Name: Nicole Gunning
Birth Date: June 2, 1969
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 122lbs on-season  128lbs off-season
From: Flanders, New Jersey  USA
 
 
CONTEST HISTORY
2009 INBF Northeast USA* - 1st Place in Figure Tall & 5th Place in Fit Body
 *Awarded WNBF Pro card
2008 INBF Natural Northeast America - 2d Place in both Novice Figure & Fit Body
 
 
RFOS Q&A
 
How long have you been training?
Since Freshman year of High School. I was a runner and then moved into triathlons. I got into Bodybuilding seriously around 2006, but have been working as a trainer and group fitness instructor since 1996. I have always focused on both endurance and muscle conditioning. As I approach my 40s, I have chosen to stick with the weights as a bigger priority. Weights alter the physique more than endurance cardio. I have worked as the director of corporate fitness until opening my own Adventure Boot Camp business in 2006.
 
 
What would like to see done to help improve or promote the sport?
More events available and more sponsorships available to athletes.
 
 
What would you like to share about your last contest?
You must do it for yourself first and foremost and not put too much emphasis on winning, hard though that is. I do believe you must take it seriously and work hard. There are no shortcuts! You never know who may be working harder than you or wanting it more. Also, always be professional and respectful to all the other athletes around you. Each athlete gets to the stage their own way and yet each athlete is within the same 10% of conditioning at the competitor level. I find that fascinating. There are so many ways to get there.
 

 
Do you get negative comments from people with regard to your muscles?
No. The very best compliment I ever got was when someone said I was a "iron angel." I love that! Muscles are just the physical exterior, a façade of sorts; it is the mental strength and growth that really matters.
 
 
Have you ever surprised yourself with you own strength? Like you forgot you were THAT strong???
I sometimes think I am actually stronger than I am! But that is a good thing as it all begins in the mind. Think it and become it. Physical strength is one thing; mental strength is another thing altogether. I am humbled each day by the women around me who come to me for help. Many of them share stories of incredible internal strength. They give me true references of strength. My clients share with me their daily struggles that make me realize that there are many people out there so much stronger than I am in different ways. I learn from them and they learn from me. And I become more grateful.
 
 
How have you used your physical strength outside the gym, when it has come in handy?
For me, the physical strength helps me to be confident in all the other areas of my life. It also helps me to "walk the walk" when it comes to my business of Adventure Boot Camp or personal training. I wouldn't want to tell someone else to do something I wouldn't or couldn't do myself. I try to live by example as best I can. It isn't always easy but that is what helps me relate to my clients. I, too, also struggle sometimes.
 
 
Any message for fans?
A few of my favorite quotes: "Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." ... "Pain is just weakness leaving the body!" ... and "You can never out-train a poor diet."
 

 
What is the best way to contact you?
activenik@optonline.net
 
 
Where can you be found on the web?
http://www.MorrisCountyBootCamp.com - my training site
 
Checkout my video clips, coming soon:
http://youtube.com/user/workouts1
 
 
What else you would like to share?
I am an ACE certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, an LMA certified nutrition specialist and Apex Nutrition practitioner, and hold additional certifications in Pilates, cardio-kickboxing, spinning, and BodyPump. I am an AADP board certified holistic health and nutrition counselor certified through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in Manhattan, New York. And I hold a degree in exercise science.
 
With over 20 years experience, I train both men and women on a local basis. I train myself at Gold's Gym in Hackettstown, New Jersey. I am available for kids programs, boot camp, in-home training and competition prep/coaching. If you live in the Morris County, New Jersey and are serious about getting or staying in shape, contact me by email for information about programs and rates.
 
Special thanks to my posing trainer, Angela Mraz — 4-time World Champion.
 

 
I want to thank Brenda Petrakian for her fine photographs.