Trainer Spotlight: Nick Guzek

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Nick Guzek to the Balance team as the Assistant Personal Training Director at Glover Park! Nick brings over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, and began his fitness journey training as a competitive bodybuilder, but now competes in obstacle course races. Read on to learn more about Nick, and send him an email to schedule a free personal training consultation with him!

Name: Nick Guzek

Occupation: Assistant Personal Training Director, Balance Gym Glover Park

Hometown: Forest, VA

Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your fitness background?  

I attended George Mason University where I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology in December 2014. After that, I hiked 2,650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and then moved to Blacksburg, VA where I ran my own personal training business called Brick by Brick Fitness. I moved to DC last July with my girlfriend and absolutely love living here! I began working out when I was 13 and competed as a bodybuilder starting my senior year of high school and throughout college.

How did you get started with fitness training/teaching? 

I began coaching my friends in college and I was always writing programs for family members. I loved watching people progress towards their goals! Throughout college, I interned with multiple D1 programs and private fitness facilities and decided I preferred working in the private sector specifically group strength and conditioning. Luckily I landed a job right out of school doing exactly what I loved to do!

What do you think are the most beneficial things about personal training, and how can people benefit from Balance’s personal training program?

Accountability! So many people rely on having that session scheduled and knowing their trainer is waiting for them which forces them to make it to the gym. Training at Balance is awesome because all of the trainers have such different backgrounds and specialties. There is a trainer for everyone and everyone’s different motivation tastes.

Tell us about your training style? What are your favorite kinds of workouts (either to do for yourself or with others)?

My training style is a combination of the big foundational movements (squat, press, deadlift, carries) that have been proven to work, with a mix of functional accessory work, and always ending with conditioning (or as I like to call it, mental toughness training) and mobility.

Since most of my clients are coming in 2-3x/week I like to do full body circuits so they get the strength benefits but keep their heart rates high because they never really stop moving. I’m constantly trying new styles of training, but currently, I’m on a Push/Pull routine 4x/week: Squat/Bench on one day, Deadlift/Row on the other.

What are some of your gym must-haves? (can be gear, clothing, snacks, etc.)

I’m pretty basic when it comes to gym gear. Coffee before I workout is a must. Not all shoes are made for lifting, the flatter the shoe the better, so I always like to be wearing either my Nike Metcons or Reebok Crossfit’s.

What’s your favorite healthy meal or snack (to cook at home or to eat on the go)?

My favorite healthy on-the-go snack is Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It sounds gross, but I swear they’re awesome, full of protein and healthy fats and very paleo/low carb friendly. Personally, I do intermittent fasting during the week, eating all my calories between 12-8pm. I eat pretty basic: protein, healthy fat, and veggie at every meal.

How do you suggest people fit working out into their busy schedules?

The best way to find time to workout is to actually schedule it in your calendar. A lot of people like to just guess on a time that might work, but then clear their workout as soon as something else, “more important” comes up. Schedule it in either with a trainer or like it’s any other non-negotiable appointment and get to the gym! Figure out if you’re better off training in the morning or evening and stick with that. Whatever time you’ll actually work out is the best time.

What suggestions do you have for people who are new to fitness/working out?

Take your time! Don’t rush and try a bunch of different methods once. Stick to one for at least 4 weeks, see if you progress and then make a change if needed. There are so many workouts, programs, and diets online it can be absolutely overwhelming. Experiment with one, track your progress and then make adjustments. Also, if weight loss is your goal, don’t only use the scale. Track your progress by how your clothes fit, before/after pictures, and your mood and energy levels.

What are your favorite things about Balance? Why do you love working here?

The people at Balance are awesome! I’ve only been here a month and feel right at home! It’s the perfect blend of all fitness levels and types of training. The facilities are also extremely well equipped, I’ve got more stuff to use on client’s than I can think of.

Complete this sentence: #BalanceLife is: striving towards your fullest potential mentally and physically while still enjoying and loving life!”

Anything else you’d like to add?

You are stronger than you think. The absolute best part of my job is watching people achieve things they never thought they could do!