I can't thank Jacques enough for helping me prepare for my first figure competition this year. He is so professional and he knows what he is doing. I have Lupus and a hip injury that I am still dealing with so it was important to me to make sure that whomever was training me for my contest preparation would have my best interest at heart when it came to being safe and healthy. Jacques did just this. You often times see & hear lots of strange and unhealthy things being done to prepare for a figure competition but I didn't have to personally experience them at any time during my contest preparation. Jacques made sure I was getting all the nutrition I needed and training that was safe and beneficial to my specific needs. He also was great in showing me how to pose and walk in preparation for the judging. I live in Pullman, WA, so we kept in contact via: email and he was excellent about answering all of my questions & concerns. He was also right there for me at my competition which helped so much! Because of Jacques, I was able to go to my first competition prepared, calm and confident. I am officially hooked on competing and I can't wait for my next event. I highly recommend Jacques Pitcher to anyone who wants to compete or just become healthy and fit. Thank you again Jacques!
Karly Gomez
1st place Figure Class C- Washington Ironman
(...excerpt from Karly's Blog)
When training for a figure competition or bodybuilding for that matter, people often mistake that it is a very individualized sport. Yes, there is some truth to it. I am the one who pushes myself, makes the choices, does the exercises, follows the diet, but what people don’t realize is that there are others involved in the preparation.
When I first started out, it was just my husband and I and I must say that Manuel has done a phenomenal job. He is extremely supportive and knowledgeable in how to properly build a physique. He has been at my side this whole time and I really appreciate all the time and effort he has put into my preparation. We have also learned a lot about diet through this process. What we had no clue about, was what the whole competition scene was going to be like and what the rules and requirements were. This, is how I met the Pitchers.
We met in February of last year and Jacques taught me all there is to know about posing, additional diet tips, the NPC rules, what to expect at a show, how to prepare before, during and after a competition and let me tell you… I am so glad I had his help and I am thrilled that I am on board as a team member with Team Pitcher!
There is a lot of preparation that goes into planning a diet and training for a competition. Even more challenging is that everyone’s body reacts differently and some of us have other complications like Lupus and injuries that makes the job of someone like Jacques even harder. Thankfully, Jacques is very careful, a planner, and very knowledgeable in his field. Never, ever, will you see Jacques hand me a rice cake with jam or peanut butter on it and tell me to eat it. Nope, he is very concerned about making sure that I eat correctly and eat nutritious food that is beneficial to my body. Strange and unhealthy tactics are not what he is about at all. Careful planning, accountability, guidance, education, and the ability to make tweaks in my diet and exercise to get the maximum results are what he is about.
What is even more amazing, is that we are 2 hours away from each other. I made the trip up to do posing and detail work about diet and training for my very first competition, but everything else we have done has been over email. Through this whole time, I have felt like he has been right by my side. Listening and answering all the questions that my husband and I have and carefully planning the right strategies for me. You know a personal trainer is exceptional at what they do, when they can get you great results by coaching you from 2 hours away.
Why is it important to be apart of a team? Motivation, support, honest feedback, diet planning, training, posing practice, and more. There are so many details that you have to cover when you decide to compete. Don’t do it alone. Have the help and guidance so that you can enjoy and get the best experience you can out of your preparation and competition. I know that I am apart of a team that is sincere and truly cares about the well-being of their team members.
If you are looking to compete, or are competing now and are looking for a supportive and amazing team to be apart of, than you need to check out this website http://teampitcher.com/ and make your call to Jacques Pitcher.
Karly Gomez
1st Place Figure- WA Iron Man
When I started training for my first NPC Figure competition, I knew I would need help with posing. I turned to Jacques and Kris Pitcher. They taught me the mandatory poses, how to present well on stage, and walked me through the ins and outs of what would happen competition day. They also showed me where to purchase my suit, shoes, makeup, etc. On the day of the show, Jacques and Kris were both there to answer last minute diet questions and help with backstage preparation. Kris was literally hands on, fixing my suit, applying Bikini Bite, and putting on my posing oil! Their advice and knowledge helped me to place 2nd in my first figure competition!
Thanks for everything Jacques and Kris!
Tiana Walter
2nd place Figure- Empire Classic
I always wanted to get on stage and show what I have because you work so hard at staying in shape. It's fun to be able to showcase it. It took a friend to give me the final shove to get on stage to compete, but now I'm addicted!
I met Jacques at my first show. He was also competing, and I really appreciated how cool and confident his posing came across on stage and really wanted to learn the technique. This is how I got connected with Team Pitcher.
Having goals and writing out the plan - and then sticking to it no matter what has made all the difference in my training this year. When your plan is right there in front of you it's hard to break that commitment to yourself. When you wing it you're constantly changing things.
People don't stand for much on their own. With the hard times it's God who can pull you back to your plan and keep you smiling and moving forward. My faith makes a big difference in my life, including competing.
Working with Jacques has elevated the level of competition for me tremendously. Without help there's no way to do this. Having a friend and trainer makes the journey through the diet bearable and fun. I wouldn't be where I am without him.
Jacques is knowledgeable, professional, and reliable. Which is everything you need in a coach to succeed.
Ronnie Adams
2nd place- Lt. Heavy Big Sky Championships
3rd place- Lt. Heavy Empire Classic
I met Jacques Pitcher in July 2010 as I was getting ready for a powerlifting contest. We talked about how nutrition affected performance and I admitted that my nutrition consisted of eating whatever sounded good and was easiest to prepare. The only difference from the average person with that "plan" was that I tried to make sure I got some extra protein each day, since I was trying to build muscle. I knew that nutrition was important, but I had gotten lazy, and eventually given up on trying to eat right. Jacques and I talked a few times leading up to my competition in September and we agreed that he would help me with my nutrition as I prepared for my next contest, and I would follow the plan and see how much he could help me improve.
At my contest in September 2010 I lifted 550 pounds in the Bench Press and 800 pounds in the Deadlift at a bodyweight of 350 pounds. Those were both personal bests, so Jacques had his work cut out for him if he wanted me to lift even more at my next competition.
Jacques gave me a number of questions about what I liked to eat and what I was willing to eat. He knew that I would have a hard time following a nutrition plan that didn't taste good. He also asked about my daily schedule so that we could make this plan as easy to stick with as possible. The plan he put together had me eating more protein than I had eaten before, and plenty of quality carbs and healthy fats. It took a few weeks to get used to following a plan, but once I did, it actually wasn't that difficult.
I was having great success with my strength while following this nutrition plan.
I injured my chest muscle twice while training for my contest in February 2011 (which wasn't unusual for me), so I knew that I would not be able to lift heavy in the Bench Press. I decided to focus on the Deadlift and see just how much I could lift. When contest day came, I was able to lift a National Record of 830 pounds! I actually almost lifted 850 pounds on my final attempt, but failed due to poor lifting form.
I definitely have to thank Jacques Pitcher for helping me reach a new level of strength with his nutrition plan. Go Team Pitcher!”
Aaron Anderton
When I first started training for my first show I had no idea just how much hard work and dedication it was actually going to take. Aside from all of the dieting and weight training there is also proper posing technique. Knowing nothing about posing, a close friend referred me to Jacques Pitcher for coaching. Since I live so far away from Jacques, he was more than willing to work around my busy schedule to make himself available to help me. I can't say enough about how pleased I was with Jacques' training, if not for him I would never have stood a chance at winning my first show. You can be the biggest and most lean bodybuilder on stage but if you don't know how to properly pose you won't be a champion. Thank you Jacques for making my dream a reality I couldn't have done it without you!
Tom Pipkin
1st place- Lightweight Big Sky Championships
To start off I just have to say Jacques Pitcher is an amazing trainer! I recently competed in my first figure competition. I was originally referred to another couple to train me, and I had a really bad experience. This made me doubt whether I wanted to compete in the first place. Rather than just quit, I knew that there had to be another trainer out there that would change my mind. I spoke with Jacques on the phone, and he immediately helped me believe that I was right. I knew after speaking with him that I still really wanted to compete. He is very professional and organized. He asks many questions to truly find out his clients individual needs, which was great for me as I have minor gluten and dairy intolerances. He customized a diet plan for me and checked in frequently to keep me motivated and on track. He and his wife Kris helped me learn how to pose. It was nice having another women there for that part of the training and any other girlie advice. It really helped me feel at ease. It was like the best of both worlds :) Competitions are supposed to be fun, and Jacques' style allows that to happen. Jacques is very knowledgeable about all aspects of diet and fitness. He is a successful bodybuilder himself, which builds his creditability. I ended up placing 5th in my first competition, and I am hooked. I look forward to working with Jacques in the future, and highly recommend him to anyone who wants a trainer that is going to meet your needs and motivate you every step of the way.I promise you will never feel alone! I never once had a question that he couldn't answer. He knows his stuff!! I can't thank him enough, and I am so excited to start training again for my next show !!! :)
Kaelyn Bingham
5th place Figure Empire Classic
Challenging ourselves is scary. And for many of us, verbalizing something we want is just counter-culture. We lead lives where everyone else comes first. Sound familiar? I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember & I’ve started and quit a lot of things.
But last winter I found the courage to tell Jacques that I wanted to train for a bodybuilding contest. That confession began my 20 week transformation. In expressing that dream out loud, two things created an “a-ha” moment for me, Jacques believed in me, and I actually believed in myself. We really became, Team Pitcher.
He designed a comprehensive plan that included ongoing assessment, training, & nutritional coaching. Based on my progress each week, he made adjustments. He listened to my concerns and fears along the way with encouragement, never dismissal. Jacques taught me compulsory posing, and helped me choreograph a routine. By April, I was ready! I hit the stage feeling a sense of pride that I’d never felt before. And with 3 trophies gracing the mantle, I’m reminded of the knowledge, support, and dedication that Jacques brings to the process. The only question is…what’s your dream?
Kristine Pitcher
1st Place Lt. Weight-Bill Pearl Classic
I hired Jacques while in my first year of study in a highly ranked graduate dance program. I was 32 and had struggled since childhood with scoliosis and a genetic hypermobility that resulted in two knee surgeries, recurring partial dislocations of both shoulders, problems with all regions of my spine and countless ankle sprains.
Clearly blowing the technique audition, I knew that I had been accepted to the program based on my teaching audition, choreography and interview. In class I found that I couldn’t keep up. My strength to weight ratio was insufficient. I couldn’t move fast enough, jump high enough or hold my leg at the right angle in space. I figured I had 25 pounds to lose and significant strength to gain and that task seemed utterly daunting with all of the demands on my time. I needed a partner in the process. Perhaps most of all, I needed someone to keep me safe and to pace my training.
With Jacques’s help, I did lose the weight and completely transformed my appearance. I was soon a very athletic 16% body fat and no longer felt self-conscious amongst my peers – many of whom had bodies that conformed to the more traditional ballerina aesthetic. People started approaching me and asking me if I was a dancer. When I’d respond affirmatively, they’d say “I just knew it!” All of this was a huge boost to my self-esteem.
Far more important than any aesthetic transformation was the improvement in function. Jacques did not just put me through a “standard” program. He watched me perform, analyzed my challenges and designed workouts that produced improvements in raw strength and in my dance technique. He created a strength training regimen for me that included dance elements. After a few months my professors and peers were asking what happened to me. A ballet professor pulled me aside and said “At the start of the term you were at the bottom of the class. Now you’re performing in the top third. What did you do?” A classmate was baffled by the fact that I could suddenly jump much higher than her. Another pulled me aside, saying, “a bunch of us have been talking about you and have been wondering what you’ve been doing to change your body and your dancing. I finally decided I should just ask you because, frankly, I want your butt.”
While working with Jacques, I was injury free. My performance opportunities increased and as more people watched me on stage, more people asked me to dance for them. I was so pleased with what the Team Pitcher philosophy did for me, that I eventually said “you know, Jacques, this could be a total niche for you. You could market yourself to train dancers.” He replied “Or YOU could.” I have since become a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, and a Certified Group Fitness Instructor. I currently work full time in the fitness industry. BUT, I still seek advice and guidance from Team Pitcher.
Over the years I have watched Jacques mentor, guide and partner with many individuals with very different goals. He approaches every client’s needs uniquely. He will not promise to change your life; with his guidance, you will change your own. Are you ready?
Nicole Manus
MFA, CPT
I had been in and out of the gym for years, and while I was interested in a healthier lifestyle, I never was able to really commit to the process. A thoughtful gift from my dad for personal training was just the motivation I needed. Jacques is highly knowledgeable and professional, and yet provided me with a friendly and supportive environment in which to work towards my goals. I enjoyed my time with him and was pleased to see significant results on both the scale and the tape measure. I would be happy to recommend his services to any of my friends or colleagues.
Erin K. Bailey
DJ ekb*
I was 63 years old and more than 60 pounds over weight when I moved to Spokane. I could neither walk without a walking stick or walk up stairs normally; I had to take one step at a time. Yes, I felt old!
My problems with Osteoarthritis were compounded by my weight causing knee and back problems. I began my journey with Jacques in November of 2008 and have been amazed at my transition into weight loss, better health and strength gained in the past year. I was able to lose almost 40 pounds and gain lean body mass while doing it. Jacques' eating program is the only plan I have lost weight on in many years.
I am looking forward to 2010 when I will lose the remaining extra pounds I have been carrying for years. I don't recognize myself when seeing my reflection in the glass door as I enter a shop. I no longer mentally beat myself up for being FAT! Jacques has adjusted my program in the gym, always being considerate of the limitations of my back and knees as well as my mental approach to life long fitness and weight control . I feel so much better and stronger thanks to Jacques continued efforts on my behalf. I cannot thank him enough for giving me my life back.
Diane Fink
I have had Jacques as a personal trainer for over 2 years. He has helped me through physical injuries, mental challenges, diet, and weight gains issue. He continues to push me to be my best, and is also considerate of current issues that I may be dealing with. He also helped me heal from a very sore back injury, and helped me to gain core strength to prevent it from happening again.
We meet weekly, and focus on the "workout” that he has planned for me. This is always a challenge, and I feel very good when I have completed the series of tasks.
He is a joy to talk to, always very informative in a number of topics. He is very easy to work with a mild mannerism, but can be stern when we need to get the job done.
I would recommend Jacques to anyone who is looking for a personal trainer, and even more so if this is a long term plan for your future. He is someone that you would enjoy meeting with weekly.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Graves
My name is Melvin and I work in the video game industry. My job consists of sitting around the office all day, playing and testing video games for a living. I’ve been in the industry for 20 years and in that time I’ve steadily gained weight to the point where my doctor said that if I don’t change my eating habits I would begin having serious health problems.
I’ve worked off and on with Jacques for about 3 years and in that time he’s taught me about what type of workout and eating habits I should try to incorporate into my daily routine. At first, I had a very difficult time with this as I did not want to make drastic changes to what I enjoyed eating. He said that if I just make small changes to what I eat, that it would equate to making a big change over time without really noticing. He was right. Over time, my body slowly no longer wanted fast food and wanted to eat healthier and even home cooked meals.
Now whenever I go out, most restaurants are more than willing to make changes to my order, as long as I ask nicely. Today I’ve lost about 150 lbs over the past 3 years and continue to lose weight “the right way”.
Thanks, Jacques!
Melvin Forrest
I have spent 1 ½ to 2+ hours a day in the gym and cross training for over 25 years .
In that time I have hired many personal trainers and have been disappointed with the instruction and results every time…until I utilized the services of Jacques Pitcher.
The 2 weeks I spent training with him was eye opening, productive and enjoyable. His level of professionalism and ability to intuitively go where the client wants and needs to be is remarkable.
He actually shortened the time of my weight routines and yet my results are far better than they had been. He accomplished the same for my wife.
I recommend him most enthusiastically and without reservation.
Sincerely,
Paul Shields
Dear Jacques-
I want to thank you for your positive and inspiring coaching...you were the only trainer who didn't say "it can't be done". Seven other so-called "professional trainers" said I was nuts to try; one even said it was"impossible", and another said that at 59 years old with all of my joint, back and cardiac problems, I would kill myself trying... we now know that they were all absolutely dead wrong. Your knowledge in diet and planning gave me confidence, your acceptance of my vision gave me hope, your workout routines provided direction, strength and focus. With every puzzle you help me change and adapt to keep my target in sight. I do not believe I would have completed this weight loss goal of 70 pounds in 10 weeks without your help. I will continue to use the diet and exercise information and have begun sharing my successes with family and friends. I'm confident the egg whites, macadamia nut oil, healthier eating and exercise will be a life long part of our lives.
I sincerely Thank You,
David Stanzak
Hey Jacques... I just want to say thank you for all of your help. You really took my progress to a new level as well as helped me to understand how my body works when working out, but also how to fuel my body efficiently to fit my goals on a natural basis. I will definitely refer your services to everyone that I know. Thanks again -
Don Clark
Hiring a Jacques to design a nutrition plan was one of the best decisions I've ever made. With the ill-formed and confusing multitudes of fad diets out there, Jacques has provided me with a nutrionally sound, results-oriented, and above all, sustainable plan. He is always available and responsive to my questions, never failing to explain the physiological reasoning behind the choices I am making each day. I feel better than I have in years. More importantly, Jacques is a self-aware, intuitive, and caring individual with a deep understanding of the more complex emotional and mental challenges behind issues with food and exercise, and this has been fundamental to my continuing success. Other nutrition/fitness professionals often unwittingly come across as judgmental and chastising. I have never had this experience with Jacques. His guidance is gentle, but firmly based in getting the results we are both looking for. We are truly a team. If you are ready to make a change and reach whatever physical goals you want to set for yourself, I would highly recommend his services.
Amy Hatvany- Author
Jacques really knows his stuff when it comes to anything fitness. He's not only an expert in diet/nutrition and bodybuilding, but knew more about running/recovery than I, and I've been doing it for nearly 7 years. Results were what I was looking for, and very worth the investment.
Vaughn Jensen
“When I started training with Jacques I had a lot of 'old school' habits around fitness. Things like you need at least an hour and a half to get a good work out in and each body part needed to be exhausted twice a week if you were going to get big results. Jacques shattered those myths right away. I learned the importance of recovery and that you actually could overtrain (at the time this sounded crazy). I learned that 20 minutes a day could yield results if you applied yourself and recovery reduced the number of nagging injuries.
At 44 these principles, along with an number of different routines he showed me, helps keep me healthy and active. It's great knowing I can keep up with my teenage boys and I believe my relationship with them is better for it.”
Eric Elkins, Facility Manager, Lincoln Family YMCA
Jacques does a great job creating a training regiment that is customized for the individual. He monitors your progress and adjusts the work out to match your development. He is extremely knowledgeable as a personal trainer and does an outstanding job motivating his clients.
Troy Ford
For 20 years, I have been involved in health and fitness in various areas. I have taught martial arts for 15 years, weightlifter for 20 years and am a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise. I have been attending Liberty Lake Athletic Club 5 days a week for the past 5 years, I have watched Jacques train hundreds of clients. One client of his is a good friend of mine and was my work out partner for over a year and then hired Jacques to take him to the next level. He did just that, within a few months I noticed a huge change in his physique. Jacques personalized a nutrition and training program that took my friend from a normal physically fit person, to competition ready. He entered a bodybuilding competition and did well. Without even hiring Jacques I have greatly improved myself in the gym just by asking him questions. Just one example is, I told Jacques that my shoulder hurt while bench pressing he showed me a stretch to do prior to benching, and to squeeze my scapulas toward each other while benching. That advise totally took the pain away. I have no vested interest in recommending Jacques to people, but I find myself doing it often and have for years.
Jacques Pitcher is a very professional personal trainer with a kind demeanor, and has an encyclopedia type knowledge. Whether you are just entering a gym for the first time in your life, or you are a professional bodybuilder. I am completely confident that Jacques can help you accomplish you goals.
If you have any questions feel free to email me Cranemartialarts@yahoo.com
Clint Castleman
Team Pitcher came to my rescue!! I spent the four years of my bodybuilding career with a nutritionist whom I finally realized was steering me in the wrong direction. I was forced to let him go two weeks prior to my last two shows. Jacques saw me at my first show and by the time I got home, he had emailed me with a new plan which was a complete 180 from what I was used to. I jumped on his program and had much better results in my last two shows, and actually enjoyed the diet I was on. The people around me enjoyed me much better too as I wasnt so cranky. The best thing about Jacques, is that he sincerely cared about my results and called often to see how I was doing. I highly recomend Team Pitcher to everyone weither it be contest prep or just weight or nutrition counceling. His knowledge as well as his personality and passion are among the best in the business!!!!
Jerry Berger
Bend, OR
I wanted to extend a huge THANK YOU to Team Pitcher for getting my butt (literally) on track.
I was the gal that thought it perfectly appropriate to have a sugar cookie and a white chocolate coconut mocha for breakfast, and adventure to McDonald's to lunch, and a mini pizza for dinner. I ate for convenience and not for nutrition. It wasn't until I enlisted the help of Team Pitcher that I realized just how much what you eat effects how you feel - and ultimately what you do.
With their support and knowledge I was able to pull myself out of the garbage gut gutter, and eat like a person running 40+ miles a week, because I was!! I felt better, slept better, ran better, and didn't feel the need to have emotional meltdowns every other day.
The new training rules allowed me to still have my favorite treats, but in moderation (ahhhhh, that's the secret). Working fro-yo into my training schedule was a huge morale boost, and who would deny me that :)
I recommend working with them no matter what your training/life/weight goals are in the New Year. It will be worth the time and effort (and really, the hard part is done for you).
Hats off to you Team Pitcher - I appreciate you and your guidance so very much!!!
May your day be filled with great advice.
Andrea Farmer
Colfax, WA
More to come..