Fat Loss – Body Transformation – Advanced Nutrition

Hey everyone,

I am the first to admit that my services are not inexpensive. I take pride in being the very damn best at what I do, and I expect great things from my clients – If they perceive it, it will become a reality.

But let me make something perfectly clear:

If you think hiring a professional personal trainer is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur personal trainer.

I watch some of the things that other personal trainers in big gyms do and I think to myself “Wow, someone is paying for that?” I hear some of the “expert” advice some trainers give out and I’m astonished that they even believe what they are saying. I watch videos of Crossfit instructors that spend a weekend becoming level 1 Crossfit certified and then having total amateurs performing ballistic movements that do little more than make chiropractors, orthos, and massage therapists a lot of money.

To me, time is the most valuable asset I have, so I never want to waste it. I watch people come and go in gyms for months, even years at a time, training with their trainer, and making no noticeable progress. Even the most inexpensive personal training tab will add up over a period of months or years.

As my clientele of figure competitors and bodybuilders began to increase, I noticed one common thread amongst the many that have competed and trained with an “expert” (or a “team” clique that works with the masses): Metabolic Damage. Their trainers have them eating so little and focusing on doing so much cardio that, while they may have initially lost weight, they have utterly destroyed their body’s metabolism. There’s no quick nor easy fix for this. Yet, most (yes, MOST) personal trainers are prescribing this recipe that will lead to months, if not years of wasted time training and dieting.

Like most things that you’d consider hiring a professional to help you with, don’t look for a quick, cheap fix. More times than not, it’ll end up costing you more money and/or time in the long run.

I know that we are now a bit more than a month into 2013, and a lot of people are about to quit going to the gym. In their minds, they feel like they’ve put forth the work and that they aren’t getting where they hoped they’d be. Hope this inspires you!

First – nobody gets out of shape in one day or even one month, so a drastic, total overhaul in one month’s time is difficult. Sure, with a very well laid out plan and perfect execution you can make nice progress: I expect a client to lose 3-5 inches off of their waist in their first month of training (within reason, obviously, if you have a 26″ waist, that will be a bit less).

But more importantly, I know what it feels like to know that you’re working hard, yet, seemingly standing still. This is not fitness specific. Simply remember:

The earth spends 65,000 miles per hour and roughly travels 1.5 million miles through space each and everyday. You are not standing still – you have traveled 1.5 million miles in the last 24 hours. I know, you’re thinking that’s silly, but when you see really what is possible in this life, it makes something like body transformation pale in comparison.

You CAN make that change, and it DOES NOT happen overnight. But I promise that you are better than you were yesterday and tomorrow you’ll be better than today. One step at a time, one day at a time…

If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, ask an expert: my personal training studio offers services from simple consulting (where we’ll look over what you’re doing and make improvements where needed) to long term training programs that will get you to where you want to be in the quickest amount of time possible.

Don’t give up – February is the month of LOVE. Let’s make it the month that LOVE HANDLES disappear!

Hey everyone,

Tune in to WOAI’s San Antonio Living With Shelly Miles on Thursday – I’ll be discussing tips and products to help you get the most out of your New Year’s Resolution.

I’m also typing a post up along the same lines. I decided to wait until all of the other so-called “experts” posted their same old, recycled articles from years past where they perpetuate the same, tired disproven myths about how to really change your body (hint: hours of cardio does NOT work).

I’m excited about being featured, so please take a second to check it out!

Most personal trainers only understand the most basic of client needs and the most basic of concepts: help the client move more, control what they eat and get some form of results. Ironically, this formula only fits a small piece of the population that actually seek a personal trainer. If you’re going to pay good money, slight results aren’t what you’re looking for.

Unlike most personal trainers, I have a long list of testimonials and references that I offer any client that may be interested in acquiring my services.

My client list includes:

Medical Professionals

I currently work closely with many different doctors and other types of medical professionals to ensure that my clients are getting the most of their programs in many different types of capacities: medical weight loss, rehabilitation, pre and post-natal, chiropractic and other special populations.

I am also the personal trainer to several of the top surgeons in the San Antonio area, including several that I have worked with for more than 2 years.

These doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are more than happy to provide a reference to any potential client.

Figure, Bikini, and Bodybuilding Competitors

I train many different competitors from all of the major competitive organizations around the world (NPC/IFBB, WBFF, IFPA, etc)

Without a doubt, subjective sports where one is judged against other competitors based on symmetry, muscle definition, conditioning and other aesthetic points-of-view are the absolute test of, not only the client’s discipline, but the trainer’s knowledge and experience. My track record of having clients looking their absolute best on show day is unparalleled, but it’s more than simple appearance. It is often said that, while these contests are the epitome of an athletic appearance, the athletes are actually as far away from that on stage as humanly possible.

That is not the approach that I take. I do not use any senseless voodoo that risks my clients health. Everything I have a client do, from the first day of competition prep until they are completely recovered from their show is based on science and my years of experience. No near death dehydration, no “thin the skin by eating this fish and asparagus” (really, THIN THE SKIN?), no 2 hours of cardio per day and starvation.

Nothing I do is “cookie cutter”. You will not get a one size fits all diet and workout from me. Any direction that I give is based on your condition and what it will take to get your body from where it is to where it needs to be to get you in the best physical condition and aesthetic shape possible. I take every factor into consideration: genetics, metabolic conditions, strengths and weaknesses, visible needs and other conditions.

My approach differs from 99.9% of prep coaches for many reasons. First, my clients are never starving. They aren’t doing hours of cardio at any point. I’ve written numerous articles on why cardio is NOT effective for fat loss, and I use my competitors as evidence, as my clients are always complimented for their conditioning and leanness. Competition prep is about working with the body’s natural balance: not ridiculous and unhealthy extremes. Many trainers talk about “tricking the body” and other nonsense. The human body has a few thousand years of a head start, so rest assured, you aren’t going to trick it. Every action performed by the body or on the body has a very predictable reaction. While other trainers may experiment with hocus pocus, I prefer to use a scientific approach to allow the body to respond predictably.

I have several competitors from all classes, experience levels and age groups that are available as references at the client’s request.

Professional Athletes

When the body and it’s performance is an individual’s primary source of income, you can bet that athletes are very selective on whom they entrust their bodies to. Over the last several years, I have worked with several top level athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB, as well as NCAA All Americans in football, wrestling, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf and track.

The specific needs of each sport, from a training, nutrition, and supplementation standpoint, are foreign to most personal trainers. Athletes must train in a way that will not only directly improve their performance in their sport, but also experience improved recovery between training and competition to ensure they are regularly able to frequently perform at the highest levels possible.

And Most Importantly…
Everyday, I train regular professionals of all types, students, mothers, and others like 99% of the people that are reading this blog. I have trained individuals from all walks of life – I’ve trained over 2500 people in the last 15 years. Each of my clients has their own stories about their own paths of how they conquered their personal goals, and I wouldn’t hesitate to offer any past client as a reference.

If you’re thinking about hiring a trainer for the new year, give me a call. My track record is unparalleled, and you don’t just have to take my word for it, I’ll provide you with as many references as you may need to help make your decision easy.

While most of you are looking at that and think that I’m talking about a quality personal trainer (the first two may be accurate), I’m not. I’m talking about liposuction and laser fat removal and other procedures that focus on the end problem (removing fat) without addressing what gets the individual in that condition in the first place.

Those commercials often address those that have “tried everything” – If what you’re doing is not working, you are not doing the right thing. Put down the bullshit workout magazines, stop doing the latest fad workout and looking for some crazy shortcut.

Repetition, consistency, motivation and hard work. The programs I have clients follow are simple to understand, but they aren’t easy. It’s about changing bad habits and making the decision that, no matter what, you’re not going to fail.

I see people at the gym that never change. Then I see my clients who have an insanely high level of success. It’s not just simple enough to just go to the gym. It takes the proper plan of execution.

Ignore those ridiculous commercials – if you want real, sustainable results, you know my number.

Hey everyone,

Today, I heard a couple of guys talking about personal training certifications and which ones they wanted to get next. That got me thinking about my first personal training certification over 15 years ago, and the 20+ I have taken in the last 15 years, along with the numerous seminars, college classes and other fitness, health, and nutrition related education I have received.

Funny thing? A lot of the stuff that was popular belief, even in the scientific community, has changed drastically over the last 15 years. Of course, many fitness “experts” are stuck in the stone age and don’t do much to keep up with the times, and most fall into two distinct groups: those who pretend to be the absolute fitness geniuses of society who look as if they’ve never lifted a weight and can quote any number of studies and the people that may look amazing but haven’t as much read a fitness article that conflicts with their set opinions.

I prefer to be a little bit of both: I’m definitely a fitness nerd and keep a close eye on the fitness-nutrition-science relationships, yet I take a lot of pride in being an accomplished powerlifter and a competitive bodybuilder. I spend a lot of time writing about nutrition and fitness on this blog, and I also walk the walk!

In fact, the landscape of personal training is changing quickly. Gone are the days of the independent trainer who focuses on one on one fitness (as I do). The big box commercial gyms hire many “salespeople” who double as trainers and they pay them next to nothing to funnel volume through their gyms to simply increase their bottom line. I don’t think many people are confusing Gold’s Gym Personal Trainers as fitness experts (rep counters and bullshitters are more appropriate titles). A majority of those who do prefer to go above and beyond working at the big box gyms have seemingly gravitated toward group training to focus on, you guessed it, volume.

I’m very simple in this: I do not like training large groups. I much prefer one on one training, and my track record speaks for itself. I have dedicated my entire adult life to learning as much about the body as possible and have trained hundreds of individuals over the last decade and a half (and I’m only 36 :).

When looking for a personal trainer, check into that person. Don’t follow the hype and the social media crazes. Do your research, check references, and interview that individual, but beware of BS. In most cases, you get what you pay for. The big box gym trainers have a stigma that I touched on above, and there’s a big reason for that (those stereotypes are real).

Few people are as passionate about what they do as I am, and I feel very fortunate to be in a position to do what I absolutely love. My only wish is that others cared as much about the credibility of the profession and worked as hard at their craft as they do perpetuating nonsense!

Be informed – education and experience are key!

Hey everyone,

I posted on Facebook and Twitter that I’m taking suggestions for future articles. Thus far, I’ve had suggestions for:
-training volume/programming
-types of protein and times when each is beneficial
-natural supplementation
-pre and post-workout nutrition
-importance of supplementation
-and even the joys of racquetball (hey, I like that :)

Any other suggestions? I know there are a lot of topics people are confused about, so lay it upon me and let me unscramble it for you!

Oh, and when you get a chance, go check out my site. It’s my oldest site, but I overhauled it and now it includes all of my different fitness sites and businesses (including this one): San Antonio Personal Trainer Boyd Myers. There’s a Facebook LIKE box at the top of the page, so give it a LIKE!

Hey San Antonio,

Summer is here, and it is never too late to get in shape – Make it the month you begin getting into the best shape of your life with a friend or loved one, as I have expanded my Two For One Personal Training special.

Whether your goals or fitness levels are similar or entirely different, my personal trainers and I are able to simultaneously able to train both of you accordingly to help you reach your goals in as little time as possible – we have experience in simultaneously training individuals in completely different conditions with completely contrasting goals.

Not only is it motivating and fun, but it’s also less expensive per person/per session to do so. As always, all personal training packages include complete nutritional guidance, 24/7 access to your trainer and complete guidance on what to do when you’re not in the gym with your trainer. Whether your goal is fat loss, body transformation, or athletic performance, our training and nutrition programs will help you reach your goals in the shortest amount of time possible.

For more information, check out our webpage: Personal Fitness Revolution – San Antonio Personal Training

Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454

Hey everyone,

Big thank you to all of the competitors that joined us last Saturday for posing practice. Huge turnout, and it was really great to have all the ladies in different stages of training working together. The feedback I received was amazing, as everyone found it motivational, inspiring and educational. I’m very proud of my team of competitors: as it stands, I’m currently training 9 females for shows (along with 2 male bodybuilders) and I’ll be attending 6 shows with clients in July and August. It doesn’t slow down until nearly Thanksgiving!

I will be announcing our next figure posing clinic in the next day or so – if you’re a figure competitor in San Antonio and want to be at your very best when you get on stage and really present the fruits of your labor, you definitely don’t want to miss it. We go through the basic poses for judging, stage present and other tips to help you look your very best (including simulating pre-judging).

I’m in the midst of working on my main personal training website. I am going to seperate it and make it more of an “overview” site that covers all of my services: personal training in my studio here in San Antonio, fitness consulting for those who aren’t in San Antonio or who may have enough experience to train without my assistance and of course, a link to this blog (hey, I’ve put way too much effort into this thing). Anyway, I tend to forget how much I do not miss my work as an IT professional until I start programming!

Just wanted to stop in and update. I’ve found some amazing information in the training and nutrition journals I regularly visit, and I can’t wait to pass on the latest scientific news on to the readers, and I’ll start putting some of those up in the next day or so.

Keep KILLING IT, daily!

Had a few questions that I wanted to answer this week! Hope you enjoy!

Boyd: Have you seen the new Nike+ Fuelband? What are your thoughts?

I have a few clients that have one. They look really cool! For those not familiar, the Nike+ Fuelband measures activity and converts it to a Nike based formula (FUEL) – the amount of activity is calculated the same no matter your build, so really, the number just tells you simply how active you are. The Fuelband also has a watch and measures calories as well.

As far as ordering one, Nike sold out of them pretty quick and some sellers are taking advantage of that. I’ve seen them for more than $300 on Amazon, but it appears that the price has started to come down on eBay to closer to the original $150 price tag that Nike put on them.

Just curious, what type of cardio is your favorite, Boyd?

Unequivocally, my favorite form of cardio is racquetball, and recently, I have been playing up to four times per week. If you’ve never played racquetball, try it. It’s a relatively simple sport to learn (insanely tough to master) and is an absolutely killer workout. Unike most forms of traditional cardio, it isn’t linear – you’re moving side to side and doing a lot of stop and go type movements. It’s intense and exciting, and in an hour of playing, you burn a ton of calories (while having fun).

Hi Boyd: Any clients competing soon?

Yep! Chelsea will be competing in Shreveport, Louisiana on May 12 at the NPC/IFBB Pro AM – I fully expect her to kill it, as she has been in show condition for weeks. She is a figure competitor and this is her first show – look out, she is the next big thing!

Hey Boyd, if you eat at, let’s say McDonalds or Burger King, what do you eat? There are both right by work and those are the only choices I have.

You don’t have the choice to pack and bring on your own lunch? My body is my Lamborghini, I’m not putting that stuff in this machine! It is way too easy to put together quick and healthy meals. I know it takes a little effort, but if you want something bad enough (lose fat, change the body), a little extra effort is a small price to pay.

Until next time!

Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454

Hey everyone,

After I posted yesterday’s workout for my client Jonah, I received a few comments about that type of training – let me qualify a few things.

-The type of training he is getting ready for is VERY calisthenic based.

-He spends up to 2 hours per day in the pool, as that is the most difficult part of AF PJ/CCT Training

-He runs over 40 miles per week

-He is 5’10″ 165lbs

One thing that a lot of people who cruise blogs may not understand is that not everyone is training to lose weight or to look like a bodybuilder. Jonah’s top priority is to be ready to take whatever they throw at him at his selection school, and our training days are drastically different from that of say, a Bikini or Figure Competitor.

Unfortunately, most personal trainers don’t get this: a specific workout depends on:
-the client’s condition (to include injuries, pains, strengths, weaknesses, and abilities)
-the client’s goals

There’s no one size fits all!!!

Working out is more than breahting hard and breaking a sweat – there has to be a method to the madness and every movement, every set, every workout must have a purpose!!!

Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454

During a discussion with a client this morning, she told me that someone had asked her how working out with her personal trainer was going. She explained how she told them how I am quite different from other personal trainers she has had in the past at big gyms, and how much more she enjoys working out at my private training studio versus working out in the big box fitness centers.

Mission Accomplished, sort of…

I have made no bones about saying this: I am San Antonio’s foremost expert on fitness training and performance nutrition. My track record of client success, whether it is simple fat loss, sports performance, figure/fitness/bikini/bodybuilding prep, injury recovery and everything in between is unequaled in this community.

I opened Personal Fitness Revolution in 2006 for several reasons:

-Professional. I was tired of seeing personal trainers in San Antonio (and everywhere else, for that matter), train their clients incorrectly. I have 15 years of personal training experience, hold advanced degrees, and have worked with over 2000 clients that range from housewives to professional athletes. Most personal trainers are in the career field for less than one year – it is definitely a field that defines “survival of the fittest”.

-I hated the idea of anything being before progress and client success. At the large gyms, there is one concern: Sales, sales, sales. Sell them the nutrition package. Get them to sign up for a year in advance. Sell this, sell that.

-Gyms are meat-markets and social clubs, and to many, they are overwhelming. I wanted a private environment with the real essentials, without the distractions of morons posing in the mirror and the dangers of people practicing their “stunts” in the corner, putting everyone within 100 feet in danger.

-Put the “personal” in personal training. Every individual is different. I do not train any two individuals identically, because no two people are identical. Most trainers are what I call “fad” trainers, and do what the newest craze is – to hell with it actually working, it gives them the chance to “seem” cutting edge. Nothing I do is cookie cutter. What my clients do depends on a) their condition and b) improving weaknesses while maintaining strengths, and c) their goals. Not what I saw in a book or what the CrossFit studio down the street is doing (incorrectly).

-Privacy. Never more than 2-4 people training at one time. No crowds, no waits.

-No memberships. We work by appointment only, and clients get the sessions they pay for. No time limits, no hidden monthly charges.

-Holistic approach. Simple diet and exercise are do not guarantee success; rather, one must integrate a synchronized and synergistic diet and exercise program that is focused completely on one’s needs and condition.

When people call me or email me looking for the cheapest trainer, I’m not going to be that person. There is a difference between a typical personal trainer and a professional – if you’re looking for a rep counter with less than a year experience, you’ll definitely get what you pay for at other gyms, and I take it personal when people believe that all personal trainers are like the ones you see at the big gyms. When you’re ready for the best and you are serious about your goals, that is when you call me.

Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454

Hey San Antonio – there is still time to give your family and loved ones the ultimate gift of health. If you have a friend or family member that is looking to make 2012 the year that they get in the best shape of their life, lose body fat and drastically transform their body or maybe prepare for an athletic competition, a Personal Fitness Revolution Personal Training Gift Certificate is the perfect gift idea.

Health clubs and gyms in San Antonio are simply PACKED after the first of the year – not ours. Our private personal training studio is by appointment only, and there is NEVER a crowd.

All clients receive complete nutritional and supplement guidance, 24/7 access to their personal trainer (via telephone, email, etc), and complete directions on what to do on days when they aren’t with their trainer. For more information on programs and pricing, check out our Personal Training Programs or contact Boyd via email at boyd@the-personal-trainer.com or by phone at 210.391.1454. We have hundreds of references available by request.

Any personal training package is available as a gift certificate, but from now until Dec 31, 2011, we will be offering 15% off of any purchased package of 36 or more sessions!

Slots WILL BE limited after the first of the year, and our personal training studio operates on a first come, first served basis (by appointment). Beat the crowds at other health clubs at our private personal training studio!

No gift could be more precious or appreciated more than a healthy, lean body, and there is no better way to help someone you care about get a head start on their New Year’s Resolution with the help of a fitness professional that will drastically improve their chance for success.

Happy Holidays!

Boyd Myers
Personal Trainer in San Antonio
Owner, San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
16613 Huebner Rd (corner of Huebner and Bitters)
210.391.1454

Hey San Antonio and you other Fitness Fanatics elsewhere!

Had quite a few questions to tend to from the holidays, so I thought I’d do them here!

Hey Boyd,

I am a local high school senior and have committed to play Division 1 football next fall at a prestigious university. Do you work with high school athletes?

Absolutely. I work with athletes of all ages amateur and professional. The transition from high school football (even Texas high school football) to college football is drastic. It is imperative to go into conditioning program a step ahead of the competition. Quite simply, I help athletes become faster, stronger and more cardio conditioned. We focus on regular power moves to develop base strength (bench press, dead lift and squat) as well as explosive movements that transfer into the sport of choice (plyometrics, Olympic movements, etc).

Not only do I focus on the training, but on the nutrition as well to get the most out of your training and to fuel your training and recovery – unfortunately, nutrition is the weakest link in most amateur athletes repetoire. I develop an optimal nutrition and supplement regiment for every athlete.

Ok Boyd, I have tried it all – lots of cardio, less eating, etc. I thought I was doing it right until I read one of your articles from a few months back about becoming skinny fat and how doing what I am doing is only going to make me a smaller version of myself. Not so much a question but a “Dammit I should’ve listened to your advice”!

It’s never too late! Starving and excess cardio may help you look better dressed, but gaining lean body mass and proper training help you look better naked!

Boyd: Which is better? Low reps (3-6) or higher reps (12+)?

Better in what way? Kind of a general question but let me try to help you: no matter your goals, there are reasons to use absolutely every rep range. I honestly use as few as one rep (on a regular basis) and as many as 100 reps in some exercises.

It’s like having a tool box and trying to figure out which is better: a screwdriver or a hammer. You have them both, so why not use them?

Any tips for coming off of a spell with the flu?

More than tips, I have sympathy, because for more than a week, I was battling the nasty flu as well. First and foremost, get yourself some pro-biotics and replenish the good bacteria in your system (especially if you were on antibiotics). My choice is Endo-mune. Second, take a week to “get back into the groove. Your body is still probably recovering, so the worst thing you can do is decimate yourself and make your body relapse into sickness. Increase antioxidant intake (permanently). A great way to not have to recover from sickness is to not get sick. Rest more. Yeah, sounds simple, but most of us aren’t even close on the amount of rest we need. Sleep deprivation has hormonal effects on fat storage and opens us up for a multitude of sicknesses. Sleep more, get sick less, period.

I have a very long email that I am responding to about fat loss/muscle gain, and I will be posting my answer here when it is ready – I think most people will benefit from it, so check back later on.

Make today great!

Boyd Myers
Master Fitness Trainer – San Antonio
Owner, Personal Fitness Revolution
San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio

Hey San Antonio,

Couple of quick things on this rainy Monday (no, really – it has rained in San Antonio):

1. I received a big box in the mail this weekend – my two inch thick, 30 feet long battle ropes. As if I didn’t have enough ways to make you breathe hard, sweat, get sore and kick ass in the gym, I have added another weapon to my arsenal! These things are intense, and I’ll be posting a video later this week!

2. Remember, I do not typically wear a mustache, but it is Mo-vember, and for prostate cancer awareness, I have dedicated my face to growing a mustache to raise money to defeat prostate cancer! For more information and to donate (any little bit helps), and to see my crazy mustache, check out: Boyd’s Mo-Space – Defeat Prostate Cancer

3. The holidays are almost here! Don’t let them ruin your progress, and don’t use that as an excuse to wait: you can make incredible progress this time of year! While others are getting fat and lazy, get into the best shape of your life! Call us today (210.391.1454)

Let’s have a great week!

Boyd Myers
Master Fitness Trainer – San Antonio
Owner, Personal Fitness Revolution
San Antonio’s Top Personal Training Studio
210.391.1454