Training at an elite level

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These are my new trainers — think there's hope for me?

Kidding, I was working out at the gym this morning — very proud that I had my first session with my personal trainer, Jolyne Roch when we noticed a crowd forming in the free-weight area of the gym.

I asked what was going on and Jolyne mentioned there was a guy that owned a supplement company working out on the floor. She neglected to mention he was a former Arnold Classic winner and placed in the top 5 at the Mr. Olympian contest multiple times.

Roch and I continued to work out upstairs. I will be telling you all about that in what Doug refers to as the "dead tree edition" on Monday.

After my work out, I noticed that there was now an entourage. So me being the reporter I am (did I mention I am in the advertising department?), I approached the group to find out more...

The picture (sorry the quality is not great): The dark-haired guy on the end is former Multiple Runner up in the Mr. Olympian contest and is the winner of the very first Arnold Classic (1989)  — Rich Gaspari. Gaspari now owns a nutritional supplement line (Gaspari Nutrition). He lives in New Jersey and has known Julie (Jewels) and Craig Bonnett  (the two on the left side of the picture) for many years.

Why was Rich Gaspari here? Popeye's Supplements in Winnipeg held a contest where a winner (Colin) was able to work out with Gaspari for a morning at the Goodlife Fitness on Kenaston.

Jewels and Craig Bonnett own a company called Contestprep.ca and are travelling with Gaspari to a Health food trade show in Vancouver later this afternoon. Jewels and Craig call the Goodlife Fitness on Kenaston "their gym" away from their own home gym. They are personal trainers  — Jewels is also a fitness model (yes she has a six pack any woman — or man  — would die for!). She attributes her incredible physique to diet and the obvious exercise. Reminds me that I have to work on next weeks' meal plan.

Paul Bodnarchuk from Popeye's Supplements commented that "Rich is quite impressed with the Winnipeg market place. Winnipeg has the highest sales for the Gaspari line in a mid-small market."

There are a lot of Winnipeggers interested in their fitness.

Although my fitness goals are not to be compared with these elite bodybuilders, it was incredible to see what nutrition and exercise can do if you work hard and train hard. They looked great!