We have such amazing news to share with everyone.  This past week we spent a week in Wailea, Hawaii which was so amazing.  One evening while watching the sunset before dinner i suprised Diana by asking her to marry me.   We had the most incredible view from our hotel.  We stayed at the Fairmont Kai Lani signature series room.  Was the perfect setting.  I was so nervous , not because I didnt know what she was going to say but because its a very emotional thing to do if any guy has done it you understand what Im saying.  You visualize in your mind what you want it to be like and you want it to be something your partner remembers forever and you try to make it as special as possible.  I had asked her father a few weeks prior to leaving for Hawaii, I found the right about 1 week before leaving then came up with the idea for how I was going to propose.  Its very hard being Diana and I are together 24 hours a day to suprise her, I didnt know her ring size, what style right she liked. 

Diana and I met in Fall of 2007 at the Mr. Olympia which is a huge Fitness expo in Las Vegas, Nv.  We were both at the point of our lives that we were single and not really looking for love but the minute we met it just felt like it was meant to be.  A few months later she moved to Kansas City and we have been together 24 hours a day since.  We work together building Hitch Fit, we live together and any activity we do is together.  We honestly wouldnt want it any other way.   We feel so blessed to have found one another and so thank for all the close friends and family. 

The one thing I can tell you is that you deserve to be happy.   When you meet the right one you will know

Micah LaCerte and Diana Chaloux

www.hitchfit.com

Micah Lacerte known by many as “Hitch”, a Health and Fitness professional who has achieved major life
accomplishments through commitment, dedication, and training. As you will read below in our interview
Micah went through a rough period in his life, he was faced with a terrible unforeseen circumstance that
might have caused anyone else to give up all together. Micah fought the negative mentality of just letting
go and started to train hard and trained harder than ever because he knew this was the only way for him to
get back to where he wanted to be. Contrary to “possible” belief, Micah has not always looked as
“Healthy” (haha) as he looks now; he was actually very skinny as a teenager, but started to exercise at a
young age. Micah has been exercising for years and has accomplished this all naturally by sticking to a
healthy diet, exercising, and later on in life also eliminating any and all negativity.

R: Hey There Micah, Thank you so much for taking the time out of your crazy schedule for this interview.
M: You are very welcome. I’m excited to share my story in hopes to motivate and inspire others.

R: So Micah you also go by the nickname “Hitch”, I’m sure everyone is wondering as well; where did the
nickname “Hitch” come from?
M: Haha, I get this question all the time. Well back when I first got on Myspace I wanted to use
more of a nickname like many others were using. My best friend used to call me Hitch after the
Movie came out because I had hooked up so many of my buddies with their future wives. He used to
say I was the Hitch of fitness giving people hope again. I started using it on Myspace and then I was
known at Hitch. I would actually be in other cites and people would say “hey aren’t you Hitch from
Myspace?” Funny stuff.

R: HaHa!! Oh, I see, well the name sure suites you well, the “Hitch” of fitness! So tell me a little about
yourself and your background?
M: I was born in Kansas City, I am an only child raised by my mother. We moved all over when I
was a kid. I lived in San Diego, Seattle, North Carolina finally moving back to Kansas City to
graduate high school and college. I graduated with a Business marketing degree but shortly after
college realized my passion was in fitness and helping others. I started modeling on the side to make
extra money and figured I worked so hard in the gym I wanted to one day be in a fitness magazine.
In 2004 I got my big break and landed a TV reality show called Manhunt. It was similar to
America’s next top model but for men, Carmen Electra was the host. I got cut pretty early in the
show for being too much of a fitness body but through the show I got some great connections, which
got me my first fitness cover on Men’s Workout in 2005. Since then I have been featured in over
fifty (50) national magazines including, Muscle and body cover alongside Jennifer Nicole Lee,
Muscle and Fitness, Exercise and Health, Men’s Workout, Exercise for Men, Physique, Status, etc. I have also been on
three (3) TV reality shows, Manhunt, Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency and Split Ends. One thing
I have always remembered is to stay humble and if you want something bad enough go for it. Just
recently I competed at the WBFF World Championships where I placed 8th in Fitness Model and
shoot with Status, Inside Fitness, and Maximum Fitness. I opened hitch Fit gym here in Kansas City
and a Hitch Fit Online program where I have over 150 clients in 25 different countries worldwide which just recently got voted #1 Online Personal training System in the World. I stay super busybut love what I do, waking up everyday knowing I am helping people. That is whereI find my happiness and energy!! 

R: Congrats on your many great accomplishments, and we will go back to them a little late. I know you
went through a tough period in your life due to some unforeseen circumstances that occurred; tell me a
little about that, what happen?
M: In 2005 soon after my Men’s Workout cover came out I was at the peak of my career. I had some
huge opportunities in La and was considering moving there. My mother and I were driving to the
airport one day and a man’s latter had fallen off the back of his truck. We had to swerve to get out
of the way and ended up running into another truck. Within days I was unable to tie my shoes. I
had gotten major whiplash from my lower back all the way up to my neck. I could NO longer
workout and was going to the chiropractor about 4 times a week for 5-6 months. In that period of
time I lost over 35 lbs of muscle. It was the most depressing time of my life. I had everything then
suddenly it all vanished. I started living a lifestyle that was not good… staying out late, drinking, and
eating badly to pillow the depression.

R: Wow Micah, that’s quite a horrible situation to deal with, it must have been scary for everything to
vanish at the blink of an eye, literally. About how long after did you decide you wanted to make positive
changes in your lifestyle?
M: It was about one (1) year after the accident that I got an unexpected phone call from a friend in
La. She told me that Jennifer Nicole Lee and I were on the cover of Muscle and Body magazine.
This was the spark I needed and trust me I went full force. I woke up the next day and looked in the
mirror. I remember telling myself that today is the first day I take control again, cut every negative
out and get my life back. So that is exactly what I did. I worked super hard to get my body back and
started marketing myself again. It’s hard living in Kansas City and making it on the national level
but I did what I had to do to make things work. That truly helped me to be who I am today.

R: You came back, and stronger than ever! What goals did you set for yourself once your decided to make
a change?
M: I had one goal… Cut everything negative out. I knew that, that in itself would open up all the
doors again.

R: That was a great idea, cut out all the negativity in your life. What made you change your life and want
to accomplish these goals?
M: Knowing that at any minute I could lose everything. Going through that uncontrollable event
opened my eyes up to how valuable our lives really are. You must live each day being humble and
working hard to help others because at any given minute you may no longer be here. I just have
been so blessed with the opportunities that have come out of all this and my life is now surrounded
around giving back to those that are in similar situations as I was.

R: Would you say your motivation was intrinsic or extrinsic and what were they?
M: I would say more intrinsic because I had to work from within opposed to externally. Obviously I
wanted to get my body back but it first took getting my mental state and lifestyle back. My
motivation was just being the happy, healthy person I once was.

R: Good for you, you know intrinsic motivation is worth much, much more than extrinsic, because like u
said it comes from a motivation within. What type of physical training did you engage in to reach your
goal?
M: I put my body through things that many people cannot withstand. When I get in focus mode I do
some pretty crazy things. People want to assume I was born with the body I have or had to take
steroids to get here, but when they meet me and see how I live and train they start to understand how
I became the way I am. I love pushing my body through extreme weight training and aerobic
training to get it to another level.

R: So wait a min… You weren’t born (we’ll call it) as “Healthy” looking as you look??? HaHa!! So would
you say you also had to engage in some mental training in order to reach your goal?
M: Haha! Well, in every transformation it must first start mentally. It’s all the choices outside the
gym that cause you to fail or succeed.

R: Very true. You cut out certain things, situations, places, jobs, and people out of your life in order to
make positive changes in your life, tell me about that.
M: Well I was fully aware of what I was doing wrong because I once lived a lifestyle that was right
but for those that only know one way to live they must cut out things that hold them back from
succeeding. Those people in my life that were there for a season (as I call them) needed to go, the
ones that only were around when they needed a buddy to go drink with, needed to go! The bad
lifestyle had to go, no more late nights and eating bad foods. I quit everything negative and cut
everyone. You at times feel alone but it’s what you must do to get your life to a place of peace and
health.
R: What do you feel was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?
M: The only obstacle anyone has is thyself. If you get control of your choices and make the right
choices there is nothing that can hold you back.

R: Did you have any mental obstacles to overcome as well? How did you overcome them?
M: Yes mentally I was depressed, I looked in the mirror and hated what I looked like and hated the
way I was living. It was a snowball of negativity that had consumed me. I took control again telling
myself daily that I was in control and I was happy. In time I was back where I was, from that point I
wanted more and went for it.

R: You were back to the good’ol Hitch! Did you train on your own or did you have a partner? If so, what
value were they to you?
M: I train on my own. It is my time of the day that I had ME time. I can focus on releasing stress
and bettering myself, so I choose to train alone.

R: I agree, I personally like to train alone as well, too many distractions when training with others. How
did they help you both physically and mentally?
M: Haha! Does it count that I talk to myself when I train? It may sound weird to those who have
brothers and sisters but us only-child kids talk to ourselves. During workouts I push myself by
talking to myself… I know it sounds strange but it works for me.

R: HaHa!! Hey, whatever works for you, and it looks like it sure is working!! Was there a point that you
felt like you just wanted to give up during training? If so, how did you overcome this?
M: No, I never gave up, it is my time of the day that I focus on nothing else but myself and is a huge
part in keeping myself balanced physically and mentally.

R: What would you say kept you motivated throughout?
M: Knowing that the harder I worked the harder others would work. If I could instill strength in
others through my hard work then I was succeeding!!

R: What were some thoughts that you had during a low point while attempting to accomplish this goal?
M: That I never wanted to be at this point again. The pain, the mental letdown and the everyday
struggle, reassured myself that the work I was putting in would get me away from that dark point.

R: How easy or how difficult was this goal for you?
M: It was a struggle because when I started training again, I only remembered myself being the way
I was. I would out weight on the bench press or squat and was nowhere close to what I once was.
This in time only pushed me harder and harder.

R: Yes, that must have been a bit of a struggle to overcome. Tell me how fitness has improved your
quality of life for the better?
M: Fitness is my life 100%; every choice I make is about bettering my life and influencing people to
do the same. Without fitness and healthy living I would not be the same person.

R: Did you ever think, as a youngster, that you would be engaged in this type of physical and mental
challenge?
M: I was always competitive but I never thought I would be at the level I am now, I not only
surprised myself but I have surprised all my friends and family.

R: How did you stay focused and committed to your goal?
M: I only know one way of living and focus… and that is always giving 100%!

R: What does ‘dedication’ mean to you?
M: Dedication to me is to be willing to give up every single negative in your life to better your life.

R: That’s certainly dedication! Tell me about the moment that you realized you had met your goal. What
was going through your mind?

M: The first time I got in a magazine I was so excited, I think I may have cried, I was so excited. I
wanted that feeling to last forever. All that hard work had paid off. Over time it was more about
everyone else rather than it being about me, because being in magazines means I am inspiring others
to get in shape.

R: You are a great inspiration to many! Tell me about all your achievements? What have you done since
then? What are you doing to motivate and educate others in health & fitness?
M: Well I started back up in the summer of 2007 and since then have been featured in Muscle and
Fitness three (3) more times, in the French edition of Muscle and Fitness, multiple other magazines
and TV reality shows, but most importantly I found my purpose in life. I have the gift of inspiring
and motivating so I do everything I can to help as many people as I can.

R: Back then (in your younger years) did you ever think in a million years you would look like this and
would be doing what you do now? (Personal trainer, fitness model, life coach)
M: As a kid I would watch Jean-Claude Van Damme movies and that’s who I wanted to be and look
like. As I built my body I would get people saying I looked like Van Damme, it was funny. I never
knew in a million years I would be in the place I am but I am very thankful to be in this position.

R: Yes, you do look like Mr. Van Damme! Haha! Well I do want to congratulate you on your book, DVD,
recent opening of your own personal training/fitness center “Hitch Fit”, and your many accomplishments.
What other goals do you have for yourself in the near future?
M: Well I want to expand more with the Hitch Fit online and Hitch Fit gyms. I am looking to
franchise a few more Hitch Fit gyms nationally and plan on writing another book soon. The one
thing I love about my job and life is that everyday new doors open with opportunities. It makes
waking up everyday awesome.

R: Great! What is your plan on achieving these new goals?
M: I just take one day at a time. Like any goal I set small goals to achieve my big goals. One step at
a time…

R: That is actually a GREAT strategy in order to accomplish goals; small goals which lead to achieving the Big goal

R: Awesome! Some final thoughts from Micah…
M: In life we go through ups and downs. Succeeding is not all about what we have or what we make
but who we are inside. Do the best in your life to make the best choices you can and work hard.
Once you reach your level of success give back to those that need the same guidance you once needed.
Last but not least if you have a dream and you have passion NEVER GIVE UP!!!

R: Great words!! Micah Thank you so much for your time!! 
M: Thank you so much for the opportunity I hope you have a great day!!!

Micah LaCerte- Personal trainer/Life Coach/Lifestyle coach
www.hitchfit.com

www.hitchfitgym.com

Make sure to add us on Face book www.facebook.com/hitchfit

Add your Comments to Hitch Fit Inspirational Wall- http://hitchfit.com/micahhitchfit-com/2010/03/25/nutrition/hitch-fit-online-personal-training-inspirational-wall/

See Jared got SHREADED in 10 weeks- http://hitchfit.com/micahhitchfit-com/2010/02/11/before-afters/shreaded-abs-with-hitch-fit/

Exciting News to Share with you.  1 on 1 and Online Hitch Fit Personal Training Clients Gwen and Greg are featured for their Hard work in the New Kansas City Fitness Magazine , You may recognize the Cy Young Winner Zach Greinke on the Cover.  Both of these clients did an amazing job having 2 different start points and overall goals but both of them not only reached their goal, they smashed them.  Gwen Came in 8 weeks after having her beautiful baby and wanted to get her body back.  In only 3 months she dropped 13% bodyfat and over 20lbs .  She finished at 115 lbs, 15.31% bodyfat and the best shape of her life.  This is proof that you can get your body back after having a child.  You have to work hard and live a healthy lifestyle but it can be done.  Gwen looks amazing!!!

Greg came in as a hardgainer wanting to add muscle and see his abs for the first time in his life.  I am very proud of him because I understand being a hardgainer myself how hard and how much disipline you must have with training and consuming enough food to add muscle.  In only 3 months greg got down to an amazing 5.63% bodyfat and gained some solid muscle.   Greg is in the best shape of his life.  Look at those 6-Pack Abs. In the future he plans on possibly competing in a fitness model or bodybuilding compitition. Greg amazing work buddy..

Awesome High Intensity Workout to try

50 Reps Leg Press http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP4cTUW1W58

100 Reps of Leg Extension http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMEJBLTEAWc

250 Reps of Calf Raises http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYOWQYTMrno

Mary loses 40 lbs of fat at 50 years old
http://hitchfit.com/micahhitchfit-com/2010/03/17/before-afters/50-year-old-mary-loses-40-lbs/

Craig’s 6 pack abs
http://hitchfit.com/micahhitchfit-com/2009/12/30/before-afters/man-gets-ripped-abs/

Add my Facebook Hitch Fit Fan Page

http://www.facebook.com/hitchfit

In life we all are inspired by someone well this person who I have the honor of speaking about is a very inspirational figure in the fitness industry. He has been a top fitness model in the industry for the last several years now. He has been published in some of the biggest magazines in the world such as Muscle and Fitness, Exercise and Health, Status Fitness, Inside Fitness etc. He has also has been on 4 covers but this is only a fraction of what he has accomplished in his career.

This top Fitness model has a very successful personal training company called Hitch-Fit which is based out in Kansas City, Missouri. He has changed so many people’s lives in helping them get fit. His business continues to get positive raves in the Kansas City community and is considered one of the top personal training businesses in Kansas City. I would like to introduce to the readers of physique magazine my good friend and top fitness model and trainer Micah “Hitch” La Certe.

Obi: Micah, It is a pleasure to get the opportunity to interview you for Physique Magazine which is the only bodybuilding magazine in Dubai. How does it feel to be featured in the only bodybuilding magazine in Dubai?

First off i want to thank Physique Magazine for the opportunity. Getting my word out worldwide about health and fitness is my main goal and passion. Its amazing to be able to reach a audience so far away, being able showing Dubai who Micah LaCerte is and and inspiring people all over the world to do more in their lives.

Obi: Micah, you’ve been in over 40 magazines domestically and internationally from my research. How does someone get the opportunity to do that? That is an incredible achievement and sounds like a lot of photo-shoots my friend.

I started working out when I was 18 years old. I was always a skinny kid growing up so initially i started working out because i wanted to get bigger. Little did I know years later I would apprear on national magazine covers. Im from Kansas City which is a small place and fitness modeling is non existant here. The biggest struggle was getting my images in front of the people who could make things happen. I got my big break by landing a tv reality show called Manhunt that was shot in Los Angeles. Soon after the show I reconnected with one of the producers of the show and he gave me the first contact to a photographer that helped me land the cover of Mens Workout in 2005. From that I kept making contacts and built my online presence. I have been modeling now for 6 years within that period of time i would estimate I have shot near 10000 images or more. The main thing i wanted to achieve was to learn how my body worked and to become very comfortable in front of the camera. When you first get into the industry you have to first realize that it takes time to be one of the guys you see in the magazines. There are many guys out there that never get in the mags or become successful with it because they give up to soon or may not meet the right connection. If you want to become a fitness model my advise to you Follow your Dream, never let anyone hold you back and never give up

Obi: Micah, What is your training regimen to maintain all that muscle you carry in the offseason? I know you are much bigger in the offseason and I am sure the readers would want to find out your diet and training regimen in the offseason.

Yes my offseason is about 15-20lbs heavier. In shoot shape im about 195-200 at 3-5% bodyfat and off season im 210-220 at 7-9% bodyfat. It takes me about 2-4 weeks to get in shoot shape. I personal train 55-65 hours a week and have over 150 clients online so staying super ripped year round is very hard for me to do so i use the foods I consume as energy. Typically when you are super lean you are also much lower in energy. When im bulking I take in about double the amount of calories and carbs then I do during shooting or comp shape. I do very little cardio during bulking or offseason cause my main goal is to hold more muscle so that when I do lean down again i come in bigger and more ripped. I am a hardgainer so putting on mass is more difficullt for me then getting lean. I have to consume large amounts of food everyday to add size on. If i lived in Los Angeles or New York and was shooting non stop I would stay in tip top condition but now I focus more on my training business and helping others. I shoot for mags now about 4-6 times per year the rest of my time is focused on building or maintaining muscle. As far as my workouts go when I am training for size I lift much heavier, take more rest. When Im leaning down i incorporate sprinting and high intensity training such as Tabata Intervals. I workout 5-6 days per week for about 60 minutes a session

Obi: How important is working out to you? Do you ever give your body rest and take time off? What is the longest time you’ve taken off from the gym because you wanted to?

Since the age of 18 I have not taken longer then 3 days off from the gym other then if I got sick or a uncontrollable situation. The gym is my life now and working out is nothing but positive return. You feel better, you look better and its a great stress relief. Taking rest is important but recovery happens if you are sleeping well and eating right. You recover quicker and you are ready to hit that muscle group again!!!

Obi: Obviously we know the name of your gym is called Hitch-Fit. How did you come about this name Hitch-Fit for your business and what it does it mean?

Hitch was a Nickname I was given to by my best friend, Nolan. When the movie Hitch came out he said I was the Hitch of fitness. I would give people hope when they felt there was no hope. I have had some amazing client transofrmations and helped changed peoples life for the better. I teach a lifestyle, its more than fitness and eating right, its about making the right choices day in day out that will help you succeed in anything you do. I started using it as a Alias on myspace more as a joke then anything a few years ago, little did I know Hitch would become my brand name.

Obi: You’ve been one of the most influential people in Kansas City in terms of your involvement with health and fitness. How does it feel when one of your clients says you changed my life and I am inspired by you?

I get very emotional when a client transforms. I go through all the pain and struggles through their journey with them. I get see them fight through it and finish the transformation looking and feeling great. There is no better feeling in the world for me then to help someone in this way. I really feel I was born to do what I am doing. I work very hard to be the best I can be and inspire as many people in Kansas city and worldwide as I can and will continue to do this for the rest of my life. I feel I have been as successful as I have because I practice everything I preach. I teach people my lifestyle and help them implement it into their life. Some people I never get to meet in person but transformations have happened all over the world because i try and instill belief and confience in a person again so they can battle through their struggle and help them reach their goals.

Obi: We hear that you recently opened up your own gym in Kansas City for your business. How has that transition been for you and how has it helped your personal-training business?

It is always scary opening a business at a time of such ecomomic struggle but I was very confident that Hitch Fit would be successful. Since day 1 both Diana and I have been non stop. We have been featured on NBC news locally, did a biggest loser challenge with 5 contestants which in 6 weeks lost 65 lbs total. Diana and I were on the covers of a fitness magazine here in kansas city and featured as top 100 people shaping up Kansas City. In 2010 we are working with a local radio station and plan on doing more charity work. One of my main goals is starting Hitch Fit Kids all geared for families and children teaching then nutrition and working out. We are dealing with great increases in obesity and its 100% controllable with the right education. I just recently hired on another train James Hanton who has been a great asset to Hitch Fit and another piece of the puzzle that will help transform even more people. The great thing about having my own place is I can do things exactly how I want to do them. Its about the client and transforming them.

Obi: Micah, What is your diet training regimen when you are not at home and you are out of town and you don’t have access to a gym? Could you explain to the readers how you are able to still workout if you can’t find a gym and you are confined to a hotel room?

Its funny I am soon going to right a blog about this one. When I am out of town I bring a majority of my food with me. All my protein, blender other supplements and make enough food for 1-2 days. I always bring one bag thats full of all my foods and supplies When I get to my hotel I try to find a local grocery store to go get all the food I need. If I do go out to eat I still make sure to eat the healthy foods. If I do not have a gym to go to then I workout in my hotel room either with resistance bands that I may have brought or make up a workout I can do with movements such as pushups, crunches, dips, shoulder circles, lunges, squats, jumps, jumping jacks, high knees. Key when you are on the road is to make the right choices with foods and to get workouts in , even 30 minutes in a hotel room works great

Obi: Micah you are still very young in the fitness industry which gives your fans in the industry to still see you do some exciting things. Do you have any fitness modeling projects you are working on?

I just recently got the opportunity to be a Writer and Blogger for Status Fitness Magaizine. That Im sure will open huge doors of helping others and possible photoshoots. I will be attending the Arnold Fitness Expo in March of 2010 and will shoot for a few different magazines there. I love shooting because the magazine exposure inspires others to follow their dreams.

Obi: Where do you see yourself 5 to 7 years from now in this fitness industry?

In the next few years I plan on franchieing Hitch Fit Nationally and moving to Hawaii and opening up shop there. Waking up everyday to beach and helping people get in great shape. I cannot wait. Being in the magazines allows me to share my word, my goal is to help as many people as I can and insipre then to become more. I will take every good opportunity that comes my way and wake up everyday trying to become more as a person and a inspiration.

Obi: Do you have any last things to say to your fans and friends reading this feature interview?

I just want to thank my firneds, family and fans for all their positive support. I want to thank my clients for working so hard and showing me that what I am doing has helped change their life. Something I always tell people is once you have control of your choices you have control of your life, from there anything is possible. You want something bad enough make the best positive choices you can day in day out and work as hard as you can to reach your dreams. Again thank you for this great opportunity. You can follow me at
www.hitchfit.com or www.hitchfitgym.com
Micah LaCerte
micah@hitchfit.com

Micah it really was an honor to interview you as you’ve helped out so many people get in great shape through hitchfit. You are one of the most inspirational fitness models in the industry and a very good person that I can call a friend. Physique Magazine wishes you much success in your career. Thank You so much for sharing your story with us Micah!

Photo Credits: Andre Deloach, Will Patterson and David Bickley

Interview: Obi Obadike

Tabata Interval Training. This will have you leaving the gym feeling like you got ran over by a truck!!!

Enjoy

http://statusfitnessmagazine.com/check-my-new-article-about-tabata-interval-training-new-status-intense

www.hitchfit.com

www.micahlacerte.com

www.hitchfitgym.com

www.statusfitnessmagazine.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfksfMIXSn4

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KhtQZ9YmBo