By Michael Paduano

X-Rated Workouts?

Yes, X-rated workouts! Now that I have your attention I can introduce you to Nickie Nicolas, a.k.a. “Fit by Nik,” and some of her experience and unique exercise formats. First off I had to ask Nik to explain X-rated workouts. “This is a class that is taught where the instructor for the group has the chance to really push their fitness and use whatever four-letter words are available to push everyone to their fitness max,” Nickie jokes. But if you think that the instructor is the only one who gets to cuss ... you will get your chance to tell the instructor off as well. The reason this has been so successful for some is that people are motivated and pushed in different ways. Nickie is a personal trainer who can help you understand the steps to physical health as well as provide services to move you in the right direction. A great trainer like Nik can help you set up a program that meets your goals and teach you the best ways to exercise. Another great reason to know Nik is her informative newsletter that provides tips and advice on nutrition, exercise and activities. Nickie is accredited by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor. She also has a degree in counseling and psychology, and has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field, as well as social work for Child Protective Services. She has been a desert resident for 20 years and has participated in various physical charity events, such as riding 100 miles in the Tour de Palm Springs. Nickie is an active trainer, as she participates or has participated in all the activities she trains, including hiking, lifting weights, running—just to name a few. Nickie has overcome many obstacles to get where she is today. “Ten years ago I was told I would not be able to run anymore due to knee problems. I was told I would need surgery if I continued to run. I wrapped my knee and continued to run. Due to certain life changes and my own training, I continue to run today, without a knee brace and without any surgeries. Let me share my experience, strength and hope with you in how I went from a size 12 to a 4 in less than three years,” comments Nickie. Here is what one of her personal training clients, Donna C., a registered nurse from Indio, had to say about Nik: “What I like when I work out with Nickie, is I know she practices what she preaches. I’ve watched her, and I know she’s not going to tell me to do an exercise that she hasn’t done or isn’t doing … I’m 55 years old and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been!” Here are some of Nickie’s steps to physical health:

Able & Willing – It doesn’t matter whether you are a triathlete or confined to a wheel chair —I can help discover the physical activity for you. All you have to have is the willingness of a mustard seed and together we can achieve anything. Accountability – Having a personal trainer is like having your own private cheerleader. It’s easier to work out knowing someone is depending on you to be there. Responsibility – Take charge of your physical health. Stop letting doctors, lawyers or pharmaceutical companies tell you you can’t do something. Of course you can! Support – Gather the support of family, friends and all those—including your personal trainer—who only want what’s best for you. Action – One step at a time, one weight at a time, one pound at a time ... it’s time to get started. Nutrition – What you eat is what you get. Best thing to do is STOP counting calories, stop counting carbs and throw away the scale. Concentrate on how you feel.

SERVICES If you are interested in her services and want to lose weight, get healthy and/or build muscle then Fit By Nik might be the thing you need. Hiring a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction. A good trainer can help you set up a program that meets your goals and teach you the best way to exercise. There are several advantages to obtaining personal training sessions, such as  one-on-one attention and a professional who will show you how to use your exercise time effectively and efficiently. Having a personal trainer is like having your own private cheerleader—he/she can help push you past your comfort limit, something you may have difficulty doing yourself, and a personal trainer can help you get the results you haven’t been able to attain. Perhaps X-rated workouts are not in your near future, but it is nice to know that there is a personal trainer who is creative, outgoing and ready to work on your fitness goals.

Nickie can be found online at fitbynik.com or by email: nickienicolas@yahoo.com. Michael Paduano is a Realtor for Windermere Real Estate, Executive Director of the Wellness Foundation Palm Springs and volunteers teaching Yoga at Gilda’s Club in Cathedral City. He is also an international sport aerobic gold medalist, and NPC two-time Mr. Fitness. Michael can be reached by email at mpaduano@windermere.com.