Laura and I started working together a few years ago, and at that time I followed the NASM model starting with stability, then strength, then power. I don’t want to give myself all the credit for her stability, balance, and core strength, but I can’t help but plug myself that I did a solid stability program with her 😉 I’m pleased that now that we are focusing on a lot of strength exercises, she still demonstrates a high level of stability and balance.
We started training again more recently when she wanted to get super-hot for her wedding. She had the potential to be a very tough case, because she was already so active, and eating so cleanly…that it may have been difficult for her to make changes that would make an impact on her physique. Everyone knows that an obese, sedentary individual will experience dramatic weight loss if they start eating better and exercising…but what about someone who is already petite, in shape, exercises hard frequently, eats well consistently, stays well hydrated, and takes good care of herself overall?
We did discuss nutrition, and nutrient timing, which we manipulated a little bit. My intuition, however, was that the main method of physique change would be through changing her workout routine completely around. She was a cardio machine, and loved getting a good sweat on with cardio, high intensity classes, and so forth. She was lacking, however, a solid lifting routine, and actually had never had one in her life. So that’s what I proposed. Cut the cardio. Focus on lifting. That’s it. Build the lean muscle that will accelerate her metabolism, with the added benefit of shocking her body with a different regimen. She understood that weightlifting for women does not result in bulkiness if your diet on point.
It’s been working. She looks lean and toned. She was recently hydrostatically measured and has so far lost 5 pounds of PURE FAT and even gained a small amount of muscle!! (A lot of weight loss shown on the scale is actually a mix of fat pounds AND muscle pounds, so the fact that Laura lost pure FAT and didn’t lose any muscle shows our program is working well!)
Her wedding isn’t for a few months, so we will be cycling through a few different phases of training so that her body continues to be challenged, and before her wedding we will dial her right in so that she looks amazing in her wedding dress!
Here is Laura’s side of the story:
Once I realized that I only had 9 months left to shed some pounds before my wedding, it was an easy decision to come back to Kristina for personal training. Not only did Kristina listen carefully to my fitness goals, she continues to exceed my expectations: customizing workouts, helping me create nutritional plans, and checking in with me along the way to see how I am doing in all aspects of my mental and physical health. No matter what, Kristina always greets me with a smile and provides positive feedback to support my progress – even reassuring me I didn’t ‘fall off the wagon’ after a weekend of indulging in a dessert or wine tasting.
When Kristina first told me that the best way to ‘shock’ my pretty-physically fit body into shape was through more weightlifting, I did have a moment of hesitation. As a cardio addict, this just made me nervous since I didn’t really know any other way to lose weight aside from upping the cardio, but I knew that Kristina is an expert whose guidance I could trust. Kristina created unique workouts that were fun, unintimidating, and helped this 5’2 girl gain some confidence racking up heavy barbells for squats and dead-lifts. I started to surprise myself by learning how strong I really was, and grew a new appreciation for a 1 hour workout with weights.
With more muscle, the more calories I started burning even at rest. The pounds have started to come off, and even more importantly, I am stronger than ever. (This is all without looking the slightest bit ‘bulky’, which I know many women fear and so shy away from much of the weight equipment at the gym.) With Kristina’s support and encouragement, I’m happily on track to meet my target wedding physique and have never felt deprived – of food, cardio, or motivation.
Kristina is truly more than a personal trainer; she is a holistic life coach and gives 110% effort to see those around her succeed.
Thanks, Laura! Your compliance to the program is what is getting you the results. Awesome work~
JUN