We recently connected with Noah Zimmerman and have shared our conversation below.

Noah, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

1. Whenever a person hires a personal trainer or nutritionist, they generally all have the same goal: to look better naked. “I want to have a six pack… I want to get shredded for summer… I want to tone up…” and that’s just naming a few of the many ways I hear that someone wants to work on the way they look.

Losing weight and fat is hard work. If it was easy, everyone would be ripped. And when the going gets tough, wanting to “have a six pack” is just not going to be enough to stay consistent. So I always play the “5 Whys” with my new clients.

My client Frank (fake name) started with me 6 months ago. His goal: to lose fat and tone up. He was surprised when I asked “Why?”

Frank: “Well… I’d like to fit into clothes I used to fit into.”

Me: “Why is it important to fit into those old clothes?”

Frank: “I have a lot I want to accomplish and I don’t feel my best or my most confident right now.”

Me: “Why can’t you accomplish what you want to before losing this weight?”

Frank: “My mom passed away last year and since then I have put on all this weight. I am wearing my grief, and I want to stop being reminded of it when I look in the mirror.”

And that is why YOU MUST figure out your why. As you can see, getting down deep to your why is going to be one of the key factors in being successful. So find your WHY. Whether it be setting a better example for your kids, wanting to see your grandkids graduate, being more attractive to your significant other, or moving through a painful memory… it’s important to know.

Noah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the health and fitness industry is deeply personal and shaped by multiple transformative experiences. A broken back, a subdural hematoma, and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; all significant health challenges that sparked my passion for understanding the intricate connection between nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.

As a personal trainer and nutritionist, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals who grapple with chronic inflammation achieve their goals without the need for extreme restrictions. My method, the Anti-Inflammation Reset Method, serves as a foundation for reducing inflammation and managing disease while embracing a sustainable lifestyle.
I firmly believe that health is a holistic journey, encompassing not only physical fitness but also mental well-being and nutrition. In my role, I provide personalized coaching and guidance to empower clients to cultivate sustainable habits, foster healthier relationships with food and themselves, and initiate lasting positive changes in their lives.

One of the main problems I aim to address is the confusion often surrounding health and fitness today. With advice and programs everywhere you look, it can be challenging to discern what genuinely works and is sustainable. My mission is to cut through the noise, offering evidence-based guidance meticulously tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

What sets my approach apart is my unwavering commitment to my clients’ well-being. I’m not here to promote quick fixes or generic solutions. Instead, I invest time to understand each client’s objectives, obstacles, and aspirations. Together, we craft a personalized plan that resonates with their lifestyle and preferences.
The transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients fill me with immense pride. Witnessing them grow stronger, enhance their health, and develop a sense of confidence and vitality is profoundly rewarding. It’s a testament to the potency of making sustainable changes and investing in one’s health.

Ultimately, I want people to recognize that my approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and a profound dedication to their well-being. Health is an ongoing journey, and I’m here to serve as a supportive guide, helping individuals not just attain their goals but also revel in the process of evolving into the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves. And most importantly, gaining trust with themselves to be able to do this on their own for the rest of their life!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience has been a defining theme throughout my life’s journey, and there are several moments that stand out. It all began during my freshman year of high school when I experienced a severe injury, breaking my back. This incident not only sidelined my athletic pursuits but also brought a great deal of physical pain and emotional turmoil. However, rather than accepting my body wouldn’t be the same, I decided to channel my determination and began an intensive year-long physical therapy regimen. It was an arduous process, but it gradually allowed me to regain my strength and mobility.

Two years later, life threw another curveball my way. I suffered from a subdural hematoma, a traumatic brain injury that required me to miss two months of school. Once again, I found myself in a position where my physical and mental resilience would be put to the test. Throughout my recovery, I leaned on the lessons I had learned during my previous injury and PT journey. It was a grueling period, but it reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance.

As if two major health challenges weren’t enough, my resilience was further tested during my senior year of college when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. This autoimmune disease brought with it a host of health complications and required significant adjustments to my lifestyle. Yet, rather than viewing it as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of health and wellness, both for myself and others.

I’m not superhuman. All of these moments were incredibly difficult. I dealt with a lot of depression and hopelessness. I added to my grief, but I realized that the only obstacles in my way were put there by me. “The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way” – Marcus Aurelius

These experiences have shaped me into the resilient individual I am today. And They’ve taught me that setbacks are not the end of the road; they are opportunities for growth and transformation. They’ve shown me that no matter how challenging the circumstances, a resilient spirit can overcome even the toughest obstacles. These lessons continue to guide me in my journey of helping others improve their health and happiness.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life came during my career as a project management consultant. Despite the stability and financial security it offered, I found myself increasingly unhappy and unfulfilled with the work I was doing.

So, I took a leap of faith and made a life-altering decision. I chose to quit my job and embark on a completely different journey. My new path led me to become a personal trainer and nutritionist. While I pursued these qualifications, I also took on various jobs, including working on an apple orchard and delivering food with Grubhub.

The pivot wasn’t easy. Entrepreneurship came with its own set of challenges, and there were moments when I questioned my decision. But what kept me going was the profound belief that I was now working the best job in the world. I had found my true calling – helping people improve their health and increase their happiness.

This journey taught me that pivoting isn’t just about changing careers; it’s about aligning your life with your passions and values. It’s about having the courage to step off a familiar path in pursuit of something more fulfilling. While the road was tough, the rewards have been immeasurable. Today, I wake up every day knowing that I’m making a positive impact on people’s lives, and that’s worth every step of the pivot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nz-fitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nszimmer
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nzfitnes
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahszimmerman/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTFTo8mAukLNyCo8Y4xgujLrZmcFiIuH8

Image Credits
Nick Walker Angel Castro