
Nutrition, Training, and Contest prep consultation by
Layne Norton
Layne has the unique combination of understanding
‘in the trenches’ hardcore bodybuilding approaches while coupling
that with a broad scientific understanding of metabolism. Layne’s
thesis research in skeletal muscle protein metabolism makes him
uniquely aware of the complex regulations of muscle anabolic and
catabolic processes and their regulations by training and nutrition.
He has worked with many clients, including several people who have
won pro cards, and several pro natural bodybuilders.
Email For Pricing and Availability

Francisco Montealegre
Bodybuilding is my passion and before I decided to compete I had been training for many years building a foundation with the idea of entering a contest one one day. The day came in 2007 when I made the decision to do my first contest however I knew that I would need guidance because coaching in my opinion has an enormously important role in the athlete’s development. Finding the right Coach was a pretty easy task for me! …in my mind nobody could take the place of Mr. Layne Norton. His extensive knowledge in nutrition and training plus his experience with numerous other clients as a prep coach made him the ideal coach that would help me move in the direction I wanted to go. With only 6 weeks Layne was able to adjust my nutrition/workout plan and transform my body helping me win my first bodybuilding contest.
It’s been a few years now and I am still under Layne’s guidance. Thanks to him not only I have taken my physique to another different level but also I have achieved one of my lifetime goals; to become a Professional Natural Bodybuilder! Additionally, after winning my pro-card he pushed me to compete at my first pro-show where I was able to win my class! Certainly something that I never thought would be possible.
Now we are working toward some bigger plans and goals and I am sure that with his help, support and unmatched knowledge everything can be possible. Hiring Layne was the smartest decision I have made to propel my bodybuilding career. Anyone who is serious about bodybuilding should have a coach and there is no match for Mr. Layne Norton. Coach, thank you so much for all your help and support I am forever grateful to be part of your Team.
Francisco Montealegre
WNBF Pro
Ava Cowan
Working with Layne Norton was the single smartest decision I have made in competition career. I knew that I could get into shape for a show, but I wanted to do it in the
healthiest way possible. My previous methods were extremely difficult and I just knew there had to be a different way. I found Layne on Bodybuilding.com and began to do research on him, read his articles, and watch his videos. I felt very confident in his ability from an educational stand point as well as the fact that he was a Professional Natural Bodybuilder. When I saw striated glutes on a natural competitor, that sealed the deal for me. I contacted Layne, and we got to work. The biggest benefit was that I was able to select the foods that I wanted to eat. Being able to have more freedom with food choices in a competition diet makes me want to do more competitions! It was more tolerable mentally and emotionally than any prior preparation to date. Because of my experience I would and do highly recommend Layne.
I stepped on stage tighter, leaner and fuller with more muscle than I have ever had before. I would like to thank Layne for helping me be the best I could be and for helping me win the 2009 Figure Universe Overall Title.
Ava Cowan
Raphael Calzadilla
As a WNBF natural professional bodybuilder a goal that every competitor has is to place in the top 5 of a pro
show. In Sept 2008 at the KC Pro International I placed 4th in a highly competitive class. The thrill of breaking into that top 5 in a pro show was indescribable. I have Layne Norton to thank for getting me to a sensational level of conditioning. His nutrition strategy, unique way of manipulating cardio and his amazing quick responses to my email questions blew me away. Layne is immensely passionate about bodybuilding and places his clients' success at a higher level than even his own stage appearances. At the 2008 Mid-America show he told me the day of the show that he wasn't able to sleep the night before because he was so excited for his clients who were competing in the show. I don't think I'll ever forget that one comment from him. It is this type of passion and enthusiasm combined with his own brilliance for getting competitors stage ready that sets him apart from the pack. The bottom line is that Layne will not let you on stage until he helps you create your most perfect physique - and this applies to both male and female competitors. By the way, Layne helped me reach that top 5 status a month after my 51st birthday.
Raphael Calzadilla
WNBF Pro
Karen Halter
I met Layne for the first time in September 2007. I was competing in my first figure competition, the OCB Indiana Natural. Layne had a few clients also competing in that
contest. I ended up finishing 2nd (to his client) in that show. In November of that year I again ran into Layne when I competed at the OCB Midwest States in Dekalb Illinois. While doing that show, I was able to interact a little more with Layne back stage and watch how he worked with his team of clients that were competing that day. I decided that day that if I was serious about this sport, and I wanted to be at my best, I needed to hire the best. I knew that day that the best was Layne Norton.
I hired Layne right after Thanksgiving of 2007 and he led me into my off season. We discussed my weak and strong points and he created a program to bring me into the 2008 season the best I have ever been. I tend to have an all-or-nothing personality. Not only did Layne help me to make the physical changes necessary for me to succeed, but he also helped me find moderation in my life. Sometimes it’s hard to balance competition and “real life”. Although Layne is passionate about this sport, he also teaches that this is a hobby and there needs to be a balance. He is extremely supportive of his clients, but he also pushes you to be your best. The Team Norton concept of “ You will not outwork me” crosses over into other aspects of my life.
Layne and Team Norton pushed me to achieve my goals in the sport. I came into all my shows even better then the show before. With Layne’s gu
idance I won an ABA Pro Qualifying Show. So the next time I step on stage (which will ABSOLUTELY be with Layne in my corner) I will compete as a Pro. This is a feat that would not be possible without Layne.
More than anything Layne cares about his clients and wants to see each and every one of them be at their absolute best. I have learned many valuable things from him over the course of the last year. Not only did I hire a fantastic coach, but I made several valuable friendships among Team Norton Members along the way.
If you are truly serious about changing your physique and coming in at your personal best, then you need Layne Norton. You will never look back. Just tell him I told you so!!
Karen “K-Shred” Halter
Clement Yearwood
Never did I imagine that I could have further improved my physique to an even more impressive sculpted unit. I had done pretty well at shows in the past, but it wasn't until I started with Layne for my Pre-contest run that I skyrocketed and surpassed my previous "best" condition, to my current All-Time Best!
The understanding & knowledge that Layne possessed and passed on to me was indeed priceless, not to mention I was able to indulge in foods that were considered "taboo" by most contest prep guru's. I was often encouraged and had many pep talks with Layne that would ultimately boost my confidence even further and this would also be one of the things that kept me determined,
motivated, and focused.
Under the tutelage of Layne I have completed 4 very competitive shows and with each passing show I would further improve upon what was my previous best. Of the 4 shows I competed in under Layne’s guidance I would gain 3 class wins, 2 overall wins, a pro card, and a runner up spot at Pro World Championships in my Pro-debut! Further, not only did I gain confidence from within myself and a profound knowledge of foods and my own body, but I also gained a friend.
Thanks Layne,
Clement Yearwood
Chris Fahs
When I decided to compete for the first time this year, I initially thought about doing everything myself and figuring everything out as I went. But, I thought about it more an
d decided to hire Layne knowing that he has gone though this many times before and his other clients have all been successful. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From day one, when Layne emailed me with a plan specifically for me (not some generic plan), I knew I made the right choice. I wouldn’t have gotten the diet right by a long shot – I never would have been lean enough by the time of the show.
Everything went smoothly from the beginning. Layne was very approachable regarding any question and always lightning fast to get back to me with a response to my questions. It was a great help to have someone there to be objective with me reg
arding how I was progressing. As the show came closer, I could see more and more Layne’s enthusiasm for wanting me to do well in the show. When everything was said and done, I reached my all-time best and won my pro-card in my second show ever! I could not have achieved this feat with out Layne’s guidance. I really learned a lot from Layne and his services were worth every penny.
I would not hesitate for a second to hire Layne again in the future.
-Chris Fahs
Ben Goins

I began working with Layne approximately 18 months ago and he has since guided me through two off-season’s and two show preps. I followed Layne’s own progress for quite some time and knew that he could help take me to the next level. Layne’s one on one consultation and immeasurable knowledge of the scientific aspects of Natural Bodybuiling are first class. His passion and work ethic for Natural Bodybuilding are very contagious.
Thus far in my competitive career I’ve competed in three shows. My first show was in 2006, before I began working with Layne, was an awesome learning experience and nothing more. It was used to “get my feet wet.” My second and third shows were under the guidance of Layne. I competed in the 2007 NGA Heart of America Natural Classic and won the light heavy weight class and came very close in the overall, just missing a
n NGA Pro Card. In my most recent outing, I competed in the 2008 Mid America Pro/Am under the guidance of Layne, won the medium class and the overall, taking home an ever elusive WNBF Pro Card. Layne isn’t big on taking credit but in all honesty I feel that he is THE solid pillar in my own success!
Having Layne work with me has truly made me a much better bodybuilder and has allowed me to gain an abundance of knowledge about myself and my capabilities. I look forward with great anticipation to having Layne dial me in once again for my Pro debut in 2009!
If anyone is “serious” about taking their physique to an entirely different level, I highly recommend consulting with Layne. In my own honest opinion Layne IS Natural Bodybuilding!
-Ben Goins
Alberto Nunez
A year ago I decided to compete in my first set of bodybuilding shows. While it was a great experience in it
self, it also had its moments of disappointment. I was not able to get into that shape it takes to be as competitive as I would have liked. This year I wanted to be rewarded for my hard work. So I hired Layne because I had seen how successful many of his clients had been in the past. By the time the season was over I found myself the winner of three overalls (all pro qualifiers) and on a WNBF pro stage. The previous year I could not even win my division. Needless to say I was not disappointed, and much of this I attribute to Layne's guidance, and knowledge. He was able to work with me in figuring out what specifically worked best for me, and through a very customized program I reached levels of conditioning I never imagined I could.
Although the awards and accolades were great, I got much more than that in return. Aside from the knowledge I have acquired about MY body through Layne, working with him was a life changing experience. For the first time in my life I have this incredible confidence
in myself, and what I can achieve through hard work and proper planning, and have been applying to every facet of my life since. Although I must admit winning three pro qualifiers, and competing in my first pro show were all great experiences I will never forget. The positive effect that Layne has had in my life across the board will be residual.
-Alberto Nunez
Shereaf Helmy
First and foremost I’d like to thank you for your help in guiding me to the best shape I have ever been in my life. The past two years competing I have really struggled with my conditioning, so I turned to you for guidance. Almost every person I have seen Layne coach has been completely shredded, so I decided that this was the guy I needed in my corner.
At first I have to admit I was skeptical of your techniques, for example HIIT Cardio, not cutting water, etc… There are many bodybuilding myths out there that you helped me realize were just that.. Myths! Layne also offers much more of variety of foods to diet on instead of just plain chicken and brown rice all the time! I never thought I could eat baked chips and be on a diet! Layne has a very simple approach to dieting and keeps the guess work out. I guess I always over complicated things and he made them very simple for me.
Peak week was also a breeze, Layne has it down to a science! I have never been so full, so dry, and so hard! Layne I can’t thank you enough for your help in getting me the best shape possible and hopefully with your guidance I will be even better!
-Shereaf Helmy
Joe Franco
I knew of Layne and his work, and have always been impressed with his basic and no nonsense approach. I always thought we were similar as
far as contest prep and training, but he has the extensive science to back it up. Over a year ago, I went for my IFPA Pro Card and it was my first attempt. I was set to compete, but was unsure of a couple of things to help fill myself out on contest day. Layne had graciously gave me a few pointers for that show and it worked! I won my IFPA Pro Card. So going into my first pro show, the prep again was going well, but this
stage was going to be a lot more competitive and being a smaller in stature I thought again I can use another set of eyes on my progress. So about 6 weeks out from the show, I contacted Layne with the confidence he would not B-S me and help me along. Well to make a long story short, he again give me the guidance which included doing HIIT training to bring out the lower leg development and taught me that carbs are my friend. My personal goals were met by looking my all time best and finishing in the top half of the class.
Thanks Layne, there should be more contest prep trainers like yourself!
-Joe Franco
IFPA Pro
Brian Lynch
I’ve been consulting with Layne on and off for the past two and
a half years that I have been training as a natural bodybuilder.
After training for approximately a year, I decided that the time
had come for me to compete in the teen division of the NPC Northeastern
Tournament of Champions bodybuilding competition.
Right away, I knew that in order for me to achieve success in my
competition, and not to mention, diet down to body fat levels that
I had previously only dreamed of, I needed to consult with someone
that not only has extreme knowledge of the competitive side of bodybuilding,
but also has a strong scientific background to explain to me all
of the intricacies of attaining a lean physique. Layne Norton easily
fit those requirements and helped me more than I had originally
thought possible.
Layne’s expertise in training and contest preparation really came
through in the final 12 weeks of my contest preparation. Of course,
like any first-time competitor, I was nervous as hell and really
worried about not being lean enough to avoid total embarrassment
when stepping on stage. I came to Layne with my dilemma, showed
him some pictures, and because of his help, I lost 28lbs in the
final 12 weeks of my contest preparation and was in the absolute
best shape of my life.
The phone and online consultations were thorough, and all of his
ideas were explained well with every last detail covered. I even
had the pleasure of training with Layne in person, and all of the
stories you may have heard about him are true. His training sessions
are brutal and his intensity level is unlike anyone I have ever
trained with before. Needless to say, I limped away from that leg
training session and needed a 15 minute nap before I could even
attempt to drive home.
I
plan to continue consulting with Layne for training and nutrition
advice throughout my off-season and especially during my contest
preparation weeks. Ah, and if you were curious, I did win the teen
class in that bodybuilding competition and am the 2004 NPC Northeastern
Tournament of Champions Teen Bodybuilding Champion.
-Brian Lynch
2004 NPC Northeastern Tournament of Champions Teen
Bodybuilding Champion
Check out the article about Brian in Ironlife
Magazine
David Crisafi
When I decided to get the help from someone this year, I knew I
needed someone who could get me in sick condition, since I am not
a huge guy. Looking over the options, I could not pass up a guy
like Layne Norton. His track record speaks for itself. He does'nt
know this, but I have been following h
is bodybuilding career since
the beginning(or when he first began writing for bb.com)
and was always amazed with his knowledge and progression throughout
the years. Year after year, Layne gets harder, bigger, fuller and
more conditioned and he just continues to thrive in the bodybuilding
community. I respected and looked up to him before I hired him and
I do so even more now.
Layne is probably the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes
to body mechanics, metabolism, supplementation, and bodybuilding
in general. I started working with him during the off-season in
late October. During that time, Layne helped me to think outside
the box from what I was used to with respect to diet and training.
During the 4 months of off season help, the changes in my physique
and metabolism were very noticeable. I was thicker, stronger, harder,
and leaner, all while eating over 400 grams of carbs on a 155lbs
frame. I never thought i could eat that many carbs and look LEANER!
I was also training each bodypart twice a week, something I was
highly against before I hired Layne. However, each week I seemed
to get stronger and stronger...even hitting some personal records
during pre-contest prep.
Layne began my pre-contest prep 14 weeks out and it was smooth sailing
from that point on. His assessment of my physique from week to week
based on photo's I sent him and talking with him over the phone
was spot on. I was amazed that he could nail it so perfectly, based
just on my photos and telephone conversations. When we began the
diet, the goal was to come in at 146lbs.....even though I thought...yeah
right, I weighed in at 139 at my last show, there is no way. But
guess what....146lbs on the dot!!!!! Even though Layne is an extremely
busy person, he always took the time to respond to my emails or
pick up the phone when I had questions. He explained things in a
precise and detailed manner, and made it easy to understand.
I feel that Peak Week is really were Layne makes his money!! He
is "the Peak Week Guru" in my opinion. Without giving
up to many secrets, he just keeps it simple stupid and the slight
adjustments make a huge difference on stage. I blew up Layne’s phone
throughout Peak Week and was always available. He made appropriate
adjustments, and most importantly calmed me down when I was freaking
out.
I owe a lot of my success this season to Layne "The Ripped
Doctor" Norton and would HIGHLY recommend him for both off-season
and pre-contest prep. Do not waste your money on a lot of these
so called "guru's" that you see on the internet today.
Go with someone who takes pride in what they do, is extremely knowledgeable
and makes you feel as if you are their only client.
Thanks Layne!!!
-David Crisafi
Jeff Crukley
The Proof is in the (Lack of) Pudding
Physique and bodybuilding have been a fascination of mine ever
since I was a chubby little guy in elementary school. Even at the
age of 7 I was always intrigued by the human form and the impressive
development of athletes and bodybuilders like Arnold and Frank Zane.
When the high school years came around, I decided I’d had enough
of being the little chubby guy and got involved with weight training,
cardiovascular work, and trying to improve my own physique.
I have now been at the iron game for about 12 years. Over the course
of those years, I tried many different approaches, read many a theory,
and consistently busted my hump in the gym. With every passing
year, I gain further understanding of human physiology and the specific
ways my own body reacts to training and diet.
This
past year I decided to take my body and what I know to the competitive
bodybuilding stage. I found a show, registered and thus made a
commitment to doing everything I could to develop myself. My years
of research and training gave me a solid foundation to work with
but, as anyone who has competed will tell you, there is a big difference
between looking good in the gym or on the street, and looking good
(or the best) on stage.
In order to do well, I knew that I would have to be more muscular
and leaner than I had ever been able to accomplish, there is a lot
of science involved in achieving a “stage-worthy” physique. Even
with my years of training experience, I had no idea how to prepare
for a contest. The best information I could attain was that the
last few weeks were esse
ntial, that it is the last few weeks that
make or break a competitor…..but no information about what to do
in those final weeks.
Enter
Layne Norton. Layne wrote an excellent and comprehensive article
on contest preparation and shared it with the world. I was directed
to the article on Bodybuilding.com, where it is free for anyone
and everyone to read. The work that went into the article is evident
from the first paragraph. Layne provided a detailed approach with
scientific explanations and references which, as a research scientist,
could not be more valuable to me. I followed Layne’s advice on
sodium, carbohydrate, and water manipulation for my final weeks
of contest preparation. I cannot thank him enough for what he provided.
Following Layne’s advice gave me the best body I have ever seen
in the mirror, a physique I always thought would be impossible for
me to attain.
Thanks
to the work Layne put in and shared, I was able to not only compete,
but win, my first bodybuilding competition. The comments by the
promoters, judges, competitors, and fans at the 2005 NGA Canadian
Classic, were testimonial to the quality of Layne’s work. If you
are considering entering a competition…..stop considering, register
for your show, do yourself a favor and read what Layne has to offer…..then
get up on that stage and blow them away!!
Thanks Layne,
Jeff Crukley
Josh Biros
When you are new and you don't have a clue how to diet....contact
Layne Norton.
When you know how to diet, but need small critiques.....contact
Layne Norton.
When you are lean but can't fill out.....contact Layne Norton.
In all my experiences in bodybuilding there are really only a few
genuine and helpful people in this sport. Layne is one of these
people. Not only does he provide you with the information you need
in terms of dieting, but he has a way of motivating and inspiring
people to reach their goals. Contacting Layne was
the best thing I've ever done to jump start my bodybuilding career.
I have, and will continue to use him for all my contest prep needs.
Not only is he a great mind in bodybuilding, but i consider him
a good friend as well. You can't go wrong when choosing Layne Norton. "
- Josh Biros
Nicole Lindblad
I have been competing for about 10 years. I have always loved the
bodybuilding lifestyle. After my first competition I was just happy
to be on that stage. After I placed 3rd in my first show I started
getting competitive and the drive to further my physique was stronger
than ever. After trying diet after diet, endless hours of cardio,
and taking too many people’s advice I felt like I was spinning my
wheels and my physique wasn’t getting any better. I even hired an
IFBB Pro to train me for a show. I did well with a noticeable improvement
in my physique but I just felt I hadn’t reached my potential.
I had
been following Layne’s posts on message boards for about 5 years
and always felt he knew his stuff. I decided after years in the
NPC competing as a natural and feeling disappointed with my placings
to switch over to a natural organization. I decided to hire Layne
for my first natural competition. I knew he was as passionate about
staying natural as I was so it was a no-brainer for me.
Over
the next 16 weeks I had made more changes to my physique than I
had in 10 years! I was getting stronger, leaner, harder, and more
filled out. I was so gracious to have Layne’s help. I ended up doing
another NPC show and placing first in my weight class. I also won
the overall at the natural show. I was so overwhelmed with the progress
I had made I decided to hire Layne for my off-season.
I
worked with Layne in the off-season for about 8 months. That was
the leanest and strongest I have ever been in the off-season before.
I have made huge gains while still fitting into my “pre-contest
clothes.”
I
am currently prepping for another show under Layne’s guidance and
I cannot wait to see the end result! Hiring Layne was the best decision
I have made in my bodybuilding career. He is always happy to take
the time to answer all my questions and give me words of encouragement.
For the first time, I feel I can actually reach Pro status in a
natural organization and I couldn’t be more proud to have Layne
as my trainer! He is such a positive influence in this sport and
its people like him that have the potential to do great things.