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Since I was in high school, I’ve always had a passion for fitness and nutrition.  For years, I enjoyed going to the gym and eating healthy. As years progressed, I tried to obtain a lean and toned body by doing substantial amounts of cardio with very little weight training. I would run miles a day on the treadmill and do basic ab workouts daily. I could not understand why my body wasn’t molding into the image I had anticipated.
After learning more about fitness and healthful eating habits through schooling, I finally came to the conclusion that I didn’t have an accurate understanding of the types of exercise and eating habits that would help me reach my goals and create true results.
To educate myself further in weight lifting, I would research different exercises and training techniques on YouTube for exercise guidance. Unfortunately, I still wasn’t seeing the types of results I desired. I also started looking to my gym’s trainers for additional guidance, which is where I first learned about competing.
Competing interested me for the main reason that I wanted to see what my body could achieve with the right training and dieting techniques, but I knew I couldn’t reach that level of fitness on my own.  A friend in the sport recommended I contact PJ. Although I was a bit intimidated at first by making the decision to compete, I took the initiative to reach out to PJ and inquire about him being my contest prep coach. I was surprised and pleased with his quick response and he made me feel very confident that with his help I could prepare myself to be on stage in 10 weeks.
            The first weeks of dieting was a struggle because I wasn’t accustomed with preparing all of my meals and eating on a regimented time schedule, but it didn’t take long for me to see the benefits of this level of consistency. On a weekly basis, I would check in with PJ to monitor my progress. This motivated me to stay on point so I wouldn’t let myself or my coach down.  Whenever I felt behind schedule, PJ would reassure me that I was right on track. There were countless times I contacted PJ to ask questions through my prep period. He never made me feel as if I were annoying him and would always kindly respond to all of my questions with supportive clear answers. This is where I really started to build faith in my new coach and trust his judgment that his training and diet plan would bring my best condition to the stage. Little did I know, using PJ’s training and diet plan, my body would undergo a huge transformation that would result in me winning the Overall Bikini title at the NPC New England’s and qualify to compete on the NPC national level. I truly feel like I could not have done this without PJ.
            Reflecting upon my first experience with competing, I feel confident in my future success with PJ as my contest prep coach. What I feel separates PJ Braun from any other trainer or coach, other than his love and knowledge in the sport, is how much he genuinely cares about his clients. I will continue working with PJ for upcoming national shows in confident hopes to become an IFBB Bikini Pro in the near future.
You’re assistance is essential to me PJ! Thanks so much!

I want to first start off by saying thank you PJ for all your help, guidance, and honesty. I started working with PJ back in August 2010.  I weighed in at 224 lbs with a very high body fat percentage. I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus in my right knee in the summer of 2009 and my weight had gotten way out of control. I had surgery on both knees-they took the patellar tendon from my left knee to reconstruct my ACL in my right knee. I was out of work for about 13 weeks. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do any weight training with my legs in the future. The doctor stated it would take about 6-12 months to recover. Physical therapy was mandatory 3 months after my surgery. It was a long, grueling process. Winter passed, and I slowly began to heal. I was back the gym, here and there, nothing serious, and my diet was crap. Summer 2011 came and I was in the hospital again for about a week with a complicated form of pneumonia. I was down and out about my weight, and how I felt, so I decided I wanted to look and feel better about myself. I did a little research and found PJ. I emailed him and he responded that day. I told him about my knee injury, and that I wanted to compete in June 2011. We got started right way and wasted no time. He asked if there was limitations to any leg exercises due to my injury, any health related problems he needed to know about, and if there was anything that I could or would not eat. He adjusted everything accordingly and made me feel at ease and comfortable with his game plan. After a few weeks working with PJ, I knew I had made a great decision because I started seeing results and he responds quickly to any questions/concerns I had. I felt really good about the way I looked. I was getting leaner and leaner by the week. I was definitely in they best shape of my life. Even though I am many states away from PJ, it felt like he was right there beside me the whole time up until the day of my competition encouraging me on and supporting me. I felt like he truly cared about me and my personal goals. He has great knowledge about diet and nutrition and he dialed me in the final week for my competition. I weighed in at the 2011 Gold’s Classic at 163 lbs and won the junior lightweight division. I had lost over 60 lbs with PJ’s help!  About a month later, I competed at the 2011 Muscle Heat in August and took 2nd place in the junior middleweight division. So if you’re looking someone to help get you ready and dialed in for your next competition, I highly recommend PJ Braun. His willingness and passion to help people get in the best shape of their life truly makes him not only a great trainer and coach, but also a great friend. Thanks again PJ!

As a competitor your relationship and communication with your Coach/Nutritionist is vital.  Competition is always tough, no matter what level or whether or not you know you have it in the bag you strive to come in looking your absolute best.  As an IFBB Figure Pro I am proud of what I have accomplished and know firsthand that the higher the level the tougher the competition is!  I'm not a newbie and most of my career I did my own diet as an amateur and Pro.  I wanted and needed to relieve myself from that stress during prep.  As all of us know our minds have a way of tricking us during those last crucial weeks of prep.  I was looking to set myself up for the best possible physique.

 Along came Pj Braun in my circle of friends.  As a Coach he listens, I felt he was truly invested in me and supportive no matter what time of day.  My training was designed for me, for my needs and my goals.  Not a cookie cutter program.  Pj's communication through my whole prep made me realize he wanted the best out of my potential and listened to my concerns along the way.  He kept my goal in mind and showed me the support I needed to make it through show after show.  Times are tough on that stage with new standards coming out.  Training to get the look you want needs to be adjusted.  Pj was able to find the balance in my physique so I could hold true to what I wanted and liked as well as follow the new guidelines. 

Nutrition and the diet to reveal final product after months of hard training is what it’s about.  If the food you’re fueling off of is not planned correctly, expectations of your physique can be ruined.  "Cookie cutter doesn’t work here either."  Again Pj as my Nutritionists showed how genuinely interested he was to see me succeed.  Communication is vital, he always had the time to discuss diet whether it was a questions I had over a meal change, food that was upsetting my digestive tract, or even constipation (it happens).  Updates with him are so easy and his responses are always on time.  Even with him being on the wrong side of US (come to Cali, Pj) , I am still amazed that I would be able to go back and forth with my issues, no matter what, with him at 1000pm pacific time. 

To sum this all up I have the biggest respect for the dedication Pj has shown me through my last 3 shows.  He is a true Coach, one that pushes you to do better, listens to your goal and advises the direction to pursue it and handles the "bad days" of his athletes as a true professional.  My last show for 2010 Sheru Classic Mumbai, India!  Pj thank you for believing in me and without your help I wouldn’t have been the best me possible!  What an awesome line up it was, with a 9th place finish, my best look ever and holding true to what I feel represents IFBB Figure, thank you again Pj Braun!!! 

When I contacted PJ , I was 7 weeks out from my show, and far off from contest ready. PJ really had his work cut out for him in order to prepare me for the stage in 7 weeks, to which he accepted the challenge.  I sent him an email basically stating that I was 7 weeks out, my diet was a mess, I was stuck in a plateau and a nervous wreck that I wouldn’t be stage ready in time for my  show, to which he responded to me that “ yes.. You will be ready , I would love to work with you”.

I’m not the easiest person to work with , as there are a few things that made this  prep a challenge.
I have severe Ulceritive Colitis, which is a digestive disease that I have had since I was 12 years old, and on top of that I had lost my entire colon back in 1998 as a result of this illness.  

My diet is extremely limited as I cannot digest or break down most foods that are not over processed or liquid. Pretty much, my body does way better digesting over processed white starchy carbs.. And junk, that it does digesting whole , clean foods. I cannot eat oats, grains, fiberous foods, any vegetables , fish  or egg whites .  In the past this illness had kept me from moving forward to compete as I always just assumed no trainer would want to work with such a difficult person.  PJ put a lot of  effort  into putting together a diet for me , that would both lean me out and be safe for my digestive disorder and to be honest, I loved all of the foods he had me eating , so my diet was far from boring or a daily struggle to stick to .

What I liked most about working with PJ was that he truly cared about my well being, and checked up on me more often than I expected, asking me how I felt, and how my body was handling the foods. If I had a concern or sent him a text message he always responded to me , and never kept me waiting .

I’ve prepped for competitions before but always backed out due to the diet making me sick , and then I’d lose motivation and confidence . PJ always kept me motivated  and excited to train each day.  I  honestly don’t know how he finds all the time in the day to tend to all of his clients, but he does.. And he is generous with the time he spends with us.

The night before my competition I started to fall sick from my illness , mostly from nerves and stress. Pj was at the  North American’s with clients competing at that HUGE show and yet, he still found time to communicate with me frequently and making dietary changes at late crazy hour of 2 am . Whatever PJ did worked, I felt better and even looked better that morning of pre judging.

I won first place in my class and the overall  trophy which I wasn’t expecting . I’m looking forward to working with PJ again for my next competition as I know together we will really make some great progress .

You can tell when someone is truly passionate about what they do and PJ Braun is gifted at what he does .

Where do I start? At the time I write this, I have not even been working with PJ Braun for an entire year and my life as an athlete is in a completely different place.  

I hired PJ in September of 2010 after a few months of thorough research, speaking with his other clients and following their progress through the competitive season. It seemed as though I was always in a show with a Braun fitness client and they always won an overall.  I was also into my off season and slowly but surely putting on weight and it was becoming a struggle to find balance.  I had wanted to put on muscle but I did not want to gain so much weight that it would make a diet down dreadful.  I was also realizing that nutrition was a huge part of my competition prep where I did not have a solid foundation or assistance. 

Conceptually, working with PJ is quite simple. Everything can be accomplished online with weekly progress pictures.  One sends him a current photo and diet.  He sends back your diet and you are good to go. He did not make me eat anything that I had an aversion towards, also he was open to variety which is wonderful.  PJ  was also readily accessible to answer and educate me for any questions that I had regarding his intentions.  The best is that PJ excels in working with all natural athletes and women.  This was very important to me as well, I am both!

In January, I started my official contest prep for the 2011 season and I had two goals physically. I needed better overall conditioning as my top and bottom never matched and I really wanted to see definition in my legs.  I had two shows selected- The Fitness Atlantic in April, a WBFF Pro qualifier and one in May- NPC Jr. USA's in the newly formed Women's Physique Division.  Slowly, but surely over the months I was seeing changes in my body and with the a few of PJ's legendary leg work outs I was seeing my legs pull out.  By the time the Fitness Atlantic had arrived my body looked better than it ever had and had undergone significant changes.  I had lost 8% bf, 4.25 inches off of my rear end and gained in lean body mass. My peak week was simple and devoid of "tricks" which was wonderful. No manipulation of water or other drastic measures. I stepped on stage feeling happy, confident with a second place finish in figure tall! I remember seeing the stage photos and being amazed. I actually looked like a "figure competitor." I felt like I could finally hold my own with his other female clients who I had been admiring since forever.

My second show of the year was for 2011 NPC Jr. USA's in May for the newly formed Women's Physique Division.  My diet was tweaked as we went into this prep so that I would present on stage leaner and fuller.  I was still being fed quite a bit and was even allowed a few "cheat meals."  As this was the debut of Women's Physique it was not clear what they wanted exactly so it was open to PJ and I's interpretation of how to bring me in. I knew that I would be one of the smaller women on the stage, however this style of bodybuilding was something I have always wanted to do and I was very happy to have PJ's support.  Again my peak week was easy, no water manipulation, no crazy tactics and I arrived on stage looking lean and mean! I placed 11th at that show and was absolutely thrilled because I had met my goal!  I had done something I had always wanted to do which was a posing routine! 

My third show, I decided to try the WBFF once more in figure. This show was in Boston in June.  Partly through this prep I made the switch to a ketogenic diet and it was wonderful.  The changes in my body were immediate as well was my mood. This came with some training restrictions however. I am a very intense person and I have a tendency to over-train. This diet however required me to restructure my intensity. To train smarter and not harder so that I would prevent muscle loss.  My peak week was different and much tastier. I had a fat load and again, no water manipulation. The night before the show I looked and felt different than I ever had. I was not concerned about how I placed the next day because I was 110% happy with how I looked. When I stepped on stage I felt confident and strong. At the end of the show... it had paid off. I won my class, and the overall! I was now a WBFF Figure Pro! 

Winning that show ultimately led me to competing in what would be my first Pro show in Toronto, the 2011 WBFF Worlds Championships in August. Yes, I had been in prep since January!  This is where PJ excels. I had not lost muscle mass yet my body looked different and better with each show.  Under no circumstances, was I going to miss this opportunity to present as a professional so I put my all into it and I didn't realize how much I wanted it till August 14th 2011.  I ended up in the emergency room 13 days out from my Pro debut. A nerve became severely irritated in my face and the right side of my face had gone numb and partially paralyzed. Lyme disease was the suspected cause. The prescribed medication had side effects of water retention and other effects not conducive to being on stage in two weeks. The first person I called was PJ. It had never crossed my mind that I was NOT going to be able to do the show and I knew that if anyone would be able to have me reach my goal, it would be PJ.  Three days into the medication I was 10lbs over stage weight, my face was bloated, and I couldn't fully smile. My diet and cardio was tweaked accordingly. Never at any point did PJ tell me that I was not going to be able to do the show. My passion was to be presentable. I knew that a placing would now be slim because of the medication but doing the show meant more to me than winning something.  I stopped the medication the Wednesday before the show (three days out) and was down a few pounds yet still five pounds over. My face was about back to normal and I went to see PJ. I was a nervous wreck.  He saw me and said it would be OK. It meant the world to me that he was confident enough in my package to send me on stage.  That night, I slept and when I woke up I was down two pounds. The next night I slept for ten hours and woke up four pounds lighter. I'm not saying that his words had anything to do with it but, just knowing PJ was alright with it may have relieved me of some stress. That weekend I stepped on stage with some of the most amazing athletes and placed 8th at my first Pro show. I was not my physical best, however I was the best that I could be under the circumstances and that is what was important.

This year has brought me so many opportunities! I am so thankful for all of these experiences!  Most of all, I am thankful for having PJ in my life. His coaching went beyond telling me what to eat. He has become a figure in my life who I am accountable to and who also genuinely cares.  His honesty is always delivered with intentions of respect and productivity.  Most of all he understands "Why." He is not solely focused on a win although he does train his clients to win on stage. I know it goes much more beyond the trophies and the congratulatory period.  The first thing I ever tell anyone about PJ is that he was the best thing that I have ever done for my athletic career and myself.  I would not have had this success, met the people that I have met, grown the strength within myself or gotten to know such a wonderful person as PJ Braun if I had not made that decision. I am fully looking forward to the future as I know that I am in the best hands.

"Trust in PJ"

I am honored to be your client. Thank-You for everything,
Fleur De Kine
WBFF Figure Pro

When I hired PJ as my coach, I had just competed in the 2011 Jay Cutler Classic and was not satisfied with my condition for that show. I had followed my previous coach’s plan to a "T" but I knew I could bring a better package to the stage. I was at the point where I needed someone who could help me bring my physique to a whole new level. I knew a handful of PJ's clients and saw the results they were getting and how carefully PJ had outlined their contest plan. I could tell right away that this was the kind of coach that I needed.

    A few weeks into my plan, I noticed my body starting to change. My strength had increased and I was getting leaner. PJ kept in close contact throughout my whole prep, making sure everything was going smoothly and that I was on track. I only had a short amount of time to prep with PJ for the Hartford Europa but I noticed incredible changes and brought what I know was my best to the stage! I couldn’t have been more satisfied with my condition and the Hartford Europa was my favorite showing since I’ve started competing in 2009! Thank you for all of your help and guidance PJ, I cant wait to work with you for my figure debut!

My experience with PJ started around early November of 2010 when I was introduced to him through the internet podcast radio program, SuperHuman Radio hosted by Carl Lenore.  He began appearing on the

show as the residential fitness training and nutrition guru.  Early into sporadic show appearances, I became convinced that his honesty and sincerity that transcended the airwaves, could assist me in reaching my goal of competing in my first ever bodybuilding show.   With his knowledge and expertise, it became a successful collaboration beyond my wildest dream.  We began our correspondence in early December, culminating in a 16 week online correspondence contract including updated photo physique assessments and posing video critiquing, that I uploaded, as the contest date approached.  And during the contest weekend, we text-ed and spoke by phone to ensure that everything, down to the smallest detail, was progressing  as perfectly laid out. 

My own personal health and fitness condition,at the time PJ and I contracted, was somewhat different than most of the testimonials I have read on his website.  I contracted with PJ as a 53 year young ectomorph male, who had succeeded in fine tuning my physique by losing 18 pounds in the preceding 7 months.   Even though I have lifted for over thirty years and had completed a body transformation, as an ectomorph, I was not satisfied with my physique and lacked the know how and  confidence in the preparation phases of contest  prep.   My goal was to put on some lean mass and finally fulfill a bodybuilding competition dream that I had harbored since I began lifting and reading the bodybuilding magazines.   PJ expressed excitement  to work with me, as he stated that it is more enjoyable helping a person put on mass than to lose weight.  After uploading my physique assessment  photos to PJ, I was thrilled, but hesitant to believe his compliments of my physique transformation.  But, as time transpired, I came to accept his compliments as well as his criticism because of his true honesty and  sincerity that I spoke of earlier. 

This is a reoccurring theme among his testimonials that I wholeheartedly agree with.  Even during an unexpected family crisis, PJ was always there to answer my questions, no matter how simple.  He always gave precise answers and went above and beyond to treat me with with utmost respect, even during the latter portion of the  contest prep as I developed a grumpy disposition that resulting in my self imposed nickname, grumpy old guy cut like a (blank).  Better to let you fill in the blank :).  Although, most of our correspondence centered on the details of my contest prep, there were times that I opened up to him  about other personal details of my life.  He was always gracious in his replies and kept me focused on our mission.  One question I recall asking PJ was if he ever felt like a therapist.  His short reply summed up  why he is, if not the best trainer, one of the best, "It comes with the job, but I love my job."  We also shared some lighter moments and over time I became to view him as more than a coach, but also as a friend.

PJ immediately started me on  a mass building diet and tweaked my training workouts to a 5 days a week mass training program.  Although it was difficult in the early weeks to eat as outlined, within 2 weeks,  I was  aware of a fullness in my muscle bellies that confirmed to me his worth, as it was evident that I had been under eating to get optimal results.  As the weeks passed and I slowly gained weight, PJ monitored my diet and weight gain through correspondence and photo uploads.  Due to my leanness, I did not start cardio until four weeks out from the NPC Natural Ohio.  PJ was insightful to know my strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to bodybuilding competition.  Knowing this, PJ and I had told each other at different times, that I am not a mass monster and my conditioning and stage presentation would be my best attributes.  Being an true ectomorph is a blessing and a curse.  I do not carry a lot of mass, but can get very lean, as even at the age of 53 my metabolism is still stoked.  PJ was instrumental in keeping my focus on on the impending show, even during days of  self doubt and fatigue from the intense training and diet routine.  Also, I developed a deltoid injury in the latter part of my contest prep that I was able to work through because of PJ's insistence that I begin physical therapy and deep tissue body massages for all around better recovery from the training.  Following his advice was instrumental in fulfilling my dream to compete in the bodybuilding show. 

PJ is the ultimate online coach and trainer to propel and motivate anyone who has the fortitude to succeed in any of their fitness goals.  Even though I did the hard work, without PJ there every step of the way to ensure I was following the program, my success would not have culminated in me, not just competing for the first time, but winning the Over 50 Master's NPC Natural Ohio Bodybuilding Championship.

The 16 weeks that I had the pleasure to work with PJ was and still is one of the most exhilarating, positive and motivational periods in my life.  It has given me a renewed since of purpose and confidence, not just as it relates to bodybuilding, but in life.  I will always reflect on this time period as the beginning of all of my future endeavors in the health and fitness industry.  My immediate goals are to become a certified personal trainer and long term to step on stage again utilizing the services of PJ, trainer, coach and yes, a good friend.
 

PJ Braun will undoubtedly help you to succeed in any and all of your fitness and nutritional  goals as long as you do not stand in the way of your own success.

Tina Elias

I first met PJ when my husband began working with him in January of 2010. I scanned the pictures of the girls on his testimonial page and wished that could be me...but as far as I knew he only worked with girls who knew what they were doing and that was definitely not me! I was the girl who became intimidated just thinking about going to the gym.

    Over the next few months I watched in envy as Garrett (my husband) dropped weight and made noticeable changes to his appearance..I followed along with his healthy eating as support and slowly began to enter the gym myself. But more importantly during those few months I got to know PJ...you have to admit that to look at him is super intimidating and my perception was that he wouldn't want to waste his time on someone with no experience and no intention of competing.....I have never been more wrong! I eventually got my own plan in April of 2010,  At first I must have asked what seemed like thousands of "stupid" questions and not once was I made to feel as if I was unimportant or bothering him...PJ treated me like I was his only client and made me feel like I could ask him anything and everything. It was his tremendous support and belief in me that made my journey that mush easier. If you put in the effort and are committed to your goals there is NOTHING that PJ won't do to help you reach them! 

    In the year following, PJ continued to answer multiple "stupid" questions and guided me through my transformation with his vast knowledge of nutrition and training. His constant support throughout this process has made many positive changes in my life....I finally feel comfortable in my skin (and in the gym). I'm healthier inside and out now at 30 than i was ever in my 20's.  I have a passion that has brought me into competing in bodybuilding shows (never my original plan) and winning my class in my first two NPC bikini shows and earning my national qualification in the process. Between my husband and now myself I can honestly say that no matter your experience level or your goal, PJ can guide you to be the best you have ever been. I went from 165 lbs with little to no muscle definition to the 117 lb package I brought to the stage. Now I can say that I'm one of those girls on PJ's page that I never dreamed I could be! Thank you PJ for all you've done for me! I respect you so much as a professional but love you more as the friend you have become to me! Tina xoxo

Rewind 12 months to Dec 2009, I was a mess.  I was almost 300 lbs (293 to be exact) and had let myself get in the worst shape of my life.  I don’t know how it actually happened because in my head I was never the “fat guy” just the not in great shape guy but boy was I wrong. I have always lifted weights but never had a real plan in place, I always followed what I saw in the bodybuilding magazines because they always promise “in 30 days you will have a six pack” or 3 months to a new body. I also never realized how important proper nutrition was.  My old way of thinking was – “If I went to the gym, I could eat whatever I want” – well yeah that just got me fat and unhealthy.

Lucky for me I knew PJ from living in the same town and going to the same high school, as well as later in life we now live in the same condo complex, so I figured what the hell, let me reach out to him and see if he could help someone in my situation.  This was my last ditch effort to turn myself around, I told myself if this guy cant help me, then im not meant to be a better person than I am today and I would be a fat guy for the rest of life.

From day 1 PJ treated me as if I was his most important client, which is a common theme from all his clients.  He will treat you as if you are the only thing that matters which is a great feeling to have someone like him in your corner.  At the beginning I must have asked him what felt like a thousand questions, and never once did he say enough or leave me alone or you asked that 10 times already.  His dedication to me and my well being was so caring that after awhile not only did I not want to let myself down but I didn’t want to let PJ down because I know how hard he was working for me to get me to reach my goals.

After 8 months of consistent dieting/cardio and weigh training, I was so in love with the new me that I asked for the ultimate challenge.  I asked PJ to train me as if we were going to enter a bodybuilding show even though there was not a show I was actually doing at that time.  PJ designed a new plan for me that built up for 16 weeks to a final “contest date” of Xmas eve.  His knowledge of nutrition and weight training are so beyond advanced, but more importantly he knows how to teach that information to his clients in a way that we can understand easily so we are not just doing what he says but learning why what he says works the way it does.

After a full year under the close guidance of PJ I came in the best shape of my entire life! – 209 lbs and under 10% body fat and more than that a new person on the inside and out! I want to stress that PJ treats all his clients not just “bodybuilders” with the utmost respect and care and if you are tired of being the “fat guy” or just a regular citizen and want to be better than average and better than normal – have PJ help do for you what he did for me and that is make me a better human being than I was 12 months ago.  From the bottom of my heart PJ – Thank You!

For a few years I have wanted to compete in figure.  I would go to all the local shows, which twice got me motivated to start dieting, but twice I had given up until I started with PJ.   Right from the beginning I was so impressed with his knowledge and the amount of personal attention he was giving me.  Approaching 40 and having 4 kids I never thought my body would look like the girls I had admired on stage.  From the start my biggest concern was my abs and he kept telling me they are the last things to come out.  It was amazing to see on myself get rock hard defined abs.  PJ was there for me every step of the way, both as a coach and a friend.  He always amazed me with his knowledge of nutrition and exercise.  He is the type of person that when you ask a question he knows the answer without even a hesitation.  I have learned so much from him to utilize in both my personal and professional life.  He was not only there for me for dieting and working out but also worked with me on my posing as well.  I have recommended several people to him and they are all extremely pleased with their results and I will continue to encourage many more to work with him as well.    I recently reached by goal by competing in the INBF and I am happy to say I placed 3rd in both Masters and Novice.  I am now officially hooked and plan on doing another competition in the near future and will continue to work with PJ.  Even in my off season PJ remains in constant contact with me, he is always checking in with me to see how I am doing.  Words alone can not express my gratitude to him, he has truly made me feel so much better about myself by giving me the body I have always wanted to obtain and pushing me to finally reach one more thing on my “bucket list” by competing.  

I first met you in December of “08” at the Gold’s Gym Christmas party that my husband and I crashed. We were up in Connecticut for the holidays and worked out at Gold’s Gym in New Haven for the first time and loved it. This gym is the bomb!! We saw a sign about a Christmas party for the members of the gym and decided to go. Glad we did because I was able to meet a few great people and one of them happened to be PJ.

I have been working out for about 15 years and didn’t get serious about it until about 5 years ago. To me going to the gym is something I enjoy doing and make it a part of my life. I have always thought about stepping on stage but never got the courage to do it. I started training with my husband about a year ago and he kept on me about going into a figure competition. So finally in February of 2010 I decide to do it. I took a diet out of a magazine and started it March 1st and contacted a trainer I knew. Well that didn’t work out to well and I was getting no where with this diet and trainer. My husband says to me “Let’s contact PJ and see how he can help”. I can remember my husband sending PJ an email and his response was “I would be offended if she didn’t want to work with me”. Well, I started the diet and training program PJ gave me on April 1st which made me win my class and the overall at my first show on May 22nd. I work with PJ through email, text messaging and by pictures (we are about 1400 miles apart). One of the things I really like about PJ is that he is upfront and honest with me. My biggest problem is my posing and I would here about it every week. Every time I would have to send pics I remember thinking “I hope PJ emails me back and says my posing is getting better”. Instead I would get “you need to work on your posing”. He would always stress that every week to me and I’m glad he did. This is one area need to work on. My goal now is to become a pro with PJ by my side.

I want to thank you PJ for all your help, knowledge, and encouragement and just for being there for me. I am grateful to have met you and appreciate how quick you are to respond to all my emails regardless if I ask the same questions over and over. YOU ARE THE BEST AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT.

Jill Tellefsen-Crean NPC FIGURE COMPETITOR
Testimonial

Flash forward to September when I parted ways with my old coach. I am a "creature of habit" and not very big on change, so I was a little out of sorts with how I was going to achieve my goals of improving my physique getting back on that stage. So I took to the internet and started researching coaches. Looking for which coach I felt would be the "best fit" for me. With all the coaches I was researching, I kept finding myself coming back to you. I was reading your thread on RX, and reading your testimonials, and I decided to email one of your current clients National level competitor Jillian Reville. Her physique(which spoke volumes to me) was nothing ,compared to what she had to say, about all that she had achieved through your guidance.

I as you now know I am 41 years old and a two time cancer survivor (ovarian cancer and non-hodgkins lymphoma) as well as having had 7 shoulder surgeries....I needed a coach who not only understood my physique goals, but took into account my health concerns and needs as well as my shoulder problems. So I made the call....and I never looked back!!!!!

You understood the difficultly I had with "change" You helped me see that "change" is good!!! You not only transformed my physique for the better in under 7 months, but you helped change me mentally! I am doing exercises I never thought I could do, I am lifting weights I never thought possible. I have a new found confidence that I would not have if I had not made that call to you. You made my training programs challenging. They focused on bringing up my weak points and accentuating my strengths. You made me a meal plan, that took into account my likes/dislikes, food allergies, health problems AND my work schedule. (I work shift work)

I can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Its been 7 months and the changes are AMAZING!!!!! I CAN NOT WAIT to see what more we can do as time goes on. You are someone that I not only call coach, but that I call my friend!

I cant stress enough what a fantastic coach you are. You answer my E mails, texts, or calls in a timely manor. No question is ever stupid or annoying. You encourage me. Push and inspire me. And with all the clients you currently have, you make me feel like I AM THE ONLY ONE!

To anyone reading this, I CAN NOT stress enough what a great coach PJ is. I URGE you to hire him!! Believe me when you do, you will find not only a great coach, but a better and healthier YOU!!! With PJ as your coach you will achieve all your fitness goals what ever they may be. P, you have a client for good with me!!

Jill Tellefsen-Crean

NPC Figure Competitor

age 41

PJ was there for me when I needed him most.  I was going through a bad time in my life when I got my heart broken right in the middle of my  contest prep! My boyfriend was the one doing my nutrition for my first big contest in the NPC and he left me stranded. PJ came to my rescue and was there to pick me up when I got left hanging cold, keeping me strong, motivated and keeping my head up to continue my journey to reach my dream.  He gave me advice, gave me a diet and training program and started right away, he constantly checked up on me making sure I was on the right track. He is such a caring guy and made sure I was always ok. Always had me sending him updated pictures and I even got to meet up with him even though we are hours apart from each other during my prep to see me in person. I recently placed 3rd in the 2009 NPC NJ Tri-State Championships and 2nd Place in the 2009 NPC East Coast Championships, thanks to PJ. He has been a great coach.   Not only a great coach/trainer to me but also a real friend. He is very knowledgeable in his field of nutrition and training.  It comes so easy to him, and I learned so much more from him.  PJ was always there for me and answered me promptly when I would email, call or text him.  I recommend him highly. Thanks again PJ, and I wouldn't have been able to place in my shows without ya!

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to PJ. Under his guidance he took me from being very overweight to reaching my goals and competing in my first bodybuilding show, all within the space of one year.  

To give a little background, I went on vacation in early 2009 and was pretty shocked when I returned home and looked at my pictures. I lifted weights, but had no idea about proper nutrition, and had ballooned to a very overweight 255 pounds with around a 43 inch waist. I then realized I needed to make radical changes to my diet and workout program. 

A few weeks later I was talking to a gym friend who had starting working with PJ, and he was making great progress. PJ seemed like the ideal person to get in touch with to change my physique. He had great credentials, being a top NPC competitor, having a degree in sports nutrition, and I knew I would get the personal attention to detail that I was after. Add to that PJ  is a genuinely nice person and his prices are very reasonable for the service he provides - in particular the amount of time and energy he invests in his clients.  

In the 8 or so months which followed we first went though an off-season plan which saw me both drop body fat and add muscle mass. I then decided to set myself the high (but achievable) target of competing in my first bodybuilding show, which was just over four months away. PJ made the necessary adjustments to my diet and training which made the transition into competition preparation much easier than I expected. 

Throughout the preparation PJ made constant adjustments to my diet and training to ensure I was constantly progressing. His timing was perfect, and in November 2009  I competed in a local show in Vancouver, BC, coming in at a peeled 175 pounds, finishing 3rd in the middleweight class. 

I would like to again emphasize how much time PJ puts into his clients. At no point during my preparation did I feel like my questions were too simple to ask. PJ struck the perfect balance between giving an honest appraisal of my progress and reassuring me along the way. For anyone thinking of hiring a coach, I can't recommend PJ highly enough.

I have included a few pictures which show how I looked before working with PJ and on me stage. 

Adam Moss
Vancouver, BC

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!