Getting older is never easy.  Things begin to change, especially a woman’s body once she hits 40.  But in preparation for my big milestone birthday, I decided that I was going to make myself the best that I could ever be.  Being a mother of three children and a full-time middle school teacher, I have always taken care of everyone in my life, other than myself.  Although exercise and fitness have always been a part of my life since I was 14 years old, I found it more difficult to make it a priority with all that I had to accomplish on a daily basis.  Therefore, I simply settled for my athletic frame holding the extra few pounds.

However, after relocating my family, and settling into a new neighborhood, I decided to reclaim my interest in weight lifting and joined Powerhouse Gym.   Being a highly competitive person by nature made me want to bring my training to a higher level.  With the help of my husband, I was set on a routine and lifted every morning from 5-6am.  But it wasn’t until I was approached by a gym-goer who asked if I competed.  Not having a clue about what he was talking about, I researched the topic of figure and bodybuilding competitions and quickly realized that it was the ultimate compliment to me.   Becoming somewhat obsessed with the idea of competing, I was directed to PJ Braun, who ultimately changed my life forever. 
PJ’s physique, alone, clearly states his passion for the sport of bodybuilding.  However, his amazing ability to show concern for others inspired me.  He took me as seriously as I took on my challenge to myself.  He sat with me for over two hours and devised an in-depth, pre-contest diet and exercise regime.  Not knowing me well, PJ understandably questioned my seriousness about competing.  By presenting the contest preparation as a challenge made me decide right then and there that I HAD to compete.  PJ’s incredible knowledge of nutrition and weight training and approachable nature helped keep me striving for the best I could be.  PJ’s honesty and ability to determine a personal lifestyle plan for me to be able to walk out on stage, half naked in 4 inch stiletto heels made me work the hardest I ever have in my life.  Competing became my obsession and I couldn’t get enough of the industry.  PJ continuously monitored my body fat percentage, assessed my physical strengths and weaknesses, tweaked my lifting routine as well as my form while training, and gave me endless tips for success.  The transformation was amazing!  My confidence in EVERYTHING had sky-rocketed and I quickly attained my goal.

I placed 2nd in my very first figure competition this past April but could NEVER have achieved this level of fitness had it not been for the incredible talents of PJ Braun and his prescription for success.  Thank you, PJ, for changing my life!  

            I always wanted to compete, but didn’t have the knowledge, support, or the focus to enter a competition and realize this dream.  When I met PJ Braun, he saw potential in me that I otherwise wouldn’t have recognized.  I had always worked out and I stay in good shape, but I needed help taking my physique from decent to competition ready, PJ did just that.  He mapped out a training routine, complete with cardio assignments, and a diet which would be modified according to my progress.  I did the 2006 Bev Francis Atlantic States and won my class!!! I won my first show.  I knew I would need PJ’s help for a National level competition, and I knew he would have me step up my game.  I competed this year at the 2007 NPC Jr. USA’s in Charleston, SC, and I came in 3rd of 23 girls in my height class.  I want a pro card, I know that PJ is the man to get me there.
            PJ has a distinct , “no bull”, approach when he is preparing me for a contest.  His honesty, sometimes brutal, is what woke me an hour earlier each morning and got me running at the track before a full day of work( I didn’t mention that I loathe cardio) .  He has so much training and nutritional knowledge that I would never want to call anyone else my coach...Or my boyfriend...We’ve been together for two years, and live  in Danbury , CT.  He has changed my life in so many positive ways; he is my coach, my best friend, the love of my life, and he continues to impress me.  I have seen how he transforms bodies firsthand, and by doing so, he changes lives.  He is an amazing coach, and a respectible man. I have watched his career for the last two years, and the integrity, fortitude and passion he posesses has inspired me, he captivates me each day!

A little over a year ago I opened the Danbury News Times and stopped at the full front page photo of PJ Braun, and the accompanying story titled “Tough Guy”.  He was pre contest at the time the story was written, and detailed his diet and training routine, and I knew that I wanted to train with him.  I pride myself on always trying to attain what’s best, and I knew that this guy was exactly  what I needed to restore my physique.  I read how he was a trainer at Powerhouse Gym , I called and the rest is not really history...it’s my new reality.  I am in the best shape ever because of the lifestyle changes PJ has helped me make.  I was a 43 year old single father of two kids, just skating through life.  I have since become healthier, happier, and more focused on what’s important...staying healthy for Brittany and Kyle, being a better worker with more energy, maintaining this new level strength and stamina, and staying happy.  PJ has taught me that there is so much more creating the overall package than simply “going to the gym”, diet, smart and calculated training, and internal drive are all necessary to make such drastic changes...A year ago, I weighed 190 lbs and had 18% bodyfat...After sticking to PJ’s program, I weigh 180 lbs, and currently hold 6.5% bodyfat!