Success Stories

My life was not what I had expected it to be when I first embarked on the journey of becoming a physique athlete. I had recently been divorced from my wife of 6 years. I was not eating well. I was eating donuts and chocolate everyday to compensate for a feeling of un-fulfillment in my life. And to top it all off, I was bored with my current exercise routine and was in desperate need of a change. I believe it was in the summer of 2010 when my friend Nate suggested that I give bodybuilding a try. He thought it would provide the discipline and regimen I needed in my life during a time of personal struggle. He also thought that the bodybuilding lifestyle would infiltrate the rest of my life and have a positive affect on everything from my business to my personal relationships. I said lets do it; I have nothing to lose. After 35 years, I finally found my sport. I’ll be living the bodybuilding lifestyle for the rest of my life! (more) ~ Shawn

“As we all know the internet and blogging are a great way to learn from others and that’s how I “met” Nate. He was kind enough to respond in detail to a comment I had left on an excellent article on his blog which shed some light on my 10 week journey to lose 12 pounds of accumulated “winter fat”. Being a hardcore Paleo CrossFit girl I was reluctant to eat much complex carbohydrate yet was struggling to shed the last few pounds. Not to mention my energy during my short, heavy and intense weightlifting workouts and sprinting sessions lacked my previous zest and power which I attributed to aging. Nate and I developed a stimulating correspondence and he offered numerous tips and detailed advice for those few weeks. He helped me realize that the right types of carbohydrates were not evil villains but they actually refueled the muscle glycogen and prevented metabolic decline. Also the amount of calories I was eating had been good for about the first 7 weeks—steadily losing about 1 lb a week but wanting to take it where I did required more drastic measures. Nate encouraged me to drop the calories for those last 2 weeks for about 2-3 days and then load up for a day to prevent the downturn in the metabolism. A temporary measure he assured me; but it worked–off came the last 3-4 lbs. He again gave me guidance during the carb load and suggested healthy sources all within my primally accepted foods. An added bonus: after the carb load and photo shoot, not only did I look lean and hard but my workouts had that old power and zip back. I had some rocket fuel in those muscles—it wasn’t age at all! I will continue with the fine tuning advice I learned from Nate and even at 51 was able to reset the clock and get to 12.1% body fat. Thanks!” ~ Paula

“What a stroke of luck it was to find Nate. A diehard trainer that truly understands the science behind the body. It was about 8 weeks out from a very important photo shoot when I started to panic. Training always came pretty easy to me but the diet component always seemed to elude me. Needing to drop the last 2 to 3% of body fat seemed impossible.  Every combination of meals, supp’s and cardio were not moving the needle. It was then that I started to pour through article over article about diet and the critical calculations needed to lean up without losing muscle. I printed out about half a dozen articles that seemed to be written by people who really knew stuff. I looked down and  4 of the 6 articles were written by Nate Miyaki. Although never thinking I would ever get a response, I sent Nate an email asking some basic questions about diet. To my surprise Nate responded w/ a detailed description of what I should do in order to get ready. My shoot came out extremely well and I continue to use all of the formulas he laid out for me. Getting the last component of diet down was the trigger I needed to change my body forever. Nate’s generosity is only exceeded by his knowledge of the body and what goes into it and I will always feel blessed to have stumbled across him.” ~ Eric

“Before I had three children I worked out an hour a day 5 days a week. I never ate great. I love, love, love junk food, but was blessed with a great metabolism so I didn’t sweat it. Sure I went up a size when I hit my 30’s but who doesn’t after 3 kids, right? OK, yeah I went up another size but hey, I hit 40, things change, no biggie. I wasn’t thrilled but I’m 6 feet tall so I wasn’t ‘big’. Then my clothes started getting tight. All those cute black dresses, no they didn’t fit anymore. Oh all my summer shorts, nope those didn’t fit either. Bummer. Even with all these signs I wasn’t willing to make a change. Then my fiancé and I decided to get married. Nothing will give you a little motivation like fitting into a wedding dress. Instead of trying to do it “all,” Nate and Kalai suggested I make one change as a starting point. Now, given my love for junk food that seemed a good place to start. Sitting down every night and eating half a box of cookies was nothing for me. So my decision was to cut out refined white sugar. No cookies, no candy, no ‘healthy’ granola bars. All of it out the window. I stuck with my plan and 3 months later I had lost 15 pounds, just from this small change! My wedding dress looked great, I fit into my cute black dresses and it was awesome! I even had to buy new pants since my old pants were literally falling off. I plan on setting more of these smaller goals over the year, which will hopefully add up to big changes by the end of 2011!” ~ Karen

“Nate’s articles have definitely helped me. My two favourites are The Best Damn Cardio Article – Period and Paleo Nutrition Improved. I learned a huge amount of highly relevant practical knowledge that was easy to apply and made a fundamental difference in a short period of time. Also, I like the way he writes – not preaching or overly academic, but in an entertaining manner while still managing to convey all the relevant information and advice. Nate’s ability to summarise the latest research and blend it with his extensive ‘in the trenches’ experience is extremely valuable. What’s refreshing is that, unlike many well known fitness writers and trainers, there’s no ego to him. He’s not remotely arrogant or dogmatic, but happy to answer questions and explain the very sound reasoning that supports his conclusions. I’m lucky he’s one of my main nutrition and physique enhancement resources.” ~ Jonny

“Thanks to Nate, I dropped 8% of my body fat in about 6 months. Nate is a superb trainer who helps with weight training, flexibility and nutrition. He works with whatever your goals are and can help you to set goals and realize them. Thanks for the new six pack, Nate!” ~ Spencer

“I had the good fortune to start working out with Nate two years ago. Nate is top-notch at what he does and practices what he preaches. I could not have achieved my goals without his guidance. As a physician, I am impressed with his knowledge of muscle physiology and fitness nutrition. In fact his knowledge is so comprehensive that we have discussed collaborating on a book project together.” ~ Steve

“I was somewhat skeptical at first, because I consider myself an athlete and “knowledgeable” about training and food as fuel. After all, I would say to myself in my own misguided and smug way, I am an Ironman, I have completed many triathlon races , marathons, centuries, etc. And, in my free time, I like to hike, work out, climb, you know, that type of thing. I am allergic to sitting still. After three months following Nate’s nutrition plan, and listening to his other advice about fitness, I have shed 10 pounds of body fat! And I was pretty lean to begin with! I have to say, I have never looked better, and more importantly, felt better and more alert and energetic in my life. Ever! Seriously! Nate is also a smart coach. He understands how athletes work and think, as well as the thought processes of the highly Type A professional. He is really intelligent and when he talks science and hormones I have to remind myself that he is not a scientist – he is an extremely bright, creative, people-smart and committed coach who wants his clients to achieve their fitness goals and to look and feel their best. I cannot recommend Nate more highly as a nutrition coach and as a trainer. He is superb.” ~ Joan

“I am a fitness, performance and lifestyle coach, as well as the owner of DIAKADI Body Personal Training and Wellness Center in San Francisco. Over the years I have witnessed Nate’s dedicated growth as a trainer as well as the incredible results he has achieved in the bodies of his clients. Nate combines his broad personal background in strength and bodybuilding with his in depth education and research in nutrition in order to bring about true transformations in not only the bodies, but also the lives of his clients. He offers detailed and efficient programs through the intricate design of client workouts and nutrition plans and his exercises are intelligently periodized through detailed variable manipulation (sets, reps, recovery, tempo) so that every client moves forward towards their goals in an efficient and well-expedited manner. I have seen him help clients lose weight, pack on muscle mass, and often do both. A majority of our trainers go to Nate as a resource for information on the best methods, the latest research and smartest methods for leading clients towards their goals. He is an incredibly valuable asset to our team as well as to his clients.” ~ Billy

“At 42 years of age, 6’3”, 240 lbs and with a family history of diabetes, I needed to lose weight. Unable to motivate myself, I challenged 6 friends that also needed to lose weight and we agreed upon our own “Biggest Loser” contest. Exercise was a given – but it all hinged on changing my diet. I needed help, so I turned to Nate. He gave me a diet and all the details I needed to lose weight. Following Nate’s instructions, EXACTLY (no cheating!), allowed me to lose a grand total of 40 lbs! Thanks again Nate!” ~ Gavin

“I met Nate nine years ago, and he was my personal trainer for a long time. If I had not moved away, he would still be my trainer. One thing that differentiates Nate from others is the fact that he really cares about his clients goals to attain fitness and good nutrition. He would have me email him the foods I ate for a week, and then tell me that good nutrition is the biggest part of getting fit. In my home gym, I do the routines that Nate has taught me over the years. Following his regimen of good diet, rest and exercise has made me from a size 12/14 to a size 4/6 even though I am no longer with him. Thanks Nate for all that you do–being firm and strict with your regimen of personal training.” ~ Marie

“What makes Nate exceptional trainer is that he is knowledgeable not only in all matters of proper weight lifting but also in nutrition, lifestyle and psychology. Nate trains people from different backgrounds, creating a unique plan for each client tailored to his or her unique predispositions and goals. Nate helped me lose over 17% of body fat (over 60lbs) and significantly improve my overall fitness level. I am very happy training with Nate, I constantly learn from him and our sessions are always very interesting.” ~ Ive

“Nate is a very conscientious trainer who works towards achieving goals within the abilities of his client. He is well schooled in anatomy and understands why an exercise works for one client may not be advisable for another. We are going on at least 5 years and have a very easy going yet committed relationship in our training together. Nate is the best!” ~ Shila

“When I first came to they gym I wanted to find a trainer who could push me to the max. I had trained intensely as a state champion kickboxer, and later in judo in college, so I already knew the type of intensity it would take to see results in the gym. Let me just put it politely, bullshit doesn’t get you anywhere, it just makes you feel like you are doing something for yourself. That’s why I knew after my first workout with Nate that I had found the right guy. Since then we have worked out for about 2 years; its been all hardcore. As a result, my body has changed tremendously. I’ve gained close to 25 pounds of muscle while stripping away bodyfat. If you want fancy workouts that are going to make the trainer feel professional but get you nowhere, workout with someone else. But if your goals are to get real results and you are willing to work hard to get what you want, Nate and his training system are where you should turn. ~ Gabe

I work in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer. My body is constantly under a microscope. I don’t have time to mess around with the latest trends pushed onto you by most health club trainers. I need a results-oriented trainer, and that is exactly what Nate is. Nate helped fine tune my diet and added some much needed intensity into my workouts. The hard work payed off. I noticed new muscle growth and definition that I had never thought possible, and most importantly the people around me noticed. All I can say is don’t ever be satisfied with your current level of fitness. Hooking up with a trainer like Nate can take you to the next level. I know now what Nate meant by saying that most people never even come close to reaching there true potential. Well, he has helped me get closer to mine and can do the same for you, even if you’re already in great shape. ~ Randalyn

I started training with Nate in November because I wanted to get in shape for my wedding in February. I had never consistently lifted weights and knew I needed someone there with me to make me work out on a regular basis. I was a total beginner and didn’t know the first thing about weight lifting. Nate warned me that his workouts would be hard, and they have been, but working out with Nate has changed my body. Even though I had no idea what I was doing and we were starting with five-pound weights, Nate never made me feel stupid or inadequate. We started out where I was, but Nate clearly had a plan for how to get me to where I wanted to be. His workouts are definitely challenging. Nate tells me to do three more repetitions when I feel like I can’t lift another pound, but he’s always right that I can get out a few more reps. Nate seems to know what my limits are and pushes me to the brink of them. Working out with Nate has also been fun. He changes our routine every time, so it is never the same work out twice. Nate is knowledgeable about muscles and techniques to build more muscles, but he also knows about nutrition, weight loss and cardio exercises. Nate is also very reliable and professional; he is always on time and prepared with a workout plan. When I started training, I thought I would train a few days a week until I got married, and then stop, working out on my own with what I learned from training. Four months after my wedding, I am still training with Nate because I know I get a much better workout with Nate than I would on my own. I highly recommend working out with Nate. It will definitely change your body. You’ll find muscles you never knew you had and be astonished at your progress. ~ Jill

Nate Miyaki has been my personal trainer for, it seems like forever now, and I’ve had a very good experience. My initial visits were very friendly and easy-going. I was impressed with the way that Nate focused in on my particular work situation (I’m a hairstylist who stands all day in a raised arms posture that can really be draining). I was looking to bulk up from my very slender build to a more robust and muscular one. I felt like Nate was taking a lesson from me at first on what my habits and life were all about. Each session that followed slowly changed from Nate learning about my lifestyle habits to me learning his habits. He’s an easy-to-talk-to trainer and as we went along, he repeated patiently the parts of my new weight lifting routine that I didn’t (or wouldn’t!) hear well from previous sessions. He also was encouraging in a way that felt real. We set up goals and within a couple months I could definitely feel (and see!) a difference in my body physique. In the months that have followed I have gone from a pathetic skinny guy with a big sweets and fatty food obsession to someone with a medium build and a healthier diet. As I have become more aware of my diet, I’ve found myself enjoying cooking more. I’ve put on substantial muscle in my back, chest, arms and especially my legs. I’m 12 pounds heavier now and still growing. Nate’s sessions with me have definitely become more serious and hardcore. But I’ve never felt hassled by Nate and always feel pushed in a good way. Although, don’t ask me that the day after a session! Can he make me sore now! ~ Monte

I’ve been working out with Nate for almost six months and my body is really starting to transform. It’s not easy work, however, and Nate really knows how to push my limits. But, after all, that is his job and he’s good at it. The best part of Nate’s sessions is he really knows how to mix it up so that my body never becomes conditioned to a routine. This optimizes the benefits even though I walk around constantly sore! Nate thinks that is a good thing. It is a great boon to vitality to feel stronger and leaner. Working out with Nate has helped me start to define my body in a way that I haven’t seen since my twenties. Even more importantly, the sessions are what you’d want from a trainer: a solid strength work out that is going to continue to push your limits while building your body. Moreover, Nate won’t let you hit a plateau. His talent as a trainer is his ability to push you to the next level so that you are constantly evolving your goals as you get stronger. After all, it’s about the journey, not the destination! ~ Sherie

At first, when I signed up with Nate, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know if I would like the training or if I would even find the time. But somehow I knew that Nate would adjust to my goals and to my schedule. And that he did. He closely monitors my workouts and adjusts them according to my progress. Nate takes a holistic approach on training for a healthier mind and body. Through our conversations, he’ll know what else I am doing in my life. With that, he’ll know what exercise to do and when/how far to push me just enough where I don’t over do it. He also set forth a dietary program that worked in conjunction with my workouts. After analyzing my diet for some weeks, he wrote me up a suggested diet/eating pattern that I follow to this day. I’ve been training with Nate for quite some time now. As a trainer, he is extremely knowledgeable of training techniques, muscular anatomy and dietary patterns of a healthy mind/body. As the saying goes, he practices what he preaches. He wouldn’t advice anyone of something that he wouldn’t do himself. As a person, Nate is very personable, which makes workouts more enjoyable. I highly recommend Nate Miyaki as a trainer and as a friend! Of course, being a friend is free! ~ Willie