👋 Hi! Tell us about yourself and your training
My name is Nat Bardonnet, I am 45 years old, born and raised in Nice, France. I have been living and working in Los Angeles for 20 years now.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Science from North Carolina and a personal trainer certification.
I am also a martial artists, I have two black belts in Karate Shotokan and Tang Soo Do. I specialize in executive protection and weapons.
I have a passion for medicine, physiology, anatomy and nutrition.
Sports have always been a big part of my life, it s my happy place, my therapy.
⏱ Describe a typical day of training
I like to train women so I can lengthen their body while remaining sexy and feminine.
A typical day of training starts with a fresh squeezed lemon. If I have time I will swim 30 minutes, but usually walk my 5 lbs cutest teeth less rescue chihuahua.
Then off to training my clients mostly at their homes/gyms. I am passionate about my work, I customize my workouts to my clients’ need and together we make a great team.
I only train one-on-one. I strongly believe that each individual is different plus I want to make sure I give a 100% of my knowledge and attention. I am very technical, I bring energy to each session.
I like to mix explosive exercises with lengthening ones. For instance, I will do jumping squats and right after stationary lunges with the back foot on a step. Or burpees with a heavy med ball… I am a bit crazy and creative while keeping my technique. I like to train women so I can lengthen their body while remaining sexy and feminine. I trained Halle Berry from 2010 to 2016, have a look that s my work!
My favorite cardio for myself has been swimming otherwise running! Old school sweating, burning muscles, from a jog to sprinting to incline…just fun and effective.
👊 How do you keep going and push harder?
How do I keep going? Well, I am always doing research, reading books, using social media to learn more, create my own exercises and style. I think that is why I have been so successful. I keep it fresh and fun while remaining true to my technique.
With that said, I am human and had experience the loss of my 16 year old dog and I was down, I had no desire nor motivation.
I gave myself time to heal, cry and in time, slowly I got back on my feet.
Now I rescued this little guy and he often comes to work with me and lays down on my clients’ back while they do their plank! (IG @biloubigboy)
🏆 How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
Since March, we have all been forced to change our daily routine. No more gyms but there is so much we can do to stay active and healthy. Using a chair, a coffee table, a sofa, a wall…..be creative. Do a wall sit while you brush or teeth, squats while you are on the phone, push ups before you shower….
If I could turn back time, I would change nothing, trying everything was fun and made me more knowledgeable. I can understand why certain people like dancing, yoga, Pilates, boxing…. it is all great.
My advice to my younger self is be patient, be kind, and learn how to cook!
🤕 How do you recover, rest and handle injuries?
In my opinion, the best way to recover is a combination of stretching, epsom salt hot baths, foam roller or deep tissue massage, hydration and sleep.
I also use this wonderful cream BodyPro50 Harpago gel when I have an injury. I swear by it, cannot live without it!
I love sleeping, I sleep at least eight hours a night.
🍎 How is your diet and what supplements do you use?
No rice, no pasta, no dairy, no sugar, no flour…… stay away from anything in a box or ingredients you cannot recognize or pronounce.
I am 80% vegetarian . Let me explain, I am French! I grew up with fresh, organic, tasty home cooked meals.
I am also lactose intolerant, which is a blessing no ice cream, no cakes, no dairy…
I always tell my clients “nothing white”. No rice, no pasta, no dairy, no sugar, no flour…… stay away from anything in a box or ingredients you cannot recognize or pronounce.
On the other hand, live a little….a glass of wine here and there, a dessert, have a salad the next day!
Each color of fruits and veggies have vitamins and nutrients, vary each day. I do not take supplements unless I am traveling and need to boost my immune system.
I eat very healthy, eat rarely out and I feel great full of energy.
👍 What has inspired and motivated you?
My parents have been my mentors, 71 and 76 and they are so healthy and fit still! Every meal is cooked at home with fresh produces. We never ate fast food, sodas, oily, fried…
Also, having a sane life, finding balance, happiness is key for me.
I love my work so much, I laugh every day with my clients.
I know I am teaching them how to be better, healthier, stronger, sexier. And sharing all that with their spouse and children.
The best advice I’ve received: “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room!”
Always, always read, communicate, ask questions, try something new, don’t be afraid to ask when you don’t know or understand.
✏️ Advice for other people who want to improve themselves?
I wish people would take the time to invest in finding what is best for them. Is it spinning?
CrossFit? Running? Pilates? Yoga?…. Find what works for you! And what you enjoy.
Hire a trainer that understands you, challenges you, respects you and brings you the results you desire.
Not because he/she is cheaper.
Invest, try three to six months, learn from him/her. I always say “cheap comes out expensive”.
If you hire a trainer because he/she is inexpensive but you don’t get the results, you ll waste your money and time!
🤝 Are you taking on clients right now?
I have been a celebrity personal trainer for 13 years now in LA. I have been fortunate to have amazing clients, referrals, TV interviews, magazines around the world. Never know who I am going to train next. It is exciting!
I have my private gym and I go to my clients as they are VIP/celebrities, it is easier that way.
Common questions to me: Can I lift their butt? And make it smaller? Longer muscles? And yes I can!
I usually train my clients three or four times a week and with a good healthy food regimen, results are visible within five to seven weeks.
📝 Where can we learn more about you?
You can follow me on Instagram @natbardonnet
