"My name is Nick Lavery. I come from a very athletic and physical background. I was a three sport athlete in high school (football, basketball, lacrosse) and went on to play football at the collegiate level. When not training with my team, I would work out in your typical commercial gym with a standard training program. After college, I continued my training and felt it was going okay, but knew I wanted more results, I wanted to be bigger, and stronger.
I began training with Paul, and to be honest, I thought I was in pretty good shape at the time, boy was I wrong. After just a few short weeks I realized that I was not even close to my maximum potential, and had some tough days ahead of me. Paul changed the way I viewed training. It became more than just lifting weights. My diet, my organizational structure, what I was doing in the gym, when, and how are just some samples of the topics covered by Paul. I grew from approx. 220lbs to approx. 295lbs over the course of 3 years. The entire time I stood at 6'5" and remained around 8% body fat. And to put it lightly, I was as strong as a BULL!!
Soon after, I decided to fulfill my lifelong desire to join the military. I knew that I couldn't show up to Basic Training in my current physical condition and had some serious work ahead of me. I sat down with Paul roughly 16 weeks prior to my report date and we talked about the situation and what we had to do to get me to where I needed to be physically. Getting right to the point, I showed up to Basic Training weighing 255lbs at 5%bodyfat. I maxed every Physical Training test that was ever given to me with ease and I'm pretty sure scared the hell out of every Drill Sergeant there.
Consequently, I entered the SFQC (Special Forces Qualification Course). The long road of physical and mental tests and challenges one must endure in order to become a Green Beret, arguably the most elite military soldier in our world's history. Again, I talked to Paul. We talked about what needed to be done, and how I needed to again alter my training protocol in order to keep my body in the proper condition.
Although the specifics behind this course are classified, I can say without question, that it is the most physically challenging experience of my life. Paul's training guidance allowed me to not only remain relatively injury free but also give me the physical tools needed to graduate the course as the Distinguished Honor Graduate, an award reserved for the very best of its graduating class.
I stand where I am now with great thanks and appreciation to Paul and what he has given me. I have no doubt... without him... I would not be where I am today."
SSG Nicholas C. Lavery - U.S. Army 3rdSFG (Airborne) Ft. Bragg NC
