After seeing my post last week about the need for women to embrace weight training, client and friend, Kate Ottavio, asked if she could post a testimonial here on our blog. Of course we said yes!
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I grew up a dancer and horseback rider – constantly active and always on the muscular side. I always ate what I wanted in any proportion healthy or unhealthy, but stayed at what I thought was a comfortable 145 pounds at 5’7” tall.
I was introduced to Shawn O’Brien, co-owner of Excel Fitness through my business manager. I am the reigning Miss Rocky Hill 2010 and at the time, was prepping for the big Miss Connecticut pageant. Sticking to a regular routine of weight training and a little cardio on my own, I was about 23% body fat.
Then Shawn started working with me. I had regular hour-long session each week with him covering a variety of exercises and muscle groups. Unlike trainers I had before, Shawn didn’t make me feel tired and utterly worn out after a workout. I felt refreshed and energized. Not only that, but I craved healthier foods and my appetite decreased (and trust me when I say I like to eat!).
Seven percent body fat later, I competed in the Miss CT pageant and won the preliminary and overall swimsuit award and placed first runner-up in my first year with the Miss America Organization – and I feel fantastic.
Thanks to Excel Fitness and Shawn for everything – I am so appreciative of your help!
Kate Ottavio, Miss Rocky Hill 2010
It was a true pleasure working with Kate Ottavio during her process leading up to Miss CT. She trusted the ever changing process I gave her week after week. She worked very hard during our workouts and on her own workout days in between our weekly sessions. She followed the nutrition advice and stuck to the plan. The changes she made during our 8 week process where, astonishing!!
I was there cheering her on at the Miss CT Pageant in New London and was so happy to witness first hand her 1st Runner-up placing. She looked fantastic, as you can see by the photo, and now we are working on how to train and stay healthy during the course of life without a pageant in the future. Her results are unique to her, but I could help with anyone of your goals if you give me the chance. @shawnexcelfit