Interview with fat loss winner: John Rizzo

Last Thursday we announce the winners of our 4th annual 21 Day Fat Loss Challenge. As we pointed out, it was our best year ever doing this challenge.

Out of all the 50 contestants one stood apart from the crowd: John Rizzo, our 2012, 21 Day Fat Loss Challenge.

I was fortunate to sit down with John, ask him a few questions and get a few pictures of him (even though he seems camera shy)... just kidding!

Here is his story:


Me: John, what made you start coming to Fitlorenzo Training Center?
John: My wife Julie had been working out with you and I noticed changes in her. After being a sloth for 2 years and turning 41, I decided to get back in shape. It is a lot easier to perform my job as a firefighter when you are in shape.

Me: What type of challenges have you overcome before in your life or while trying to fit exercise into your daily lifestyle?
John: Challenges overcame before in life are running and completing 3 marathons including the Goofy challenge " a half one day and a full marathon the next".
While trying to fit exercise in well, It is easier to just sit there and do nothing, or sleep in instead of exercising but you do need to schedule it and make it a part of daily routine so it just feels natural. I actually look forward to the workouts now.

Me: What have you accomplished since you started training?
John: I have lost almost 20 lbs and 3% body fat. I can fit into my clothes and feel good about myself. Job is a lot easier now.

Me: What are your future goals?
John: Try to get down in weight more and it sounds crazy but maybe have some abs showing for a cruise in March. lol

Me: How do your friends and family react to your changes?
John: The fire service always busting stones whether you are overweight or trying to lose weight. Usually the first question is, Are you sick? Then they start asking how you doing it and want to know everything. So that is positive.
Family real supportive and just say that you are looking good. Have not seen brother since summer and will see him over Christmas holidays so that should be fun to see his reaction.

Me: Looking back, how do you feel now?
John: I feel great now from when I started, not as tired and have lot more energy and look forward to the workouts.

After Picture

John was kind enough to share some of his before and after pictures.

Before Picture

Once again congrats to John Rizzo for his dedication and commitment to exercising and better lifestyle.

If just like John and all other participants from our 21 Day Fat Challenge you wish to find out how YOU to can get in the best shape of your life and shed unwanted bodyfat... CALL OR E-MAIL us for more information.

2013 is just around the corner, let's start the year like champions!

21 Day Fat Loss Challenge Winners!

This year our 21 day Fat Loss challenge has been our best yet ever. Not only did we have a little over 50 people in it, but the results are amazing.

Let's start with first and second place...

1st Place Winner: John Rizzo.

John lost a staggering 17.2 lbs and 3% body fat loss with a drastic change of lean body mass of 6.22. This guy not only workout hard and intense but as his wife would say he was in the zone, followed our plan down to a T and the results show for it. Great job for your commitment, dedication and results. 

Next post I'll be interviewing John on his journey during the past 2 months, especially during the 21 day challenge.

2nd Place Winner: Jassier Paneque. 
 
Jassier lost 13.6 lbs and 2.6% body fat with a change of lean body mass of 4.38

Jassier is a quiet one (except for when Ken is around.. lol), but comes in and works hard every day.  Very proud of you and your excellent results. 


 Though this year, these guys ran away with the challenge they aren't the only one's who had great success. I would like to recognize and mention also:

Beth Meyer lost 10 pounds and 2% body fat
Jen Kellman lost 9.6 pounds and 2.7% body fat
Scott Kellman lost 6.6 pounds and 2.2% body fat
Joey Schumaker lost 9.4 pounds, 1.6% body fat
Lee Ross lost 6.2 pounds and 1.5% body fat
Barbarann Roberts lost 7.8 pounds and 1.8% body fat
Danielle Bentley lost 8 pounds, 2.2% body fat
Dale Lively lost 4.2 pounds and 1.5% body fat
Lisa Coleman lost 8 pounds
Cindie Wiggins lost 8.4 pounds
Stephanie Luker lost 10 pounds
Reyna Wright lost 10 pounds

Certainly outstanding performances, especially in just 21 days!!

On average our other contestants lost about 4 to 6 pounds and 1 to 1.5% body fat. 

Some pictures from the challenge:

 

I'm proud of everyone who participated with us in way or the other during this challenge. I also want to thank some of our business friends who have supported us throughout this year and contributed to our prizes and cool gifts for our clients:

North River Body Therapies
Pets Life Naturally
Shan-T Native Kayaks Tours
The Nail Nook

Many thanks to everyone once again. Looking forward to 2013 for more challenges, contest and even better training protocols to help not only our current clients but also our community to be more educated on proper exercise technique and lifestyle habits. 

Monday Rant & Random Thoughts

Can't let the year go by without posting some random thoughts and a few rants along the way. Too many things going on between me, life, the things I see and hear from the folks who surround me and so.

These are in no particular order and is a healthy way for me to express ideas, twisted thoughts, my perspective on many things.

1. The 21 Day Fat Loss Challenge is in full effect. Looking forward to seeing some great results from many of the participants.

2. If you find yourself struggling through the holidays make sure to read this article on Getting Back On Track.

3. I hate being sick and I'm glad I'm over it. I'm done with the Nyquil, cough drops, anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. Tonsils seems to be the problem but surgery is not an option for me right now and if possible I will do what I must to avoid it. So then, I need to double up on my effort to keep myself healthy.

4. &$%^&##$@%@ My laptop overheated and died, my warranty is over and there is not much I can do. It would cost me about the same to get a new one.

5. Some people want the equivalent result of 55 years in 55 minutes. I understand why, but to be real that's never gonna happen. Hard work, dedication and consistency is the key to "progressive" results. Which bring me to this point:

  

6. Still mad? Many people complain about weight loss without realizing how far they've come. How much they have progressed. No matter how it is explained to them, they seem just not to understand or care. Maybe the scale didn't move a bit, yet you fit into a pair of jeans you couldn't one year ago... Do you get the picture? You have changed, you have dropped body fat and for that your are better, stronger and healthier.

7. Many people quit without realizing how close they where to reaching their goals. Listen everyone's path to success if different. But in the end the view is the same at the top. 

8. I can tell which person commits to effort, is consistent, heck I can easily tell their life habits just by looking at people - how they carry themselves, the things that occupy their conversations, they way they train, etc. 

9. Some people are just sell outs...

10. The Walking Dead is over till Feb 2013... 

11. I don't need a BMW or Mercedes car, I like my H3 just the way it is. What do I need to do to get one of the cars or earn $5,000 a month is beyond me. Even though I could make tons of money, pyramid selling has never been my interest nor do I want it to be. Honestly I don't wish to sell this to my clients. I hope you are successful in your way, I'll try my luck getting rich differently.

12. Every week a car or truck from my competitors drives by my facility (sometimes the same people), which is located in a low traffic, dead end street. I have no beef with no one in particular but it is very annoying to see you every week. If you are so interested in what we are doing, man up and effing stop one day and walk in. We got nothing to hide, but mind you if you are spending all this time concerned on what we are doing who is taking care of your clients? Please do us all a favor and be a better coach.

13. That last point makes me miss my good old training buddies, my coaching mentor and fellow trainers from back in the day. Maybe it's me but in 5 years I have come to the conclusion that this area (for the most part) is just full of meat-heads, idiots, lazy trainers, and people who don't know how to work together, improve the name of our industry, improve economy and most importantly improve our community. 

14. There are different styles of coaching and training modalities. But if you call yourself a "trainer" by profession make sure you know your shit. As a fitness person you are in a position to greatly impact the lives of those who surround you. Do what you say you are going to do, do it right, do more of it and do it with passion.

15. “One of the major keys to success is to keep moving forward on the journey, making the best of the detours and interruptions, turning adversity into advantage.”  

16. My LA Lakers team is miserably underachieving. They'll regret the coaching change and going with Phil. I'm still a fan and I don't quit on my team.

17. Stop comparing yourself or your food to what other people do or have. We are all different and will respond differently to certain foods. That being said if your attitude is always negative, that is what will dominate your thoughts and soon your body will follow. 

18. Why do parents continue to let their kids dictate what they eat? Who's the parent?

19. Everyone has their own demons to fight with. Sometimes you keep them under control and sometimes it seems like a losing battle. Whatever it is that you find yourself fighting through, keep the fight, never give in. There may be difficult days when you get up and don't like what you see, heck might not even stand to look or recognize the person in the mirror. You keep fighting, you dig deep, and crawl your way back up.

20. A great video to watch:

Results For The Holiday Fat Loss Challenge!

The results are in for our 3rd annual Holiday Fat Loss Challenge.

This was a 25 day challenge in which participants were given a day by day meal plan and joined our fitness boot camps and /or personal training programs; some participants followed an at home training program that given to them.

We had many success stories and I'm very proud to be part of this group who took serious the challenge of losing weight and improving their lives, especially during the holiday season when it can be a very difficult task. The overall result self-betterment and nothing can beat that!

That being said we do have an overall winner and second place... The results!!!

Drum roll please!!!!



First Place: Jen Kellman
Lost 12 pounds and 1.8% body fat



For winning she gets 2 months of fitness boot camp access, a Fitlorenzo t-shirt and a $100 bill!!!!




Second Place: Michelle George

Lost 9.2 pounds and 1.9% body fat



Second place prize is 3 one-on-one personal training sessions and a body spray tan provide by The Nail Nook in Palmetto, Fl.





Very soon I'll be sharing some of their stories and the journey during the last 3 weeks.

We had some other participants who had some great success also. Even though they didn't win the challenge they definitely are better and looking great.

Among a few of them are Lisa Coleman and Scott Kellman who both lost 8.4 pounds, while Heather Kennedy lost 7 pounds.

You can be the next person to lose 5, 8, 10 or more pounds in a very short time. Think about it: What are you waiting for?

January 2012 is just a few days away!! If you want to be successful like the people above you need one thing: TO TAKE ACTION!!

Taking massive action is about choice. You have the option to do something great or nothing at all.

Success then will be determined by how focused you are on your goals. It's about the little things you are doing NOW, TODAY. There's no better advice I could give you to make you realize the truth behind those words.

If your goals... ahem, aheam - I mean if your expectations are to get fit, lose weight, build muscle and become the best of you in 2012, then contact me at FITLORENZO Training Center and together will workout towards making this happen. 

Dedicated to your success!

It's not about you, it's about me...

"Nobody who ever gave his best ever regretted it"

During the course of the last three weeks we held our 3 annual Holiday Fat Loss Challenge. The main idea of the challenge is to help people stay focused on fitness and healthy living, thus improving their performance, losing weight and burning fat.

The holidays always seem to be that time of the year when all you've worked for goes out the door. This fat loss challenge helps prevent that by empowering you to make better decisions, to commit to exercise and healthy eating habits.

Although it's a challenge, it is not one of competition say like in the sports field. Sure there is a prize for first and second place... so a little bit of friendly competition is welcomed. But you don't go head to head against anyone, you go head to head against you.

This challenge is about betterment; what you where yesterday - today must be better. There is no such thing as limiting self improvement. When you're hungry for something, you never stop improving.

When this is the case, we find ways to get better at a given exercise, to master a move, to learn new techniques, to improve our nutrition, to build our self esteem, to gain more confidence and to push ourselves beyond what we may think we can do, rather to reach what our true potential is.

Sadly I see to many people get lost in the numbers, and I'm not referring to this challenge particularly, but life in general. We get caught up in the moment that we lose the essence of our journey and don't realize all the things that we have accomplished.

Take a moment and look at yourself. Picture yourself a few months ago, a few years back... Now compare that with whom you are today and who you want to be tomorrow. Life is constantly changing, we don't think, we don't feel and we don't look the same as 10 years ago nor will be 5 or 10 years from now.

The question is are we changing for the better? Change will only occur when we allow it to happen; and that goes both ways. One can change for better or take a turn to worst. Personally I've experienced both sides and I've been responsible for it.

I've shed tears, blood, sweat... I've been up and down, I've developed unhealthy pride and been brought down to earth and beneath... I've been humbled. I'm not where I thought I would be 5 years ago, my life has changed drastically. But in the process I've discovered new things about myself, I've open new chapters and have grown as a person.

I know I haven't reached my full potential, perhaps I never will... that will not stop me from growing. I have a plan for growth and every step I take I cherish my defeats and my triumphs, because I learn much from both.

I will continue to grow physically, mentally and spiritually that much I know. And every step I take becomes an opportunity to grow, to take on new challenges and for self-improvement. 

The above doesn't means one must not take pride in accomplishments or on the other hand be contempt with losing. I hate losing!!! In the words of Herm Edwards 'I play to win the game'... But I've lost many times on and off the basketball court; and each of those times I've learned about myself many things.

Last night watching the Lakers lose to Chicago in the last seconds of the game was painful. It could be attributed to several reasons, but they lost period. After the game they interview Kobe and instead of complaining he said "I saw a lot of positive things... Defensively, we were terrific. We did a good job, and we're just going to get better."

Self-improvement and betterment of the team.... In the game of life things are a bit more complicated, but the essence is the same. As I stated at the begging of this article: 'when you give your best, you have nothing to regret'.

My two cents to wrap this up:

• Make a commitment to improve to grow every day
• Do not focus on the mundane or on other peoples perspective
• Value the process that will get you to your destination
• Always give your best
• Rejoice in your achievements: 1 pound lost Yei! The main idea is that no matter the how small or big your feat... it is yours to rejoice over
• Do not look for inspiration - become the inspiration
• Never quit, never give up

My next post I'll write about our Fat Loss Challenge results and the stories behind them.

21 Flat Belly Fat Loss Program

As we end the near the of Summer you might find yourself completely off from your eating and exercise program. With the Summer vacations winding down, kids are back in school and this Summer heat hitting us hard; it's no hard to imagine things can get off track. 

Don't worry I got you covered!!!

My 21 Day Flat Belly Fat Loss Program is just what you need. 

This is your Done-For-You 21 Day Fat Loss Blueprint to your best shape!! It has everything you need to kick it off!! It can't get any easier!!

The 21 Day Flat Belly Fat Loss Program is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to burn fat, lose weight and maximize their metabolism in a short time. 

Note: This program is designed for people who are ready to commit at least 21 days and continue into the best shape of their lives. This program requires work on your part. And you need to do it if you want to be successful.

The best part 'There's No Guessing or Thinking'... Just follow the Done-For-You program. 

My Complete 21 Day Flat Belly Fat Loss Program Includes:

• 3 Day Jump Start Detox Program
• 21 Day Done-For-You Meal Plan
• Ready to print Grocery List
• Done-For-You Exercise Program to do at home or at the gym
• Healthy Recipes & Nutritional Tips
• Weekly Motivation 
• And more!!!!

THIS IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED, ALREADY MAPPED OUT FOR YOU!!!

SO YOU HAVE NO EXCUSES TO GET YOURSELF IN SHAPE!!

This program works great for men and women equally!!!

Stop thinking about it, and TAKE ACTION!! Stop jumping from diet to diet and commit to the best of you!!

ARE YOU READY?

VICTORY IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE!!! 

ACT NOW TO GET IN SHAPE IN 21 DAYS!!!

All of this for only $99! (Normally the price of this program is $139 a savings of $40!!!)

ACT NOW! Special Sale will end on September 5th - Labor Day!!

Note: This product is downloaded e-books file, which you will get by e-mail once you start the program. Feel free to send any questions or comment to info@fitlorenzo.com. 

Some of the highlights from the program:

•  Calorie Management. From Proteins, to Carbs and Fat
• 72 Hour Detox Program to cleanse you body naturally (no pills of weird stuff)
• Understanding hydration requirements for you body
• Fast & easy to do healthy recipes
• Metabolic workout program design for FAT LOSS
• And Much more...

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

FITNESS ADVENTURE CAMP

  
INTRODUCING A FUN & CHALLENGING FITNESS ADVENTURE YOU WON'T FORGET!


FITLORENZO Adventure Camp is a one full day packed of many activities where you can choose from fitness events, educational events, games and outdoor activities such as tree climbing, rope courses, team building games and events, canoeing, kayaking and much more. 


Programs are designed for all levels of fitness. Anyone can do this!! From kids, to adults, fitness enthusiast to busy professionals and corporate managers; by the end of the day everyone is challenged, and comes out as true champion.


“We choose to go... not because it’s easy or hard, but because that goal will serve to measure and organize the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” – J.F. Kennedy

The mission at FITLORENZO is to inspire, motivate and help you change the way you see life, which leads to SELF IMPROVEMENT. By teaming up with CG Adventures we are able to provide meaningful experiences that build relationships, promote personal growth and lead to individual accomplishment. Visit HTTP://WWW.FITLORENZO.COM for more info on how to get your team started.

This makes for a perfect Corporate Team Building exercise and game designed to improve group unity and enhance performance and productivity for companies and organizations. For more information on how to get your company enrolled into one of our programs please visit our website at HTTP://WWW.FITLORENZO.COM or call us at 941-301-9352.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Call now for more info 941-301-9352 or email: INFO@FITLORENZO.COM

Tuesday Rant and Random Thoughts

From time time I feel the urge to take my thoughts and share them with you, and so I've decided that right now as I sit and wait I would express myself and let you in on it.

Just in case this is all completely random, but I think its useful for me and you. Plus I suddenly have extra time on my hands since some clients aren't able to show up...

Anyways this is what's on my mind today:

1. Holy smokes I woke up with a stomach bug or something. I think it was the shrimp from last night... I knew something smelled fishy (hahaha get it...)
2. That in turn made me miss an earlier appointment with a training client... AGGGGGRRRR!! I hate that!!!
3. I'm extremely busy, lots of stuff going on lately, business wise. 21 Day Look Hot-Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge and my first ever Black Friday Fitness Special... 
4. I'm also busy working on my other website (for real!!!)
5. Today I spilled water all over me and then I spilled water over some notes and files... and then I spilled water again in the kitchen. All in the same day!!! WTH????
6. Some clients had to cancel on me today... that ain't cool. 
7. I'm thankful to God especially because I have work, great clients, great friends and I'm healthy
8. I don't think that lately I've done a good job at showing my appreciation to him :(
9. I got to see my mom this year!!!!
10. If you are observing me while training clients or myself at the gym, and you are going to copy it. Go ahead just do it right, observe technique, form, pace and intensity... When in doubt ask, but not while I'm training a client..
11. There are trainers out there literally destroying their clients bodies with weird, dangerous and ineffective exercises.
12. I can't stand those guys who can't barely lift the weights and then must slam on each rep in rage. My theory is they make a lot of noise to compensate for shortcomings elsewhere.  Seriously dude, control the weights at all times, if you have to drop it it is too heavy!
13. I need a flat screen TV and new laptop... WHAT? I said this is random..
14. Lately I've been a bit confused and I think that slowly I've lost myself and have drifted away.
15. Today I read a post from someone else and she said: 'that the hardships we face harden up our heart. Yet we quickly learn to survive when we have no where to hide and no where to escape. When we are faced with harsh reality, we break apart and can't run from our own pain. This makes us less trusting and more susceptible to putting walls of defense up... opening the heart makes us vulnerable, so it becomes a choice... (I swear she read my mind!!!)
16. I'll admit I have too much pride and pride can be a very dangerous thing and can lead to many troubles, been there already... then again pride has allowed me to be stronger, develop courage and accomplish many things, especially when people around me thought it wasn't possible..
17. I'm intolerant to excuses, lies and fake people... (This goes for life, business, your health and fitness goals, relationships, whatever)
18. Everyone hits a plateau at some point, so deal with it and understand that is part of your road to a better you. Just keep moving forward, working hard and smart and adapt when it happens.
19. The holiday season scares me... too many people get fatter this time of year :(
20. Kathy (one of my clients) keeps remembering me Master Yoda's words: "All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was... what he was doing"... 
21. Sometimes while driving on the highway of life someone next to you takes a turn, and you are suddenly guessing your sense of direction or should I stop and follow.. Was I wrong, how did I get here in the first place? Sometimes it's better to just keep going and never look back. Again Master Yoda said best: Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not, miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy, the shadow of greed that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose."
22. I feel as if I could get writing and writing things..I guess it's enough I need to workout as well..

But hey if you made it this far down reading this, I'm most grateful. Feel free to share your thoughts, would love to hear your comments. Wish you all a great week ahead!

21 Days Look Hot -Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge

Beat the holiday weight gain! And look great throughout the holidays! This is a 21 Day step-by-step plan designed to help you look and feel your best.

With the holiday season just around the corner, you know it means that, there are parties to attend, lots of food to eat, drinking, vacation time; you name it. This is the time of the year when most people gain about 5 to 10 pounds, get flabbier and tend to forget about exercise. Like one of my clients once said “the holiday season is the time of year when I can really let myself go”...

DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!!!

So just ask yourself do you need motivation? Do you need to lose 5 to 10 extra pounds of body fat? Do you want to get stronger? Do you want to look and feel your best?

Then my 21 Day "Look Hot - Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge" is exactly what you need!!

Unlike other programs, this challenge is not just about weight loss or bodybuilding. It’s about feeling better, looking better and performing your best… It’s about SELF IMPROVEMENT!!!!

Winners of the contest will be determined by the individual with the highest percentage of body weight, body fat and inches lost.

Last year winner Jacinda lost 9 pounds, 1.8% body fat and about 8 inches overall off her body. Click here to read her story and about other successful fat loss winners!!

The 21 Day Look Hot – Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge  

Starts on December 1 through December 23…

When you accept the Look Hot – Drop The Fat Holiday Challenge you get:

• Complete Nutritional Plan, designed to prime your metabolism during the holidays.
• Weekly accountability and support to personalize your program and ensure you are on track to achieving your goal.
• Unlimited access (all locations) to our weekly body blast workouts designed to improve your strength, conditioning, tone and tighten your body!!!
• Complete before and after measurements
• FREE Step by Step Holiday Survival Guide!!!
• 7 Days All Access Pass to Anytime Fitness Bradenton located in SR64 

You will have the chance to win:

First Prize (Valued at over $400!!):

·        8 weeks of unlimited Strength & Conditioning Boot Camp access

·        Total Spa Makeover provided by N2U Salon & Spa. Includes: 30 minute deep tissue massage, haircut & style, and a facial.

·        $75 Gift Card from your favorite store!! 

Second Prize (Valued at over $250!!):

·        3 one-on-one personal training sessions with me!!

·        A Shellac Manicure & Body Spray Tan provided by The Nail Nook

How To Enter  & Reserve Your Spot

It's easy to enter. If you're a current Strength & Conditioning Boot Camp member, just send me an e-mail to confirm your spot and make sure you are in an active status before the Challenge starts.  Details will be sent to you by e-mail. (Some restrictions may apply).

If you're not a current Strength & Conditioning Boot Camp member, simply register as a new Boot Camp member, reserve your spot, fill out the registration forms and make your one time payment. (Some restrictions apply). We also accept payments made by check.

You get this entire program, over $350 value for ONLY $119!

 You can reserve your spot and make a payment now through PAYPAL. Just click the Pay Now button. Once you have your receipt just email: info@fitlorenzo.com with the confirmation number and the instructions and program details will be sent to you.

Boot Camp locations vary in the Palmetto, FL area. We meet Monday – Wednesday – Friday at 6am and 5:30pm. For this challenge from December 1^strd till December 23 we’ll be adding another location at Blackstone Park, Palmetto FL from 9:30am to 10:30am.

If you have questions feel free to contact me at info@fitlorenzo.com!!

Can't wait to see you take control of your life and decide to Look Hot and Drop The Fat during the Holidays!!!