It's hard to summarize in just a few paragraphs what an incredible journey I have just experienced with Cabel. Coming from a family with a history of eating disorders, I knew I needed help from a professional to keep myself on the right track and not fall into the same problems other family members have experienced.

I had hit my plateau about a year and a half earlier and was ready to give up with training because I wasn't getting the results I was really after. I'm very competitive and like to push myself to the limit, so it was time to make some changes and enter into another chapter of my life. That's when I made my first phone call to the highly recommended Cabel. I met with him for the first time in January 2005 seeking his help to push me over my plateau - it was the best phone call I could have ever made!! Always being an "athletic" girl - the big legs from tap dancing, playing volleyball and baseball - I had yet to be satisfied with the way I looked, constantly feeling bulky and only 5'3!!
Having been a fan of the sport of fitness for numerous years and having the dance background that I do, I made the decision to finally take the plunge and give it a try. Just meeting Cabel I instantly knew I was going to enjoy working with this guy and be able to trust him 100%. Cabel is so full of life and energy, you can just feel his dedication and expertise the moment you meet with him.

I started dieting and training with Cabel on February 21/05 for my first fitness competition with a lot of excitement and a lot of fear. What if I can't follow this extremely strict diet? After all, I am an emotional eater, and a midnight snacker!! Cabel was so attentive to all the details - I never felt hungry and quickly learnt this was going to be more of a mental game/challenge for me that anything. The long hours at the gym were nothing compared to the mental training I was entering trying to teach my body and brain to eat because I'm hungry not because I'm feeling tired, stressed, sad etc....I carefully stepped on stage in Calgary on June 12 (those heels could kill somebody!!) and was instantly addicted!! I never thought I would make it all the way - in fact I know I couldn't have done it without Cabel. He was so encouraging and very inspirational every step of the way! I mean, here is a guy not only training and dieting myself and numerous other clients, he was dieting himself for his own competition!! There were days I would be in tears on the way to see him in the morning thinking I can't possibly eat another meal of chicken and beans and why did I not lose the 2 pounds I was supposed to lose this week? But the moment I stepped into Peak Fitness and saw Cabel sitting at the table waiting for me (I'm known to be late occasionally!) and to hear "so how are you feeling?" - the overwhelming whirlwinds would just calm themselves and remind me that this is why I'm here. I have someone sitting here at this table who truly believes I have it in me to finish this diet and training for another few weeks and live out a dream of mine to be able to step on stage and show what I've worked so hard for! I was extremely surprised and of course thrilled to have placed 4th that weekend (Just a note from Cabel, Phoebe was the only new athlete to make the top 5, and the those placing in the top 3 some or all have had national level experience in either fitness or figure.) - it was all worth it!!

Well, that wasn't the end either - Cabel suggested I compete in ladies bodybuilding in Red Deer the following week - once again, I'm glad I trusted him 100% and gave it a try! To my surprise I placed 4th again in the middle weight category and enjoyed every second of it! Cabel is the definition of a true professional. He is very considerate and always goes that extra mile for you. I can't thank him enough for what he's done for me - not only did he help me live out my dream of getting back on stage and performing (after 12 years), he helped lift my confidence, find my emotional strength and really take some time out for me. I've always felt guilty for taking the time to workout - that's family time I should've been at home with my son and husband - but through Cabel, I realized that I really love working out and making myself happy makes me a happier person at home too. When I feel this good - life really isn't all that tough!! I can face it one day at a time instead of trying to take it all on TODAY! Cabel, you are a true inspiration to many people, and you have helped transform so many lives. Thank you so much for taking this journey with me - I'm already thinking about next season!! I want to close with a few inspirational thoughts from "Successories"

The essence of discovery: sometimes great knowledge lies in the discovery of something we did not anticipate, something that enlightens us to a new perspective. Then we are changed and enriched. Real discovery is a stairway that requires our participation, and begs us to climb, and climb some more."

Phoebe Cross