Posts Tagged ‘personal trainer interview’

Natalie Lynn Lichtenbert Interview

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

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Natalie Lynn is a personal trainer and fitness model. We caught up with her to get her thoughts on fitness, health, and fitness modeling.

Natalie, you’re an accomplished fitness model and fitness professional, can you tell us how you decided on this career path?

I’ve always loved modeling…and my Mom had me sitting on her feet while she did sit ups when I was like two…so it’s just been a lifelong thing! I have vintage magazines with Christie Brinkley, Cameron Diaz, etc. Those were the days!

Are you more focused on the modeling or personal training side of things right now?

I’m always more focused on the modeling side of things. It is my passion. I am also a Laboratory Scientist specializing in Viruses and Molecular Pathology. Personal Training is my third job. I love seeing people making positive changes in their lives and it’s a part of my life I cannot live without.

Are you taking new clients?

Yes

Many of our visitors ask about the best way to get started on a fitness routine. Do you have any advice?

It has to be a part of your daily routine, scheduled and not a maybe thing. I schedule my life around my workouts unless I absolutely can’t. I find it is extremely better for me to fit my workout in first thing in the morning before I start the rest of my day. I am fresh with energy then, and leave ready to conquer and create the day.

What do you feel is more important, diet or the actual workout?

Diet always comes first! Working out enhances a healthy lifestyle.

Do you recommend that your clients take any supplements? Protein shakes? Creatine? Or just healthy eating and lots of water?

I only recommend healthy, clean eating that is all natural, whole and pure. These low fat and low carb products wreak havoc with our systems yet people get so sold on them. They are really not healthy for you. Eating smaller, more frequent clean meals will leave you feeling great!

Fittron recently attended a fitness modeling casting even here in New York. One of the professionals on the site invited us and we spoke with a number of aspiring models and industry veterans. Do you have any advice for them? Can they make a good living as a fitness model?

LOL. You can make better money as a fitness model if you are willing to go beyond print work which pays little. Infomercials, voiceovers, stunt modeling, etc. are better ways to pay the bills!

What type of fitness modeling work are you focusing on now? Are you repping any products?

I’ve been doing a bunch of stuff including commercial/print and advertising. I’m repping Biopharm Nutrition currently amongst other products.

Are you doing any fitness competitions in the near future?

I have a line up of shows that I am doing…both local and national…can’t wait!

Generally, how long should a person work out for?

However long you can handle to get it done…but definitely I would say no longer than 2 hours in the gym!

How many times a week do you work out now?

I do SOMETHING everyday…it’s just a part of my everyday routine.

Do you have a strict diet? Any cheat foods?

I do have a strict diet. My cheat food would be fat free cheese. It’s processed and salty so in my opinion, unhealthy. Now…if I really indulge in a good time, it’s deep dish Chicago pizza for me. I do love food!

You’re also an environmentalist. Can you tell us a little about that?

I do local conservation work in my area and am a strong supporter of the World Wildlife Fund and hope to also work with them one day. I am a BIG advocate of recycling and work to inspire others while finding better ways of conserving and reusing. I also have a molecular (DNA) scientific background which I hope to use working with Dr. Betsy Dresser of the Audubon Society. She is using DNA technology to preserve and maintain endangered wildlife.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I only focus on today while having year-goals for myself. I have no idea what my life will even be like that far up ahead! LOL!

Natalie Lynn

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Fletcher Thames Interview

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

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Fletch, you’re one of the most sought after trainers in New York City, can you tell us a little bit about your training philosophy?

I try to keep things as simple as possible and focus on the clients goals. When it comes to training women, I look to balance out their upper body with the lower and change the way they look at training with weights. For guys, I let them know about the importance of a full body workout; one that includes exercise besides just chest and biceps.

How does someone get started on an exercise regime?

The best way for anyone to get started is to identify your fitness goals and work to achieve them. Everyone has a goal, it is putting it into practice that is the important thing. It can be a goal of strength, being fit or losing weight; identify your goals and then accomplish them.

You’ve mentioned before that more is not always better when it comes to your workout routine. How many times a week should someone workout for?

I would recommend 3-4 times a week; you will see results. I see people working out 6-7 days, running every day, without realizing they are hurting their body more than helping it. Your body needs rest, and running everyday will not give it rest, it will kick it into overtraining and that will cause more harm then good.

How important is diet?

It all depends on what type of diet, because you can eat right, and eat more, by lowering your portion intake. If you go the route of starving yourself, then you are in for a big reality check. Your body needs 6 MAJOR CLASSES OF NUTRIENTS on a daily basis, they are:

1. water – “The” essential for all body functions”

2. carbohydrates – “go” foods

3. fats – concentrated “go” foods

4. proteins – “grow” foods

5. vitamins – “glow” foods

6. minerals – “glow” foods

cut one of these out, and instead of losing weight, your body will think you are starving it and start storing food in places you will not like.

Any dieting tips you can share with us?

Just eat right, make sure you eat a big breakfast and you can eat small meals during the day, do not eat at 9 in the morning, and then eat again at 6 in the evening as you will find yourself gorging to make up for the caloric intake. So eat smart and balance out your meals with a little of everything.

Is there a difference between using free weights and dumbbells? Is one better then the other?

Free weights and dumbbells are not the same. Free weights are for mass and strength, while dumbbells are for balance and definition.

The word on the street is that you have the toughest ab workout in the city. Tell us what it entails.

I do my abs very different then most. I use ankle straps and attach them to a cable machine to hit my abs. I use the pyramid system one day and the drop sets on the next workout. You are welcome to experience the workout if you want too.

What do you want to potential clients to know about you?

I got into this field 18 years ago because of the lack of qualified fitness trainers; I wanted to be someone people could trust and see results with. I am here to help my clients every step of the way. Everyone can find time in their day to workout. I help clients find that delicate balance between fitness and life; a life with no excuses or regrets. Instead of blaming someone, make it happen.

And finally, where will you be in fifteen years?

I hope to be sharing my fitness knowledge and passion with others. I look forward to teaching seminars and going to schools to talk to kids about how fitness can change their lives for the better.

Fletcher Thames

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