Paola Nielsen-Lensgraf who recently took 1st place in this year's NPC Knox Classic Bikini competition, co-owns MediSpa At Choto together with husband and business partner, Alan. She is a walking testimony of what can be accomplished when you make your health a priority and is proved that age is nothing but a number when she took first place in the Master Over 35 and the Open Class E categories, as well as second place in Miss Knox.
Paola has been in the healthcare and fitness industry throughout her adult life. She is passionate about skin care, beauty and whole-body health. Paola is a NASM certified nutrition coach and NASM certified weight loss coach at her MediSpa. Her background includes a degree in Business from the University of North Carolina – Asheville and working with companies like GE, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer among others. Her biggest desire is to help others embrace their outwardly appearance and live life to the fullest in health and contentment.
When asked about her recent win, why she wanted to compete and put herself and her body thru such stress, she responded, "It's not about looking perfect. It's about being the best version of yourself that you can be. I'm not in competition with anyone but myself. I want to see how far I can push my body and my mind. It's a challenge for me and it keeps my business mind sharp." Knowing that being healthy and fit means different things to different people, she went on to say, "I believe that being fit and healthy is all about your mindset. If you focus on a goal, make health your priority and do the work, everything will eventually fall into place. It's important to have a balance of physical activity, proper nutrition, quality sleep, stress management and good skin care."
When asked about her business, MediSpa At Choto, and how she balances being an entrepreneur with staying in shape and keeping up with her health, she said, "I'm very fortunate to have a business that I'm passionate about. It allows me the opportunity to work hard and play hard. If you make yourself a priority, you will find a way to fit it into your schedule."
"When I'm training, I'm 100% focused on my workout, it's the only time I have to focus on me and as my old coach Steve (Doc) Marks always said to me 'Train with your Brain'. Steve was a no-nonsense trainer and this is how I train my clients as well." Says Paola. "As the wellness coach Medispa At Choto I try to ingrain the message to my clients that Weight lifting can be for everybody. You will not get 'HUGE' unless you really want to and put in several hours a day. But for the average human being- who wants to lose body fat, get toned and be healthy- resistance exercise is a must. You will age better, feel better, have a better attitude and an overall better sense of being."
Paola is constantly striving to be her best and wants to help others do the same. Which is why she loves what she does at MediSpa At Choto. "Our goal is always to have each person that walks thru our door, whether they are here for a facial, seeking a major life change or just want to purchase product, leave feeling better than when they came in. And that they can't wait to come back."
When she's not working or working out, Paola loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, hiking, biking and paddle boarding. And of course, working out! "I'm a firm believer that if you don't use it, you lose it. So, I try to stay active as much as possible." So, what's next for this amazing woman? "I'm not sure. I feel like I'm just getting started! But whatever it is, I'll be giving it my all."
We can't wait to see what Paola does next and we know she'll continue to inspire us all to be the best versions of ourselves!