TLDR: Chaniece changed my life and helped me transform my body. I lost over 50lbs and drastically increased my physical performance. It wasn't fast or easy, but the improvements are lasting. I played sports growing up through high school, and was already on a moderate gym schedule. Chaniece optimized my training regiment, considering my current abilities and stated goals, as well as helping me overhaul my nutrition. I was able to reach places I didn't think were possible and going into my 5th year working with Chaniece I'm still surprising myself with what we're accomplishing together.
Initially my primary goal was to lose weight. I put on a lot of weight towards the end of high school and spent the last 10 years unable to lose and keep it off. I thought I didn't need a trainer because I played sports through childhood, was comfortable in the gym, and had a moderate workout schedule in college and beyond.
Rather than adapt a generic program found online, I wanted to commit to a tailored program. While I was prepared to overhaul my training habits, I was surprised when Chaniece recommended changes to my diet as well. At the time I didn't perceive my nutrition as "unhealthy". I initially resisted the recommendations. For the first 6 months I made a significant strength gains, but not much progress in weight or physique. Eventually I relented and began overhauling how I ate, and that's when my body really changed. It really enforced the idea that you can't outwork a "bad" diet, and showed me the importance of optimizing my macro distribution.
The next year was the beginning of the pandemic and suddenly I couldn't go into a traditional gym as I was accustomed to. We quickly overhauled the program to utilize the few weights (1x 35lbs dumbbell, 1x 45lbs barbell, set of resistance bands) I could get my hands on. Since I couldn't get into a gym to lift heavy, we decided to really focus on my conditioning and weight loss. The pandemic also gave me time to really dial in my nutrition. Over the first 9 months of the pandemic, I lost over 50 lbs! To this day I'm so proud of this achievement and am so thankful I had someone to guide me during that time.
The following year was about building back the muscle I lost during the pandemic, so we hit the weights hard. I really tried to push myself to get back to where I was pre-pandemic. The new addition this year was rep ranges (sets of as low as 3) lower than I had ever done, which requires a different kind of focus. Unfortunately, while playing recreational soccer, I tore my Achilles Tendon and ended the year unable to train.
I again found myself in a recovery mode. And again, I was able to lean on Chaniece to supplement my Physical Therapy with additional programming to help rehabilitate my Achilles Tendon. Now going into my 5th year I've recovered completely from the injury and am in the overall best shape of my life. I am so thankful for the guidance over the years and look forward to more improvement working with Chaniece.
Suffice to say, highly recommend. read more