There is a lot to be said about competing in a figure competition, but there is even more to say about the coaching and support you get from individuals in your life!
Having set my mind to compete in my first figure competition, I knew that in order to place and to come out on top as a champion I was going to have to devote several months of my life to training and dieting in addition to seeking out the expertise of a proven competitor. It was at this time that I met with Mike Danenberg.
Mike and I met for the first time January 22, 2005. With 3 months to competition time, we had a lot of work to do. Having always been a fitness enthusiast, I had maintained good physical conditioning year round, but to be ready for competition there were many improvements that needed to be made.
When I started training with Mike I weight 145lbs and was at 18% body fat. With a meal plan tailored to my body type and personalized weight training and cardio routine designed by Mike, I was able to achieve a competition ready physique! In addition, my weekly meetings with Mike for body fat checks and support kept me accountable for sticking to my diet and training program.
Mike shared in my excitement with me every step of the way! As my physique developed and the long hours of cardio and weight training began to pay off, my confidence in being a winner grew. I had never looked so good in my life, nor had I felt as strong as when I was working the program Mike developed for me.
Thanks to all of Mike’s support and knowledge, I was able to bring my body weight down to 130lbs and 9% body fat by competition time. After three long months of training and dieting, I had all the confidence in the world that I was going to place at competition and I did. Taking 2nd place in the tall division of the 12th Annual NPC Metrolina Bodybuilding, Fitness, and Figure Championships I was Nationally Qualified as a Figure Competitor!
I plan to work with Mike again in the future for other figure competitions and would highly recommend anyone with a desire to be a champion to do the same!
Thanks for everything Mike!
Amy VanNorman
Nationally Qualified Figure Competitor, 2005