2018 NPAA Magazine 2018 NPAA Magazine - This is Our Sport | Page 39

to help Melissa prepare for a fitness
show. There were several aspects
of the training and nutrition that I
would have to carefully consider
while working with Melissa. She
had worked hard in rebuilding her
body, but the simplest movements in
posing required endless repetition.
The body was strong, but her ability
to commit the posing to memory was
a real challenge. It was like creating
all new neural pathways. Verbal
prompts such as “right hand on hip”
didn’t compute for Melissa. It literally
required a hands-on approach
to develop that required muscle-
memory for her posing routine. As
the date for the NPAA drew closer,
Melissa’s hydration level had to be
carefully monitored. My normal
method during ‘peak week’ had to
be altered to ensure she was never
at risk due to dehydration. Melissa’s
physical conditioning would have to
be at her optimal level much earlier
in the preparation process. Her
drive, dedication and tenacity to get
to the stage was incredible. She
demonstrated incredible resilience
and was honored with the Heart
Award in May 2016. She has
continued to beyond expectations
and will be competing again with
the NPAA in 2017. Her long-term
health will always remain the utmost
importance as a recovering stroke
victim.
In the past few years, I’ve had the
opportunity to work with two NPAA
athletes both afflicted with Multiple
Sclerosis. I also lost a close family
member to the disease a few years
ago. Kara Johnson was diagnosed
with MS in 2011. She had several
symptoms relating from MS
including; numbness from the neck
down, tingling sensations, electric
shock syndrome through her legs
and loss of touch in her hands. Her
mantra of “progress not perfection”
fueled her desire into preparing for a
fitness competition. Kara’s nutrition
plan consisted of specific protein
sources including poultry and fish
rather than red meat, and healthy
levels of essential fats. These
choices worked well for the dietary
needs of individuals with MS. Stress
management techniques also helped
avoid any relapses in her medical
condition. Staying well hydrated
was again essential in managing her
overall health and adjustments were
tailored to her specific needs during
the final weeks of preparation for the
NPAA show. Kara was nominated
for the Heart Award in November
2016. She placed 3rd in Masters
Bikini Model and 5th in Masters
Fitness Model on that memorable
day.
As a fitness coach/trainer, I’ve
seen the importance of learning the
specific requirements of each client
and developing a program for their
individual needs. In working with
clients with unique challenges, I
have noticed one consistent trait;
exceptional drive, dedication and
perseverance.
These athletes
sometimes actually require a slight
tug on the reins and reminder of the
considerations of further physical
harm. Motivation has never been
lacking for these individuals. Each
of these ladies deserves our respect
for their effort in overcoming unique
challenges and seeing a goal
through to completion. For each,
the results of their journey can’t be
measured by the final placing in a
fitness show. It has always been
about finding sustainable methods
to live a healthy and happy life.
Lisa Schirok-Dardis
BPhyEd, AFLCA
Trainer/Coach – Schirok
Hard Bodies
38.