One Week Away: Ashley's hard work is ready to pay off!

It’s less than one week away and Dynamic Pulse Fitness client Ashley Hertzel has combating feelings of nerves and excitement, in anticipation of her fit debut.

Since we first introduced Ashley as a DPF client, working with trainer Jeanette Fischetto, she was in the beginning stages of training for a figure competition. Within the past few months she has not only continued to alter her diet and lifestyle, but her body shows off her hard work.

 “When you’re working for something that takes as long as this does and you reach the point where it’s days away, that in itself is a huge accomplishment,” she says, explaining her confidence to walk on stage is a major feat alone.

Ashley works out now six days a week, concentrating on heavier weights and cardio with resistance, all while losing body fat and gaining muscle in mind. Her diet is strict, limited to chicken and turkey and few vegetables.

“Everyday I lay out what I’m going to have for 7a.m., 10a.m., 1p.m., 4p.m., and for dinner. I plan it out on the weekends and that’s what I buy at the grocery store.” Her regimented and limited meals have altered her lifestyle but she knows that it’s all worth it. And in celebration of her show, friends in the audience will be bringing her cupcakes, brownies, and cookies to eat as soon as she’s finished.

Looking back on this experience, Ashley is not only walking away with a rockin’ body, but a new outlook on how to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. Through her months of training, she has learned the importance on how to properly balance her carbs, protein, fat and fluids. She also knows how to keep her workouts efficient and effective while practicing proper form.

 Anxiously, she debates back and forth between being ready to get on stage and not, but when thinking of how much her body and mindset has changed, she feels she’s already reached her goal.

 “I did this with the mindset that I’m doing this because I want to be in the best shape of my life and I am,” she says. “Regardless of what happens at the show, I’ve reached my personal goal and what I wanted to accomplish for myself.”

 Ashley is appreciative of the support from her family, friends and boyfriend, and of course Jeanette, who “keeps telling me I’m ready,” she says. And after this show, Ashley’s unstoppable attitude says another one is definitely in her future.

 “After this I’ll have a better understanding of what I need to do. I’ll have a better starting point and a better understanding of training and commitment, I’ll be in a better position to definitely place. It’s a learning experience you can only get better with time,” she says.

 Ashley’s training and commitment to her figure competition has proven that with effort and discipline, goals can be accomplished. With increased confidence along with her muscle mass, Ashley is proud of her transformation.

 “In a way, I’ve already won,” she says.