TRAINER OF NATURAL CHAMPIONS

Natural Champions

ADELE LEHMAN

NATURAL FIGURE PRO

   I started my career in Figure and Bodybuilding in April 2004. My first few years of competing I did not have the guidance of a professional and although I learned quite a bit, I never felt completely prepared.  I also couldn’t seem to break the 3rd place streak I had for almost 2 years.  Over those years I competed in numerous NGA shows in the Rochester and Buffalo areas and eventually built a relationship with Joe Christiano.  As I progressed through the ranks of Amateur Figure, I realized that I needed more guidance and a professionally customized diet and exercise regimen.  I contacted Joe and the rest is history. 

   Joe first helped me diet and train for a non-NGA show in 2005 and has helped me compete in many shows in the NGA, IDFA, INBF, USBF and NPC federations.  He has been my guiding force, taking me all the way to National Level figure competitions in New York City and Charleston and an amazing collection of first place trophies.   I have become increasingly dependent on his feedback and expertise.  I recommend anyone, amateur and professional competitor alike, to contact Joe Christiano.  His extensive knowledge, years of experience and attentiveness to each individual competitors’ needs is unparalleled.  

KATHI GULLACE

Natural Figure Pro

GABE SPERANZA

   When it comes to the word "NATURAL" there is only one name that comes to mind, Joe Christiano. Joe not only is a certified personal trainer, but when it comes to world of natural bodybuilding he is a guru!! Joe has trained hundreds of clients and has put many of them into shows. Most of which had never even competed before. And all have come out on top!! my first competition ever I placed very well, thanks to the work of Joe, shocking to me since I had never even seen or been to a bodybuilding show before, until I walked on stage for the first time. But Joe pushed me harder so that I would return to place even better then before, and ultimately he pushed me to the limit until I was crowned champion of my class!! An achievement behind my wildest dreams and it was done 100% DRUG FREE.

   Not only do I consider Joe Christiano my trainer and mentor but also my friend, because he does goes above and beyond the call of duty with his clients to bring out the best in them. And it goes without saying Joe Christiano truly is the trainer of Natural Champions!! 

AUSTIN  WYMAN

  

DAN DEGEORGE  

ANG  LI

   I have been weight training for 4 years and competing for the past three, I graduated high school weighing 120lbs and I weight around 190lbs, thanks to the help from Joe Christiano.  He is a great trainer, with great personal skills and very knowledgeable with nutrition and supplementation.  Everyone from the average folks to top natural pro bodybuilders has gotten the results they were looking for with Joe’s guidance. 

   I was in great shape with his diet for my first show, and as a result, I was able to score two second place finishes first time competing.  Joe’s training programs and nutrition plans has also helped me to add lean mass in the off season.  I credit a major part of my success in bodybuilding to the support and guidance of Joe Christiano.

JOE LACHIUSA 

Before I met Joe Christiano I had been training for several years. I have always worked hard, watched my diet and had a long background in sports & fitness.    After getting into what I thought was pretty good shape at the end of 2010, I decided I needed help to take it to the next level. I’ve always wanted to train and compete in a bodybuilding show.   Finding the right trainer was a big decision, so like anything else I researched many different possibilities.   Everyone I talked to and everything I read kept pointing me towards Joe C. I was shocked at the results I saw with his former clients and naturally I wondered if it was possible to see those types of results for myself . Finally after much consideration I signed up.  I started training with Joe on January 10th 2011. At the time I weighed 220lbs with roughly 15-16% body fat.    In my mind, I was already in good shape but I had no idea where I needed to go to actually compete in a bodybuilding show.    

 In 3 months Joe literally transformed my body.  I entered the Can/Am at 179lbs with about 4% body fat and 2 weeks later I entered the Natural Northeast at 170lbs and about 3.5% body fat.  I had lost an astonishing 50lbs in the short time I trained with Joe.  His knowledge of nutrition, training and how to get ready for a show is literally second to none.   Thanks to Joe,   I’m happy to report that in my very first show I took two 2nd place finishes in the first timers, and Novice Heavyweight Divisions and surprisingly I took 1st place in the Men’s Open Light heavyweight Division!!   Not to mention a “Best Poser” trophy thanks to the posing practice he put us through every Sunday for 6 weeks.   4 trophies in my first show!!    Two weeks later Joe cut me down to 170lbs for the Natural Northeast show.  It was an extremely competitive show where athletes came in from many different states to compete.  Once again, I did great, taking 2nd place in the Men’s Open Middleweight Division losing only to the overall winner of the show.  These results were beyond my wildest dreams.  I can’t thank Joe Christiano enough for what he did for me.    The next time I decide to compete in a show, I won’t make a single move without hiring Joe again first.    There are no smoke and mirrors with Joe’s training diet and program, only amazing results!  Thank You Joe!

COLTON DALBERTH

ALL AMERICAN WRESTLER

  I have worked with Joe now for over 3 years.  He is a great trainer; he has helped me increase my strength and endurance which are crucial to be successful in the sport of wrestling.  He is a very motivating person he makes me want to push myself to the next level.  He is very knowledgeable about nutrition and how to work each muscle group for the greatest result.  With his help I have added to my wrestling career accomplishments.

Career Record 165 - 10

3x Sectional Champion

3x New York State Qualifier

4^th place 2008 NYS Tournament

2^nd place 2009 NYS Tournament

2nd place 2010 NYS Tournament

1^st Empire State Games

3x NYS Freestyle Champion

2x NYS Greco Champion

All American, 2^nd place Junior Nationals

2009 All Greater Rochester Wrestling Team

2010 All Greater Rochester Wrestling Team

2009 Finger Lakes West All Star Wrestling Team

 NICK PAPAS

JOHNNY PAPAS

PHIL PROVENZANO 

NATURAL PRO BODYBUILDER

Joe Christiano is by far the most knowledgeable trainer that I have ever been around. His resume speaks for itself, he has trained and put together diets for so many people that have turned pro that I have now lost count. Not only do I consider Joe one of my good friends, but he single handedly was responsible for helping me turn pro. He has the ability to gear a diet plan for each individual that he sees in a matter of minutes, he makes it look too easy.  His knowledge and ability far surpasses anyone in the Natural Bodybuilding arena.  Each time I get ready for a show I do not trust anyone else in the world to get my diet and contest preparation ready for me. He is the best there is.   

DOUG CATLIN

NATURAL PRO BODYBUILDER

     In October of 2007 I competed in my first bodybuilding competition and placed well. Though I have always had a background in weightlifting and sports, it wasn't until I met Joe Christiano that I really took my body to the next level. Not only did Joe fine tune my diet and cater it to my specific needs, he also perfected my posing. With his help for the first time, I dropped from 210 pounds with 19% body fat, to 163lbs with 4% body fat in a little less than 90 days. With his bodybuilding expertise I placed 1st in my novice class, 1st in the overall novice class, and 1st in the open class in the Natural New York State in October of 2010. Joe Christiano is truly one of the most knowledgeable people around when it comes to bodybuilding and training. He hit's every aspect of the sport, and without him I would not be where I am today.

 JASON CHATTERSON

   I have had the privilege of being trained by certified personal trainer Joe Christiano. I am currently 33 years old and consider myself an average guy. That is…unless Joe is training me. Then I consider myself a competitive natural bodybuilder. I have always struggled with my weight and at 5’10 1/2” I have weighed over 250 lbs as an adult. After losing over 60lbs. in 1999 I decided to take it to the next level and see if I had what it takes to do a bodybuilding show. The problem was…I had no idea where to start. No one I had ever known had ever done a bodybuilding show or had any knowledge on the subject. That’s when I met Joe. Joe took me as a spectator to Buffalo ’s 2002 Olympus

   That had been my first experience attending a bodybuilding show and what an eye opener it was. I still remember Joe asking me “So…do think you’ve got what it takes?” After saying yes…I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I started the diet and exercise program Joe laid out for me about a week later in hopes of competing in the 2003 Natural Northeast and Can/Am. I immediately dropped approx. 3-4 lbs. a week consecutively week after week.  As the show got closer all of the competitors Joe was getting ready for the shows would meet every Sunday for posing practice which was a workout on its own. Week after week I saw myself progress beyond what I had expected. At age 27 I was finally able to see my abs! After I thought I had pushed my body to its limit…Joe pushed it even further. Joe gave me information on everything I needed to know to prepare for the upcoming shows. Everything from my diet, strength training, and cardio to skin care, tanning, posing and mental focus. I ended up competing in both shows I intended to that year. I weighed in at 148lbs for the Natural Northeast, which I placed 2^nd  in the men’s novice lightweight class and 146 ½ lbs for the Can/Am , which I placed 1^st in the men’s novice lightweight class. My titles since then include: 04 Northeast Men’s Open Lightweight Champion, 07 Northeast and Can/Am Men’s open Lightweight Champion and just recently: 09 Can/Am Men’s Open Middleweight Champion. Joe has prepared me for each and every show and I know I could not have done it without him. Thanks Joe.

JESSICA KOSTON

     In October 2011 I competed in my very first Bikini Competition. The Natural New York State. I found Joe Christiano online and hired him in early May to prepare me to compete. I had no idea what I was in for.

     Joe completely exceeded my expectations. he is so knowledgeable in the sport and gave me the exact diet and workouts needed to see the amazing results that i did. I placed second in the Natural NYS and first at the Natural Olympus (one week later) I never thought I would have lost 30 pounds, let alone compete in a fitness competition. Joe gave me the tools i needed and most of all the confidence. Joe goes above and beyond for all his clients that is what makes him so successful and the best trainer around.

      I am so excited to continue working with Joe and proud to call him not only my trainer but also my friend.

SHYRENE  KASHMERICK

KELLIE MENICHIELLO 

   Three years ago I was approached with the idea of becoming a figure competitor. I was introduced to Joe Christiano and things just fell into place.
Joe's knowledge and expertise is hands down the best! Joe is dedicated to his clients goals and the results are obvious. Since I have been a client, I have placed 1st, 2nd, 2nd, and 5th in the NGA and 5th in USBF competitions.

   I look forward to future competitions with Joe "landing the plane". He is professional, sincere and most importantly compassionate about his clients. Joe Christiano made me understand my body and gave me the tools to reach my goals.

Thank you Joe!
 

CRISTINA LENZO

     Prior to meeting Joe Christiano I had been training independently for several years. I watched my diet and trained hard in the gym but I seemed unable to extend beyond a certain plateau to reach my physique goals and build additional muscle. I sought out Joe Christiano as a trainer and nutritional advisor in November of 2009 with the goal of competing in my first figure competition. I was immediately impressed with not only Joe’s extensive knowledge in the sport of natural bodybuilding and nutrition, but also because Joe is extremely personable and very likeable individual Joe is easy to talk to, train with and be honest with,  an essential key to the trainer-client relationship. Joe has the ability to make his clients feel comfortable and confident in their achievements and potentials.

     The mark of a good trainer is one who makes their clients feel good about themselves and helps them achieve their goals. Joe takes this a step further. Not only did Joe map out a plan that helped me achieve my goals, but he also went above and beyond the call of duty. Joe was always available to answer questions, explain things, or make changes to my plan to ensure I was on track. Joe was there every step of the way for me right up until I competed in April. In the short months that I worked with Joe I made more progress in improving my physique than I had made in the previous years.

     When you train with Joe, you become part of “the family”. I consider Joe one of my closest friends and when I decided to compete again in October 2010, there was no question, I worked with Joe. I trust Joe implicitly with my training and diet. Not only does Joe have a vast knowledge of bodybuilding nutrition and training, but he also has the first hand experience and expertise of a long-time natural competitor and, therefore, a great understanding of the unique needs of a competitor. Once again, Joe took me beyond plateaus and helped me make further progress on my physique. This time around I was able to place first in the Figure Over 35 Short Division. I attribute this success to Joe. In my opinion, no other trainer can compete with Joe’s knowledge, ability, and professionalism in the area of contest prep. I know I could not do a show without Joe and I absolutely would not want to! Simply put, Joe is the best!

DEBORAH SCARPULLA

   I met Joe Christiano Spring 2008. I had 7 weeks before my next show and he was totally awesome. He really
knows what he is talking about and I trust him. He put me to work HARD and I loved it. He is personable, easy to be around
and very funny. These things are important to me because if I am going to select a trainer I need to feel totally comfortable.
He is professional, fair and very responsive, which I totally appreciate!!  Joe Christiano, in my opinion is the best.

   Joe got me ready for my last two shows: I won both and took second in the open. I am very happy with the results I have
gotten from working with joe. The key is you have to do what he says!! Do that you'll be great!!