomplish anything meaningful. I could not have been more wrong. Noel assured me that she could get me into the body I was trying to achieve if I just purchased a few pieces of equipment and put the time in at my house - so off I went, purchased a medicine ball, resistance band and some free weights…Oh yes, and a good alarm as I now get up much earlier - which is a good thing. I get so much done before my children even open their eyes, which mkes me more productive throughout the entire day! I have been working with Noel for about six months and I am now the weight I was as a freshman in High School…yes, a freshman in High School (without stepping foot in a gym) - not to mention that I feel so healthy it is ridiculous -the overall benefits of working with Noel cannot be exaggerated enough. I can email her anytime of day or night, with the stupidest questions, whether it be with the training or the diet - and she will respond almost immediately. I cannot believe that for years before I had my two children, I would spend 1.5 to 2 hour in the gym, daily - as Noel put it after I told her what I used to do - I was a “cardio bunny.” However, even though I used to lift weights and run five miles a day - I never looked as toned and slim as I do now - with half the time put in on a daily basis. I honestly never thought that my body could look like it does - I always said to myself, oh it does not matter how much I work out - my genes will not allow me to lose that cellulite, ect - however, Noel has showed me again, just how wrong I was in my thinking and overall outlook on diet, nutrition and food. Aside from the obvious physical benefits - so much more has changed…it may sound crazy, but my hair, my nails - everything is stronger…but more importantly - my own attitude…I am a pretty confident person to begin with - however, I was never completely satisfied with my body and now I am! I am just so much more positive about my body and my health!
Noel has truly changed my life in so many ways - all for the better! She also has shown me that just being honest with her regarding any time constraints and dietary concerns, challenges and cheats - anything can be adjusted and tweeked to change with any given week or obstacles - she truly has an unbelievable knowledge base regarding nutrition and physical fitness. For anyone who thinks that they just do not have the time or the willpower to make such a life change - you are wrong - you just have not found your Noel yet…but I hope you do - you will be a better person for it - inside and out!
- Nicole Masella, Somerset, NJ

Georgia's Eastern Seaboard Bodybuilding Figure and Bikini Championships

I went to this National Qualifier today to help support the Georgia NPC. I was able to help out a bit backstage and at the door. Overall this show brought out some good competition. I even thought, from what I could see, the bikini division looked good.

I will say that being around that atmosphere brought back the 'want' to compete again in Figure. I was able to talk for a few minutes with Figure Pro Teresa Anthony about upcoming shows for her. I am very excited to see her back up on stage again.

Client Testimonial - A Personal Trainer

Here is a testimonial from a client that is a personal trainer at the gym where I work out. Why would a personal trainer need to hire me? I think when you get to a certain level of leanness that you haven't reached before, you need someone with an objective eye to help you. I also believe that when you start having to implement refeeds or carb cycling, this goes above what most 'general' population and even trainers deal with.

When I initially began working with Noel I was a year out from my first figure show, and 20lbs heavier than where I competed. The rebound from my first hard diet was harsh, and I was second guessing everything I thought I knew about nutrition. Additionally, I was beating my body to death with 2 a day cardio sessions, and a lifting regime four days a week that usually left me practically crippled. I had nothing to show for it except being exhausted, overtrained, and no closer to my goal of walking through life “looking the part” of the trainer. For the average civilian that would’ve have been livable, but I was just beginning a full time job as a personal trainer, and it wasn’t acceptable to me not to look the role for my clients.
The first thing I noticed working with Noel, was the different approach to my training. My workouts were a great mix of heavy days, technique focus, and circuits. She also implemented mobility drills, and mandatory dynamic warm-up prior to my workouts. As result, I’ve felt better, my workouts have been stronger, and for once I’ve even put ON some muscle. Additionally, I feel like I have an much clearer sense of how to approach my own programming for here on out based on the goals that I am working toward at any given time.
The biggest revelation that I’ve had over the last few months has been diet. I was steeped in the belief that fat was evil, and that the only way to lose weight was to cut it all out. As I watched my body shrinking before my eyes, I learned the importance of true diet setup. As I fed myself a diet rich in variety, with nuts, cheese, and even red meat represented, my body shape shifted daily. With the built in free meal each week I was never bored or deprived, but I also learned how to have a smart free meal! Today I am looking at a body that’s 5 pounds away from the weight at which I competed, but one with MUCH better composition, and shape.
Anyone questioning whether or not to take the plunge with Noel, should stop wasting time. It will be the best investment in yourself you can make. She’s knowledgeable, understanding, encouraging, and a wonderful teacher! You will get exactly what you’re looking for when you work with her. I lost 15lbs and many, many inches! I just want to say, Thank you!
Annie Webb

Marietta, GA

Before

AFTERS

Client Testimonial

I've been in "Athletic Shape" almost all my life. When I became a father, my free time dwindled and I didn't have the time to keep that active lifestyle I had, yet I continued to eat like I did. When I decided it was time to get back to what "Athletic Shape" meant to me I asked for Noel's help. Since I am still a father I knew I would need to be as specific with my time and nutrition as I could, to get to where I wanted to be. With Noel's help, in 8 weeks I got back to the shape I was in when I was doing photo shoots out of college. Now I'm working with her to see if I can reach that level of fitness that eluded me then, mostly because fried food and beer were standard fare in my college diet. I would recommend her expertise to anyone who is looking for that edge to get back to "Then" or better.

Christian Hydrick

(Photos by Greg Brown)

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Are your weight loss expectations realistic?

When you are training and either dieting or adding muscle, what areyour expectations? Are they realistic?

Lately I have noticed that most people's expectations (and sometimeseven my own) are not always realistic. This is one of the biggestdownfalls to the dieting/bulking cycle. We often start off gung-hothinking we are going to drop weight like contestants on The BiggestLoser or gain huge amounts of muscle in a very short time. I hate tobreak it to you, but this just isn't the case.Just because you don't lose 12 pounds of fat in a week, doesn't meanyou aren't succeeding at weight loss. There's a lot more that goesinto the process. Ultimately, your time in the kitchen is a morecrucial component to weight loss than your time on the treadmill orbike. Giving your body the fuel it needs through proper nutrition,macronutrient balance and hydration will allow you to effectivelyperform without having to go to extremes, either nutritionally or viaexercise.

Ten pounds of weight loss in a week isn't realistic. Can it be donelike they do it on The Biggest Loser? Yes. Should it be? No. Thatlifestyle - 8 hours of training per day - isn't sustainable long termand sets a person up for overtraining, fatigue and injury. And if yourgoal isn't just WEIGHT loss but FAT loss (and yes there is adifference) then it's better to smartly approach fitness and nutritionto avoid damaging your metabolism and possibly setting yourself backin the long run.

We're all human. Even I get impatient with progress sometimes and wishextra fat would come off faster. There's no secret to fat loss ormuscle gain. It's a relatively simple process that requires commitmentand a little patience. Gaining 25 pounds might have taken a year ormore. Taking it off can't happen overnight. If you put in the work,you will get the results you desire.

Don't let workout intensity drop off

Do you ever see the people at the gym who are there day after day pedaling away on the bike or walking on the treadmill while talking on their cell phone or chit-chatting with their neighbor?
I see those people, and I also see that day in and day out their physiques almost never change. Why would you or anyone else take a precious hour out of the day to go to the gym but not train smart enough or with enough intensity to enact real change?
Your time in the gym needs to be more than just going through the motions. I am not saying that each workout you should busting out new personal records, but how can you work out, seriously, while you have your cell phone TO YOUR EAR? I had a guy in my gym doing barbell curls while on his phone. How can you really think that you are getting a ton out of training while doing that?
If you're going to commit to getting to the gym a few times a week, you need to make the most of it. Everyone's going to have a bad day here or there where your workouts lack the usual fire, but those should be the exception not the rule. With a job, possibly children and a home to take care of, most people have trouble finding the time to get in a workout. But if you're making the effort to get to the gym, then put in some hard work when you're there. You'll get more out of it and probably feel better in the long run.

My fitness journey

Fitness has always been one of my life’s passions. I played sports throughout my childhood and ultimately a scholarship to play soccer at Auburn University, where I was a four-year starter and All-SEC performer. Once my playing days were over, fitness remained a priority in my personal life but I was looking for more, I missed the challenge of competition in my life. After having three children, I wanted to find a way to compete again and that is when I started looking into Figure competitions. I decided in 2006 that I would try it.

I qualified to compete on the national level in my second competition by finishing second in the NPC Mountaineer Championships Figure competition in Boone, North Carolina. I have since gone on to compete in multiple national level competitions since 2007, and have multiple top 5 finishes in my class, including a 2nd place finish in the 2008 NPC Junior Nationals, narrowly missing out on the class victory by one point.

In addition to competing, I have found another means of making fitness a way of life by turning my passion for fitness outward, toward helping others achieve their fitness goals. I began to study nutrition and training and began attending NSCA and ISSN conferences. In October of 2007, I became a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT). The NSCA-CPT exam thoroughly tests the knowledge and skills that are necessary to successfully train both active and sedentary physically healthy individuals, as well as individuals with special needs. There are fewer than 10,000 fitness professionals who hold this prestigious credential. In June of 2008, I became an ISSN Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), the premier sports nutrition certification in the industry.

I earned a BS in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Georgia State University. From 2008 to 2009 I worked as a Training and Nutrition Consultant for Lean Bodies Consulting.

Through my own experience, I realize what a life-changing experience it is to achieve your MAXIMUM fitness goals, and I am excited about the opportunity to help you to do the same.

REALIZE YOUR MAXIMUM FITNESS DREAMS