Help Selecting A Trainer

[BigDaddy_554]

Guys,
I have read through a lot of post about trainer selections and I am still on the fence. I have been working with a well know nutritionist for about six months. In that time I have lost a lot of BF, but lost a lot of LBM as well getting ready for my first show. I am strongly considering a change to a more complete training approach as there is much more than just nutrition and cardio recommendations. I am very interested in Phil, Alex, Shelby, and potentially Dave P. I do want to be sure whomever I select will give me the level of attention to help me meet my goals of being bigger and better for my next show. This will entail offseason support and contest prep. I like the idea of a full year all in. Your feedback is very much appreciated. It would be even more valuable from a fellow competitor. BTW I am a tall guy and need someone who understands the obstacles with certain exercises as well as how to fill this big frame of mine out.
Respectfully,
BD_554

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Well

Guys,
I have read through a lot of post about trainer selections and I am still on the fence. I have been working with a well know nutritionist for about six months. In that time I have lost a lot of BF, but lost a lot of LBM as well getting ready for my first show. I am strongly considering a change to a more complete training approach as there is much more than just nutrition and cardio recommendations. I am very interested in Phil, Alex, Shelby, and potentially Dave P. I do want to be sure whomever I select will give me the level of attention to help me meet my goals of being bigger and better for my next show. This will entail offseason support and contest prep. I like the idea of a full year all in. Your feedback is very much appreciated. It would be even more valuable from a fellow competitor. BTW I am a tall guy and need someone who understands the obstacles with certain exercises as well as how to fill this big frame of mine out.
Respectfully,
BD_554

Interview them all first

 

[PharmGrown]

Well.... I'm currently trained by Phil although at the moment I don't talk to him much because school just started back. However, when I first started following Phil's training I saw the best results in 1 month than I'd ever since and I've been lifting for 8+years and using gear for about 4 years.

As far as attention goes, Phil doesn't just go out of the way to email and check on me, but I don't expect that nor am I training for a show so he may do that for those people, but I also know Phil is EXTREMELY busy and gets hundreds of emails a day I'm sure. With this said, ANY time I have a question, I email Phil and no shit I get a response 90% of the time within 10 minutes. Either his emails go to his phone or he never leaves his computer lol. But Phil is a great guy, Highly recommended by me! And many others! Sorry but I can't comment on the others.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Hahahahha

Well.... I'm currently trained by Phil although at the moment I don't talk to him much because school just started back. However, when I first started following Phil's training I saw the best results in 1 month than I'd ever since and I've been lifting for 8+years and using gear for about 4 years.

As far as attention goes, Phil doesn't just go out of the way to email and check on me, but I don't expect that nor am I training for a show so he may do that for those people, but I also know Phil is EXTREMELY busy and gets hundreds of emails a day I'm sure. With this said, ANY time I have a question, I email Phil and no shit I get a response 90% of the time within 10 minutes. Either his emails go to his phone or he never leaves his computer lol. But Phil is a great guy, Highly recommended by me! And many others! Sorry but I can't comment on the others.

I check my computer every 5 minutes.......I have issues, hahahha.....I wait for questions.........I will never contact someone.........but I will always answer back within 10 min.....honest engine

 

[7_Deadly_Sins]

I check my computer every 5 minutes.......I have issues, hahahha.....I wait for questions.........I will never contact someone.........but I will always answer back within 10 min.....honest engine

You should get an iPhone and check your email while watching tv or w/e.

 

[marbalizer99]

Yup, you gotta talk to each one and see how the training process works...I worked with Phil about 3 years ago and saw good gains (first trainer I ever worked with). However, like the above guy said he doesn't expect or ask you to send updates (which will work for some) but whenever you have a question you might as well sit by the computer when you send it to him because it will only be about 30 seconds until you get a response.

Then I went on and did things on my own for awhile (and kinda worked with someone but not really)...

Now I'm working with someone else who expects me to send pictures every week so I feel like I'm being held more "accountable" so to say. When I go to a football game and everyone is drinking beer I'm thinking to myself...he's gonna be able to tell...better go grab a diet pepsi.

I'd love to train with each of those guys you listed for a couple months. Everyone has their own approach and I enjoy learning them.

 

[SOCOM]

Check your PM.

 

[knucklehed]

I check my computer every 5 minutes.......I have issues, hahahha.....I wait for questions.........I will never contact someone.........but I will always answer back within 10 min.....honest engine

Hmmmm,
I am training with Phil. Things are going great. Best decision I have made in regards to bodybuilding.One thing though; he did contact me
I typically PM Phil a few times a day at this point.
Well, a few days went by without contact and Phil PM'd me askin how I was doing. How abut that?
Not to sound like a sapp but It really meant a lot that he was thinking about me when his hands are so full. Great trainer and even better freind!

 

[PHIL HERNON]

Well

Hmmmm,
I am training with Phil. Things are going great. Best decision I have made in regards to bodybuilding.One thing though; he did contact me
I typically PM Phil a few times a day at this point.
Well, a few days went by without contact and Phil PM'd me askin how I was doing. How abut that?
Not to sound like a sapp but It really meant a lot that he was thinking about me when his hands are so full. Great trainer and even better freind!

I have to keep the VIP clients on a short leash!

 

[SABAGOY]

I have to keep the VIP clients on a short leash!

And i thought we had something special Phil...... LOL!

Bigdaddy, if your looking for someone to help you with a contest and then the offeason you cant go wrong with Phil...he works off a yearly fee not only 12 weeks like a lot of other trainers...and of course he knows his shit.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

HEY!!

And i thought we had something special Phil...... LOL!

Bigdaddy, if your looking for someone to help you with a contest and then the offeason you cant go wrong with Phil...he works off a yearly fee not only 12 weeks like a lot of other trainers...and of course he knows his shit.

How are things? PM me, I need to talk

 

[Medic08]

Been Using Phil for about 3 weeks. I have gained lean mass, and dropped baodyfat. I can't speak for others, but I can say Phil is G2G. $250 for a whole year! No one beats that.

 

[jay_dub]

Alex A is the man. I just hired him 2 weeks ago. He's a real cool guy, gives you very detailed responses, and you can tell he's very passionate about bodybuilding. He sets you up with all the info you need to be successful, it's just up to you to make it all happen.

 

[Diesel City]

You can go "buy" any plan and "pay" for anyones service you'd like. Simply purchasing something won't change you. Before your body can change, you have to change your mind...

 

[SOCOM]

Alex A is the man. I just hired him 2 weeks ago. He's a real cool guy, gives you very detailed responses, and you can tell he's very passionate about bodybuilding. He sets you up with all the info you need to be successful, it's just up to you to make it all happen.

I agree Alex Azarian is the man you want, you have to admire someone who stays in contest shape year round.

 

[Gunsmith]

I agree Alex Azarian is the man you want, you have to admire someone who stays in contest shape year round.

I'm glad I'm admired as I have been in contest shape for years on end with very very little sway in my "contest readyness" I can step up on stage with only a days notice and do well in that contest !!





just as long as its a pie eatin contest

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the guys here as they all have good results if your willing to do what they tell you , best thing to do is contact all of them and explain what it is that your looking to do and see what they have to say about it.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

I can say this

DO NOT SEEK ME OUT TO TRAIN YOU IF
1. You want to take diueretics, DNP, or IGF........My clients will tell you that we go down to no drugs to start.......I cant tell how my diet and training helps you when it is masked by steroids. Of course we all want champions and I have a few.............but this is long term and I will not want you contacting me in 10 years and telling me it was my fault that you have these issues......I have gotten in many arguments with guys that want to be HUGE....sorry man, if you aint HUGE now do not expect to get HUGE from me and my routine........My goal is lean muscle gains......efficient training and a diet that you can live with.........longevity and healthy muscle mass.

 

[BigDaddy_554]

I would first like to thank everyone that either posted up a response, sent me a PM, or both "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" Your input will definitely be considered strongly in my selection. I have taken the advice and have been inquiring with each except for Dave P. I believe for now I am down to two of the four I previously mentioned. I am very interested to hear from any of you with experience utilizing the support services of Phil, Alex, or Shelby. If possible I would like to understand the process if any as to how they arrived at the sweet spot in your training/nutrition/etc.

Again"THANK YOU!" for your responses. Each of them has great value in my decision.

 

[VTliftVT]

I would first like to thank everyone that either posted up a response, sent me a PM, or both "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" Your input will definitely be considered strongly in my selection. I have taken the advice and have been inquiring with each except for Dave P. I believe for now I am down to two of the four I previously mentioned. I am very interested to hear from any of you with experience utilizing the support services of Phil, Alex, or Shelby. If possible I would like to understand the process if any as to how they arrived at the sweet spot in your training/nutrition/etc.

Again"THANK YOU!" for your responses. Each of them has great value in my decision.

I work with Shelby Starnes and have for well over 6 months now. We have had a diet phase, mass phase, contest prep phase, and now we are starting a long offseason to put on as much lean quality muscle as possible.

You mention finding the "sweetspot." There is no one "sweet spot" as you say. Your body is always changing and adapting.

That is why you must stay in constant contact. Shelby consistently requests my input to keep up with how I feel, how my training is going, what my weight is etc. I send pics for him to assess every 5 days so adjustments can be made. There is no one set diet. Things are constantly changed to adapt to my body.

Shelby also is very interested in each one of his clients lives. He gets to know his clients and genuinely cares about them. He has been there to help me achieve many other goals outside of bodybuilding. He has helped me mentally stay strong and pursue my life goals as well.

Bodybuilding is only one part of your life...like a piece of a puzzle. For it all to come together and be successful in bodybuilding, the rest of your life must mesh too. This is the "strong body strong mind" method. I feel also one must mentally fit to be fit in the gym. How can you succeed in the gym when you can not succeed out of it?

I wanted a trainer who would be personable and work with me and explain things in detail to me. I wanted to understand the diet and the changes being made so I can use that in the future to my advantage. I wanted my trainer to be involved with me as a person bc mentally I need that.

As far as results with working with Shelby. I have been both the strongest and leanest I have ever been. I achieved a level of conditioning I never thought I would be able to achieve.

I competed which is something I never thought I would have the mental ability to do as I have been so self conscious of my body my entire life after being a fat kid for most of it.

During the contest diet lost a little size and was not quite as full as he thought I could have been and Shelby has already made tweaks and came up with some adjustments to make sure my next prep will make me better...and that is what bodybuilding is all about. Continuous improvement.

Here are some pics from the show....it was the most amazing feeling I have ever had.

Either way, thats my story and I am sticking to it

 

[SOCOM]

You look great VT keep doing what youre doing.