Someone 2 Know ; Phil Pape

In honor of the new year and the many health and fitness resolutions that are made, our Someone 2 Know this week is a nutritionist and former body builder with a passion for helping others.

We met up with Phil Pape at his shop on Pyramid Way, near Victorian Square.

Inside, customers sit on bar stools at the counter and catch up with staff. Camaraderie is key at Phil's Discount Nutrition in Sparks.

Pape says he loves helping people; "Nutrition, when it comes down to it, is so important, and so many people don't understand it."

So he offers a formula for those looking to get fit, and a fun way to remember it.

"Breakfast lunch and dinner are your meals. Kick start your metabolism, then have protein to trick it - then kick it, then trick it, then kick it, then trick it - so, meal, protein, meal, protein."

Phil opened his first sports supplement shop in Washoe County in 2003, but his journey in fitness and nutrition began long before that - when he was a young Marine.

"My last year,” explains Pape “They put me in the gym and they put me through school to become a nutritionist and a personal trainer and that's all I did for my last year in the Marine Corps, was train Marines.”

That led to a passion for body building and competitions.

"…and did my first show in 19-3, Mr. San Jose, and I won that show and took off from there," Phil recalls with a smile.

A quick look around the shop and you'll see a few of the hard-won prizes Phil brought home over the years.

"In 2000 I won Mr. Las Vegas again. Up there, I've got more trophies. I won, the last big one, was Mr. Nevada 2002, I won the light heavyweight in the overall.”

Pape doesn't compete anymore, but his walls are covered with photos of others who've achieved their fitness goals with his help.

For Phil, THAT is what it's all about.

"Oh, I love it. The before and after pictures of people are amazing, their self-esteem and energy - and everything in life comes together for them."

The advice, education and support are free at Phil’s shop- including meal plans and grocery lists.

To visit the shop yourself;

Phil’s Discount Nutrition

300 Pyramid Way, Sparks

775-870-1626

Facebook page link;

https://www.facebook.com/pdnreno/

The new Carson City store is scheduled to open Monday, January 14, 2019

2176 E. Williams St.