Sohee- Client Testimonial

When I think of my experience working with Noel, I can’t help but smile. During the few months that I had her as my trainer, she became more than just a trainer to me. I set up a journal on her forum shortly after signing up with her, and from there the journey began. Although I’d known her prior to working with her, I became better acquainted with her as she checked up on me regularly and always put a smile on my face.

I can recall so many times when I had a breakdown and shot her an email, telling her that I did not believe in myself. Once, back in September, I was having a particularly bad day. I felt that I would never get lean enough and that my body would never respond properly to the diet. I’d been following everything perfectly – the diet, the training, the cardio – and in my eyes, I still wasn’t seeing any changes. I was constantly bloated and had been becoming more and more despondent by the day. She gave me a huge reality check. Had I even checked out my comparison photos? Did I not see the changes I had made over the past couple of weeks? Apparently not. I really needed her words to smack me upside the head and get me to think clearly again. While I was frustrated and on the brink of giving up, she was levelheaded and supportive.

She greatly exceeded my expectations of her as a trainer. She always did much more than her job called for. My training and nutrition plans came quickly, her turn-arounds were rapid, and was always, always available to talk. I didn’t have very many people who would be willing to listen and really understand my worries. I wasn’t looking for pity or sympathy; I was looking for reality – and she brought it.

How Noel does everything she does and still manages to keep her head on straight, I will never know. Her enthusiasm and faith in me was infinite. Whatever training goals I had, she was right there behind me. She was always on my side no matter what. For that, I am so, so grateful.

Thank you, Noel, for brightening up my bitter days and always checking on me. You made me feel like not “just another client.” You will hear from me again soon!!

Another First Time Competitor: Shelley Cook

This is Shelley when she started with me:

This is Shelley At her show- Sandra Wickam Classic

I signed up with Noel Clark after making the oddest decision of my life. At 36 years old, two kids, husband, dog, new home, and a very busy company in tow, I decided that I wanted to compete in a figure competition. Why, I still don’t know exactly, just that I wanted to do something big and challenging at this exact moment in my life and this seemed to fit the bill.

After years of fitting in training and sports here and there but without huge commitment, I was in good shape but my figure looked a lot most Mom’s do… a lot more down there than up here and I knew that even with a decent background in weight training and knowledge of sports and nutrition I needed help. A good friend of mine suggested Noel as an on-line trainer for me because of my remote location. At first I really doubted how it could work, a faceless person over email did not sound like it had a lot of potential to me but I looked her up anyways.

To say the least, the woman is stunning! The power, strength, and confidence that she projected in her photos alone were enough to encourage me to reach out. I had honestly never seen a woman that looked like this before in my life, so much muscle, so fit and lean but still so feminine and beautiful. I was mesmerized and wanted a little bit of that for myself.

So after a few introductory emails that explained she was starting her own business I signed on as one of her new clients. Within days Noel’s website was up and running and on it were my new workout and nutrition plans. I was in love with the new workouts immediately, so different, so much easier than what I was doing before and still much more effective. The nutrition plan, well I’ll be honest here was a huge shock. I was very defensive and rebellious in the beginning because I really thought I knew a lot about nutrition and that I was eating just fine. Over time and begrudgingly sticking to the plan I realized that I was wrong. Noel has the winning formula. Yes it takes time effort and adjustment to change your long set habits but it IS SO worth it.

The changes in my body started immediately and kept me going because the rewards were so evident. My weight didn’t fluctuate much at all but I gained plenty of muscle and lost all of my fat while eating 5 times a day. I felt better than I ever have in life and after 6 months of doing exactly what Noel told me to do I had my reward. I was ready for competition. Really ready!

The tools that really counted were all there for me, the support I received from Noel’s forums was incredible, I journaled every day and was always greeted with positive responses, suggestions and support from people all trying to make the same good choices and live a healthy lifestyle. The meal tracking system that Noel uses helped keep me on track because I knew I had to account for every single meal and if I felt like cheating or eating off plan I knew I had to report that and didn’t want to. (still did, of course, many times…. no one’s perfect LOL).

What really cinched the whole thing is that Noel believed in me, right from the start. Even when I questioned her, rebelled against her, cried, complained and tried to quit she would be there for me. She changed my plans when they needed to be changed, she held my hand when it needed holding, kicked my butt when it needed kicking and from the first day that I set my goal, quitting never became an option. I feel like Noel has a pretty amazing gift, she understood me and everything I went through, justified or not, and never made me feel bad or weak for struggling or breaking down. She always told me I am stronger than I think I am. She was right.

My goal had been to get to the Sandra Wickham Fall Classic and feel like I belonged on that stage. What I ended up going home with was so much more valuable than that, the sense of accomplishment I felt for finishing, the sense of pride in my husband and children watching me make it and the fact that I didn’t quit even when I really wanted to are the most amazing feelings I’ve ever experienced. Add that to a 2^nd place trophy in Figure Short and a 1^st place trophy for Master A figure in my very first competition and you have an experience that cannot be beat.

Will I compete again… probably not but my life, and my family’s lives are forever changed thanks to Noel Clark and I wonder if I will ever be able to give her up. I'm already looking forward to opening my next set of plans.

Sincerely,

Shelley Cook

You can see more photos of the competition on my blog

First time NPC Competitor Brandy Hanson

Brandy's Befores above

Here are Brandy's photos of her at the Las Vegas Classic



I decide I wanted to compete in January of 2009. I did my homework and talked to as many figure girls and try to do things on my own. Being a certified personal training I understood the basic foundation of weight loss and training, but training and dieting for a figure show is just not the same. I tried to do things on my own, but just wasn’t getting anywhere. After my injury, my weight was up to 126 the most I have weighted in a long time. I had been doing long cardio sessions and low calorie diet to drop my weight but no change. I had worked with other online figure trainers and it just didn’t work for me. Then I ran across Noel’s youtube videos and contacted her. They were amazing. She showed me how to eat and train the right way for figure.

All I had to do was exactly what she had written out for me and within the first few weeks I could see the change in my body. I became more define and dropped body fat fast. The best part was I wasn’t doing hours of cardio. The meal plans were very easy to follow and she communicated with me on a regular basis. It was the best I have every looked in my life.

Thanks to Noel’s training and diet program I made the top 5 in my first NPC figure show at the Las Vegas Classic. I plan to keep training with Noel for my next NPC show on March 20th 2010. She showed me the right way to train and diet and I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who is looking to compete in figure or fitness.

Client Testimonial

Thank you Stacy for one of the most moving emails I have ever received!

At nearly 47 years old, my clock is ticking faster then ever and I can’t afford to waste any more time. My goal (and it truly is of absolute importance to me…) is to participate in one of next years figure competition. It’s always been a dream of mine but through you…and because of you…it has become a reality that “EVEN I” can do it. You may have once told me you are not our cheer leader but rather our trainer but you lady have always, ALWAYS been my biggest and most loyal fan…you made me feel like I could do ANYTHING!! There were definitely times during this “life changing” experience when I got deeply discouraged, but one little pep talk from you and I was on fire again, knowing full well I too, could be on that stage giving it my all. AND…because of you, last week was a week that I’ll never soon forget…I was on the top of world!! I finally broke down and went shopping!! I was finally tired of what all my dress pants looked like as they gathered around my waist from the belts I suddenly found I needed to wear…tired of holding my jeans up when running across a parking lot for fear they’d fall down if I didn’t…tired of people saying I’ve gotten too skinny but only because they couldn’t see the new and improved “toned” me underneath my now baggy clothes…tired of not looking professional or successful enough to buy new clothes…tired of not finding anything in my closet anymore that would flatter my figure but instead make me feel sloppy and unattractive…and the list goes on… So…I broke free the checkbook locks and went shopping. Kevin and I had a wedding to go to and I, for the first time, was going to meet a long time friend of Kevin’s. Not only did I want to knock Kevin’s socks off but I wanted his friend to think Kevin had done ok. With new clothes that would take me through a week of changes and something special for the wedding, this is what I received…the day after my shopping spree I came to work and the first thing I heard was…”WOW! Yummy!” From someone else…”Dang, don’t you look hot!” From another…”How do I get in touch with this trainer of yours?” And my dearest friend…”OH MY GOSH!! I had no clue Stacy!! You’ve had it all covered up with baggy worn out clothes!! Yesterday you just looked skinny…today I want to look like you! Will you help me??” And then the wedding…Kevin about fell to his knees and said I had never in 4 1/2 years looked so great! You should have seen him Noel…never has he looked more proud or have I ever felt more loved standing at his side! With his arm constantly around me, introducing me to everyone he knew, I don’t think I ever once looked at him when he wasn’t smiling. And his friend…yeah…that too was cool…he said to Kevin, “Now I know why you never introduced her to me before…you thought I’d try and steal her away. Nice job man! Far cry from what you came from!!” I think he was talking about Kevin’s ex-wife, who I’ve always thought was pretty. Anyway…All I guess I’m trying to say is thank you Noel…thank you for everything! I will be asking for your help again and when I do, I hope you’ll take me back with open arms and help me make the rest of my dream come true.

You may have “secretly” been my cheerleader, but you’ve also always been my inspiration, my hope, my idol and an absolute unbelievable, dynamite, incredible, fantastic kick ass trainer that not only do I respect and trust completely but a trainer that I’d refer hands down to anyone!! Needless to say…I need you Noel and NEVER in my wildest dreams would I seek anyone else to replace you.

Multiple Sclerosis and Staying Healthy

Sometimes life reaches out and gives you a swift kick. I have had MS for 25 years and actually have done very well. By well, I mean I'm still walking and many of us have lost that ability. Don't get me wrong, I've lost the ability to do many of the things I enjoy like water skiing, snow skiing, racquetball, aerobics or just running in the backyard with my grandchildren or puppies. My balance is very unstable and sometimes I look like I'm drunk when I walk. I was always bumping into things, even falling down, talk about embarrassing. For years I had trouble sleeping because my legs hurt so badly. But Lord, I AM so very grateful for what I DO have.

Two years ago I had an event in my life that I was sure would totally crush me. I just didn't know how I was going to keep going. I let myself go. I wasn't eating or exercising right and I felt terrible emotionally and physically. I needed to do something. I told Noel I needed her help. And boy, did she help me! She said I wasn't eating enough (how could that be?) and all the wrong things plus exercising too much and incorrectly. Now all of you would laugh at what I call working out. It's not close to what the rest of the world does for exercising but I had my weights, treadmill and stationary bike.

Immediately after I started eating and exercising correctly, I started sleeping (joy!) and felt 100% better. I had more than enough to eat and Noel put foods into my diet that I liked.

She took my limited ability to do things, added a ball and bands to the rest of my equipment and I had my own gym. I look forward to her workouts for me because I can accomplish the workout she prescribes. I can't tell you the difference the program has made in my life. I'm stronger, don't fatigue as easily but the best thing is that my balance is so much better. I can even do squats now without holding on to something. I lost 10.5 inches and 15 lbs which was too much weight loss so Noel gave me all day cheats on Saturday - the best day of the week!- and I gained three lbs - perfect for me.

So Noel is my diet coach for life. By that I mean she will continue to prescribe how I eat, exercise and live healthily. Thank you Noel! I love you. Oh, by the way, Noel is my daughter.

Client Testimonial

Here is a testimonial from a client I have been working with for a while. She has completely transformed her body. Moira has dropped almost 10 inches on her waist and about 8 inches around her hips with a total loss of over 40 inches!!









I've been working with Noel for about a year now. Prior to hiring her, I was at the gym every day, worked hard, did my cardio, weight trained and ate really well- BUT my body never changed. No matter what I did, day in and day out, I looked the same. I trained myself and planned my own nutrition. And to the best of my knowledge I was doing everything right. I made the best food choices as possible and trained the way I knew how.
I felt like I had just reached the end of the road, that I had used up all the tools I had to reach my goals had been unsuccessful. I was extremely frustrated and unhappy with myself. I came to realize that- clearly I was not a fitness or nutrition professional. The moment I realized this was the exact moment that I decided to hire Noel. I had exhausted my own workout and nutrition knowledge. So it just made simple sense to get help from someone who is accredited and far greater educated then myself in this field.

So, why Noel? Noel came highly recommended to me by a friend. There really is no greater vote of confidence then when one friend recommends you (Noel) to another, particularly when there is such physical and emotional success at stake. After working with her for a year now, I would absolutely not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. You can expect a relationship similar to that of a coach and athlete. She maintains a perfect balance of compassion, structure and discipline. My diets have always been catered and tweaked to my preferences, and workouts have been adapted to my needs. The communication is efficient, clear and prompt- I am never without an answer for long!

After losing over 30lbs and countless inches under her guidance, I can honestly say that hiring Noel has been the best fitness decision I have ever made. And all I had to do- was follow exactly what she told me to do!

Maximum Fitness Consulting is now LIVE

I am very excited to announce that my new website has now gone LIVE.
Come check out all the new options that I have. One of the most inovative new services I have is the MAX CHOICE NUTRITION Option..HERE

Client testimonial

I started working with Noel Clark about a year ago. At the time, I was 32, overweight and sick of feeling like garbage. I reached a point where I knew I was ready to change but not quite sure what I needed to do and what my goals were, beyond just "getting healthier."
I contacted Noel and sent her my weight and measurements. I hated doing that part of it but knew she needed to know my starting point if she were going to be able to help me. Just taking those measurements was an eye-opening experience. Noel assured me that what she saw in pictures wasn't nearly as hopeless as I felt.
At 5'2" and 135 pounds, my body didn't have potential in my eyes. After all, I have short, stumpy legs, big hips and no abs. I never in a million years could imagine what was underneath all the extra fluff caused by a few years of falling off the diet wagon.
At first, I started having Noel only doing my diet based around my own workouts. The weight started coming off, and I started to gain definition, most noticeably in my shoulders and abs. I was beyond thrilled and felt better than I had in a long time, both about myself and physically.
After about 4 months of doing my own workouts, I asked Noel to plan both my meals and workouts. From the beginning, she was great about communicating with me on a weekly basis. She checked in on me to make sure I was liking the diet and workouts. She even commiserated with me when I whined about how hard the workouts were. Even though Noel and I are hundreds of miles apart, I never felt all alone. She motivated me and gave me a sense of accountability, as I realized that I wanted to work harder for her than I did for myself.
From May 2008 to November 2008, I lost a total of 21 pounds and 23.25 inches overall. My beginning weight was 121 pounds, and I stopped dieting at a little more than 100 pounds.
Reaching my dieting and fitness goals has made me consider competing in a figure competition, and Noel continues to plan my meals and workouts for me as part of working toward that goal. She's unbelievably generous with her time and expertise.
I think no matter what your fitness goals, Noel can help you achieve them. I trust Noel wholeheartedly and know that she always has my best interest and health in mind. She really has given a lot of herself to help me over the last year, and I find myself wanting to work harder for her as a result.
I can't say enough positive things about her as a person and trainer. I don't think you'll find any better!

C.R. - Florida

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