Portrait of a Winner
Here’s a documentary tracing my client Kevin Johnson’s path to the Overall Winner’s award at the 2012 NPC Kentucky Bodybuilding Championships
I have a bit part in the film, with an interview starting at 6:19.
September 11, 2012 | News | Comments Off on Portrait of a Winner
Testimonials
KyFitnessCoach
Steve Weingarten has been my trainer since 2000. In almost 15 years, Steve has proven his knowledge of training, meal plans and fitness in general to be unparalleled. If I encounter an injury, he always comes up with a solution so as not to bypass ultimate results. As my goals have changed, Steve has always been a step ahead with a program to suit my needs.
The bottom line is this: If you want results, just do what Steve says. He knows how to get the results you want.
Doyle Glass
Louisville, KY
Historian, Artist and Attorney
Doyle Glass
KyFitnessCoach
Steve Weingarten has been my trainer since 2000. In almost 15 years, Steve has proven his knowledge of training, meal plans and fitness in general to be unparalleled. If I encounter an injury, he always comes up with a solution so as not to bypass ultimate results. As my goals have changed, Steve has always been a step ahead with a program to suit my needs.
The bottom line is this: If you want results, just do what Steve says. He knows how to get the results you want.
Doyle Glass
Louisville, KY
Historian, Artist and Attorney
Doyle Glass
KyFitnessCoach
"Steve is an expert on all aspects of fitness. He is well read and always studying the latest science on diet and exercise. It's important to me that I train with someone who is receptive and curious about new techniques and information."
Beth Andrews
Prospect, KY
Beth Andrews
KyFitnessCoach
I have been working with Steve since the beginning of 2012. We actually competed against each other in 2005 at the Kentucky Muscle. Our first year working together he made me an overall winner in my weight class and a State champion. The following year I did my first national show and I placed second in the men's middleweight class at Junior Nationals. I'm glad I hired a coach who cares about me and my dreams. Its been a long journey but we finally did it. Five years after we started working together I became an IFBB PRO. People are so quick to switch coaches when they don't get their desired results. What they don't realize is, it takes time to learn how somebody responds to a plan. Steve came up with a solid game plan for me and we trusted the process. Im excited to continue my journey with ...
Kevin Johnson
KyFitnessCoach
Before meeting Steve I was a weightlifter. After working with Steve I became a bodybuilder. I wanted to compete in my first bodybuilding show and I elicited Steve's help in order to do so. He worked with me on every facet along the way. Planning of the diet, the workouts, how much cardio to do, my posing, my routine were all areas in which he coached me.
He made me realize my full potential along the way. For this I am eternally grateful. Not only was I prepared for the show, I won first place in the middleweight novice category and took overall novice as well. The entire experience was a positive one indeed.
Will Smith
Overall Novice Winner and First Place Novice Middleweight
2008 NPC Kentucky Muscle Bodybuilding Championships
Will Smith
KyFitnessCoach
I am an NPC Men’s Physique competitor and I started working with Steve to prepare for my first competition. Steve was great at easing my nerves and worries about stepping on stage for the first time. He is extremely attentive and will do what ever it takes to make sure you have the best chance of succeeding.
The changes he made to my physique in just a few short weeks were amazing. Steve manipulated my diet allowing me to not only get way leaner, I actually put on more size in my last 4 weeks! Steve also worked with me on my posing and stage presence. This allowed me to step on stage confident I could display my physique in the best way possible.
With Steve's help I won first place at the 2012 Tricky Jackson Classic and then the following weekend I won 1st place in my height class and the ...
Patrick Mahoney
KyFitnessCoach
Is producing one champion after another a mere coincidence? I think not!
Steve has done it over and over again, and that’s why I hired him. And he did the same for me!
If you're looking for a coach who will go that extra mile, then Steve is your man.
I just achieved a win at The Kentucky Derby Championships, but leading up to the show I fell off the wagon for a week or so. If it wasn't for Steve getting on my case and telling me he believed in me, then I wouldn't have achieved what I did.
It's simple as this: Want to be the best? Get trained by the best!
Thanks Coach!
Tristen Hines
First Place, Men’s Physique Class A 2013 NPC Kentucky Derby Festival Bodybuilding Championships
Tristen Hines
KyFitnessCoach
I have been an NPC competitor for two years now. What a difference my second year made, after I hired Steve to coach me!
I would have to compare Steve to the "DOC" from Back to the Future! He's been there, done that, and will continue to succeed with anyone’s personal goals. I never viewed Steve as a trainer, I saw him as a life coach taking me on a journey which awarded me 1st place in the 2013 Men’s Physique Masters Division at the Derby Festival Championships this spring. There was so much I learned and there is more to learn. Why try to train yourself on GOOGLE when you can contact Steve?
Phillip Palmer
First Place, Men’s Masters Physique
2013 Kentucky Derby Festival Bodybuilding Championships
Phillip Palmer
KyFitnessCoach
I had originally hired Steve in 2010 to work with me for the Kentucky Muscle. He introduced me to new training methods for a few months of my off-season, and he really impressed me with his knowledge when it came time to get into competition condition. We communicated a lot via email, but we met in person often to do body fat assessments and to discuss the plan in detail.
In 2012, I decided to try doing my own competition prep, but it was because of everything that Steve had taught me that I was successful that year. I learned so much from him when we worked together previously and he still gave me advice and suggestions to help me do my best, even while I was experimenting on my own. I had a great year of competing, and won my height class in the Open Figure at the Northern Kentucky ...
Autumn Cleveland
KyFitnessCoach
I did my research when I chose Steve as my personal trainer. I wanted a trainer that would meet me where I was and design a personalized program. I was worried that, as a former college athlete, who was now in my 40’s and overweight and out of shape, that I would be treated as a coach potato. However, it was also important not to be asked to do things that were unsafe or unrealistic. Steve recognized immediately what motivates me and designed a program that would capitalize on my ability to build muscle and develop strength. My body transformed its’ shape almost immediately. Steve and I have been working together for over 4 years and I have lost 40 pounds, 3 suit sizes, and regained a level of fitness that works for me. He has also had patience throughout my ups and downs and has supported me to continue ...
Leslie Texas
KyFitnessCoach
For the past four years, since moving to Louisville, I have struggled to find a trainer who was a good fit for me. Everyone was trying to keep up with the newest trends and exercise regimens, while I was simply looking for someone to give me an old school "back to the basics" workout. Steve listened to my concerns and provided a fitness plan that was exactly what I wanted. Nine months have passed and I am the strongest I have ever been. I strength train with him twice a week and follow a nutrition plan that he developed specific to my needs. My body fat percentage has dropped, and I often get compliments that there is a visible change in my physique. I recommend Steve to anyone who?is serious about getting stronger and living a healthier life.
Lindsey Gividen
Louisville, KY
Lindsey Gividen
KyFitnessCoach
I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and severe adrenal exhaustion. Crucial to my recovery is supervised exercise involving proper weight training technique. I know now that investing in a properly trained, knowledgeable and experienced personal trainer is investing in myself. In retrospect, I wish I had done this earlier in life for it could have prevented my adrenal issues.
I could not risk my time and health choosing just any trainer. I had an advantage of knowing Steve Weingarten and his ethics for almost two decades and I did my research before I chose him as I would with any doctor before treatment or surgery. Without any doubt, I trusted Steve and his integrity stood out with everything he did while working with me.Steve was very astute in assessing my abilities and built a plan that was "personalized" just for me. Steve did his research concerning my illness and I felt I ...
Tiffany Blunk Guerrero RN, BSN
KyFitnessCoach
Back in 1999, when Millennium Madness excited the world, I was simply mad that I found myself weak, middle-aged and carrying a spare tire where I didn’t need one. I was fitness-minded, meaning I obsessed about food while eating donuts and I worked out…sometimes. I was never athletic and didn’t feel comfortable in a gym or trying to figure out how to properly use the equipment. So, I decided it was time I did myself a favor and I contacted Steve. Steve is a true professional. The guidance I received about working out and eating clean has made a huge difference. Steve puts you at ease and focuses on your personal progress. I’m more middle-aged now but I’m stronger and built better than ever. I can highly recommend Steve Weingarten as the personal trainer of choice.
Derek Stobaugh
Louisville, KY
Derek Stobaugh
KyFitnessCoach
Working with Steve removed a lot of the mystery and guesswork around dieting to change my body. I learned how to apply clean nutrition to achieve my goals of competing in a show, and then used his guidance and knowledge to come back and win 1st place in a national qualifying show in only my second time stepping on stage! He uses a clean and trustworthy approach to build your metabolism and achieve a lean body in an industry that can have a lot of unhealthy and unsafe pitfalls, and I can say that I will use everything he has taught me not only in my future competition diets, but for the rest of my life to help maintain the results of all of the hard work that went into sculpting my body into "stage-ready" shape!
Misha Tsozik, LMT
First Place, Open Bikini Class B
2014 NPC Kentucky Derby Festival Bodybuilding Championships
Misha Tsozik
KyFitnessCoach
After lifting weights for more than 30 years, I was in a state of disappointment. Yes I was strong, but you sure couldn't tell it. I had listened to all the free "gym advice" and nothing seemed to work as far as getting rid of the fat covering up muscle I'd worked so long to acquire. My wife, a seasoned and successful bodybuilder, suggested that I get a trainer. She suggested Steve, given his past success as a bodybuilder and his years as a trainer.
I hired Steve to get me in some kind of decent shape. I found him very knowledgeable, easy to talk with, and a no-pressure type of trainer. He tweaked my workout plan and completely changed my diet. Those were the two missing links!! He monitored my weight on a weekly basis and calculated my body fat about every three weeks. Those two things held me accountable ...
Rob Miller
KyFitnessCoach
I had always thought about doing a physique competition, but never felt that confident to actually go after it.
Finally I said that I was going to do it. Six weeks away from the competition I was introduced to Steve. He said we had a short time to prepare but I could still do the show because of the shape I was already in. That was great to hear and I felt I finally had the missing piece.
Being a little skeptical, I wasn't sure how my body would take to this new method of training and dieting. But, week after week I saw the progress and 6 weeks later and 20 lbs lighter I stepped on stage for the first time. By the time I stepped off for the final time that night I had 3 trophies -- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in my three classes.
Steve more than lived ...
Tim McClellan
KyFitnessCoach
I started working with Steve in August of 2013. I was looking to become more competitive after my second NPC show where I placed 5th. My body, however, seemed to be hanging on to more fat than usual and I was having trouble putting on muscle.
Steve encouraged me to take some time off from competing so that I could have a real off-season to give my physique the time it needed to change and grow. He also explained my metabolism was at a standstill from not eating enough food. After almost nine months with a nutrition plan (that included more food than I’ve ever eaten in my life) and a revamped exercise program, I ended up adding several pounds of muscle as well as losing over 8% body fat. This has made a noticeable difference in my overall physique. While my ultimate goal is to do what I love, which ...
Jenny Wax
KyFitnessCoach
This year I competed in my first two shows, Kentucky Natural and Kentucky Muscle. Having never competed before, I was beyond lost on how to prepare. Fortunately, a couple months prior to my first show I was introduced to Steve Weingarten.
Steve was able to assess my physique and come up with a diet/training regime to optimize what little time I had before my first show. He put me on a trial diet to determine how my body would respond to different carb/water ratios. He adjusted my training to include a new cardio program and tweaked my lifting program. He customized my peak week diet timing my peak perfectly. Steve was able to maximize my body’s potential allowing me to walk on stage with the utmost confidence.
His unrivaled expertise and easy-going nature makes him an amazing coach and trainer. I am looking forward to seeing how Steve’s guidance shapes me for ...
Eric Slover
KyFitnessCoach
October of 2009 I stepped off the stage in St. Louis after competing in what I expected to be my final body building competition. It had been a great few years of competing but I had just turned 35 and I thought it was time to move on. After all, things were changing so fast in my life with three children growing and them keeping our lives in constant change.
Fast forward to 2014, when I got this question from my little girl while we were eating one night. Out of the blue she asks, “Daddy, will you compete again for me? I never got to see you compete”. I had given up competing but I had stayed faithful to my training. As I looked down at her, how could I say no? I told her I would, but only if we did it as a team. I was now faced ...
Mark Cecil
KyFitnessCoach
I’ve always been an active individual, but with all I had going on in my life I couldn’t figure out how to achieve my fitness goals. January 2013, I decided to bite the bullet and seek out a personal trainer. I had no idea how this decision would change my life. With the knowledge of my trainer and my hard work and dedication I was able to drop from over 180 lbs to 150 lbs in 3 months. I then hit a plateau and couldn’t lose any more weight.
At the time, my trainer was beginning her competition prep season so I decided to join her in hopes to break the plateau and do something new and fun. To my dismay the plateau remained. We decided as a group to work with a nutrition coach and this is when I met Steve Weingarten. I was impressed with all the knowledge and ...
Danya Trowel
KyFitnessCoach
I met Steve in August of 2014 to start my prep for the Tricky Jackson Classic and KY Muscle for teenage bodybuilding. Being only 19 I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't know how to diet or prep, and I needed someone to be a mentor and help me through it all. I definitely got that and more with Steve.
I went from being 220 lbs. 10% body fat to a shredded 195 lbs. 4.5% body fat. There were times throughout the prep where I need guidance, not just with the diet/prep but a mental boost and Steve was there every single time I was getting down on myself. I can honestly give most of the credit to Steve for my placings in my shows. I went on to get 1st in Teenage at the Tricky Jackson Classic and 1st in Teenage and 6th in a ...
Justin McDaniel
KyFitnessCoach
I had been working out on my own for a few years and had achieved some results. I decided to compete in April 2015 at the Derby competition and hired Steve to coach me through the process. The nutrition plan and workout routine that Steve provided for me really gave me great results and changed my body dramatically. I lost 20 pounds and over 10% body fat. His coaching really made the process simple! Steve's calm, confident demeanor and straightforward, no-gimmicks meal plans are the only way to go in my opinion!
I competed in my first competition in April and placed second in the Masters division. I continued my offseason with Steve and competed for the second and third time in October 2015. I took first place in both competitions in the 35+ Masters division, third place in novice, and fifth place in overall.
I really enjoyed the process of competing ...
Paula Catt
KyFitnessCoach
I first met Steve in Feb of 2015 for competition training. I have over 20 years experience teaching fitness. However I had never competed before. Steve led me every step of the way. He provided a meal plan that immediately helped me drop body fat. Steve advised me on workouts, directed me to the right connections for posing, suit advice, and all aspects of NPC information.
Steve's approach is very calm and nothing drastic.
In my first year I placed 2nd in Masters 50+, 5th in 40+ at the NPC Kentucky Derby Show, went to Masters Nationals and won 1st place Masters 50+ the Kentucky Muscle 2015 show.
I have truly had a “Winning with Weingarten” experience.
Roxanne Kimbell
Overall Champion and First Place Masters Bikini 50+ Class A
2017 NPC Kentucky Derby Festival Bodybuilding Championships
First Place Masters Bikini 50+
2015 NPC Kentucky Muscle Bodybuilding Championships
Roxanne Kimbell
KyFitnessCoach
When people ask my honest opinion about Steve as a coach I can only say one thing: passionate. He holds a strong passion for the sport and a willingness to help each client reach their goal. During my prep he was always one text, call, or email away to ensure that my prep was going smoothly. We were able to cut weight from 216 to 188.6 with a body fat in the high 6% to 7% range, earning me a 5th place class finish in my first show in April and improving to a 1st place finish in October.
Judge Love
First Place, Open Men’s Physique Class C
2016 NPC Kentucky Muscle
Judge Love
KyFitnessCoach
After extensively reviewing a ton of prep coaches, I reached out to Steve to help me with nutrition and posing after I decided to compete in a bodybuilding show.
In simple terms, Steve built a nutrition plan that worked. Almost immediately the number on the scale started to drop and continued to drop throughout the program in a steady and measured rate. When I initially thought about going on a contest prep nutrition plan, I was worried that I would be starving the entire time and miserable. However, with Steve’s plan I was never hungry.
Steve also helped me with posing. After attending a couple of posing clinics, Steve helped me fine tune my posing and walked me through the entire process of stage presentation. Steve was able to build my confidence through his guidance and coaching so that when I stepped on stage I felt completely prepared.
Working with Steve made the ...
Stephen McKnight
KyFitnessCoach
I had always been a gym rat but was just staying fit and going through the motions. Who would have thought at the age of 47 that I would be interested in getting into a physique competition? I had no clue of what to do and what it really took to get into the condition required to excel on stage. I met Steve in August of 2015 and told him that my goal was to compete in my first physique competition. I hoped I would be ready to compete in a show in 2015 but Steve knew that I wasn’t ready. When you are anxious those are the things that you do not want to hear. I continued to follow the plan that he laid out for me. I was seeing results from the plan, and when it was time to tweak it he did. He kept me progressing by ...
Tyrone Burroughs
KyFitnessCoach
Steve helped me achieve one of my lifelong dreams: to compete in a bodybuilding event. I’ve lifted weights for a quarter of a century, always trying but never reaching a level at which I could compete. About 3 years ago, I had Steve measure my body fat and asked his opinion about whether I could be competitive. He didn’t hesitate when he said “no,” that I just wasn’t big enough. At 150 pounds and 11% BF, that didn’t surprise me, and so I decided to be content with not being competition material.
In February, I called Steve to do some basic benchmark measurements and help me pose for some photos, just for my personal records, at age 49. I dieted pretty hard for several weeks before the benchmark because I wanted to look as good as I could.
As Steve took my measurements and helped me pose, he caught me completely off ...
Chris Graves
KyFitnessCoach
I would like to thank Steve for all his help in making my first season as a figure competitor a huge success! The meal and workout plans were very specific to the goals I had in mind. Steve stayed in contact with me every step of the way and was always there to answer any questions or concerns I had.
Debra Benedict
Overall Champion, Open Figure
Overall Champion, Masters Figure
Overall Champion, Novice Figure
2017 NPC Midwestern States Bodybuilding Championships
Overall Champion, Open Figure
Overall Champion, Masters Figure
2017 NPC Indianapolis Bodybuilding Championships
Overall Champion, Masters Figure
First Place, Open Figure Class A
2017 NPC Hoosier Flex
Debra Benedict
KyFitnessCoach
Seeking a coach for my first competition, Steve came highly recommended. I made the 3.5-hour drive to meet him and left more informed and excited to begin working towards my goal. Steve was very professional and knowledgeable. He spent time inquiring about and listening to what I hoped to achieve. Then he designed a meal plan and training program specifically for my goals. Steve assured me if I ever questioned the plan, he would be happy to provide the reasoning for his recommendations.
Throughout the process, he kept his word and promptly answered numerous questions without complaint. Despite hearing about other competitors eating and training much differently from myself, I trusted Steve and adhered strictly to our plan. I traveled several times to Louisville for in person progress assessments, but most everything else was easily accomplished from a distance. Through our partnership, I began to see not just physical improvement, but ...
Lora Jarvis
KyFitnessCoach
I was in search of a good coach to help with my prep when a friend recommended Steve. After meeting with Steve, I felt confident I had found a good coach by the questions he would ask to understand what my goals for the show were and what exactly I was trying to accomplish. Through my contest prep, there was a time when my body stopped responding to our plan. I stopped dropping weight and my energy level plummeted. Steve closely monitored me for the next few days and found a solution. Within the second day of changing my meal plan around, I starting regaining my energy and started dropping weight again.
My goal for the show was to come in first place in my weight class for novice and open. Well, thanks to Steve and his guidance I was able to achieve my goal. I couldn’t have been more please ...
Neal Miller
KyFitnessCoach
I started working with Steve in 2012. I was 19% body fat and we reduced it to 9% body fat. Excited about prepping for my first show, I overdid it and sprained my lateral meniscus eliminating me from competing for two years. During this time, I became depressed, frustrated, and considered quitting many times. Steve was relentless about sticking with me and pushing me through my lowest point (mentally and emotionally). He continued to stay on my back about doing the plan 100% and trusting the process. We agreed that we will give it our all and put me on the stage finally. I had to learn how to follow through and not allow any distractions to throw me off course. When I cut off all distractions and committed myself 100% we reached our goal! Hitting the stage for the first time at the 2017 Tricky Jackson Classic in the ...
Robert Byrd
KyFitnessCoach
When I first met Steve I honestly didn't know if I ever wanted to compete. I was terrified of anyone even seeing me outside of my baggy hoodies and even bigger sweat pants. I was even more terrified for Steve to look at me for the first time.. I imagined him saying I was uncoachable or too far gone.. Instead, I was told with proper discipline and consistency he could and would make me into a powerhouse Women's Physique competitor. I just shook my head and smiled, not believing a damn word he said. Steve believed in me and my potential more than I believed in myself.
Fast forward two years later to 2018... 3 competitions in and 2 Overall titles and national qualifications in women's physique. I'm officially a champion! Steve kept his word to me and I kept my word to him… I would give him my all and ...
Jodie Engle
KyFitnessCoach
I have known Steve for over 20 years. We started talking about working together 4 years ago but I could never nail down the appropriate time. When I decided to do the Master's National's this year, I had very high expectations (to win my class in the 40 and 50 and over). I didn't realize the amount of food or water I would have intake on a daily basis (I was miserable). Nor was I truly sold on Steve's methods in the beginning. But I must say there is a reason they call him the mad scientist. In 10 weeks, we dropped down to 4.5% body fat, down from 8.6%. We actually grew into the show my actual measurements were larger than when I started and I only did cardio for 3 weeks. The rest is history: Not only did I win my class, I won the OVERALL and received ...
Vernon Ervin
KyFitnessCoach
Since having Steve Weingarten as my coach, I’ve seen tremendous results. Steve’s meal plan and workouts helped me lose a total of 20 pounds of fat! Steve helped me bring my very best package to date and I won Open Figure Overall at the Kentucky Muscle Bodybuilding show October 2018. If it wasn’t for Steve, I’m not sure if I would have ever stepped back on stage. Steve was/is attentive to my needs and made sure that I stayed healthy during my preps due to my illness (multiple sclerosis). He was very patient with me and listened to my feedback. He isn’t just my coach, he is my mentor and friend. He encouraged me throughout my prep and was very transparent when I needed it. He cared for my well-being. At the end of the day, he is the epitome of great coaching!
Kezia Mullen
Overall Open Figure Champion
First Place Open Figure ...
Kezia Mullen
KyFitnessCoach
I started working with Steve back in May of 2018 after running into him at my wife's figure competition. He had reached out to me about competing in the Kentucky Open and after a few days to think it over, I agreed. I had entered into a 16-week prep starting at 12% body fat and ended at that show at 5.8%, taking 1st in Open Light Heavy Weight Bodybuilding, 1st and Overall in Novice Heavy Weight Bodybuilding at my very first show!? Having taken 2nd in my overall open division, I knew I wasn't done yet and could get even better and decided to continue my prep for the Kentucky Muscle in October. Steve and I worked harder to get my body fat into the mid 4% range, brought my legs in more, and was able to get myself a lot tighter and dryer at this show, as we knew ...
Chadd Tyler
KyFitnessCoach
At 48 years old I found myself at nearly 350 lbs on my 6’ 2” frame, with elevated blood sugars and knees that could not lift me from a chair without a struggle. The weight gain did not happen over night, but over a span of 15 years. Sure, I’d tried to lose weight, only to fail and gain more back. I decided something dramatic had to change or I would find myself with serious health conditions by the time I was 50. (Looming fast) I was not going to let that occur.
I made up my mind to not go on a diet, but rather, change my eating habits to a regimen I could maintain the rest of my life. I focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and unprocessed foods in general. I knew exercise must be a key part of this plan - So forward I moved. ...
Christopher Roszman