A while ago I hired a highly qualified personal trainer who is also a professional boxer. Amazingly, he instructed me to do exactly what Ben and Nancy Suarez do. Then I found out he was educated by a professional boxer who got his knowledge from Beverly Hills. One of his personal trainers was Gunnar Peterson. I am so thrilled with the results.

I have been exercising/working out ever since I was in my late teens. In my school age years, I was on the high school gymnastics team, so from a young age, I have always been athletic to some extent.

As I became older, exercising became more important to me; it was almost a social event as I participated in group exercise and became friends with many of the other participants.

I continued to workout up until two weeks prior to having my son and was back at the gym just a few weeks after he was born. Essentially, exercising has always been a part of my life. Unfortunately, I never felt that I was achieving the results that I desired. After participating in endless group exercise classes, I took the plunge and splurged on hiring a personal trainer.

Selecting a personal trainer is not an easy task to accomplish as many of the trainers that are at the “gym” are worthless. I did find Paul, however. I saw the results on several other members at the gym that also “broke” the group exercise regime and they were amazing. The other women were women my age, not overweight, however their bodies were completely reformed, sculpted and toned after training with Paul. It was amazing.

So I interviewed Paul and hired him for a 12-week session. We started the very next week at 6:00 am Paul came to my home and we worked out in my basement in about an 8' x 8' space. Paul brought his own equipment with him, which was not much, but I can attest that the workout was the hardest I’ve ever done. In addition, we started out with measurements and a meal plan. I did not set out to lose weight, rather to seriously sculpt and tone.

I have always considered myself a fairly good eater, but the meal plan was quite a challenge: primarily high protein, high fiber, low carb and lots of vegetables. Essentially three parts vegetables to one part protein, with minimal carb. Carbs of course, prior to workouts for energy; protein after workouts to replenish muscle activity. Snacks (low cal/100 calorie snacks) in between meals. This was the hardest for me, as I am not a snacker. But it was explained to me that “the log on the fire needs to be continually lit to fuel the fire.” It made a lot of sense. It was hard, but I was determined.

I paid for the training and the plan and I was going to achieve success from it. After several weeks, I wasn’t seeing the results that I thought I would from training so stringently and became somewhat discouraged. Paul worked with me on the meal plan and gave me “homework” on our off days to increase my level of activity. He started me on interval training on the treadmill. I have never been a runner, but always aspired to be able to have that desire to start. Paul made me start. The intervals were challenging, but I found myself increasing the levels and duration and really enjoying it.

Upon the completion of my 12 weeks, I did not lose any weight, which was not my goal; however I lost 3% body fat and several inches! My pants are all too big and I am having difficulty finding new ones. I now run between 15-20 miles per week and absolutely love it. I found that the intense cardio workouts really pulled everything else (diet, weight training) together in which I saw the ultimate results.

I have several friends that have also exercised for many years; however I feel that they have fallen into the same mundane routine as I had. I needed to take my fitness to the next level. Many of those friends who I have had conversations with, just place blame on age; not wanting to take on the challenge of getting into better physical shape. I don’t believe in that. I now know that in just a short amount of time and with a lot of discipline that I did take my fitness level to the next level and I am so pleased. I could have taken the liposuction/plastic surgery route, however my hard work and training cost a lot less.

I am a single parent working three jobs and have managed to integrate an exercise program into my daily routine. The average person would claim that she “doesn’t have the time” and is always making excuses. Well, if it is important enough, you need to make the time. I set my schedule before each week begins and assign my workout regime into my work schedule, the same as I would an appointment. Believe it or not, this really works. Nothing has ever been accomplished without hard work.

I now integrate intense weight training with intense cardio 6 days a week, giving myself one day for rest. I still follow Paul’s nutrition plan, however I alter it according to my schedule and what works for me. I travel quite a bit for work, so I pack the essential foods/snacks that I might need while traveling so as not to deviate too much from the plan. Do I cheat? Of course I do, but minimally… just enough not to be deprived. Pasta, absolutely, I am Italian! I have however, found this great pasta which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber as well as it is lower carb and tastes great. A typical day’s meals for me would be high protein and fiber for breakfast, mid morning snack (yogurt, nuts, fruit), protein and vegetables for lunch, mid afternoon snack (carbs if I am doing a pm workout) protein and vegetables for dinner.

Now when I go to the gym, I actually kind of laugh when I see the participants in the group exercise classes, on the treadmills on their cell phones or reading newspapers and magazines. Paul advised me that, “if you can speak or read, then you are not working out hard enough” and I have found that to be true.

In the end, I can honestly say that I am rarely sick. I feel good and I sleep well. I owe it all to Paul. His training and influence has taught me “how it all works” with regard to changing your body. I have achieved my goals. I increased muscle mass, my metabolism and my energy levels. I feel good.

Dietary Supplementation

• Vitamin D Softgels
• Vitamin B Complex High Energy
• Slim & Cleanse
• Slim & Cleanse Probiotic Continuation
• Acai
• Liquid HA
• Green Tea

Regards,

Carla Saluppo