By Natalie Lahnan
BodyMuscle Journal Volume 1
I know I have to, so I just do! That’s the philosophy I use to balance my career,
training, diet and free time. My career as a Pharmaceutical Representative takes
a tremendous amount of time and energy, and it’s my first "have to." I look
at training the same way...it’s a "have to". My desire to reach my goals – career
and fitness – has made it just that simple. No ifs, ands or buts. Dedication
and consistency are paramount.
Training began in high school. First, because my coaches insisted that I lift
to enhance my athletic performance in track and cross-country, and later as
a collegiate cheerleader. But soon training became part of my lifestyle.
This year I decided to take training and diet to a new level. It was time for a new athletic adventure as a fitness and figure professional.
My first step was to follow my sweetheart Michael’s lead and get on the Beverly plan. I call him a walking petri dish (remember from HS science class?) He follows the Beverly diet exactly, and he gets exactly the results expected! Seeing Michael’s remarkable results gave me the confidence that I could do it too.
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I couldn’t believe the difference Beverly’s Ultra Size made. The first month I gained 3 lbs of muscle and lost 5 lbs of fat! |
I jumped on the Beverly bandwagon and my results were amazing! I gained 3.5 lbs. of muscle and lost 5 lbs. of body fat in the first month. Over a five-month span my lean mass increased 7 lbs. while I lost 10 lbs. of fat. Wow!
Progress Chart – December 2000 through May 2001
| Date | 12/9/00 | 1/6/01 | 3/31/01 | 5/5/01 | 5/19/01 | |
| Bodyweight | 124 | 122.5 | 122 | 121 | 121 | |
| % Bodyfat | 17.9% | 13.8% | 13.1% | 11.9% | 10% | |
| Lean Mass (lbs) | 102 | 105.3 | 106.1 | 106.6 | 109 | |
| Lean Mass Change | - | + 3.3 lbs | + .8 lbs | + .5 lbs. | + 2.4 lbs | |
| Bodyfat (lbs) | 22 | 16.9 | 15.9 | 14.4 | 12.1 | |
| Bodyfat Change | - | - 5.1 lbs | -1 lbs | -1.5 lbs | -2.3 lbs |
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Taking both my training and nutrition to a new level, I captured the 2001 NPC Mideastern USA Figure title |
Meal #1 1 whole egg + 3 egg whites 3 oz. Chicken or Turkey breast 1/2-cup oatmeal (before cooking) Meal #2 Protein Drink: 2 Scoops Ultra Size and 12-oz water Meal #3 5 oz. chicken (before cooking) 4 oz. sweet potato or 1/2 cup cooked brown rice 1 cup vegetables (broccoli, etc.) or salad with 2 TBS. Low Cal Dressing Meal #4 Protein Drink: 2 Scoops Ultra Size and 12-oz water Meal #5 6 oz. 93% lean beef, chicken, turkey, fish and once or twice weekly sirloin steak 1-2 cups vegetables or large salad with Low Cal Italian Dressing 2 tsp Flax Oil
I couldn’t believe the difference Beverly supplements made in my body. The improvements I made in muscle development, body shape, body fat decrease, and my overall look were incredible. My energy levels were through the roof!
When I decided to make the Beverly program an integral part of my life, I wasn’t sure how it would work out. Well... it worked out great! I now realize that diet truly makes up the majority of how you look and feel.
Half a year later I continue to reap
the rewards. Recently, I began competing in Figure competitions, winning first
place at the Mideastern USA contest. Beverly supplements and diet have been
instrumental in my competitive success. Beverly provided the tools... I just
had to put them to use.
Two weeks heavy training cycled with one week light. Heavy Days = 12 sets per major bodypart and 9 sets on the minor ones; 6 – 12 reps per set.
Light Days = 15 sets on major parts and 12 sets on minor ones; 15 – 20 reps per set.
I run or use the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes 4 - 6 days per week, depending on whether or not I’m preparing for a contest.
The hardest thing for me with regards to having a full-time career and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is that there’s just not enough time in one day. Here’s how I cope:
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Beverly provided the tools... I just had to put them to use |
Having a goal has allowed me to stick with my workouts and diet. Surrounding myself with people who feel the same as I do helps tremendously. Key people who have encouraged me to pursue my interests in fitness, besides Michael, are my motivational and honest (sometimes brutally) trainers Lance Humphrey and Terry Bryan. I could go on and on; but, the faith and help of these key people, my dedication to balance in my life, a little luck, and the grace of God are what have helped me achieve my success.