These are some of the results of my clients. These are typical if you follow the diet and exercise program. Keep in mind these results were achieved with diet and only working out for 3 days per week with weights for about an hour. No boring cardio!
Trevor Smith
Trevor Before…
Trevor After!!!
140 Pounds Lost!
In June 2009 I weighed over 350 pounds. I knew this because my parents had an old scale that went up to 350 pounds, and when I stepped on it, the needle went all the way around and more. I never exercised and my diet was terrible. I had low self esteem and could barely stand to look at myself in the mirror, so I would just eat to make myself feel better. For years my family tried to get me to start exercising and eating responsibility. They were concerned that I was at risk of diabetes or other health problems, and justifiably so. I wouldn’t listen to them. I would either ignore them or come up with the same old excuses:
“It’s too expensive.”
“It’s not convenient for me to go to the gym after work.”
“I don’t know how to exercise properly.”
“I’ll just quit after a couple of workouts anyway, so why even bother.”
My brother had been working with Blaine for quite some time and was seeing significant results himself, so he convinced me to meet with him to plan a workout program, which I agreed to do. Initially, it was difficult. When you have low self-confidence, walking into a weight room can be an intimidating experience. I felt out of place and I really didn’t know what I was doing. Blaine had to basically build me up from nothing, which is exactly what he did. He started me off with simple, basic exercises to improve my strength, conditioning, flexibility and technique, and as these improved, he would fine-tune my programs so that they were never too easy or too difficult, allowing me to get a thorough, effective workout every time I met with him.
While this was happening, Blaine had also prepared a diet plan for me, which I followed religiously. I was getting so much out of the workouts that the last thing I wanted to do was waste all the effort by not following the diet. The results were staggering. At the end of the first month I was down to 315 pounds. I had barely even started the program and I was already lighter than I had been in years. Soon I was under 300 pounds and my clothes had become so loose that I had to give them away and start buying new ones in smaller sizes, which is a great feeling. The compliments started coming from people I knew:
“You look great!”
“I barely recognize you, it’s like you’re a different person!”
“I’m so proud of you!”
“I wish I had the willpower to lose weight like that.”
As the months progressed, the weight loss slowed down gradually as I started gaining muscle mass in addition to losing body fat. As long as I did the workouts with Blaine and followed the diet, the results were always there. Today, I weigh 250 pounds. I’ve never been in better shape in my life, and physically I’ve never felt better. Thanks to what I’ve learned from Blaine, I’m able to work out on my own while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. My self-confidence is higher than it’s ever been. I can say without exaggeration that working with Blaine has drastically changed my life for the better.
Ted Northam
Ted Before…
Ted After!!!
60 Pounds Lost!
My name is Ted Northam, I am 62 years of age and my height is 5′ 9″. I have been a client of Blaine Podaima’s since March 7, 2010.On that date I weighed 235lbs.and my blood pressure was 144 over 83 and my resting pulse rate was 72.
Until I started working with Blaine I had been working out on my own for a few years with a BowFlex system, treadmill, recumbent bike and some free weights. Although I was doing a routine two or three times a week, I was unable to achieve the results I desired. Obviously, my blood pressure needed to be addressed even though I thought I was getting enough exercise. I had not considered any diet regimen except a periodic awareness of cutting calories. I felt the exercise alone would hold my weight in check if I just cut down the calories a little. I was wrong.
On Valentine’s Day 2010 my wife gave me a gift of 5 sessions with Blaine. It took me 3 weeks to get the courage to call Blaine for the first session on March 7. That was the day my life changed and I started on the road to physical and mental well being.
Session 1 did not start in my gym, but in consultation with Blaine on my goals, checking my vitals and an introduction to a low carbohydrate diet to reduce my weight, while modifying my exercise routine until my critical blood pressure numbers and pulse could have a chance to return to more healthier ranges. We decided to use the 5 sessions to get started and see where it went.
The diet was instrumental in reducing my weight while giving me encouragement to continue the program, as I lost 11 lbs. the first week. I won’t describe the diet here, but must emphasize it as critical in the first stages of the program. If your goal is to lose weight, this diet is hard for the first two weeks, but becomes routine and allows “cheat” days that are quite satisfying. After two weeks it modifies somewhat and is easier to fit into your normal meal patterns. After a few months you will notice the difference a “low carb” diet makes in your life and you will never want that “heavy feeling” that “carbs” give you again. And no “GAS”.
After one month I had lost 16.4 lbs and people were starting to notice. My clothes were getting bigger, we had used up the original 5 sessions, were going three times a week with one or two days between and taking the weekend off. The “Cheat” days were wonderful and guilt free. The amount of weight I was lifting had actually gone down and the reps had increased, while I was more tired and satisfied. I had eliminated the BowFlex, the treadmill and only used the recumbent bike for warm-up and warm-down. The difference in the weight training was dramatic in reps and amount and routine. The reps were slower, more tiring and targeted to muscle groups. They started with using big muscles and ended with small muscles. The routines changed each session so as not to expose my body to injury or fatigue. The weight was increasing easier than before I started the program.
After two months my weight had reduced to 211.8, a loss of 23.2 lbs. The diet was now routine and my weekly “cheat days” had become weekly “cheat meals” and I looked forward to the next week without feeling deprived.
On June 22, 2010 Blaine remeasured my blood pressure. It was 131over 80. I was elated. I was now down 32.4lbs and I was noticing. My clothes began to hang on me.
On July 7, 2010 my weight was 199.0, down 36 lbs. Blaine and |I went for a big celebratory dinner. It was great.
On August 16, 2010 Blaine remeasured my blood pressure. It was 125 over 76 and it had only been 165 days since we started.
September 7, 2010 my weight reached a new low of 193.9. I am writing this on December 10, 2010, almost 8 months to the day I started. My weight has stabilized at about 195. Consider this, I can deadlift 215 lbs ., dumbbell row 70lbs.with each arm and my waist went from 42″ to 34″. I estimate I have put on 15-20lbs of muscle while losing a net 40lbs. Conservatively I have lost approximately 55-60 lbs of fat and my resting pulse rate is 54. I am not finished. My goal is 189 lbs while deadlifting 300lbs.
This was not easy. It takes a resolve to be committed. My wife says she created a “Monster”, not in my size but in my commitment. I have complained and whined alot to Blaine during these 8 months, but he has kept encouraging me and putting little changes in my routine to prevent monotony. He knows an awful lot about how a body works and nutrition. He has not taken any chances with my health or pushed me beyond my capabilities.
I highly recommend Blaine’s program. It is not for everyone but the results are proof that if you can mentally prepare yourself to change your eating habits and adopt a more healthy life style through weight training and diet Blaine can take you beyond your expectations.
Thank-you Blaine, I look forward to reaching my goal.
Ted Northam
Nelli Before…
Nelli After!
25 Pounds 2 Months Lost!
“Before I met Blaine, I was an avid runner, who participated in numerous 10km
and 1/2 marathon events. However, every time I trained, I would get a recurring
injury in my lower leg. No amount of physio or chiropractic therapy aleviated
the pain. I also had chronic back pain resulting from kyphosis. In addition, I
was gaining weight no matter how much I ran! Needless to say, after finishing
the Winnipeg Police half marathon in 2 hours and 54 minutes and weghing in at
144lbs, I was dissappointed, discouraged and crushed. By then, the pain in my
leg was so intense, that a few weeks later, instead of running a 10 km event, I
hobbled through and quit after 5 kilometers.
Fortunately, there were prizes after the run! I won a free session with a
Personal Trainer, Blaine Podaima. I waited a few weeks, debating whether or not
I should contact Blaine and at the beginning of June sent him and email. We met
on June 4th, 2011. It was clear after the first assessment that there was
definitely an alarming lack of strength in every area of my body! Blaine also
explained that running breaks down muscle tissue and therefore, it is essential
to rebuild muscles by strength training. Furthermore, I had to do some serious
work on my back to correct my posture.
Since the medical personelle failed to help me, I decided to give Blaine a try.
By then I have also registered for the Manitoba 1/2 marathon and did not want to
run with the pain in my leg. I was DESPERATE to try anything! Blaine immediately
set up a work-out program and we had 6 sessions (2 weeks) to get me ready for
the run. Although not completely pain-free, I finished the 21 kilometers in 2
hours and 37 minutes. Having experienced huge improvements in 2 weeks, I decided
to seriously “get with the program”.
Upon Blaine’s suggestion, I stopped running (only for a while!), went on
“Blaine’s diet of Whatever Runs, Swims, Flies and is Green” and worked hard for
the next six weeks. My weight went down from 144 to 135 lbs. In mid August I ran
another 10K race and was absolutely extatic that there was no pain during or
after the event! As a bonus, I also managed to shave off 4 minutes from my
previous run. Since then, I dropped to 128.6 lbs, and ran another 10 kilometer
event, finishing painlessly in 1 hour and 3 minutes.
I continue to work with Blaine because, in addition to his expertise and utmost
professionalism, he is sensitive and genuinely committed to helping me achieve
results I never thought possible. He pushes me beyond what I believe my limits
are. To me, Blaine is not only a trainer, but a mentor who cultivates and
fosters in his clientelle a healthier, more pruductive and more fulfilling
lifestyle.
Blaine, it is a privilege and an honour for me to be one of your clients! Thank
you for your encouragement, endless patience and teaching me to believe in
myself. ( I will master the step-ups yet!!)
N. Petkau”
Gerry Before…
Gerry After!
30lbs/3 Months Lost!
Testimonial coming soon!
Verna Before and After!
45 Pounds Lost!
As a therapist I know that we function most effectively when we attend to all areas of our lives – mind, body and soul. Yet I struggled to find balance and the time to be my best too.
Blaine was instrumental in helping me by developing a realistic workout schedule, addressing nutrition frankly, and making the most of the time I had without taking over my life.
His knowledge, honesty, encouragement and dedication prompted by own commitment which is such an important part of making progress. I developed a great rapport with Blaine quite quickly and it only grew over time. His reliability and professionalism helped the process as well.
When I began, I was bothered by my appearance and self-conscious; I was discouraged and even felt old. Now I feel great about myself. It’s all about mind, body and soul and Blaine helped me find that balance and achieve my goals.
