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Personal Development: Is it worth the investment?

If someone told me a couple of years back that I’d be spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on personal development, I’d probably just laughed out loud and (maybe rolling on the floor laughing too)

And yet, here I am today sitting on Southwest flight flying over the Grand Canyon on my way to Chicago to attend a business & personal development training seminar, with Dani Johnson, the self-made multi-millionaire. Many successful and multimillionaires agree that we can only be successful and rich if we invest on ourselves to become a better person.

Are leaders born or developed?

Many thinks that leaders are born – some people just have the natural gift to become the football jock, high school class president, and prom king without even trying. But the rest of us, our leadership skills can be developed through life experience and trainings, whether via seminars or personal development books, if we really want to work on improving those skills.

In high school, I was really active in extra curricular activities, but I wasn’t popular, and had difficulties making anyone to listen to me. In fact, I had such a low self esteem, that I tend to stand in one corner of the room without mingling with anyone. I had such terrifying fear of public speaking and couldn’t talk to a stranger to save my life. Not to mentioned that I used to look like Steve Urkel (and can I say Mickey Mouse Safari rocks?)

I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without doing any personal development. The first self-help book that I read was called “The Slight Edge” and 3 months after, I sucked it up and lead a workout class. I mean me, leading a workout session and having people actually liking me! Now, I’m not that fearful anymore to speak up in a room full of people.

In 2010, I was working as an RF Engineer, commuting 50 miles each way for work. Instead of listening to Britney Spears on the radio (that’s a joke btw), I spent my driving time having a drive-time university, where I listened to good audio books. Among the audio books that I listened to were:

• Think and Grow Rich, Napolean Hill
• How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
• From Good to Great

…. And many more. Not only I learned to be more confident in myself, but I learned crucial communication skills that make me become a better leader. In just 3 months after starting the job as RF Engineer, I got promoted to lead a group of 8 people in a project. Not to mention, my side business was booming fast that by the end of 2010, I submitted my 2 weeks notice to become a full-time Beachbody Coach.

Is it worth it to invest in personal development? YES! If you think you’re one of the exception, then I’ve to say that you just have a big ego thinking that what you’re doing is going great for you – I know, because that used to be me, and where did the ego get me to, other than being broke and unappreciated. No one is perfect, and we can always work on improving ourselves.

Whether you’ve on your own business and working from someone else, you can benefit from this. Even if you’re an engineer, working on solving problems – you may find that acquiring new communication skills will help you with marketing yourself and get you that promotion

For anyone who wants to start with their first personal development book, I’d highly recommend to check out:

The Success Principles, Jack Canfield

The first chapter of the book talks is about “You’re 100% Responsible for Your Life & Success”. That was an eye opener for me.

Anyway, stay tune in a couple of days to find out what I’ve learned from Dani Johnson seminar.

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It’s that TIME of the year again! Get your Beach Body ready for the Summer!

Get Your Summer Beach Body Ready by 4th of July! (with the Santa Monica Beach Workout crew)

If you’re like many people, you have probably done a few weeks of the Beachbody workouts but soon stopped because of one reason or another, but let’s face it, usually it’s lost focus and a simple lack of commitment. A  challenge might be just the focus you need! Imagine, celebrating this 4th of July weekend by proudly showing off your new Beach Body at the beach or pool party for the great American holiday! Come on, it’ll be a fun way to stay focused and we can look forward to a healthy, hot summer body!

The challenge is simple:

1) Pick a 90 days Beach Body program, commit to the full 90 days. Choose either P90X, P90X2, Les Mills PUMP,  Turbo Fire, or Insanity
2) Eat clean and healthy through out spring
3) Drink Shakeology DAILY
4) Post your accountability on the Facebook Group

Email me directly at rippedlikenick@gmail.com if you’re interested to join the challenge.

* Not applicable to those who have an Independent Team beachbody Coach already that is not in the Ripped Republic. 

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I just discovered how I can save millions of lives…

I have to make a confession: I feel embarrassed and ashamed about this…

1.5 Billion people don’t have clean drinking water right now, and 5,000 children die every day, while I’m worried about buying brand name, alkaline, ionized, structured water that’s expensive as heck. Something is wrong here.

Dirty Water is the leading cause of death in the world right now,

AND I JUST DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I just became a RainCatcher Ambassador, just like Tony Horton, and Darin Olien.

You can check my page out here:
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?is_new=1&fcid=192230

And you can make one for yourself too: http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

RainCatcher is an international non-profit committed to providing clean drinking water to those who go without.

RainCatcher has already donated thousands of water filters, wells, and Rain water harvesting systems saving over 500,000 lives in Africa, India, Haiti and South America. They donate Clean Drinking Water, the source of life, to schools, orphanages, hospitals, and villages around the world.

RainCatchers go to the most desperate places in the world, where many families have never even seen clean drinking water, while I have taken water for granted all my life.

This is the Goal:

Raincatcher is committed to reach their goal of providing 10 million people with clean drinking water over the next five years.

Just over a year ago, Carl Daikeler, Beachbody CEO, made a pledge to donate $10 to RainCatcher for every coach that joined the network from October to December 2010. I was very inspired by Carl, and Beachbody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the world.

Carl completely redefined Success in Life for me!!!

I was on the Fence about making Beachbody and the network my full time job…

but I quit my engineering job 2 weeks later… and committed to Beachbody for Life.

With the big $150,000 donation to Raincatcher, I knew that BeachBody was going in the direction that I wanted.

I have been in the coaching network for a couple of years now and was just named as an Elite Coach – one of the top 34 coaches in the network. I have helped countless individuals transform their body while helping several coaches on my team to achieve financial freedom, by no longer being enslaved to a 9-5 job. While what I am currently doing is great and is certainly to help others, I do feel that I can do more..

I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

I now Enjoy a life changing career with BeachBody, and…..

I Save Lives.
with Shakeology, and now, with RainCatcher too…

One thing that I really admire about RainCatcher is that 100% of donations go toward humanitarian projects. In June, I am committed to going abroad with RainCatcher as part of the team– location TBA. This mission abroad will be 100% paid for by me, but the experience my group and I will have is priceless.

We all like to do charity work and help others, but before we can do that, it is also important for us to help ourselves — particularly regarding our own health.! Over the past 2 or more years, I’ve been drinking Shakeology daily, which has helped me to gain strength, and improved my general well being. Studies show the essential ingredients in Shakeology can help people with diabetes, even relieving them of their prescribed medication. Shakeology can and will help you achieve your fitness goals (along with my coaching), no matter what those goals might be.

Learn More About Shakeology

I want you to join me in a mission not only to improve yourself, but at the same time, to make a difference in the world. Join my team today; embrace the benefits of what Shakeology will provide you.

As a token of my appreciation, I pledge to donate $1 for every Shakeology purchase made through me, and another $1 for every coach that joins my team in its efforts to help others to get fit & healthy.

A $1 donation to RainCatcher is enough to provide clean water for 1 person for around 1 year or more!

By purchasing Shakeology, not only will you help to improve your health but you will also help to improve the health of another person in need of one of life’s necessities — clean drinking water.. So, will you help me to help yourself and others with this mission?

If you are already a Team BeachBody Coach reading this, I invite you to join me in this mission.

HELP ME SAVE LIVES!!!!!

Create your own RAINCATCHER AMBASSADOR PAGE HERE:

http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

When you do amazing things, you will become an amazing individual, and attract more and more amazing individuals and experiences into your life.

THIS IS AN AMAZING MISSION.
I CAN’T DO IT ALONE.
PLEASE JOIN ME.

Become a RAINCATCHER AMBASSADOR:
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

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“Dear Nick” of 12-15-11

Famous Nick: St Nicholas

Dear Nick is a segment, which ANYONE is welcome to ask me any questions regardless of your position, location, age, gender, etc. Now is the time to ask me ANYTHING, regardless of whether your question will require a simple “yes” or “no” answer or a three page response. Email your questions to me at: rippedlikenick@gmail.com with the title “Dear Nick“. Include the screenname or alias that you’d like to use.

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Dear Nick,

I wanted to ask you about your opinion on after workout drinks. Necessary? Which is best? A mixture of supplements? Where does the P90X recovery drink fall into what you take? Is there something better? And do you take Amino Acids?

Thanks Nick!
~ Elizabeth H.

Hi Elizabeth,

I have tried few post workout drinks out there such as MuscleTech and Endurox, but when I converted to the P90X Recovery Formula in 2009, (around my 2nd round of P90X), that is when I noticed major difference in muscle soreness, or lack-off. I do believe that it’s the 4:1 carb-protein ratio along with essential vitamins that help me and others to get even better results with our workout.

What I do is I drink P90X Recovery Formula right after workout and usually wait 30 min or so and then consume Shakeology + Almond Milk. I found that this formula works best for me to reduce soreness and to improve strength.

You can read more on my previous posts here:
- Whole Food or Liquid Supplements? Which One is Better?
- You Can’t Fully Recover Without a Recovery Drink

Dear Nick,

First off I just have to say what a great site you have here. I have read and more importantly learned alot, thank you!
I love P90X and I’m into my third round here. My questions has to do with sleep. One of your post talked about the importance of getting 8 hrs sleep. This for me is really hard to do Mon-Fri, actually it is impossible. I usually get 6 hrs of sleep during the week as I am working out at about 9pm. So after working out, cooling down, and eating and drinking a little I am in bed by midnight and up for work at 6. Is this adequate? Or am I wasting time by not allowing my body the 8 hrs of rest? I have even worked the P90X schedule around so that my day off falls in the middle of the week to try and help. I was even thinking of doing a work out one day then take the next day off routine, do you think this would help?
Any suggestions?

~Paul G.

Hi Paul,

Sleep is very crucial for everyone, especially those who are doing an intense routine. Muscle building takes place when you’re sleeping and at the same time, you’re burning a lot of bodyfat, since the process requires a lot of energy (average person burns about 1 cal of fat every min while sleeping and of course more if that person does intense workout on regular basis).That is why those who are lacking in sleep tend to plateau fast and get overtrain fairly easily.

Why do you workout at 9 pm? You go to work at 6 am, so shouldn’t you get home soon enough? Are you resting between coming back home to working out? Perhaps a better option for you is to do the workout first thing in the morning before you go to work. So wake up at 5 am, do your workout and then get ready for work. That way, you can take the rest of the evening relaxing after work.

It doesn’t matter when you take your rest day, but it is recommended to take your rest day when you’re fully rested and can sleep-in, which is usually during the weekend. If you like to have your rest day on Sunday, then you can either just take 2-3 days of rest and sleep more (which what I would recommend anyway since you’ve been depriving your body from proper resting) and start back your workout schedule either on Sun or Monday.

Also, been there, done that. I was working as a full time Electrical Engineer and doing coaching full time in 2010; I had around 5-6 hours of sleep daily. I owe it to Shakeology as I believe the superfood in it helps me to recover much faster and I do not need to sleep as much.

Related posts:
- To Rest Or Not To Rest
- Power of 8-8-8

Dear Nick,

How can I get more muscle and tone my legs? I have chicken legs.

~trasher2k5

Hi Trasher2k5,

I’m not much an expert in lower body development. But one thing for sure, is that I saw big improvement on my leg size when I start doing leg workout 2x per week. I do just one day of Plyo/explosive jump movements, while 2-3 days later, I do heavy leg lifting such as Back Squat, Leg Curl etc.

Dear Nick,

whats going on? i wanted to give u an update of what happened with my injury and ask u a question.
i ended up taking 2 weeks off (with a few x stretch and whatever yoga i could do – and one day of core syn. (but core was bad idea) ) because i pulled a rib in my back.
in any case i started phase 2 this past sunday. -bit charley horse- but now im holding by kenpo x for tommorow and i think that is what hurt my back and my back is still tender – even though none of the other workouts are bothering it thank g-d but im scared if i do kenpo itll trigger it -

so what do u recommend i do tommorow (friday) instead of kenpo? maybe cardio x? or anything else?

thanx.

~cbs600

Hmmm…. It is better for you to fully recover before attempting any intense workout. I recommend that you check out Yoga instead of doing Kenpo. If somehow you can get hold of Tai-Chi class, then go for it. Doing a slow and balance workout can be therapeutic for you and help to heal your injury faster.

Dear Nick,

Considering I am going for size when it comes to weights, do I do 16 reps when Tony says that EVERYBODY needs to be doing 16 reps, or do I stick with struggling to get to 8 reps with heavier weights?

~Andy Pate

Hi Andy,

During my first round of two of P90X, I was hesitant to do high reps routine and keep doing 8-10 reps. But by my 3rd round, I put aside my ego and following the routine as it is. When Im supposed to do 16 reps, I’d do 16 reps. I found that I got better pump on my arms.

Later, I read that it is good to have variable of reps in your workout, vs doing everything at low reps. As we all know, P90X works as it is, and more reason why you should follow the big man Horton’s advice

* “Dear Nick” will be a monthly segment, depending on the demand. So send your questions now! Also, I will feature Famous Nicks throughout my segment

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Announcing New Challenges in 2012!

You may already know that I have been doing fitness challenges with five member groups. The requirements are:

1. You have to post daily on the secret accountability group on Facebook. Yes, that means you have to have a Facebook account.
2. You need to be serious with the challenge. While I will be there to help you and keep you motivated every day, you need to be a team player and be there to support your team members as well. You’re stronger when you’re working together
3. Working out alone doesn’t do you any good if you’re not watching your diet/nutrition. Therefore, you need to commit to eating clean and take proper supplements throughout the 60 day or 90 day challenge.

Why you should join my fitness challenge?

My coachees who are involved in these fitness challenges have been committing to their workout regimen and getting leaner, stronger, faster, and healthier. With daily support from me and the team members, you’re less likely to ‘fall off the wagon’. So, if you’re one of those guys with workout-commitment issues, you need this challenge.

Here is a short 5-minute video explaining more. Watch this video, and if you’re still serious about getting the absolute best results in the shortest amount of time I’ll connect you to the next step.  When can you watch this video?  Right now ! Why put of till tomorrow when you can do it today/now

On 1/2/12 I will be starting my very first round of P90X2, and I welcome 4-5 other people, who have completed at least 1 full round of P90X, to join me.

THE LAST DAY TO ORDER P90X2 is 12/15/11 TO ENSURE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IT BEFORE XMAS! You need to get it before Xmas so that you can start it on the same time with me.

Not ready for X2 yet? Don’t worry. I will also have another group of 5 doing P90X, and another group doing Insanity. Keep in mind that ANYONE can start with P90X or Insanity without being super fit.

If you’re doing a different workout such as Power 90, Turbo Fire, RevAbs, etc and want to join a group for that extra bit of support, let me know still and I’ll see whether I can create something for you!

ORDER YOUR CHALLENGE PACK BY 12/21 SO THAT YOU WILL HAVE IT BY NEW YEAR

Let me know ASAP if you plan on doing any of the fitness challenges. Spots will be filled in fast, so RSVP now!

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
– Jim Rohn

What do you know? Imagine being in a fitness challenge group where you have to post daily and communicate with 5 other people (4 team members + me).

Is this fitness challenge for me?

It depends on you, as it has to be YOUR DECISION to take back your health; I can only guide you to the right path. We can discuss more about your goal(s) by sending me an email to rippedlikenick@gmail.com

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10 min/day WORKOUT CHALLENGE FOR 30 DAYS

Join me for the ten minute trainer challenge for 30 days!

If you’re like many people, you have probably done a few weeks of the Beachbody workouts but soon stopped because of one reason or another, but let’s face it, usually it’s lost focus and a simple lack of commitment. The holiday season is approaching really fast and it is easy for any of us to slack and start going back to our old habits of bad dieting.  A challenge might be just the focus you need to stay focus and be committed! Why wait till after the New Year to get fit when you can be fit by Xmas, and get in shape for the ski/snowboarding season?

Ten Minute Trainer Challenge!

As many of you know, my team and I have run challenges in the past and they have all been VERY SUCCESSFUL, however, I feel that, in some ways, because of the large number of participants in the challenges, people have been slipping through the cracks… It’s been a little TOO EASY for people to go back to their old ways and go unnoticed… and as a coach, THAT KILLS ME! I want to see you guys CHANGE… not just physically, but I want to see your confidence levels rise, I want to see you start to believe in what is possible for yourself again… and I want to see you become STRONGER, inside & out!

So, I have decided to run a NEW kind of challenge… This challenge group would only have 5 MEMBERS… They would ALL be doing the SAME WORKOUT PROGRAM, which is the Ten Minute Trainer by Tony Horton, STARTING ON THE SAME DAY… THEY WOULD ALL BE REPLACING ONE MEAL A DAY WITH SHAKEOLOGY (& yes, if you do not have Shakeology, that would mean you would have to be willing to invest in it… because if I am going to invest my time in working with you one on one… I need to know that you are willing to invest in your own health first!). With only 10 min/day, for 30 days, this challenge is GREAT for those with workout commitment issue.

You can get the the Ten Minute Trainer + Shakeology Combo for only $180 vs $200 if you buy them separately, plus you will get FREE shipping when buying the combo.

This challenge is first come first serve basis, so if you’re ready to commit, then let me know ASAP as it is only limited to 5 people.

See the preview of Ten Minute Trainer:

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Space is limited. Please contact me ASAP at rippedlikenick@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

This Post:  Ten Minute Trainer Challenge for 30 days

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The End of the Halloween Challenge

Just about 90 days ago, my team and I created a challenge to prepare for this year’s Halloween by working out with Beachbody workout programs. The majority of us did P90X, while others did Insanity. The goal of the challenge was for us to prepare ourselves for Halloween as we are dressing up as heroes, or superheroes.

When I started the challenge back in early August, I was aiming to dress up as Captain America – that was the hot movie of the summer.   But when I heard about the death of Andy Whitfield, the star of ‘Spartacus: Blood & Sand’…from lymphoma, it made sense for me to change my plans and costume as Spartacus this Halloween to commemorate his death and to do honor to his hard fought battle with cancer.  (Which is another reason why I’m making a special effort to commemorate Movember this year, to help raise awareness on male-related cancers.)

This Halloween challenge round was my 12th round of P90X — was it any easier for me than the first?  No, every round of P90X is tough and of course I keep challenging myself to make it even tougher. On the previous 3 rounds of P90X, I was doing pushups and pull-ups with high reps, wearing a 30 pound weighted vest. However, on this round, I did not use any weight vest at all for pull-ups and instead focused on doing everything with proper form and with slower pulls. My reps were lower than before, but I felt a much better pump on my muscles with this more controlled technique.

And just  like my previous 3 rounds, I did a P90X + gym hybrid. You can find the detailed plans here. This hybrid routine is not for beginners; I would only recommend attempting it if you’ve done a minimum of 3 rounds of traditional P90X. Keep in mind that there is no classic recovery week here, so this is not for everyone. And for beginners who are looking to add mass with P90X , there are other options – click here.

How did I manage to complete 12 rounds of P90X? I did it with the support of my team. Doing P90X alone can be tough and it is easy to lose motivation and the drive to push yourself harder. But, if you do the workout with few others, then you’re more likely to have someone to help keep you accountable to yourself and your goals . If you can find someone to workout with you, that’s great. Or you can  join a virtual workout group. If you cannot find a group, then ask your coach to push you and help keep you accountable. If you’re coached by me, then you know that all you need to do is ASK!

As for me, I know I cannot quit because I need to lead by example. Knowing that there are others out there counting on me to be their ‘role model’, makes me push myself every day to workout. I guess that is one of the perks of being a coach. You all push me to be better, each and every day.  And for that, I thank you.

P90X2 will be out just before the holidays and I know I plan on starting a P90X2 Challenge on 1/2/2012. But from now till then, I haven’t decided yet on what routines that I want to do next. Maybe it’s time to dust off the Insanity & Asylum DVDs

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If You Fail, Try and Try Again: Holding the L

“There’s only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give everything.”

~Vince Lombardi

Do you have any short term goals that you’d like to accomplish? Whatever it is, focus your mind and energy into doing it and keep working on it. In you act in good faith, you will succeed. Just this week, I set a goal to hold an L position for at least 30 seconds; I’ve attempted it a few times, but didn’t succeed. But yesterday, I focused 100% and mission accomplished. Take a look at the video:

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You Get What You Pay For – Part 2

I have received hundreds of emails from strangers over few years telling me how badly they would like to have a physique like mine.  I do not have the best body in the world out there; but I know that I’ve worked hard and in better shape than the average joes for sure. But, people want my advice because they know my background, and realize that if I could achieve such a dramatic transformation, I can help anyone to do the same. That is correct – anyone can work to have the best body of their lives and have an amazing body transformation.

But, to look like a pro athlete or a fitness model you need to train like one!

That means you need to start doing an intense workout routine and make it part of your lifestyle. Working out around 1 hour a day should become a daily routine as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth and combing your hair. If you’re not willing to commit to this, then your chances of having chiseled 6 pack abs are about as great as of hitting the lottery jackpot. If you’re afraid that this new lifestyle change might make you neglect your friends and kill your social life, well think again! Don’t be afraid of making this lifestyle change. It is healthier than lets say going clubbing or hitting the bars. You will meet more positive people who are into fitness as well and could lead to many opportunities. You could meet a great hiking /camping buddy when you decide to sign up for the Spartan Race. You could find your next dream job by networking with these new type of people. Who knows; the possibilities are endless. CHANGE is GOOD!

Nutrition and supplements play a vital role in transforming your body as well. Only a few people out there naturally have the body of a Greek god with minimal work, while the rest of us have to work extra hard to achieve it. Don’t try to pinch pennies when selecting supplements, as supplements help BIG TIME! When you’re doing strength training, you need to have higher protein intake in your diet, which can often be difficult to achieve through diet alone. Thus, whey protein helps! I take the P90X Recovery Drink for post workout and Shakeology for the superfoods in it so that I can perform and function better not only in my workout, but also in in every aspect of my life.

Again, don’t expect to get great results if you’re not willing to make the investments in time and money as YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Michael Phelps, Olympian gold medalist, trained for hours and ate 10,000 calories per day while training for the Olympics.  Hugh Jackman was doing intense workout routines and ate 5000 calories per day to prepare for the move Wolverine. I’m not saying that you should follow their footsteps, but by investing your time and money wisely, you can still get the results that you want.

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Success Story: Shaun Moylan

From 184 lbs at 17% bodyfat to 165lbs at 5% bodyfat

Shaun Moylan’s Story: Transformation with P90X, RevAbs & Shakeology

I was never a big or larger guy. I was the scrawny one in high school. I graduated weighing less than 130 lbs. I joined the military and was finally able to put on some weight. I think I managed to put on 35 pounds in the first two years. After that I became very content and lax in my lifestyle. Going through a divorce didn’t help much either. I was drinking every night and eating terrible and ended up putting on another 20 lbs on top of that. So there I stood 5’8” tall at 184 lbs. I looked at myself and just was not happy with what I saw so I made the decision to make a change.

I started going to the gym but didn’t know much. I started taking to people who worked out and found a partner to help keep me motivated. Then one day at the gym on base I saw that they had this P90X class going on. I decided to check it out and it was the best decision I have ever made. The workouts and program was intense and the muscle confusion definitely made a difference in the growth and weight loss, I was hooked! After that I got word of Insanity and gave that a try, and was again impressed by the results I had achieved.  I continued on, seeing the results made me want more and to see exactly how far I could take my body and what I could achieve.  I use the Rev Abs program to get ready for shows along with weightlifting and supplementation. I use Shakeology to help cut down for the shows and love that now I get the chance to help others achieve their fitness goals.

I am currently an NPC Bodybuilder and Physique competitor and am continuing to reach towards the next level, competing at nationals.  I am currently going to Polk State College for my degree in Athletic Training. I look forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals and getting you the body you always wanted.

You can follow Shaun Moylan via: