This blog will cover all city and statewide bodybuilding competitions and the out-of-state guest posers. Weight-loss success stories from local people, features/bios on bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitors, coverage of fad diets. Nutritious recipes and reviews on local gyms and health food stores. I would also like to cover Adult/Childhood Obesity in America and specifically,Alaska. Weight-lifting techniques/safety as well as the benefits for women. This is just a general idea, as the blog will be constantly evolving.
I competed in my first bodybuilding competition as a senior at East High in 2000 and after winning the overall title, bodybuilding and fitness became my passion. I've been a NASM certified personal trainer since 2004 and I love helping people achieve their goals with fitness and proper nutrition. My overall bodybuilding titles include: Ms. Anchorage 2006 and The Anchorage Crystal Cup 2007. I have lived in Anchorage since 1988.
Beat the late night sugar cravings - 11/23/2008 9:01 pm
The Back: Out of sight, Out of mind. - 11/23/2008 5:24 pm
Maximize Fat Loss by following the Glycemic Index - 11/23/2008 2:50 pm
What are you reading? - 11/13/2008 3:59 pm
Prioritzing weak muscles for a balanced body. - 11/7/2008 3:00 pm
Vinegar's for Sickos - 10/29/2008 8:02 pm
Do you even like working out? - 10/29/2008 4:28 pm
NPC Natural Crystal Cup - 10/24/2008 4:54 pm
Training Antagonistic Muscle Groups - 10/24/2008 4:47 pm
The Post-Workout Meal - 10/24/2008 2:52 pm
Music for your muscles - 10/15/2008 5:12 pm
Condition your body for the slopes - 10/14/2008 3:33 pm
Stretch your calves! - 10/7/2008 9:14 pm
Lose fat NOT muscle - 10/2/2008 5:47 pm
Have you checked your flexibility lately? - 10/2/2008 5:02 pm
October 4th 20th Annual Pro-Am Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Competition! - 9/29/2008 3:22 pm
Getting to know a local Figure competitor. - 9/17/2008 5:01 pm
Need some help? - 9/10/2008 4:47 pm
Why I bought a heart rate monitor and you should too... - 9/10/2008 4:26 pm
Jagged little pills - 9/10/2008 3:58 pm
The healthy glow in a bottle - 9/9/2008 12:47 pm
Setting goals to maintain the new you! - 9/5/2008 11:16 am
Posted: April 24, 2008 - 2:11 pm
Natalie and I began working together in June 2007. She told me that she had struggled with her weight most of her life and wanted to make a serious lifestyle change before her husband Josh returned from his deployment in Iraq in November 2007. Her 21st Birthday was coming up in September, so she was motivated to lose some weight before these two huge events in her life. That first session, she weighed-in at 270lbs.
.preview.jpg "Natalie Giese (270 lbs): \"Before\"")
Natalie Giese (270 lbs): "Before"
.preview.JPG "Natalie Giese (220 lbs): 50lb. weight-loss mark")
Natalie Giese (220 lbs): 50lb. weight-loss mark
.preview.jpg "Natalie Giese (270 lbs)")
Natalie Giese (270 lbs)
The plan was for her to lose 2lbs. per week by maintaining a healthy diet and meeting with me 3X per week. I mixed in weight-lifting with other exercises that would get her heart rate up so she could burn some calories and build muscle. Natalie would go on long walks with her dogs on days we didn't meet, so she could get in a little more cardio. She adhered to her new clean diet with unbreakable discipline and I was very impressed! She would save one special day a week we called her "cheat day" where she could relax and eat whatever she wanted.
.preview.JPG "Bench Press")
Bench Press
.preview.JPG "Natalie workin' hard!")
Natalie workin' hard!
After a few weeks, Natalie began to drop weight consistently and she was on a role. She started carrying a gallon of water around- looking like a true bodybuilder, so she could stay hydrated all day. She was starting to make serious changes in her life while continuing to set realistic goals each week.
.preview.JPG "Jumpin' cones")
Jumpin' cones
Soon, the day came when she stepped on the scale and it read 220lbs. She had officially lost 50lbs. of body fat. Not only that, she had built muscle, increased whole body strength and flexibility. She was excited to surprise Josh with the new, healthy and fit Mrs. Giese.
.preview.jpg "Natalie Giese (270 lbs)")
Natalie Giese (270 lbs)
.preview.JPG "Natalie Giese (220 lbs)")
Natalie Giese (220 lbs)
Natalie has been able to get her weight down to 217lbs. and continues to work hard to reach new goals. She has a driven spirit and is very disciplined.
Natalie and Josh Giese: At the military ball
I wanted to acknowledge Natalie's life change and thank her for trusting me to guide her along this incredible weight-loss journey. She has kept many people inspired with her dedication and commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I'm very proud of you Nat!
6 April 29, 2008 - 8:37am | casslt04
Natalie,
I know how much you have struggled. You are truly an inspiration. I am so proud of you. You can reach any goal you set for yourself, YOU ROCK!
Love ya,
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5 April 26, 2008 - 11:47am | lairy_elle
That's so great Natalie! Wow, I need a little piece of your motivation! Congratulations :) Miss ya lady! -Claire
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4 April 24, 2008 - 6:47pm | pumpiron
Natalie, I am so proud of you! I know how hard you worked toward your first goal. You had the commitment, discipline and motivation it takes to hang in there and keep on truckin', especially during the long dark winter months. Keep up the good work in Virginia, I will miss seeing your smiling face.
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3 April 24, 2008 - 2:59pm | MehlerAK
Yes, Natalie, you look incredible! Thank you for sharing your story! Steph, you have an awesome job! Both of you, keep it up!
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2 April 24, 2008 - 2:37pm | nataliegiese
Thank you Steph for everything you've done to help me each step of the way! I love your blogs,and an proud to be a story of yours
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October 13, 2008 - 5:53pm | megal_11
tod converter can convert TOD files to other video formats, such as AVI, Mpeg, DivX, VOB, WMV, MP4, etc, with high out-put quality and fast converting speed.
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April 24, 2008 - 3:03pm | bodybuilder
You are such an inspiration to so many people- especially me, I've seen firsthand how hard you've worked. Never forget what it took to get here and keep it up while you are in Virginia, I'll just be a phone call away!
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1 April 24, 2008 - 2:37pm | pixel_babee
Now that story is truely inspiring Natalie you look great and I know personally all the hard work you put in to acomplish your goal, keep up the good work you have the dicipline and determination to achieve anything...
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7 May 12, 2008 - 8:03pm | teri_what
You worked so hard!
You did so great on your weight loss journey and I know how hard you worked for this. Keep it up while you are in Virginia and keep us posted on your progress!
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