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Featured Guests:
Dianne Marie Nigh Bodybuilder Retired Educator, Army Veteran Euell Barnett Personal Trainer Owner, Barnett Real Estate Management Published Date: December 15, 2025 In this episode, host Jackie Morreale welcomes Dianne Marie Nigh and Euell Barnett, who share their inspiring journeys of transformation through fitness and wellness. Dianne discusses her incredible 100-pound weight loss and her recent success in bodybuilding competitions, while Euell shares his unique training methods and the importance of consistency in achieving fitness goals. Together, they emphasize the power of community support, setting goals, and overcoming self-doubt in the pursuit of personal growth and well-being. |
Listen to/watch the full podcast recording, or read the transcript below:
Full Interview with Dianne Marie Nigh and Euell Barnett:
"I’m thankful for the body I have. If you have the ability to stand up, walk, and move your body: Why not move it better? Why not train it to move better?" |
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Great quotes from the interview:
- "You just have to start."
- "You shine! You could see the inside from the outside, with your good vibe."
- "'You can't play dead,' he said. I was determined, on my journey, from then on."
- "You do you. No judgements. You have to start somewhere."
- "She unlocked the hidden person within herself, and understands her potential."
"To train others, I have to stay in a certain condition and a state of mind: spiritually, mentally, and physically. I give all thanks to God for giving me the ability to do so." |
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(More great quotes throughout the transcript in blue below.)
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Key Takeaways:
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Strong bodies. Stronger mindset.
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Do YOU have what it takes to keep up with Dianne and Euell?Scroll to the bottom of this page for an insider's look into an energizing outdoor calisthenics session with Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh and Personal Trainer Euell Barnett, which is designed to build strength, mobility, and confidence—no equipment required.
Set in the fresh air of a Florida park, this dynamic workout blends functional movement, body-weight resistance training, and athletic conditioning. Dianne brings her disciplined bodybuilding expertise, while Euell guides her and other participants through safe, effective progressions for all fitness levels. Scroll to the bottom to explore their all-in-one outdoor workout. |
Personal Trainer Euell Barnett demonstrates an elevated lunge with weights, for bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh.
Interview Transcript:
Jackie Morreale (00:00)
Hello and welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks to discover inspiring words in the areas of business, beauty, and betterment. I am the host, Jackie Morreale, and today I am honored to welcome two people whose combined experience beautifully blends wellness, beauty, and business, through a 100-lb. weight loss and strength training journey.
Today, we're delighted to welcome Dianne Marie Nigh, a woman who shows that growth doesn't stop after one career; it expands. After 25 years as an educator, Dianne now inspires in a different way as a NuSkin beauty consultant, as well as a rising wellness athlete. Dianne recently competed at the 2025 National Physique Committee (NPC) Amateur Olympia in Las Vegas, stepping onto the novice wellness stage with courage and commitment and taking home a third-place medal for the category. Her journey is about transformation, mindset, and following your inner spark at any age.
Welcome, Dianne. I'm so excited to have you here and learn from you. I want to be more like you!
Dianne Marie Nigh (01:10)
Thank you. Thank you.
Jackie Morreale (01:24)
We're also excited to introduce someone who has played a major role in Dianne's fitness journey.
Euell Barnett is Dianne's personal trainer and a dynamic multi-hyphenate in his own right. Euell is the owner of Barnett Real Estate Management. He is also an avid polo player and a former fashion model with a lifelong passion for athletic performance. Euell will be joining Dianne as a fellow bodybuilding competitor at the Better Bodies Classic in April 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
His guidance, discipline, and unique background make him an inspiring figure both inside and outside of the gym and in the park.
So welcome, Dianne, welcome, Euell! Thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so excited to learn from both of you.
Euell Barnett (01:55)
Jackie, it's a pleasure. It's a pleasure being here and just looking forward to taking this journey of wellness and fitness to a whole nother level. It's an honor to be here. Meeting you from the park to now doing a podcast. It's amazing. Thank you so much for the invite. Very happy to be here.
Dianne Marie Nigh (02:06)
Thank you.
Jackie Morreale (02:24)
Absolutely. It's crazy, as Euell just mentioned, we know each other from the park! It's so inspiring to see you guys there every day doing your thing, pushing the limits of what your bodies, hearts, and minds can do. It's been an amazing thing to watch your journey live and see the transformation that has happened for you both.
Let's kick off with some background questions, because I know none of us are actually from South Florida.
Could you please share your full name, where you're originally from, what you do, and what your passion is? Maybe we can start with Dianne.
Dianne Marie Nigh (03:02)
I was born and raised on a farm in central Wisconsin. Left home early, joined the military. I've had 18 addresses, overseas and in the States. My passion is really people. I love people. When I met Jackie, I had no idea she was a podcaster. I was just like, Come work out with us. I love people, the more, the merrier. It's one of the reasons why I was successful in education, and
I work in health and beauty. I always want to help someone feel better about themselves. Look better, do better, be better.
Jackie Morreale (03:27)
And it shows in everything you do. You really shine. I'm so excited that your journey has brought you to South Florida from Wisconsin. And Euell, what about you?
Euell Barnett (03:37)
My name is Euell Barnett. I was born and raised in a small town, Gunnison, Mississippi. I am very proud to talk about Mississippi. I love going back to visit family, friends. I moved to Florida in 2000. I currently live here.
My passion is animals. I love animals. Love people, and fitness overall, working out and just staying healthy.
Hello and welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks to discover inspiring words in the areas of business, beauty, and betterment. I am the host, Jackie Morreale, and today I am honored to welcome two people whose combined experience beautifully blends wellness, beauty, and business, through a 100-lb. weight loss and strength training journey.
Today, we're delighted to welcome Dianne Marie Nigh, a woman who shows that growth doesn't stop after one career; it expands. After 25 years as an educator, Dianne now inspires in a different way as a NuSkin beauty consultant, as well as a rising wellness athlete. Dianne recently competed at the 2025 National Physique Committee (NPC) Amateur Olympia in Las Vegas, stepping onto the novice wellness stage with courage and commitment and taking home a third-place medal for the category. Her journey is about transformation, mindset, and following your inner spark at any age.
Welcome, Dianne. I'm so excited to have you here and learn from you. I want to be more like you!
Dianne Marie Nigh (01:10)
Thank you. Thank you.
Jackie Morreale (01:24)
We're also excited to introduce someone who has played a major role in Dianne's fitness journey.
Euell Barnett is Dianne's personal trainer and a dynamic multi-hyphenate in his own right. Euell is the owner of Barnett Real Estate Management. He is also an avid polo player and a former fashion model with a lifelong passion for athletic performance. Euell will be joining Dianne as a fellow bodybuilding competitor at the Better Bodies Classic in April 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
His guidance, discipline, and unique background make him an inspiring figure both inside and outside of the gym and in the park.
So welcome, Dianne, welcome, Euell! Thank you so much for joining me today. I'm so excited to learn from both of you.
Euell Barnett (01:55)
Jackie, it's a pleasure. It's a pleasure being here and just looking forward to taking this journey of wellness and fitness to a whole nother level. It's an honor to be here. Meeting you from the park to now doing a podcast. It's amazing. Thank you so much for the invite. Very happy to be here.
Dianne Marie Nigh (02:06)
Thank you.
Jackie Morreale (02:24)
Absolutely. It's crazy, as Euell just mentioned, we know each other from the park! It's so inspiring to see you guys there every day doing your thing, pushing the limits of what your bodies, hearts, and minds can do. It's been an amazing thing to watch your journey live and see the transformation that has happened for you both.
Let's kick off with some background questions, because I know none of us are actually from South Florida.
Could you please share your full name, where you're originally from, what you do, and what your passion is? Maybe we can start with Dianne.
Dianne Marie Nigh (03:02)
I was born and raised on a farm in central Wisconsin. Left home early, joined the military. I've had 18 addresses, overseas and in the States. My passion is really people. I love people. When I met Jackie, I had no idea she was a podcaster. I was just like, Come work out with us. I love people, the more, the merrier. It's one of the reasons why I was successful in education, and
I work in health and beauty. I always want to help someone feel better about themselves. Look better, do better, be better.
Jackie Morreale (03:27)
And it shows in everything you do. You really shine. I'm so excited that your journey has brought you to South Florida from Wisconsin. And Euell, what about you?
Euell Barnett (03:37)
My name is Euell Barnett. I was born and raised in a small town, Gunnison, Mississippi. I am very proud to talk about Mississippi. I love going back to visit family, friends. I moved to Florida in 2000. I currently live here.
My passion is animals. I love animals. Love people, and fitness overall, working out and just staying healthy.
Euell Barnett and His Horse, Chopper, are Ready for Polo!
Chopper and Euell Barnett
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Euell Barnett and his horse, Chopper, are ready for polo in Wellington, FL
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Euell's horse, Chopper
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Jackie Morreale (04:02)
Absolutely. If you were to put a number to the amount of experience that you both had working out in your lives and on your fitness journey, what would that number be?
Dianne Marie Nigh (04:13)
I've always worked out. Former military. Grew up on a farm. My dad wasn't going to put up with, I'm a girl, I can't lift that hay bale. ‘No, you're going to do it.’ So I've always been very strong, but big as a house, too. I'm super, super happy to have my strengths and downsize, find a little sexy.
Euell Barnett (04:30)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (04:31)
Dianne, you look amazing. So, pretty much your whole life, you've been working out and strength training?
Dianne Marie Nigh (04:38)
I've always been strong. Euell jokes about this. I told them my neighbor came over one time looking for help to move a washing machine. A fully loaded washing machine with wet, and I just moved it. I had to shut off her water because she was flooding her house. Whenever I say, ‘I can't do something,’ or I'm stressed about something or I get frustrated, he's like, ‘You can move washing machines. Let's go.’
Jackie Morreale (04:58)
Go girl! I really wanna be like you. That's amazing.
And Euell, you've been working out since you were back in Mississippi growing up. What was your fitness journey like?
Euell Barnett (05:11)
I started to get interactive with my fitness journey during my college years. During elementary and high school, you would have PE, physical education. It was boring, it's like, okay, we'll kick the ball, we'll jump, but I didn't have a clue how important fitness was at the time, because you're young.
When I started to play college football at Mississippi Valley State University, that's when I started to realize how important fitness is in our lives each day. Being out on the field, it's a contact sport. I had no other choice but to build muscle and stay strong because I was going up against guys who were twice my size. I had to block guys who were twice my size coming at full speed.
If I didn't lift weights or train, it would have been a disaster. I had to stand up on my end and show some type of strength against the opponent.
Jackie Morreale (06:08)
Did you just drop this little nugget of information that you played football for Mississippi State? Is that right?
Euell Barnett (06:14)
I played for Mississippi Valley State University. Small town, Itta Bena, Mississippi. When I tell individuals I played at Mississippi Valley State, everyone says Jerry Rice.
Jackie Morreale (06:24)
I need more information. By the way, it doesn't sound like sports were boring for you growing up!
Euell Barnett (06:29)
Love sports. As I was growing up, I played wide receiver. I was number three in the SWAC, which is the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and kickoff return. I come from a family background of football. I had an uncle who played in the USFL with the LA Express in California. I had a brother who played with the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished his career with the Miami Dolphins. I have a cousin who played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
I just have a background of athletes in my family.
Jackie Morreale (07:00)
Dianne, did you know this information? Just… what?
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:02)
He has talked about football and stuff. You spend the summer up in Michigan training, too, didn't you?
Euell Barnett (07:07)
I actually worked out with the Lions.
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:24)
It's a no-brainer that I listen to Euell. I follow him, I do what he tells me. He's talking about fitness, right? But when you're asking about working out, I'm just talking about strength. There is a huge difference. When I met Euell, I couldn't skip.
I'm not kidding. I’m 53 years old, and I couldn't skip.
I used to feel like I was falling all the time, or I was very clumsy, but been working with him since February 17th. I am not only strong, but I am also athletic, and I would never have said that before. I don't trip on my feet anymore.
Jackie Morreale (07:34)
You are so athletic. You are fierce!
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:37)
Fitness... being flexible, being agile, being able to balance, so different than just being strong. I was always strong.
Jackie Morreale (07:41)
Agree. You guys have been working together almost every day for the past 10 months or so, is that right? Fair to say?
Euell Barnett (07:50)
Yes. Dianne came to me with this vision. When I first met her, she asked me, ‘What type of training do you do?’
I told her, ‘I go to this local park and do calisthenics.’ She was like, ‘What is that?’
I said, 'It's a new type of training.' She said, 'You don't go to the gym?' I said, 'I haven't been to the gym in like seven years.'
She's like, 'Why do you look like that?'
I said, 'When you're doing resistance and calisthenics, what it does to your body is something totally different than weights.'
[Calisthenics] does not bulk your body up.
It actually defines what you have in existence already.
She said, 'I want to try some of that, what you're doing.' I said, 'Alright.'
I could say I've invited individuals out. I've had a lot to come out and very few to stay. The longest I've had someone to stay is probably two or three days. Then I start to get text messages. ‘I have this to do. have that to do.’
I said, 'No pressure, no pressure at all.' One thing about fitness, you don't want to pressure anyone. I invited her, just like everyone else, to come out and see exactly what I'm doing. If she wants to participate in that, then I can guide and direct her as well.
She showed up one day. I was surprised to see her out here.
We went through everything that I normally do on a daily basis out there at the park. She said, 'I can do this. It's not a problem.' I said, 'I'm just showing you what I do. We haven't gotten into it yet.' And she said, 'Okay.'
Jackie Morreale (09:21)
Were you scared, Dianne, or you were ready?
Dianne Marie Nigh (09:24)
Oh yeah, a little bit at first, but I have this thing: I won't quit. Whenever the pressure was on, and I was like, 'You're trying to get me to quit, I ain't quitting.'
Jackie Morreale (09:31)
You really have this go-getter attitude. You said you grew up on a farm and went to the military? Yeah, you could do anything. She wasn't afraid.
Dianne Marie Nigh (09:41)
Euell is tough, though. Euell's tough.
I used to do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with him. Then in April, I started going all five days, Monday through Friday. From February 17th until May 10th, I lost 70 pounds. It was on May 10th that I said, if I can do 70 pounds in four months, I'm going to do a body competition.
It's a good workout. People need to stick through.
If you're consistent, you will see results.
We recently have a young lady who joined us, Laura, she came and went and came and went. This time she came and stayed because she stayed long enough to see results. She put on a dress, and she was like, 'Look at this, look at this!' She saw the results.
People who don't stick with us long enough don't see the results, and they're gone.
Euell Barnett (10:21)
I think Dianne touched on a very important piece about training. Everyone wants to see things immediately. I tell them, 'It's not that you're going to see it immediately.' The first thing you're going to realize is that you feel a difference. You feel the difference.
Mentally, you feel a difference. Physically, you start to see the results later down the line.
It's so important to start to feel these things. Once you stay long enough to start to feel what's going on and the transformation within yourself, that's the thing that sparks everyone's attention.
Everyone wants a quick fix. Take your time. When you take your time in doing things, it doesn't matter what you're doing, but taking your time doing it, then you start to see better results.
She's an example. She came with this vision. She said, 'I want to feel better. I want to look better.' I said, 'Okay, if you want to feel better, you want to look better. Let's continue on this journey.' And she said, 'Done.'
We went through the summer, pretty close to a hundred degrees.
Dianne Marie Nigh (11:30)
Melting.
Euell Barnett (11:36)
We're out there with a 60-pound vest, and I had on an 80-pound vest. We're skipping up the hill, and we're running backwards, and we're doing the pull-ups, and we're doing the dips, and we're doing everything. One day, when she was drenched.
Jackie Morreale (11:45)
All right, she's done.
Euell Barnett (11:48)
Totally drenched, she's like, 'Where do you come up with these things? I've never seen anything like this before.' She said, 'I've been working out for years, and I've never felt this way before. I've never looked like this before.'
(Continued below)
Absolutely. If you were to put a number to the amount of experience that you both had working out in your lives and on your fitness journey, what would that number be?
Dianne Marie Nigh (04:13)
I've always worked out. Former military. Grew up on a farm. My dad wasn't going to put up with, I'm a girl, I can't lift that hay bale. ‘No, you're going to do it.’ So I've always been very strong, but big as a house, too. I'm super, super happy to have my strengths and downsize, find a little sexy.
Euell Barnett (04:30)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (04:31)
Dianne, you look amazing. So, pretty much your whole life, you've been working out and strength training?
Dianne Marie Nigh (04:38)
I've always been strong. Euell jokes about this. I told them my neighbor came over one time looking for help to move a washing machine. A fully loaded washing machine with wet, and I just moved it. I had to shut off her water because she was flooding her house. Whenever I say, ‘I can't do something,’ or I'm stressed about something or I get frustrated, he's like, ‘You can move washing machines. Let's go.’
Jackie Morreale (04:58)
Go girl! I really wanna be like you. That's amazing.
And Euell, you've been working out since you were back in Mississippi growing up. What was your fitness journey like?
Euell Barnett (05:11)
I started to get interactive with my fitness journey during my college years. During elementary and high school, you would have PE, physical education. It was boring, it's like, okay, we'll kick the ball, we'll jump, but I didn't have a clue how important fitness was at the time, because you're young.
When I started to play college football at Mississippi Valley State University, that's when I started to realize how important fitness is in our lives each day. Being out on the field, it's a contact sport. I had no other choice but to build muscle and stay strong because I was going up against guys who were twice my size. I had to block guys who were twice my size coming at full speed.
If I didn't lift weights or train, it would have been a disaster. I had to stand up on my end and show some type of strength against the opponent.
Jackie Morreale (06:08)
Did you just drop this little nugget of information that you played football for Mississippi State? Is that right?
Euell Barnett (06:14)
I played for Mississippi Valley State University. Small town, Itta Bena, Mississippi. When I tell individuals I played at Mississippi Valley State, everyone says Jerry Rice.
Jackie Morreale (06:24)
I need more information. By the way, it doesn't sound like sports were boring for you growing up!
Euell Barnett (06:29)
Love sports. As I was growing up, I played wide receiver. I was number three in the SWAC, which is the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and kickoff return. I come from a family background of football. I had an uncle who played in the USFL with the LA Express in California. I had a brother who played with the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished his career with the Miami Dolphins. I have a cousin who played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
I just have a background of athletes in my family.
Jackie Morreale (07:00)
Dianne, did you know this information? Just… what?
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:02)
He has talked about football and stuff. You spend the summer up in Michigan training, too, didn't you?
Euell Barnett (07:07)
I actually worked out with the Lions.
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:24)
It's a no-brainer that I listen to Euell. I follow him, I do what he tells me. He's talking about fitness, right? But when you're asking about working out, I'm just talking about strength. There is a huge difference. When I met Euell, I couldn't skip.
I'm not kidding. I’m 53 years old, and I couldn't skip.
I used to feel like I was falling all the time, or I was very clumsy, but been working with him since February 17th. I am not only strong, but I am also athletic, and I would never have said that before. I don't trip on my feet anymore.
Jackie Morreale (07:34)
You are so athletic. You are fierce!
Dianne Marie Nigh (07:37)
Fitness... being flexible, being agile, being able to balance, so different than just being strong. I was always strong.
Jackie Morreale (07:41)
Agree. You guys have been working together almost every day for the past 10 months or so, is that right? Fair to say?
Euell Barnett (07:50)
Yes. Dianne came to me with this vision. When I first met her, she asked me, ‘What type of training do you do?’
I told her, ‘I go to this local park and do calisthenics.’ She was like, ‘What is that?’
I said, 'It's a new type of training.' She said, 'You don't go to the gym?' I said, 'I haven't been to the gym in like seven years.'
She's like, 'Why do you look like that?'
I said, 'When you're doing resistance and calisthenics, what it does to your body is something totally different than weights.'
[Calisthenics] does not bulk your body up.
It actually defines what you have in existence already.
She said, 'I want to try some of that, what you're doing.' I said, 'Alright.'
I could say I've invited individuals out. I've had a lot to come out and very few to stay. The longest I've had someone to stay is probably two or three days. Then I start to get text messages. ‘I have this to do. have that to do.’
I said, 'No pressure, no pressure at all.' One thing about fitness, you don't want to pressure anyone. I invited her, just like everyone else, to come out and see exactly what I'm doing. If she wants to participate in that, then I can guide and direct her as well.
She showed up one day. I was surprised to see her out here.
We went through everything that I normally do on a daily basis out there at the park. She said, 'I can do this. It's not a problem.' I said, 'I'm just showing you what I do. We haven't gotten into it yet.' And she said, 'Okay.'
Jackie Morreale (09:21)
Were you scared, Dianne, or you were ready?
Dianne Marie Nigh (09:24)
Oh yeah, a little bit at first, but I have this thing: I won't quit. Whenever the pressure was on, and I was like, 'You're trying to get me to quit, I ain't quitting.'
Jackie Morreale (09:31)
You really have this go-getter attitude. You said you grew up on a farm and went to the military? Yeah, you could do anything. She wasn't afraid.
Dianne Marie Nigh (09:41)
Euell is tough, though. Euell's tough.
I used to do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with him. Then in April, I started going all five days, Monday through Friday. From February 17th until May 10th, I lost 70 pounds. It was on May 10th that I said, if I can do 70 pounds in four months, I'm going to do a body competition.
It's a good workout. People need to stick through.
If you're consistent, you will see results.
We recently have a young lady who joined us, Laura, she came and went and came and went. This time she came and stayed because she stayed long enough to see results. She put on a dress, and she was like, 'Look at this, look at this!' She saw the results.
People who don't stick with us long enough don't see the results, and they're gone.
Euell Barnett (10:21)
I think Dianne touched on a very important piece about training. Everyone wants to see things immediately. I tell them, 'It's not that you're going to see it immediately.' The first thing you're going to realize is that you feel a difference. You feel the difference.
Mentally, you feel a difference. Physically, you start to see the results later down the line.
It's so important to start to feel these things. Once you stay long enough to start to feel what's going on and the transformation within yourself, that's the thing that sparks everyone's attention.
Everyone wants a quick fix. Take your time. When you take your time in doing things, it doesn't matter what you're doing, but taking your time doing it, then you start to see better results.
She's an example. She came with this vision. She said, 'I want to feel better. I want to look better.' I said, 'Okay, if you want to feel better, you want to look better. Let's continue on this journey.' And she said, 'Done.'
We went through the summer, pretty close to a hundred degrees.
Dianne Marie Nigh (11:30)
Melting.
Euell Barnett (11:36)
We're out there with a 60-pound vest, and I had on an 80-pound vest. We're skipping up the hill, and we're running backwards, and we're doing the pull-ups, and we're doing the dips, and we're doing everything. One day, when she was drenched.
Jackie Morreale (11:45)
All right, she's done.
Euell Barnett (11:48)
Totally drenched, she's like, 'Where do you come up with these things? I've never seen anything like this before.' She said, 'I've been working out for years, and I've never felt this way before. I've never looked like this before.'
(Continued below)
Personal Trainer Euell Barnett demonstrates squats with weights, for bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh.
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (11:45)
Boot camp, she's moved full washing machines. This woman is fierce. I'm picturing the hill and you guys going up backwards with the vest.
But what I love is that Dianne had this feeling that she wanted to change. So many of us want to change something about our body or the way that we feel, and we feel like we don't have the control to do that or the patience to do it.
What you're saying is, you really have to make it a journey and stick with it and stay committed, right?
Euell Barnett (12:18)
Definitely sticking with it. Consistency. Dianne can tell you, she probably heard that word from me on a daily basis.
Consistency! We maintained our consistency. Once you do that, you will see results.
She started to come to the park, and each day she would say, ‘I'm down three pounds, I'm down two pounds, I'm down another five pounds. My goodness. I'm at six pounds!’
She was like, ‘Euell, I think this is it.’ I'm like, 'I don't think it's it. You have it, you're doing it. You've stuck with me. You're doing exactly what I'm asking of you. If you continue to do so, you're going to hit the goal.'
From that, she's like, 'Euell, I want to compete. Let's start training, I want to compete.'
When she realized what was going on, the transformation in that body, I think five pounds, six pounds, did a lot for her mentally and physically. She said, 'I want to look at a bigger picture. I want to do a competition. Do you think you can do it?'
I said, 'Dianne, I know I can do it. Can you do it? That's the question because I'm going to push you. I'm going to get you there. I'm going to give you every tool and take you down each avenue that you need to get where you want to be.'
She said, 'Let's go.' We drew up a plan and we followed it.
Dianne Marie Nigh (13:28)
Yeah. He gave me a menu. He gave me a menu, and he's like, 'I will know if you're following it.'
Jackie Morreale (13:35)
You are scary, Euell, my gosh. I want to see a copy of the menu, obviously! It sounds like you set your goals, and you manifested this to happen.
Dianne, you're really a visionary to put together this idea, this plan that you wanted to change your life. How many people who work out actually then take it to the point where they not only go and compete at a Las Vegas stage in bodybuilding, but also take home hardware? Congratulations! What an accomplishment, and in less than a year, by the way.
Euell Barnett (14:06)
Less than a year.
Dianne Marie Nigh (14:06)
It is important for young moms who are listening, and young married wives. I am a consistent person; I’ve always been consistent.
It's just where was I putting my consistency?
I was consistently cooking, consistently cleaning, consistently doing laundry, consistently cheering, and serving my boys. And they grow up and they fly the coop.
Now I'm consistently giving to me.
If you're a young mom listening to this, give to yourself first. It's not selfish.
Giving to yourself first ensures that you have more energy and a fuller life, with more health to give to those you love.
Jackie Morreale (14:39)
Absolutely. Listen, your boys are amazing, and that's because of you. No matter what you put your efforts and consistency into, you're going to get more than you give; there's this compounding effect. You could really see it in this short experience that you've had.
I can't wait to see where it goes from here. It's going to be big in Dallas. I can't wait. Can't wait. So excited. Team Dianne and Euell. Woo!
Euell Barnett (15:01)
Absolutely. One thing I want to touch on. Individuals have come up to her and asked her what she was taking. Was she on a certain medicine or something? Did she have the surgery? She'll be able to tell you some of those things.
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:07)
Yeah, I just say no. Can I say a** whoopin'? I just did. I take an a** whoopin' every morning. That's why I wanted my 100-pound party at the park, because those people saw us work and sweat, and they know how it happened.
Jackie Morreale (15:18)
Well, I was there. I'm a witness. The working and the sweating. The 100-pound weight loss party, that's amazing.
People really have come to you and asked if you shortcutted it somehow?
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:33)
Yeah, my messenger is full of, ‘What are you taking? What are you doing?’ But Euell knows this, and I have invited people. When you tell them what you're really doing, they're like, ‘No, no, no, no. I don't have time for running around the park in 95-degree weather.’
Jackie Morreale (15:50)
Yeah, they can't handle it. Exactly.
That menu that you described really goes a long way.
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:58)
Yeah. I have shared it. He had phase one, phase two, and phase three menus. I have shared those with people, and they're like, ‘I don't like this or I don't eat that.’ I'm like, 'Well, you asked, I told you, you don't want to follow it. I don't know what to say.'
Jackie Morreale (11:45)
Boot camp, she's moved full washing machines. This woman is fierce. I'm picturing the hill and you guys going up backwards with the vest.
But what I love is that Dianne had this feeling that she wanted to change. So many of us want to change something about our body or the way that we feel, and we feel like we don't have the control to do that or the patience to do it.
What you're saying is, you really have to make it a journey and stick with it and stay committed, right?
Euell Barnett (12:18)
Definitely sticking with it. Consistency. Dianne can tell you, she probably heard that word from me on a daily basis.
Consistency! We maintained our consistency. Once you do that, you will see results.
She started to come to the park, and each day she would say, ‘I'm down three pounds, I'm down two pounds, I'm down another five pounds. My goodness. I'm at six pounds!’
She was like, ‘Euell, I think this is it.’ I'm like, 'I don't think it's it. You have it, you're doing it. You've stuck with me. You're doing exactly what I'm asking of you. If you continue to do so, you're going to hit the goal.'
From that, she's like, 'Euell, I want to compete. Let's start training, I want to compete.'
When she realized what was going on, the transformation in that body, I think five pounds, six pounds, did a lot for her mentally and physically. She said, 'I want to look at a bigger picture. I want to do a competition. Do you think you can do it?'
I said, 'Dianne, I know I can do it. Can you do it? That's the question because I'm going to push you. I'm going to get you there. I'm going to give you every tool and take you down each avenue that you need to get where you want to be.'
She said, 'Let's go.' We drew up a plan and we followed it.
Dianne Marie Nigh (13:28)
Yeah. He gave me a menu. He gave me a menu, and he's like, 'I will know if you're following it.'
Jackie Morreale (13:35)
You are scary, Euell, my gosh. I want to see a copy of the menu, obviously! It sounds like you set your goals, and you manifested this to happen.
Dianne, you're really a visionary to put together this idea, this plan that you wanted to change your life. How many people who work out actually then take it to the point where they not only go and compete at a Las Vegas stage in bodybuilding, but also take home hardware? Congratulations! What an accomplishment, and in less than a year, by the way.
Euell Barnett (14:06)
Less than a year.
Dianne Marie Nigh (14:06)
It is important for young moms who are listening, and young married wives. I am a consistent person; I’ve always been consistent.
It's just where was I putting my consistency?
I was consistently cooking, consistently cleaning, consistently doing laundry, consistently cheering, and serving my boys. And they grow up and they fly the coop.
Now I'm consistently giving to me.
If you're a young mom listening to this, give to yourself first. It's not selfish.
Giving to yourself first ensures that you have more energy and a fuller life, with more health to give to those you love.
Jackie Morreale (14:39)
Absolutely. Listen, your boys are amazing, and that's because of you. No matter what you put your efforts and consistency into, you're going to get more than you give; there's this compounding effect. You could really see it in this short experience that you've had.
I can't wait to see where it goes from here. It's going to be big in Dallas. I can't wait. Can't wait. So excited. Team Dianne and Euell. Woo!
Euell Barnett (15:01)
Absolutely. One thing I want to touch on. Individuals have come up to her and asked her what she was taking. Was she on a certain medicine or something? Did she have the surgery? She'll be able to tell you some of those things.
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:07)
Yeah, I just say no. Can I say a** whoopin'? I just did. I take an a** whoopin' every morning. That's why I wanted my 100-pound party at the park, because those people saw us work and sweat, and they know how it happened.
Jackie Morreale (15:18)
Well, I was there. I'm a witness. The working and the sweating. The 100-pound weight loss party, that's amazing.
People really have come to you and asked if you shortcutted it somehow?
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:33)
Yeah, my messenger is full of, ‘What are you taking? What are you doing?’ But Euell knows this, and I have invited people. When you tell them what you're really doing, they're like, ‘No, no, no, no. I don't have time for running around the park in 95-degree weather.’
Jackie Morreale (15:50)
Yeah, they can't handle it. Exactly.
That menu that you described really goes a long way.
Dianne Marie Nigh (15:58)
Yeah. I have shared it. He had phase one, phase two, and phase three menus. I have shared those with people, and they're like, ‘I don't like this or I don't eat that.’ I'm like, 'Well, you asked, I told you, you don't want to follow it. I don't know what to say.'
Dianne Marie Nigh at her 100 lb. Weightloss Party in October 2025:
100 lb. Party Table with healthy treats
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Dianne Marie Nigh, Euell Barnett, and fitness friend at party
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Dianne Marie Nigh and two fitness friends at party
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Dianne Marie Nigh and fitness friend, Laura, at party
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Euell Barnett (16:11)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (16:12)
I'm going to put this out there. I don't like burpees. I don't know if they were on the menu, but oh man, they are like my kryptonite. Or mountain climbers.
Anyway. You've built this amazing journey and relationship together. In the efforts of having fun, 'let's see how much we know about our trainer and our client' kind of game… Let's do some quick-fire questions and see if you guys know each other and your favorite things. Okay?
Dianne Marie Nigh (16:39)
I know a lot about how much he tortures me, that's what I know about him.
Jackie Morreale (16:44)
Torture questions in there; I'll see if I can add a few at the end.
So, Dianne, what is Euell's favorite cheat day food?
Dianne Marie Nigh (16:51)
I mean, he talks a lot about French Fries and not eating them, so I think they tempt him.
Jackie Morreale (16:55)
French fries in his dreams. Got it.
Euell, what is Dianne's favorite cheat day food? Is she allowed to have cheat days? I don't know.
Euell Barnett (17:01)
At the time of training, she wasn't allowed to have cheat days.
I'm going to tell you two things that she constantly talked about: coffee. She said, 'I don't understand why I gave up my coffee machine. I drank coffee every day. I love coffee. Coffee was my life. I woke up in the afternoon; I had coffee in the evening.' Had to have coffee.
Jackie Morreale (17:04)
Oooohhh, he's tough.
Dianne Marie Nigh (17:15)
I did.
Jackie Morreale (17:21)
So, no caffeine for you, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (17:22)
No, no coffee. I actually had to give away my coffee pot because I knew if it was sitting there, I would be tempted.
Euell Barnett (17:28)
She loves hamburgers. I told her, the hamburger thing is not really a bad thing if you just leave the bun out. She was like, 'No buns? What do you mean, no buns?' I said, ‘Yeah, you know, you can substitute the buns and just do lettuce.’ She said, 'I asked for a burger, okay? You're not going to a burger, you're going to have to do the full, 100 % bun and this and all the condiments and everything.'
Jackie Morreale (17:31)
Exactly. If it's a cheat day, let's go crazy. You can't just skimp out on the burger! Agree with the fries and the burger. Those are very good cheat day items.
So Euell, think I know this, but what is Dianne's favorite place to work out?
Euell Barnett (17:53)
Oh, at the park, without a doubt. The park is her favorite thing because number one, she loves to run. I don't know if Dianne mentioned to you, but she's been in a lot of runs, 5K, and she does a lot in Miami, here in Palm Beach as well.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:08)
I do.
Euell Barnett (18:19)
We’re doing our calisthenics in the park, we have a mile track that we go around, stopping at each station to train. She loves the park, without a doubt.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:28)
Yeah, I love the park. Even when it's raining. We still work out even though it's raining.
Jackie Morreale (18:29)
I know that Dianne has done the 305 Half Marathon. I know that she loves to run in the park and different places.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:38)
My next run is January 2026, the Key West Half Marathon. The whole route is water, water, water. It's beautiful.
Jackie Morreale (18:43)
I love it when marathons are like a vacation. So beautiful.
Euell Barnett (18:46)
Yeah, that's it.
Jackie Morreale (18:49)
So, Dianne, what is Euell's ideal workout type?
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:51)
It's everything. There's not one; we don't just do biceps, or we don't just do back. Everything is full body all the time. He has me holding 40-pound dumbbells and jumping on my tiptoes to do calves.
It's all full body. But honestly, I think his favorite workout place is the dance floor.
He does all these little intermissions in between sets. Euell's favorite workout is dancing.
Jackie Morreale (19:13)
Is that right, Euell? You're a dancer too?
Euell Barnett (19:16)
Yeah, I love to dance. It's a part of fitness. Dancing, that's my cardio. It tones just like everything else. I can take a dance move and turn it into jumping jacks with your hands on your hip, and she knows all of that.
Jackie Morreale (19:29)
How are those jumping jacks by the way, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (19:32)
We do jumping jacks, half jacks, we do jacks at the top of the hill with a 65-pound burst. It's never boring. Never boring with Euell.
Euell Barnett (19:39)
Never, never, never.
Jackie Morreale (19:39)
Keep it interesting. I want to know more about ‘the dancing’.
But before that, Euell, what is Dianne's favorite way to spend an off day?
Euell Barnett (19:48)
Her favorite way to spend an off day? Well, Dianne is the type, when she's off, she's still on. She's always doing something.
When she has a day off, she'll send a message, ‘I'm working on my business. I know today is an off day, but as I'm sitting here, I am working my calf muscles.’
Jackie Morreale (20:08)
Of course you were!
Euell Barnett (20:09)
Yeah, that's it. She has a puppy, and she loves her puppy. She does long walks with her puppy, she'll take pictures and say, 'We walked the bridge today, we ran today.'
Those are the type of things that she likes to do on her day off from training.
Dianne Marie Nigh (20:25)
True. I meal prep too. I meal prep in the morning, and then I long walk my dog in the afternoon. She's my everything.
Jackie Morreale (20:30)
Beautiful. Dogs are such a great way to get outside, walk, and take in the vitamin D. I love having a dog, too.
What is Euell's favorite way to spend an off day, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (20:43)
He likes water, he likes the beach, and he likes snorkeling.
Jackie Morreale (20:45)
Now I know the calling to the park, because there's water everywhere.
I know you love to dance. I know you love to be outside. What is your favorite type of music or song to listen to? What is Dianne's favorite? If you want it to really motivate her, what does she like to listen to?
Euell Barnett (21:01)
Dianne loves all music. She also sings.
Jackie Morreale (21:06)
Is that right?
Euell Barnett (21:08)
Dianne plays the guitar and she sings.
Jackie Morreale (21:09)
And she plays! Amazing.
(Continued below)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (16:12)
I'm going to put this out there. I don't like burpees. I don't know if they were on the menu, but oh man, they are like my kryptonite. Or mountain climbers.
Anyway. You've built this amazing journey and relationship together. In the efforts of having fun, 'let's see how much we know about our trainer and our client' kind of game… Let's do some quick-fire questions and see if you guys know each other and your favorite things. Okay?
Dianne Marie Nigh (16:39)
I know a lot about how much he tortures me, that's what I know about him.
Jackie Morreale (16:44)
Torture questions in there; I'll see if I can add a few at the end.
So, Dianne, what is Euell's favorite cheat day food?
Dianne Marie Nigh (16:51)
I mean, he talks a lot about French Fries and not eating them, so I think they tempt him.
Jackie Morreale (16:55)
French fries in his dreams. Got it.
Euell, what is Dianne's favorite cheat day food? Is she allowed to have cheat days? I don't know.
Euell Barnett (17:01)
At the time of training, she wasn't allowed to have cheat days.
I'm going to tell you two things that she constantly talked about: coffee. She said, 'I don't understand why I gave up my coffee machine. I drank coffee every day. I love coffee. Coffee was my life. I woke up in the afternoon; I had coffee in the evening.' Had to have coffee.
Jackie Morreale (17:04)
Oooohhh, he's tough.
Dianne Marie Nigh (17:15)
I did.
Jackie Morreale (17:21)
So, no caffeine for you, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (17:22)
No, no coffee. I actually had to give away my coffee pot because I knew if it was sitting there, I would be tempted.
Euell Barnett (17:28)
She loves hamburgers. I told her, the hamburger thing is not really a bad thing if you just leave the bun out. She was like, 'No buns? What do you mean, no buns?' I said, ‘Yeah, you know, you can substitute the buns and just do lettuce.’ She said, 'I asked for a burger, okay? You're not going to a burger, you're going to have to do the full, 100 % bun and this and all the condiments and everything.'
Jackie Morreale (17:31)
Exactly. If it's a cheat day, let's go crazy. You can't just skimp out on the burger! Agree with the fries and the burger. Those are very good cheat day items.
So Euell, think I know this, but what is Dianne's favorite place to work out?
Euell Barnett (17:53)
Oh, at the park, without a doubt. The park is her favorite thing because number one, she loves to run. I don't know if Dianne mentioned to you, but she's been in a lot of runs, 5K, and she does a lot in Miami, here in Palm Beach as well.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:08)
I do.
Euell Barnett (18:19)
We’re doing our calisthenics in the park, we have a mile track that we go around, stopping at each station to train. She loves the park, without a doubt.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:28)
Yeah, I love the park. Even when it's raining. We still work out even though it's raining.
Jackie Morreale (18:29)
I know that Dianne has done the 305 Half Marathon. I know that she loves to run in the park and different places.
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:38)
My next run is January 2026, the Key West Half Marathon. The whole route is water, water, water. It's beautiful.
Jackie Morreale (18:43)
I love it when marathons are like a vacation. So beautiful.
Euell Barnett (18:46)
Yeah, that's it.
Jackie Morreale (18:49)
So, Dianne, what is Euell's ideal workout type?
Dianne Marie Nigh (18:51)
It's everything. There's not one; we don't just do biceps, or we don't just do back. Everything is full body all the time. He has me holding 40-pound dumbbells and jumping on my tiptoes to do calves.
It's all full body. But honestly, I think his favorite workout place is the dance floor.
He does all these little intermissions in between sets. Euell's favorite workout is dancing.
Jackie Morreale (19:13)
Is that right, Euell? You're a dancer too?
Euell Barnett (19:16)
Yeah, I love to dance. It's a part of fitness. Dancing, that's my cardio. It tones just like everything else. I can take a dance move and turn it into jumping jacks with your hands on your hip, and she knows all of that.
Jackie Morreale (19:29)
How are those jumping jacks by the way, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (19:32)
We do jumping jacks, half jacks, we do jacks at the top of the hill with a 65-pound burst. It's never boring. Never boring with Euell.
Euell Barnett (19:39)
Never, never, never.
Jackie Morreale (19:39)
Keep it interesting. I want to know more about ‘the dancing’.
But before that, Euell, what is Dianne's favorite way to spend an off day?
Euell Barnett (19:48)
Her favorite way to spend an off day? Well, Dianne is the type, when she's off, she's still on. She's always doing something.
When she has a day off, she'll send a message, ‘I'm working on my business. I know today is an off day, but as I'm sitting here, I am working my calf muscles.’
Jackie Morreale (20:08)
Of course you were!
Euell Barnett (20:09)
Yeah, that's it. She has a puppy, and she loves her puppy. She does long walks with her puppy, she'll take pictures and say, 'We walked the bridge today, we ran today.'
Those are the type of things that she likes to do on her day off from training.
Dianne Marie Nigh (20:25)
True. I meal prep too. I meal prep in the morning, and then I long walk my dog in the afternoon. She's my everything.
Jackie Morreale (20:30)
Beautiful. Dogs are such a great way to get outside, walk, and take in the vitamin D. I love having a dog, too.
What is Euell's favorite way to spend an off day, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (20:43)
He likes water, he likes the beach, and he likes snorkeling.
Jackie Morreale (20:45)
Now I know the calling to the park, because there's water everywhere.
I know you love to dance. I know you love to be outside. What is your favorite type of music or song to listen to? What is Dianne's favorite? If you want it to really motivate her, what does she like to listen to?
Euell Barnett (21:01)
Dianne loves all music. She also sings.
Jackie Morreale (21:06)
Is that right?
Euell Barnett (21:08)
Dianne plays the guitar and she sings.
Jackie Morreale (21:09)
And she plays! Amazing.
(Continued below)
Personal Trainer Euell Barnett demonstrates an elevated lunge with leg lift with weights.
(Continued)
Euell Barnett (21:11)
She has a group that she sings with. When we're working out, I'll hit her tune. She stopped in the middle of the workout. She goes, 'I heard that! You should come; you should come.'
In the middle of a set, she's singing.
I said, 'Whatever takes you through your set, you just go right ahead. If you want to record an album while you're doing your burpees, go right ahead.'
Jackie Morreale (21:30)
Dianne, what do you sing?
Dianne Marie Nigh (21:33)
Everything. I sing at Breathe Music Studio in Boca Raton, with Lucie Pierro. I love everything. I've been hooked on Teddy Swims. I especially love lyrics. I used to lean toward country, but it's depressing as heck. What was I thinking?
I try to pick more upbeat songs nowadays. We have a vocal collective there at the studio where we sing with all different musicians, all different voices and talents. It's just a blast.
Jackie Morreale (21:56)
So, this appearance in Vegas on the bodybuilding stage was definitely not your first appearance on stage, making music your whole life, as well as working out.
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:06)
I have not hit the stage. I've had open mics. I have four years been an empty nester.
These four years have been about figuring out who I am.
I am a people person, and music is the number one place to meet people, and the gym and working out in the park. All of those things.
I've created a life that I love.
Jackie Morreale (22:24)
I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy to know you, Dianne.
What's Euell's favorite sport, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:31)
To do or to watch? He watches football and plays rugby.
Jackie Morreale (22:34)
I thought you were going to say polo. I was baffled when he told me that he grew up with horses. My gosh, so many options. What do we do?
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:37)
I said it wrong. My gosh, slap me! Polo, I know.
Redo, Euell's favorite sport: he watches football and plays polo.
Jackie Morreale (22:47)
Is that right, Euell?
Euell Barnett (22:50)
Yes, I love football. Football is just everything. I grew up in a family of football. I start to go through withdrawals when the season is over.
I then immediately turned my attention to my horse. Yes, I've played polo. As a matter of fact, I started riding horses when I was in college.
I would leave football practice and go with my trainer and do barrel racing. I did that in Mississippi and people thought that I was crazy, leaving football practice and going horseback riding. I love it.
Jackie Morreale (23:21)
As someone who didn't grow up on a farm or with horses, it just sounds magical. What is barrel racing?
Euell Barnett (23:28)
Okay, barrel racing is simple.
Dianne Marie Nigh (23:33)
I love it.
Euell Barnett (23:35)
It's an open arena, and there are barrels. The barrels are up in a triangle type deal. You go around the circle once, twice, and then a third time. Then you go out of the arena. It's about speed. That's exactly what it is...
I had been riding for three weeks prior to my first rodeo show. The gentleman that I was training with in Mississippi asked me, 'Are you sure you want to enter the show? You've only been riding for three weeks.' I said, 'I love speed. There's nothing going to stop me.' He said, 'But you have people coming from Texas who've been doing this for years.
You have people coming from Tennessee who have all these different types of horses that are fast, and they have experience.' I said, 'We've been doing it for three weeks. What's the worst that can happen?' I ended up getting third place among everyone there who has been doing this for years. It was just about the determination and knowing my horse at the time.
Once you develop a relationship with that animal, you're able to accomplish whatever you're trying to accomplish. I did that, coming out every day, building and setting a bond with this animal, and riding. The horse knew me.
I can remember like yesterday, the thing that got me in third place: I went wide around the barrel when I was supposed to hug the barrel.
It's about timing and it threw my time off. I did a wide turning around the barrel when I was supposed to do a really close turn.
I learned that, but I got third place. That was exciting. That was the most exciting day in my life to accomplish that. And I just brought it to Florida.
Jackie Morreale (25:04)
Wow. You live in the right place for equestrian sports.
You literally had a first rodeo. (This ain't my first rodeo.) You literally had a first rodeo. Wow.
Dianne Marie Nigh (25:14)
Not my friend's one.
Euell Barnett (25:15)
That was my first rodeo. Exactly.
Jackie Morreale (25:25)
I love the way you talk about working with people with horses and how you were able to connect with your horse to then compete and take it to the next level so quickly.
Obviously, a different situation with people, but you're able to connect with someone and really give them the confidence and the drive and whatever tools they need to then lift themselves up and take it to the next level.
I think we see that right here, right? With this relationship.
Euell Barnett (25:49)
Yes, absolutely.
Jackie Morreale (25:52)
I'm pretty sure you're a competitive person, Euell. It sounds like we want to win stuff. This is part of it.
Euell Barnett (25:59)
I think within each of us, we have some type of competitiveness in us.
More so, I look at accomplishing what I set out to do. Regardless of where it takes me, the fact that I did it, especially when I set my mind to it, I'm determined to do so.
I'm going to do it, I'm going to go for it. That's what I try to do. I say, it doesn't matter which place I am, everyone would love to be first. Of course, I would love to be first. But even if you're not placing, it's the fact that I've accomplished and I've gotten first place because I pushed myself to do that. Many individuals are unable to do certain things because they feel like, 'What if?' 'What if?' 'What if?'
The only way you're going to find out is if you just try it and go for it.
That's one thing I push myself to do. When I see and visualize myself doing certain things, I put it into play and make it happen.
That goes back to some of the exercise we do on the crossbars. Go upside down and Dianne is like, 'Where do you find these things?' I said, 'I think about it. Once I think about it, I implement it and do it.'
Guess what? It works a certain muscle within your body. Now it's registered in my memory and that's what we're going to do.
Jackie Morreale (27:15)
And it's on the menu!
Euell Barnett (27:16)
Yeah, it's on the menu.
Dianne Marie Nigh (27:17)
I tell you, my messenger is full of, ‘What did do? What are you taking?’ All this.
Then when you tell them how you work out, they're like, ‘I couldn't do that.’
I'm like, 'You don't know. Dude, try. You’ve got to try. You don't know that.'
People will say, 'But you're strong, or, but you're tall.'
But nothing. Come out and try. Try. You don't know until you try.
You have to push yourself and stay long enough to see the results.
Euell Barnett (21:11)
She has a group that she sings with. When we're working out, I'll hit her tune. She stopped in the middle of the workout. She goes, 'I heard that! You should come; you should come.'
In the middle of a set, she's singing.
I said, 'Whatever takes you through your set, you just go right ahead. If you want to record an album while you're doing your burpees, go right ahead.'
Jackie Morreale (21:30)
Dianne, what do you sing?
Dianne Marie Nigh (21:33)
Everything. I sing at Breathe Music Studio in Boca Raton, with Lucie Pierro. I love everything. I've been hooked on Teddy Swims. I especially love lyrics. I used to lean toward country, but it's depressing as heck. What was I thinking?
I try to pick more upbeat songs nowadays. We have a vocal collective there at the studio where we sing with all different musicians, all different voices and talents. It's just a blast.
Jackie Morreale (21:56)
So, this appearance in Vegas on the bodybuilding stage was definitely not your first appearance on stage, making music your whole life, as well as working out.
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:06)
I have not hit the stage. I've had open mics. I have four years been an empty nester.
These four years have been about figuring out who I am.
I am a people person, and music is the number one place to meet people, and the gym and working out in the park. All of those things.
I've created a life that I love.
Jackie Morreale (22:24)
I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy to know you, Dianne.
What's Euell's favorite sport, Dianne?
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:31)
To do or to watch? He watches football and plays rugby.
Jackie Morreale (22:34)
I thought you were going to say polo. I was baffled when he told me that he grew up with horses. My gosh, so many options. What do we do?
Dianne Marie Nigh (22:37)
I said it wrong. My gosh, slap me! Polo, I know.
Redo, Euell's favorite sport: he watches football and plays polo.
Jackie Morreale (22:47)
Is that right, Euell?
Euell Barnett (22:50)
Yes, I love football. Football is just everything. I grew up in a family of football. I start to go through withdrawals when the season is over.
I then immediately turned my attention to my horse. Yes, I've played polo. As a matter of fact, I started riding horses when I was in college.
I would leave football practice and go with my trainer and do barrel racing. I did that in Mississippi and people thought that I was crazy, leaving football practice and going horseback riding. I love it.
Jackie Morreale (23:21)
As someone who didn't grow up on a farm or with horses, it just sounds magical. What is barrel racing?
Euell Barnett (23:28)
Okay, barrel racing is simple.
Dianne Marie Nigh (23:33)
I love it.
Euell Barnett (23:35)
It's an open arena, and there are barrels. The barrels are up in a triangle type deal. You go around the circle once, twice, and then a third time. Then you go out of the arena. It's about speed. That's exactly what it is...
I had been riding for three weeks prior to my first rodeo show. The gentleman that I was training with in Mississippi asked me, 'Are you sure you want to enter the show? You've only been riding for three weeks.' I said, 'I love speed. There's nothing going to stop me.' He said, 'But you have people coming from Texas who've been doing this for years.
You have people coming from Tennessee who have all these different types of horses that are fast, and they have experience.' I said, 'We've been doing it for three weeks. What's the worst that can happen?' I ended up getting third place among everyone there who has been doing this for years. It was just about the determination and knowing my horse at the time.
Once you develop a relationship with that animal, you're able to accomplish whatever you're trying to accomplish. I did that, coming out every day, building and setting a bond with this animal, and riding. The horse knew me.
I can remember like yesterday, the thing that got me in third place: I went wide around the barrel when I was supposed to hug the barrel.
It's about timing and it threw my time off. I did a wide turning around the barrel when I was supposed to do a really close turn.
I learned that, but I got third place. That was exciting. That was the most exciting day in my life to accomplish that. And I just brought it to Florida.
Jackie Morreale (25:04)
Wow. You live in the right place for equestrian sports.
You literally had a first rodeo. (This ain't my first rodeo.) You literally had a first rodeo. Wow.
Dianne Marie Nigh (25:14)
Not my friend's one.
Euell Barnett (25:15)
That was my first rodeo. Exactly.
Jackie Morreale (25:25)
I love the way you talk about working with people with horses and how you were able to connect with your horse to then compete and take it to the next level so quickly.
Obviously, a different situation with people, but you're able to connect with someone and really give them the confidence and the drive and whatever tools they need to then lift themselves up and take it to the next level.
I think we see that right here, right? With this relationship.
Euell Barnett (25:49)
Yes, absolutely.
Jackie Morreale (25:52)
I'm pretty sure you're a competitive person, Euell. It sounds like we want to win stuff. This is part of it.
Euell Barnett (25:59)
I think within each of us, we have some type of competitiveness in us.
More so, I look at accomplishing what I set out to do. Regardless of where it takes me, the fact that I did it, especially when I set my mind to it, I'm determined to do so.
I'm going to do it, I'm going to go for it. That's what I try to do. I say, it doesn't matter which place I am, everyone would love to be first. Of course, I would love to be first. But even if you're not placing, it's the fact that I've accomplished and I've gotten first place because I pushed myself to do that. Many individuals are unable to do certain things because they feel like, 'What if?' 'What if?' 'What if?'
The only way you're going to find out is if you just try it and go for it.
That's one thing I push myself to do. When I see and visualize myself doing certain things, I put it into play and make it happen.
That goes back to some of the exercise we do on the crossbars. Go upside down and Dianne is like, 'Where do you find these things?' I said, 'I think about it. Once I think about it, I implement it and do it.'
Guess what? It works a certain muscle within your body. Now it's registered in my memory and that's what we're going to do.
Jackie Morreale (27:15)
And it's on the menu!
Euell Barnett (27:16)
Yeah, it's on the menu.
Dianne Marie Nigh (27:17)
I tell you, my messenger is full of, ‘What did do? What are you taking?’ All this.
Then when you tell them how you work out, they're like, ‘I couldn't do that.’
I'm like, 'You don't know. Dude, try. You’ve got to try. You don't know that.'
People will say, 'But you're strong, or, but you're tall.'
But nothing. Come out and try. Try. You don't know until you try.
You have to push yourself and stay long enough to see the results.
Dianne Marie Nigh Demonstrates Some Key Exercises from her Morning Routine with Trainer Euell Barnett:
Trainer Euell Barnett and Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh demonstrating a squat with weights
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Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh demonstrating mountain climber exercises
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Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh demonstrating elevated lunges with weights
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Jackie Morreale (27:35)
Totally agree. We, and I do this to myself too, we take ourselves out. We take ourselves out before we're even in the running for something. Whatever it is. Whatever that thing is that holds you back.
That self-doubt: ‘What will other people think? Maybe I can't. What'll I look like? What'll I feel like?’ But if you don't try, you don't know.
Dianne, you said, ‘I'm not a quitter. Do it.’ You're going to get it done. And Euell, you said that, ‘Once you set the goal, then there's another goal.’
Next time you're going to hang upside down and do crunches or whatever is on the menu, it becomes tradition, right?
Euell Barnett (28:05)
There have been so many times that we're in the middle of a workout and she goes, 'I can't do that. How many do you expect me to do?' She'll tell you, I will not answer. I'm like, 'I'm ready when you're ready, go.'
Dianne Marie Nigh (28:19)
We do have a little bit of a communication difference, but it works.
I think the rep number is: One before you die. That's his rep number.
Euell Barnett (28:25)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (28:26)
One before you die! That is the rep number for the books. It obviously works. You guys have to write a book on this because what you're doing is working.
Dianne Marie Nigh (28:27)
Yes.
Jackie Morreale (28:35)
So, if you had to shout somebody out as her favorite bodybuilder or athlete, maybe someone that Dianne looks up to, who would that be?
Euell Barnett (28:45)
When she started this journey, she showed me a picture and she said, ‘This is what I want to do and this is what I want to look like.' She just recently showed me a picture three weeks ago, and she's going to be there at the competition.
I said, 'If you want to look like that, you know exactly what we have to do, the time we have to put in to get there.' Please forgive me, Dianne. I forget her name.
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:05)
It's okay. It's Dee Jackson. Dee Jackson.
Jackie Morreale (29:08)
Shout out, Dee Jackson!
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:09)
One of the reasons I love Dee is because she started lifting late in life, also. She is now 56 years old, and she's just a phenomenal and very personable person.
Euell had the treadmill up to like a 15 at the indoor gym, and he had me walking sideways with my vest on, pushing the belt away from me. I'm like, 'What the heck is this?' I got home that night and see Dee post it like three hours after we did it.
It happens multiple times where he will say something, and then the next day Dee says it, and I'm like, I guess it's right. It’s Dee verified.
Jackie Morreale (29:42)
I love it when that happens. That means you're on the same path, the same journey. So, did you get to meet her in Vegas?
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:49)
I didn't. No. My competition was on Monday and Tuesday. I left on Wednesday. The pros went on Thursday and Friday.
Jackie Morreale (29:55)
Next time, when you're pro, you and Dee are going to be standing up there next to each other. So inspiring.
Does Euell have a special bodybuilder or athlete that he particularly looks up to or feels inspired by, maybe a football player?
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:11)
The only name I know is Rufus Du Sol, but he is music. Euell talks about this musician all the time.
Jackie Morreale (30:16)
Rufus Du Sol is house music. Is that what you're into? Is that what you dance to?
Euell Barnett (30:21)
I love it. That's my workout music. That's my workout music because it's constantly... beat, beat, beat. You're grinding. Constantly moving.
That's the type of music that gets me going from the beginning to the end.
I love Rufus Du Sol. That's my favorite.
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:36)
His second favorite person is probably Euell. Euell's favorite bodybuilder is Euell.
Jackie Morreale (30:42)
Lol. I love it. We need to learn more about Euell's bodybuilding experience as well.
But before we do, just curious what your favorite book is?
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:50)
I like the book Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. In the intro of this book, she talks about meeting Oprah Winfrey. Oprah had given her personal phone number. Jamie is like, 'It's probably not her personal number. It's probably an assistant. She probably doesn't want me to call.'
She waited three years before she actually called her. When she did call her, she explains how Oprah's like, 'I thought I offended you somehow. Why didn't you call me earlier?' The book explains that you are worthy of all of this. I was worthy of losing that hundred pounds. I was worthy of hitting the stage in Vegas. I am worthy of heading to Dallas.
A lot of times, as young girls, especially, we're taught to honor others, to put the focus on others, to not always be about us. We're supposed to be selfless.
You can be selfless and still believe you're worthy of all of those things.
(Continued below)
Totally agree. We, and I do this to myself too, we take ourselves out. We take ourselves out before we're even in the running for something. Whatever it is. Whatever that thing is that holds you back.
That self-doubt: ‘What will other people think? Maybe I can't. What'll I look like? What'll I feel like?’ But if you don't try, you don't know.
Dianne, you said, ‘I'm not a quitter. Do it.’ You're going to get it done. And Euell, you said that, ‘Once you set the goal, then there's another goal.’
Next time you're going to hang upside down and do crunches or whatever is on the menu, it becomes tradition, right?
Euell Barnett (28:05)
There have been so many times that we're in the middle of a workout and she goes, 'I can't do that. How many do you expect me to do?' She'll tell you, I will not answer. I'm like, 'I'm ready when you're ready, go.'
Dianne Marie Nigh (28:19)
We do have a little bit of a communication difference, but it works.
I think the rep number is: One before you die. That's his rep number.
Euell Barnett (28:25)
Lol.
Jackie Morreale (28:26)
One before you die! That is the rep number for the books. It obviously works. You guys have to write a book on this because what you're doing is working.
Dianne Marie Nigh (28:27)
Yes.
Jackie Morreale (28:35)
So, if you had to shout somebody out as her favorite bodybuilder or athlete, maybe someone that Dianne looks up to, who would that be?
Euell Barnett (28:45)
When she started this journey, she showed me a picture and she said, ‘This is what I want to do and this is what I want to look like.' She just recently showed me a picture three weeks ago, and she's going to be there at the competition.
I said, 'If you want to look like that, you know exactly what we have to do, the time we have to put in to get there.' Please forgive me, Dianne. I forget her name.
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:05)
It's okay. It's Dee Jackson. Dee Jackson.
Jackie Morreale (29:08)
Shout out, Dee Jackson!
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:09)
One of the reasons I love Dee is because she started lifting late in life, also. She is now 56 years old, and she's just a phenomenal and very personable person.
Euell had the treadmill up to like a 15 at the indoor gym, and he had me walking sideways with my vest on, pushing the belt away from me. I'm like, 'What the heck is this?' I got home that night and see Dee post it like three hours after we did it.
It happens multiple times where he will say something, and then the next day Dee says it, and I'm like, I guess it's right. It’s Dee verified.
Jackie Morreale (29:42)
I love it when that happens. That means you're on the same path, the same journey. So, did you get to meet her in Vegas?
Dianne Marie Nigh (29:49)
I didn't. No. My competition was on Monday and Tuesday. I left on Wednesday. The pros went on Thursday and Friday.
Jackie Morreale (29:55)
Next time, when you're pro, you and Dee are going to be standing up there next to each other. So inspiring.
Does Euell have a special bodybuilder or athlete that he particularly looks up to or feels inspired by, maybe a football player?
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:11)
The only name I know is Rufus Du Sol, but he is music. Euell talks about this musician all the time.
Jackie Morreale (30:16)
Rufus Du Sol is house music. Is that what you're into? Is that what you dance to?
Euell Barnett (30:21)
I love it. That's my workout music. That's my workout music because it's constantly... beat, beat, beat. You're grinding. Constantly moving.
That's the type of music that gets me going from the beginning to the end.
I love Rufus Du Sol. That's my favorite.
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:36)
His second favorite person is probably Euell. Euell's favorite bodybuilder is Euell.
Jackie Morreale (30:42)
Lol. I love it. We need to learn more about Euell's bodybuilding experience as well.
But before we do, just curious what your favorite book is?
Dianne Marie Nigh (30:50)
I like the book Worthy, by Jamie Kern Lima. In the intro of this book, she talks about meeting Oprah Winfrey. Oprah had given her personal phone number. Jamie is like, 'It's probably not her personal number. It's probably an assistant. She probably doesn't want me to call.'
She waited three years before she actually called her. When she did call her, she explains how Oprah's like, 'I thought I offended you somehow. Why didn't you call me earlier?' The book explains that you are worthy of all of this. I was worthy of losing that hundred pounds. I was worthy of hitting the stage in Vegas. I am worthy of heading to Dallas.
A lot of times, as young girls, especially, we're taught to honor others, to put the focus on others, to not always be about us. We're supposed to be selfless.
You can be selfless and still believe you're worthy of all of those things.
(Continued below)
Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh does a plank exercise with Personal Trainer Euell Barnett.
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (31:36)
I just felt something. That was awesome. I can't wait to read it. I'm adding it to my list.
Euell, favorite book?
Euell Barnett (31:41)
My favorite book. I read this book when I was a teenager. From that point all the way up until now, very blessed to be here for 52 years, I've always taken this with me. It's the book, Discover the Hidden You. It's written by the late Myles Munroe. He was a pastor. It talked about what you have inside. I think it goes so much with what we do today.
It has a lot of pushing myself to doing what I'm doing and assisting others, and unlocking what we have in the inside, but really didn't know that we had it.
It goes back to me doing certain things. Doing the inverted pull-ups, and you visualize yourself. If I visualize myself doing that, it's within me. I'm able to do it.
That book can motivate you to do things and bring out who you are as an individual. I've been able to do that and unleash something within myself that I knew was there, but hadn't had the opportunity, or just didn't get it released at that time.
I did some soul searching within myself. Physically, spiritually. I'm able now to understand and see who I am and what I stand for.
Jackie Morreale (32:55)
It sounds like you've read it at a time that was really transitional for you. You went to college, you had this football experience, the experience of the horse, and the first rodeo. Finding that hidden thing that's inside of you sounds just like the book that you love, Dianne, Worthy. It's really, finding who you are and putting yourself out there and knowing that you're worth whatever that next thing is for you. Knowing that whatever is meant for you, you deserve it, and you're working so hard to get there.
There's a lot going on up here [in our minds], you guys. We were just supposed to talk about this part [the body], but there's a lot going on up here.
Dianne Marie Nigh (33:30)
Mind game is number one. If your mind doesn't get out of bed, you ain't getting out of bed. If your mind doesn't want to work out, you ain't working out.
Euell Barnett (33:36)
I think you touched on it when you said, ‘It's up here.’ That's exactly where it starts, Jackie. It takes this [the mind] to move this [the body]. Once you think about it, and I put my mind to it, I know what my results will be and what the accomplishment will be, it motivates me to move the rest of my body.
It starts here. If this is good, everything else falls into place. Your mind tells you how much more you can take, how far you should go.
I never give numbers, but in my mind, I have my number set. She goes, 'I know you're not going to answer me, but I'm going to ask anyway, what number am I on?' I never say anything, of course.
Jackie Morreale (34:12)
One less than death.
Dianne Marie Nigh (34:12)
Yeah!
Euell Barnett (34:21)
Yeah, I said, ‘Just go until I say cut.’ Then she goes, alright.
We have a young lady who started with us. That's the first thing she said, ‘How many?’ She started laughing. Dianne just burst out laughing and said, 'Good luck with that.'
Jackie Morreale (34:25)
Good luck to her. I hope she survives the two-week initiation period to go on to a lifelong career of success with you guys.
Dianne Marie Nigh (34:32)
If you're building a house, you hire a contractor. Whatever you're doing, we hire people. Yet people will say, I can work out. I know how.
I thought I did, too.
They say, ‘I know what a dumbbell is. I know how to pick one up.’
If you really, really want to change your life, you have to hire a trainer.
There's so many things, especially with this number. Maybe I would have stopped 10 reps before. But because someone is there pushing you, because someone is there encouraging you, because you have that in-your-face, constant reminder of what your goal is, we push through.
If you don't hire a trainer and you're just going at it on your own, maybe you in your own right are a pro, you're a trainer. But for the general public, we really do not know what we're doing and we don't know what our body is capable of.
Having a professional there, responsible for your training. It's worth every penny.
Jackie Morreale (35:19)
Helps to have a really good one too. Just putting it out there, Euell. Keep up the great work, both of you!
Dianne, let's go into your fitness journey that you kicked off with Euell this past February. What made working out with Euell different than your past experiences in gyms or even in the military?
Dianne Marie Nigh (35:39)
It's the type of training, being outside, but it's also his personality. Obviously, we have a good rapport here with each other. He has a no BS approach. Because I am a people person, I don't want to upset people. My first thought is, I can't make him mad. My second thought is that I'm going to benefit from not making him mad.
Jackie Morreale (35:56)
He's got a big smile on his face right now, so I know it's true.
Dianne Marie Nigh (35:59)
It is personality. You have to be able to trust the person who is pushing you, knowing that they're pushing you for your own good.
From the first week, I knew that he knew what he was doing. I felt a difference. I absolutely love being at the park. I love the fresh air. I loved all that. It works.
Military. It's the strength we talked about, not the fitness. All the stuff that I did, any bivwacks, camps, and hikes that we did, it's all about pure shredded strength, not about being able to skip or gallop sideways or do these quick motions.
That is fitness, being agile, being flexible, as well as being strong. I just never have had that; it helped my dance a little bit, too! I was always a terrible dancer. Having this flexibility and much lighter weight, and spending that time skipping, galloping, all that kind of stuff. You know what? I'm actually not that clumsy. Agile and fitness, again, are different than strength.
Jackie Morreale (36:54)
I don't know if the bodybuilding competitions have a dance component to it, but I could just see Dianne taking over and ruffling some feathers and inspiring people.
I agree, fitness is multifaceted. It's got the strength, the cardio, the flexibility, the agility, the balance.
Competing after you had this massive success, with four months and 70 pounds down, you must have felt amazing. How did it feel to walk on that stage at the 2025 NPC amateur Olympia in Las Vegas in October?
Dianne Marie Nigh (37:27)
It was very nerve-racking. There are so many different categories.
Backstage, you're lined up with all of them. You see physique, which is top, top notch, which is where I'm going in Dallas.
You look at all these bodies it's so easy to compare yourself and feel not worthy.
My posing coach, Catt, had told me, 'If you forget, just follow the person in front of you.'
Of course, I was first out of the curtain.
Jackie Morreale (37:51)
You're like, Catt, what do I do?
Dianne Marie Nigh (37:53)
I realized she was in my head, and I heard her coaching me through the whole thing. It was fine. But how did it feel? Very, very, very nerve-racking.
Jackie Morreale (38:01)
Oh, I bet. It's funny that you mentioned the backstage bit before actually going first on stage. I just read somewhere that comparing ourselves is the number one killjoy. It's so hard when you're there to compete against all these other amazing athletes.
I'm just curious from both of you, how do you get past that? How do you go and ‘just do you’ - the best that you can - without comparing yourself to who else is there?
Dianne Marie Nigh (38:27)
I said, 'I'm doing this; I've got to do it.'
Even before I flew, I was sitting here thinking, 'Maybe I miss my flight.'
I was like, 'You can't say any of that, you've just got to go.'
You have to just go. Especially when you've prepared and you've put so much time into something.
There were days I thought I would die. I really did. I would be sleeping in the parking lot.
Euell would call at noon. He's like, 'I know you had a rough morning. How are you feeling now?' I was like, 'Funny you're checking on me. Because I just woke up from the park.'
If I thought I was going to die, then I look at Dee Jackson, and I'm like, how many days did she die?
It's easy to compare ourselves and put ourselves down, but you have plans. We have 20 weeks to go to Dallas.
You plan; you follow through. You show up, and you do your best.
Jackie Morreale (39:06)
What is a fitness experience that you're really proud of, Dianne, or one that was especially memorable?
Dianne Marie Nigh (39:11)
Graduating from basic training was a huge deal.
There are lots of people who would claim the devil was sleeping under their bed, and they claim it's crazy, and they got kicked out in week one or week two.
That used to be my number one thing. I'm super proud of the five years I served on active duty in the Army.
But I absolutely love running.
One day at the park, Euell was like, 'What happened to you? You found some speed.' I was running when I had those hundred pounds in my knees. No wonder I found speed. I found a much more graceful pace.
I'm really proud of my fitness and running. I'm proud of my legs and very, very, very, very happy to fly now.
Jackie Morreale (39:45)
I'm so proud of you, too, girl. I'm really inspired by you. Thank you for sharing. It's such a personal journey, and I really appreciate it. Any life changes that you think you'll take with you into the future, based on what you've learned from this most recent fitness journey, that you can share so that other people can be inspired to make similar changes?
Dianne Marie Nigh (40:05)
Again, you just have to start.
May 10th I was looking at my son, he's an ADCC fighter, and I was going to get tickets for him in Vegas to go watch him, which I've done many times. It's also where I first saw the National Physique Committee competing.
When I was looking at the site, this popped up.
I had just lost 70 pounds. I had done a video saying, 'I'm not a run in the Jogging Bra type, but I'm going to go running in my Jogging Bra now.' I was so confident.
Brandon George is my fighter son. I was like, 'What do you think of this?' He said, 'Mom, if it's on your mind, you have to do it.'
The next day he's like, 'Let's do it.'
You have to start. I would take Brandon's words. If it's on your mind, you have to do it. Why would you wait a year, two years, three years, four years, and regret not starting?
You have to start. Once you get started, don't quit.
Jackie Morreale (40:49)
See that? You poured so much of yourself into your Brandon, both of your sons. He gave it right back to you. Very special.
Let's talk a little bit more about Euell's journey in fitness, training and even business. Similar question, Euell, do you have a proudest or most memorable
breakthrough moment in fitness?
Euell Barnett (41:08)
Absolutely. My proudest moments are when I'm able to do what I'm right now today. Looking at Dianne. There's nothing more to be proud of. Set a goal to assist.
First of all, I love helping people. To help someone achieve a goal they've set out to accomplish when they themselves felt like they couldn't do it... and they did it, going beyond what their expectations were.
That is the proudest and most exciting thing of all.
I felt like I had so much to do with that mentally by saying, ‘Don't quit.’ There are days when she says, 'It's hot.' She said, 'I can't go another step.' I said, 'You're right. Let's go another three steps.' And she's like, 'Dude.' When she said, dude, I just took off walking. I said, catch up.
When she finished, she talked about how she fell asleep in the parking lot, but it has lasted to this day. She can show her mettle and say, 'Wow, had I only taken one step or had I just said, you know what, I'm done, then I wouldn't have accomplished what I set out to do, and some.'
That would have to be my proudest moment: seeing the results and giving her exactly what she set out to do.
To hear her tell me, 'I've been going to the gym for years and have never gotten results like I've gotten now in a matter of months.'
That motivates me to continue to work on myself. I've actually seen her transform.
It's a very proud moment to assist others.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (31:36)
I just felt something. That was awesome. I can't wait to read it. I'm adding it to my list.
Euell, favorite book?
Euell Barnett (31:41)
My favorite book. I read this book when I was a teenager. From that point all the way up until now, very blessed to be here for 52 years, I've always taken this with me. It's the book, Discover the Hidden You. It's written by the late Myles Munroe. He was a pastor. It talked about what you have inside. I think it goes so much with what we do today.
It has a lot of pushing myself to doing what I'm doing and assisting others, and unlocking what we have in the inside, but really didn't know that we had it.
It goes back to me doing certain things. Doing the inverted pull-ups, and you visualize yourself. If I visualize myself doing that, it's within me. I'm able to do it.
That book can motivate you to do things and bring out who you are as an individual. I've been able to do that and unleash something within myself that I knew was there, but hadn't had the opportunity, or just didn't get it released at that time.
I did some soul searching within myself. Physically, spiritually. I'm able now to understand and see who I am and what I stand for.
Jackie Morreale (32:55)
It sounds like you've read it at a time that was really transitional for you. You went to college, you had this football experience, the experience of the horse, and the first rodeo. Finding that hidden thing that's inside of you sounds just like the book that you love, Dianne, Worthy. It's really, finding who you are and putting yourself out there and knowing that you're worth whatever that next thing is for you. Knowing that whatever is meant for you, you deserve it, and you're working so hard to get there.
There's a lot going on up here [in our minds], you guys. We were just supposed to talk about this part [the body], but there's a lot going on up here.
Dianne Marie Nigh (33:30)
Mind game is number one. If your mind doesn't get out of bed, you ain't getting out of bed. If your mind doesn't want to work out, you ain't working out.
Euell Barnett (33:36)
I think you touched on it when you said, ‘It's up here.’ That's exactly where it starts, Jackie. It takes this [the mind] to move this [the body]. Once you think about it, and I put my mind to it, I know what my results will be and what the accomplishment will be, it motivates me to move the rest of my body.
It starts here. If this is good, everything else falls into place. Your mind tells you how much more you can take, how far you should go.
I never give numbers, but in my mind, I have my number set. She goes, 'I know you're not going to answer me, but I'm going to ask anyway, what number am I on?' I never say anything, of course.
Jackie Morreale (34:12)
One less than death.
Dianne Marie Nigh (34:12)
Yeah!
Euell Barnett (34:21)
Yeah, I said, ‘Just go until I say cut.’ Then she goes, alright.
We have a young lady who started with us. That's the first thing she said, ‘How many?’ She started laughing. Dianne just burst out laughing and said, 'Good luck with that.'
Jackie Morreale (34:25)
Good luck to her. I hope she survives the two-week initiation period to go on to a lifelong career of success with you guys.
Dianne Marie Nigh (34:32)
If you're building a house, you hire a contractor. Whatever you're doing, we hire people. Yet people will say, I can work out. I know how.
I thought I did, too.
They say, ‘I know what a dumbbell is. I know how to pick one up.’
If you really, really want to change your life, you have to hire a trainer.
There's so many things, especially with this number. Maybe I would have stopped 10 reps before. But because someone is there pushing you, because someone is there encouraging you, because you have that in-your-face, constant reminder of what your goal is, we push through.
If you don't hire a trainer and you're just going at it on your own, maybe you in your own right are a pro, you're a trainer. But for the general public, we really do not know what we're doing and we don't know what our body is capable of.
Having a professional there, responsible for your training. It's worth every penny.
Jackie Morreale (35:19)
Helps to have a really good one too. Just putting it out there, Euell. Keep up the great work, both of you!
Dianne, let's go into your fitness journey that you kicked off with Euell this past February. What made working out with Euell different than your past experiences in gyms or even in the military?
Dianne Marie Nigh (35:39)
It's the type of training, being outside, but it's also his personality. Obviously, we have a good rapport here with each other. He has a no BS approach. Because I am a people person, I don't want to upset people. My first thought is, I can't make him mad. My second thought is that I'm going to benefit from not making him mad.
Jackie Morreale (35:56)
He's got a big smile on his face right now, so I know it's true.
Dianne Marie Nigh (35:59)
It is personality. You have to be able to trust the person who is pushing you, knowing that they're pushing you for your own good.
From the first week, I knew that he knew what he was doing. I felt a difference. I absolutely love being at the park. I love the fresh air. I loved all that. It works.
Military. It's the strength we talked about, not the fitness. All the stuff that I did, any bivwacks, camps, and hikes that we did, it's all about pure shredded strength, not about being able to skip or gallop sideways or do these quick motions.
That is fitness, being agile, being flexible, as well as being strong. I just never have had that; it helped my dance a little bit, too! I was always a terrible dancer. Having this flexibility and much lighter weight, and spending that time skipping, galloping, all that kind of stuff. You know what? I'm actually not that clumsy. Agile and fitness, again, are different than strength.
Jackie Morreale (36:54)
I don't know if the bodybuilding competitions have a dance component to it, but I could just see Dianne taking over and ruffling some feathers and inspiring people.
I agree, fitness is multifaceted. It's got the strength, the cardio, the flexibility, the agility, the balance.
Competing after you had this massive success, with four months and 70 pounds down, you must have felt amazing. How did it feel to walk on that stage at the 2025 NPC amateur Olympia in Las Vegas in October?
Dianne Marie Nigh (37:27)
It was very nerve-racking. There are so many different categories.
Backstage, you're lined up with all of them. You see physique, which is top, top notch, which is where I'm going in Dallas.
You look at all these bodies it's so easy to compare yourself and feel not worthy.
My posing coach, Catt, had told me, 'If you forget, just follow the person in front of you.'
Of course, I was first out of the curtain.
Jackie Morreale (37:51)
You're like, Catt, what do I do?
Dianne Marie Nigh (37:53)
I realized she was in my head, and I heard her coaching me through the whole thing. It was fine. But how did it feel? Very, very, very nerve-racking.
Jackie Morreale (38:01)
Oh, I bet. It's funny that you mentioned the backstage bit before actually going first on stage. I just read somewhere that comparing ourselves is the number one killjoy. It's so hard when you're there to compete against all these other amazing athletes.
I'm just curious from both of you, how do you get past that? How do you go and ‘just do you’ - the best that you can - without comparing yourself to who else is there?
Dianne Marie Nigh (38:27)
I said, 'I'm doing this; I've got to do it.'
Even before I flew, I was sitting here thinking, 'Maybe I miss my flight.'
I was like, 'You can't say any of that, you've just got to go.'
You have to just go. Especially when you've prepared and you've put so much time into something.
There were days I thought I would die. I really did. I would be sleeping in the parking lot.
Euell would call at noon. He's like, 'I know you had a rough morning. How are you feeling now?' I was like, 'Funny you're checking on me. Because I just woke up from the park.'
If I thought I was going to die, then I look at Dee Jackson, and I'm like, how many days did she die?
It's easy to compare ourselves and put ourselves down, but you have plans. We have 20 weeks to go to Dallas.
You plan; you follow through. You show up, and you do your best.
Jackie Morreale (39:06)
What is a fitness experience that you're really proud of, Dianne, or one that was especially memorable?
Dianne Marie Nigh (39:11)
Graduating from basic training was a huge deal.
There are lots of people who would claim the devil was sleeping under their bed, and they claim it's crazy, and they got kicked out in week one or week two.
That used to be my number one thing. I'm super proud of the five years I served on active duty in the Army.
But I absolutely love running.
One day at the park, Euell was like, 'What happened to you? You found some speed.' I was running when I had those hundred pounds in my knees. No wonder I found speed. I found a much more graceful pace.
I'm really proud of my fitness and running. I'm proud of my legs and very, very, very, very happy to fly now.
Jackie Morreale (39:45)
I'm so proud of you, too, girl. I'm really inspired by you. Thank you for sharing. It's such a personal journey, and I really appreciate it. Any life changes that you think you'll take with you into the future, based on what you've learned from this most recent fitness journey, that you can share so that other people can be inspired to make similar changes?
Dianne Marie Nigh (40:05)
Again, you just have to start.
May 10th I was looking at my son, he's an ADCC fighter, and I was going to get tickets for him in Vegas to go watch him, which I've done many times. It's also where I first saw the National Physique Committee competing.
When I was looking at the site, this popped up.
I had just lost 70 pounds. I had done a video saying, 'I'm not a run in the Jogging Bra type, but I'm going to go running in my Jogging Bra now.' I was so confident.
Brandon George is my fighter son. I was like, 'What do you think of this?' He said, 'Mom, if it's on your mind, you have to do it.'
The next day he's like, 'Let's do it.'
You have to start. I would take Brandon's words. If it's on your mind, you have to do it. Why would you wait a year, two years, three years, four years, and regret not starting?
You have to start. Once you get started, don't quit.
Jackie Morreale (40:49)
See that? You poured so much of yourself into your Brandon, both of your sons. He gave it right back to you. Very special.
Let's talk a little bit more about Euell's journey in fitness, training and even business. Similar question, Euell, do you have a proudest or most memorable
breakthrough moment in fitness?
Euell Barnett (41:08)
Absolutely. My proudest moments are when I'm able to do what I'm right now today. Looking at Dianne. There's nothing more to be proud of. Set a goal to assist.
First of all, I love helping people. To help someone achieve a goal they've set out to accomplish when they themselves felt like they couldn't do it... and they did it, going beyond what their expectations were.
That is the proudest and most exciting thing of all.
I felt like I had so much to do with that mentally by saying, ‘Don't quit.’ There are days when she says, 'It's hot.' She said, 'I can't go another step.' I said, 'You're right. Let's go another three steps.' And she's like, 'Dude.' When she said, dude, I just took off walking. I said, catch up.
When she finished, she talked about how she fell asleep in the parking lot, but it has lasted to this day. She can show her mettle and say, 'Wow, had I only taken one step or had I just said, you know what, I'm done, then I wouldn't have accomplished what I set out to do, and some.'
That would have to be my proudest moment: seeing the results and giving her exactly what she set out to do.
To hear her tell me, 'I've been going to the gym for years and have never gotten results like I've gotten now in a matter of months.'
That motivates me to continue to work on myself. I've actually seen her transform.
It's a very proud moment to assist others.
(Continued below)
Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Nigh does seated crunches with a band, with Personal Trainer Euell Barnett.
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (42:43)
The proudest moment is to see Dianne shine. That’s so beautiful!
Having a team behind you that's amazing, Dianne, it feels like you have so much power in your corner, behind you.
How do you feel, Euell, about Dianne's success in your program as well as on the NPC stage? Any predictions for Dallas?
Euell Barnett (43:05)
She's going to do really well. I feel very confident in her.
It doesn't matter where we place, it's just the fact that now she has this confidence the size of the state of Florida.
This was someone who initially came to me and said, 'I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't.' And she moved from that to now doing different exercises with 40 pound dumbbells and she's like, 'I'm doing it.'
She has unlocked the hidden person within herself and she understands her potential.
Jackie Morreale (43:34)
Is there a mindset or perhaps a secret sauce that sets this kind of fitness success apart from others? Perhaps someone sets a New Year's resolution and doesn't follow through. Dianne came in February. This wasn't a New Year's resolution. She was ready to make a change. What made this journey different? Is a different mindset required for this kind of success?
Euell Barnett (43:57)
You've got to have a totally different mindset to do what I do.
Not to say that no one can do it. It's a mindset. Number one, you have to be positive about it. And acknowledge what you want to accomplish.
Like you mentioned, everyone says, ‘New Year's resolution.’ How many people say, 'I want to do this. I'm going on this fitness journey, going to New Year's.'
Then, when they see what I do, they go, 'No, I'm not going that.'
Put your mind into the thought of, this is what I want to do, and this is where I want to be.
Now, am I expecting a newcomer to come out and do the exact same thing I do? The exact amount of reps that I'm doing? Absolutely not. No, I don't. If you can do it, that's just pushing me to do more. Now you're going to end up doing more.
I want you to do you. I'm doing me.
Meaning that if I'm doing 10 and you can only do five, guess what? You did it. You did five. You did what we are doing to succeed and move forward in this journey.
Don't bring whatever's going on, onto the track. Stay focused. Understand what we're doing and follow through with it.
Throughout my day, I have busy days through my management company, when I'm on the track, she'll tell you, I put the phone down, unless it's a family member. If it's a family member, I'm all in for it.
But someone to talk about what's going on, no. I can take care of that after. I block everything out, and I stay focused on that.
If I'm not where I'm supposed to be in my state of mind, I'm not going to be able to guide and direct her and give her exactly what she's looking for.
I want her to stay focused and remain focused and we get through it. You definitely have to have a strong mindset and a will.
Put those two together, come out and implement, that's when the party begins and you make things happen.
Jackie Morreale (45:44)
Dianne, are you able to leave all the other stuff in the car before you get to the track at this point?
Dianne Marie Nigh (45:46)
Yeah, you have to. It's a safety thing too.
One day, I had a 65-pound vest on. I was standing under the parallel bars, and he told me I'm going to jump with this 65-pound vest, grab the parallel bars, hang for a moment, come back down, do a full squat, and go back up again.
That really was the most difficult exercise I've ever done.
Jackie Morreale (46:05)
I mean, he looks nice, right? But I'm a little scared of this nice man who's on a call with us.
Seriously, the level of coordination and strength, and to be able to get yourself up there cardio-wise and then squat. That is a complex move.
Dianne Marie Nigh (46:10)
We're talking about challenges and mindset. That was the most difficult day.
That was really, really difficult, and the mindset has to be on.
If you're afraid of hard things, don't come try Euell.
But if you want a big change, like people say, ‘I need to lose 100 pounds’, then you need to get out here and just figure out the mindset because he will figure out the rest.
Jackie Morreale (46:42)
You guys are so amazing together.
Okay, my burning question for you both. When do you sleep?
Euell Barnett (46:49)
Sleep, what is that?
You hear how important it is to sleep and get eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay fit. I wish I could. If I go to bed at a normal hour, around nine o'clock, I'll be up at one o'clock and once I'm up, I'm up. I'm ready to go.
I've trained myself now once I open my eyes and give thanks that I'm able to see another day and give all praise mighty to God above who allows me to do what I'm doing and helping others.
The moment I open my eyes, I'm ready to go.
I think what takes me through my day; I start it off with my spiritual journey. Every single morning, I get up with spiritual prayer. I'm talking about every morning.
Once I'm done with that, I'm locked and loaded and ready to go. I don't require eight to nine hours of sleep.
I guess it goes all the way back to my grandfather. He's like, 'When the sun rises, it's time to go. You don't stay in bed, even on the weekends.' I have to get up, and I have to move, and I have to do stuff.
I have more energy now at 52 and I did when I was in college playing ball.
I am just ecstatic to feel and see the difference. It's supposed to be somewhat the other way around, the older you get, things start to slow down.
I'm speeding up and like, what is going on?
I get my rest and when I pause and have lunch or have a snack, I'm able to wind down for a moment. That's all I need. I don't have to shut my eyes. Then I'll get up and go again.
Jackie Morreale (42:43)
The proudest moment is to see Dianne shine. That’s so beautiful!
Having a team behind you that's amazing, Dianne, it feels like you have so much power in your corner, behind you.
How do you feel, Euell, about Dianne's success in your program as well as on the NPC stage? Any predictions for Dallas?
Euell Barnett (43:05)
She's going to do really well. I feel very confident in her.
It doesn't matter where we place, it's just the fact that now she has this confidence the size of the state of Florida.
This was someone who initially came to me and said, 'I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't.' And she moved from that to now doing different exercises with 40 pound dumbbells and she's like, 'I'm doing it.'
She has unlocked the hidden person within herself and she understands her potential.
Jackie Morreale (43:34)
Is there a mindset or perhaps a secret sauce that sets this kind of fitness success apart from others? Perhaps someone sets a New Year's resolution and doesn't follow through. Dianne came in February. This wasn't a New Year's resolution. She was ready to make a change. What made this journey different? Is a different mindset required for this kind of success?
Euell Barnett (43:57)
You've got to have a totally different mindset to do what I do.
Not to say that no one can do it. It's a mindset. Number one, you have to be positive about it. And acknowledge what you want to accomplish.
Like you mentioned, everyone says, ‘New Year's resolution.’ How many people say, 'I want to do this. I'm going on this fitness journey, going to New Year's.'
Then, when they see what I do, they go, 'No, I'm not going that.'
Put your mind into the thought of, this is what I want to do, and this is where I want to be.
Now, am I expecting a newcomer to come out and do the exact same thing I do? The exact amount of reps that I'm doing? Absolutely not. No, I don't. If you can do it, that's just pushing me to do more. Now you're going to end up doing more.
I want you to do you. I'm doing me.
Meaning that if I'm doing 10 and you can only do five, guess what? You did it. You did five. You did what we are doing to succeed and move forward in this journey.
Don't bring whatever's going on, onto the track. Stay focused. Understand what we're doing and follow through with it.
Throughout my day, I have busy days through my management company, when I'm on the track, she'll tell you, I put the phone down, unless it's a family member. If it's a family member, I'm all in for it.
But someone to talk about what's going on, no. I can take care of that after. I block everything out, and I stay focused on that.
If I'm not where I'm supposed to be in my state of mind, I'm not going to be able to guide and direct her and give her exactly what she's looking for.
I want her to stay focused and remain focused and we get through it. You definitely have to have a strong mindset and a will.
Put those two together, come out and implement, that's when the party begins and you make things happen.
Jackie Morreale (45:44)
Dianne, are you able to leave all the other stuff in the car before you get to the track at this point?
Dianne Marie Nigh (45:46)
Yeah, you have to. It's a safety thing too.
One day, I had a 65-pound vest on. I was standing under the parallel bars, and he told me I'm going to jump with this 65-pound vest, grab the parallel bars, hang for a moment, come back down, do a full squat, and go back up again.
That really was the most difficult exercise I've ever done.
Jackie Morreale (46:05)
I mean, he looks nice, right? But I'm a little scared of this nice man who's on a call with us.
Seriously, the level of coordination and strength, and to be able to get yourself up there cardio-wise and then squat. That is a complex move.
Dianne Marie Nigh (46:10)
We're talking about challenges and mindset. That was the most difficult day.
That was really, really difficult, and the mindset has to be on.
If you're afraid of hard things, don't come try Euell.
But if you want a big change, like people say, ‘I need to lose 100 pounds’, then you need to get out here and just figure out the mindset because he will figure out the rest.
Jackie Morreale (46:42)
You guys are so amazing together.
Okay, my burning question for you both. When do you sleep?
Euell Barnett (46:49)
Sleep, what is that?
You hear how important it is to sleep and get eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay fit. I wish I could. If I go to bed at a normal hour, around nine o'clock, I'll be up at one o'clock and once I'm up, I'm up. I'm ready to go.
I've trained myself now once I open my eyes and give thanks that I'm able to see another day and give all praise mighty to God above who allows me to do what I'm doing and helping others.
The moment I open my eyes, I'm ready to go.
I think what takes me through my day; I start it off with my spiritual journey. Every single morning, I get up with spiritual prayer. I'm talking about every morning.
Once I'm done with that, I'm locked and loaded and ready to go. I don't require eight to nine hours of sleep.
I guess it goes all the way back to my grandfather. He's like, 'When the sun rises, it's time to go. You don't stay in bed, even on the weekends.' I have to get up, and I have to move, and I have to do stuff.
I have more energy now at 52 and I did when I was in college playing ball.
I am just ecstatic to feel and see the difference. It's supposed to be somewhat the other way around, the older you get, things start to slow down.
I'm speeding up and like, what is going on?
I get my rest and when I pause and have lunch or have a snack, I'm able to wind down for a moment. That's all I need. I don't have to shut my eyes. Then I'll get up and go again.
Trainer Euell Barnett Demonstrates Key Exercises:
Euell Barnett demonstrating a standing leg lift with weights exercise
|
Euell Barnett demonstrating a push up exercise
|
Euell Barnett demonstrating an elevated lunge with shoulder press exercise
|
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (42:43)
The proudest moment is to see Dianne shine. That’s so beautiful!
Having a team behind you that's amazing, Dianne, it feels like you have so much power in your corner, behind you.
How do you feel, Euell, about Dianne's success in your program as well as on the NPC stage? Any predictions for Dallas?
Euell Barnett (43:05)
She's going to do really well. I feel very confident in her.
It doesn't matter where we place, it's just the fact that now she has this confidence the size of the state of Florida.
This was someone who initially came to me and said, 'I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't.' And she moved from that to now doing different exercises with 40 pound dumbbells and she's like, 'I'm doing it.'
She has unlocked the hidden person within herself and she understands her potential.
Jackie Morreale (43:34)
Is there a mindset or perhaps a secret sauce that sets this kind of fitness success apart from others? Perhaps someone sets a New Year's resolution and doesn't follow through. Dianne came in February. This wasn't a New Year's resolution. She was ready to make a change. What made this journey different? Is a different mindset required for this kind of success?
Euell Barnett (43:57)
You've got to have a totally different mindset to do what I do.
Not to say that no one can do it. It's a mindset. Number one, you have to be positive about it. And acknowledge what you want to accomplish.
Like you mentioned, everyone says, ‘New Year's resolution.’ How many people say, 'I want to do this. I'm going on this fitness journey, going to New Year's.'
Then, when they see what I do, they go, 'No, I'm not going that.'
Put your mind into the thought of, this is what I want to do, and this is where I want to be.
Now, am I expecting a newcomer to come out and do the exact same thing I do? The exact amount of reps that I'm doing? Absolutely not. No, I don't. If you can do it, that's just pushing me to do more. Now you're going to end up doing more.
I want you to do you. I'm doing me.
Meaning that if I'm doing 10 and you can only do five, guess what? You did it. You did five. You did what we are doing to succeed and move forward in this journey.
Don't bring whatever's going on, onto the track. Stay focused. Understand what we're doing and follow through with it.
Throughout my day, I have busy days through my management company, when I'm on the track, she'll tell you, I put the phone down, unless it's a family member. If it's a family member, I'm all in for it.
But someone to talk about what's going on, no. I can take care of that after. I block everything out, and I stay focused on that.
If I'm not where I'm supposed to be in my state of mind, I'm not going to be able to guide and direct her and give her exactly what she's looking for.
I want her to stay focused and remain focused and we get through it. You definitely have to have a strong mindset and a will.
Put those two together, come out and implement, that's when the party begins and you make things happen.
Jackie Morreale (45:44)
Dianne, are you able to leave all the other stuff in the car before you get to the track at this point?
Dianne Marie Nigh (45:46)
Yeah, you have to. It's a safety thing too.
One day, I had a 65-pound vest on. I was standing under the parallel bars, and he told me I'm going to jump with this 65-pound vest, grab the parallel bars, hang for a moment, come back down, do a full squat, and go back up again.
That really was the most difficult exercise I've ever done.
Jackie Morreale (46:05)
I mean, he looks nice, right? But I'm a little scared of this nice man who's on a call with us.
Seriously, the level of coordination and strength, and to be able to get yourself up there cardio-wise and then squat. That is a complex move.
Dianne Marie Nigh (46:10)
We're talking about challenges and mindset. That was the most difficult day.
That was really, really difficult, and the mindset has to be on.
If you're afraid of hard things, don't come try Euell.
But if you want a big change, like people say, ‘I need to lose 100 pounds’, then you need to get out here and just figure out the mindset because he will figure out the rest.
Jackie Morreale (46:42)
You guys are so amazing together.
Okay, my burning question for you both. When do you sleep?
Euell Barnett (46:49)
Sleep, what is that?
You hear how important it is to sleep and get eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay fit. I wish I could. If I go to bed at a normal hour, around nine o'clock, I'll be up at one o'clock and once I'm up, I'm up. I'm ready to go.
I've trained myself now once I open my eyes and give thanks that I'm able to see another day and give all praise mighty to God above who allows me to do what I'm doing and helping others.
The moment I open my eyes, I'm ready to go.
I think what takes me through my day; I start it off with my spiritual journey. Every single morning, I get up with spiritual prayer. I'm talking about every morning.
Once I'm done with that, I'm locked and loaded and ready to go. I don't require eight to nine hours of sleep.
I guess it goes all the way back to my grandfather. He's like, 'When the sun rises, it's time to go. You don't stay in bed, even on the weekends.' I have to get up, and I have to move, and I have to do stuff.
I have more energy now at 52 and I did when I was in college playing ball.
I am just ecstatic to feel and see the difference. It's supposed to be somewhat the other way around, the older you get, things start to slow down.
I'm speeding up and like, what is going on?
I get my rest and when I pause and have lunch or have a snack, I'm able to wind down for a moment. That's all I need. I don't have to shut my eyes. Then I'll get up and go again.
Jackie Morreale (48:26)
Wake up workout!
Dianne Marie Nigh (48:28)
During transformation time, I would literally pull over to the Publix parking lot and take a 15-minute nap. I would come in the house, and I'm too sweaty to sit on the couch, so I sit on the floor to pet my dog, and I'll be out for 15 minutes.
I get better sleep now. Coffee wasn't an option, and I haven't taken that back up since the competition, since I came back from Vegas. I still don't have a coffee pot.
I think those kind of caffeine stimulant things, people get a little bit too hooked on them. They are really not good for your health.
I've been able to go through this whole thing without coffee.
Jackie Morreale (48:59)
Let's talk more about your energy level, because Euell just explained that his energy level is off the charts compared to when he was in his 20s.
What about you after this transformation? You don't drink any caffeine anymore. You didn't need it through this transformation. How's your energy? How do you feel?
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:13)
Yeah. I just feel lighter. Literally lighter everywhere.
I went to Madison, Wisconsin, and saw my oldest son, Isaiah. I kept catching him looking and staring at me. He's like, ‘Ma, you look so different than when I saw you in April.’
Jackie Morreale (49:26)
You shine! You could see the inside from the outside, with a good vibe. I totally agree, and he's known you forever, so he could tell right away.
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:32)
Yeah. Thanksgiving was a whole house full of 30-year-olds, and I fit in. I really did! Until I say that I'm his Ma and he's got this big old beard, and then I have to go my age away.
Jackie Morreale (49:43)
You look amazing, you feel amazing, and the energy is just shining; it's noticeable.
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:49)
I am thankful for Euell's training that got me here.
Jackie Morreale (49:52)
Gratitude, man, it goes a long way. I love everything you've said that really showcases when you are thankful for what you have or how you can help others; it comes through in a big way for you, too.
Dianne, what would you say to anyone looking to start their fitness journey?
Dianne Marie Nigh (50:09)
Do it, just start. You have to start.
[My son] Brandon said, ‘If you're thinking about it, you have to do it.’
If it's put into your head, God put that there for some reason. If something is in your head that is saying and pushing you to do something, you need to take that and go with it, and don't quit.
The first day I met Euell, I was like, oh my gosh, this is going to be hard.
That was a Monday, I went back on a Wednesday, I went back on a Friday. Before I know it, I'm out there all five days of the week.
It was hard, staying long enough to see the success will motivate you for the rest of the time. And then all the little things come in, like fitting in an airplane seat, more energy to walk my dog, literally more options when you're shopping for clothes, like, things fit!
There were all kinds of motivational things along the way.
When you're doing whole body all the time, your body changes quickly.
Jackie Morreale (50:57)
Apparently so!
Euell, same question. What would you say to anyone looking to start their fitness journey? Are there any particular training tips or techniques that you might want to share with people who want to have an edge and take their fitness to the next level?
Euell Barnett (51:14)
I would tell any individual that when you speak it, do it.
So many people speak it, but speaking it is not coming and not actually participating.
Speaking it is not I'm going to do it this day and then I'll do it again next week. When you speak it, you make time for it.
Get a time that fits you and where you have no distractions. At least about 45 minutes to do so. Then you go forward.
It's fun because you get to know who you're working with, and you start to develop in a whole different way.
Dianne Marie Nigh (51:42)
It is fun.
Euell Barnett (51:51)
You transform your body into something that you did not realize that you had.
A lot of people look at their age and say, ‘Well, I'm too old now.’
Once again, I'm in my fifties; not to be boastful, but I had a couple of guys out at the track that were doing, pull ups at five, and I'm there doing like 30 [pull ups].
They're like, 'What is going on? How old are you?'
I tell them, and they’re like, ‘No way. What are you taking?'
That's the first thing. What are you taking?
I tell them, no, this is nothing that I'm taking. It's the fact that I'm determined. You have to start somewhere. Start with those five [pull ups], and work your way up.
I worked with a gentleman who couldn't do one pull-up, and in six weeks, he was doing five. He felt that that was the most exciting thing in the world, which is great. It just goes to show you that when you're consistent with something and you're determined, it'll happen. It will happen.
It goes back to: You do you.
I didn't go and try to follow the person that's in front of me or the person that I was watching.
Where I am today, I go to failure.
Dianne will tell you, when I'm doing my workout, I go to failure.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (42:43)
The proudest moment is to see Dianne shine. That’s so beautiful!
Having a team behind you that's amazing, Dianne, it feels like you have so much power in your corner, behind you.
How do you feel, Euell, about Dianne's success in your program as well as on the NPC stage? Any predictions for Dallas?
Euell Barnett (43:05)
She's going to do really well. I feel very confident in her.
It doesn't matter where we place, it's just the fact that now she has this confidence the size of the state of Florida.
This was someone who initially came to me and said, 'I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't.' And she moved from that to now doing different exercises with 40 pound dumbbells and she's like, 'I'm doing it.'
She has unlocked the hidden person within herself and she understands her potential.
Jackie Morreale (43:34)
Is there a mindset or perhaps a secret sauce that sets this kind of fitness success apart from others? Perhaps someone sets a New Year's resolution and doesn't follow through. Dianne came in February. This wasn't a New Year's resolution. She was ready to make a change. What made this journey different? Is a different mindset required for this kind of success?
Euell Barnett (43:57)
You've got to have a totally different mindset to do what I do.
Not to say that no one can do it. It's a mindset. Number one, you have to be positive about it. And acknowledge what you want to accomplish.
Like you mentioned, everyone says, ‘New Year's resolution.’ How many people say, 'I want to do this. I'm going on this fitness journey, going to New Year's.'
Then, when they see what I do, they go, 'No, I'm not going that.'
Put your mind into the thought of, this is what I want to do, and this is where I want to be.
Now, am I expecting a newcomer to come out and do the exact same thing I do? The exact amount of reps that I'm doing? Absolutely not. No, I don't. If you can do it, that's just pushing me to do more. Now you're going to end up doing more.
I want you to do you. I'm doing me.
Meaning that if I'm doing 10 and you can only do five, guess what? You did it. You did five. You did what we are doing to succeed and move forward in this journey.
Don't bring whatever's going on, onto the track. Stay focused. Understand what we're doing and follow through with it.
Throughout my day, I have busy days through my management company, when I'm on the track, she'll tell you, I put the phone down, unless it's a family member. If it's a family member, I'm all in for it.
But someone to talk about what's going on, no. I can take care of that after. I block everything out, and I stay focused on that.
If I'm not where I'm supposed to be in my state of mind, I'm not going to be able to guide and direct her and give her exactly what she's looking for.
I want her to stay focused and remain focused and we get through it. You definitely have to have a strong mindset and a will.
Put those two together, come out and implement, that's when the party begins and you make things happen.
Jackie Morreale (45:44)
Dianne, are you able to leave all the other stuff in the car before you get to the track at this point?
Dianne Marie Nigh (45:46)
Yeah, you have to. It's a safety thing too.
One day, I had a 65-pound vest on. I was standing under the parallel bars, and he told me I'm going to jump with this 65-pound vest, grab the parallel bars, hang for a moment, come back down, do a full squat, and go back up again.
That really was the most difficult exercise I've ever done.
Jackie Morreale (46:05)
I mean, he looks nice, right? But I'm a little scared of this nice man who's on a call with us.
Seriously, the level of coordination and strength, and to be able to get yourself up there cardio-wise and then squat. That is a complex move.
Dianne Marie Nigh (46:10)
We're talking about challenges and mindset. That was the most difficult day.
That was really, really difficult, and the mindset has to be on.
If you're afraid of hard things, don't come try Euell.
But if you want a big change, like people say, ‘I need to lose 100 pounds’, then you need to get out here and just figure out the mindset because he will figure out the rest.
Jackie Morreale (46:42)
You guys are so amazing together.
Okay, my burning question for you both. When do you sleep?
Euell Barnett (46:49)
Sleep, what is that?
You hear how important it is to sleep and get eight to 10 hours of sleep to stay fit. I wish I could. If I go to bed at a normal hour, around nine o'clock, I'll be up at one o'clock and once I'm up, I'm up. I'm ready to go.
I've trained myself now once I open my eyes and give thanks that I'm able to see another day and give all praise mighty to God above who allows me to do what I'm doing and helping others.
The moment I open my eyes, I'm ready to go.
I think what takes me through my day; I start it off with my spiritual journey. Every single morning, I get up with spiritual prayer. I'm talking about every morning.
Once I'm done with that, I'm locked and loaded and ready to go. I don't require eight to nine hours of sleep.
I guess it goes all the way back to my grandfather. He's like, 'When the sun rises, it's time to go. You don't stay in bed, even on the weekends.' I have to get up, and I have to move, and I have to do stuff.
I have more energy now at 52 and I did when I was in college playing ball.
I am just ecstatic to feel and see the difference. It's supposed to be somewhat the other way around, the older you get, things start to slow down.
I'm speeding up and like, what is going on?
I get my rest and when I pause and have lunch or have a snack, I'm able to wind down for a moment. That's all I need. I don't have to shut my eyes. Then I'll get up and go again.
Jackie Morreale (48:26)
Wake up workout!
Dianne Marie Nigh (48:28)
During transformation time, I would literally pull over to the Publix parking lot and take a 15-minute nap. I would come in the house, and I'm too sweaty to sit on the couch, so I sit on the floor to pet my dog, and I'll be out for 15 minutes.
I get better sleep now. Coffee wasn't an option, and I haven't taken that back up since the competition, since I came back from Vegas. I still don't have a coffee pot.
I think those kind of caffeine stimulant things, people get a little bit too hooked on them. They are really not good for your health.
I've been able to go through this whole thing without coffee.
Jackie Morreale (48:59)
Let's talk more about your energy level, because Euell just explained that his energy level is off the charts compared to when he was in his 20s.
What about you after this transformation? You don't drink any caffeine anymore. You didn't need it through this transformation. How's your energy? How do you feel?
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:13)
Yeah. I just feel lighter. Literally lighter everywhere.
I went to Madison, Wisconsin, and saw my oldest son, Isaiah. I kept catching him looking and staring at me. He's like, ‘Ma, you look so different than when I saw you in April.’
Jackie Morreale (49:26)
You shine! You could see the inside from the outside, with a good vibe. I totally agree, and he's known you forever, so he could tell right away.
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:32)
Yeah. Thanksgiving was a whole house full of 30-year-olds, and I fit in. I really did! Until I say that I'm his Ma and he's got this big old beard, and then I have to go my age away.
Jackie Morreale (49:43)
You look amazing, you feel amazing, and the energy is just shining; it's noticeable.
Dianne Marie Nigh (49:49)
I am thankful for Euell's training that got me here.
Jackie Morreale (49:52)
Gratitude, man, it goes a long way. I love everything you've said that really showcases when you are thankful for what you have or how you can help others; it comes through in a big way for you, too.
Dianne, what would you say to anyone looking to start their fitness journey?
Dianne Marie Nigh (50:09)
Do it, just start. You have to start.
[My son] Brandon said, ‘If you're thinking about it, you have to do it.’
If it's put into your head, God put that there for some reason. If something is in your head that is saying and pushing you to do something, you need to take that and go with it, and don't quit.
The first day I met Euell, I was like, oh my gosh, this is going to be hard.
That was a Monday, I went back on a Wednesday, I went back on a Friday. Before I know it, I'm out there all five days of the week.
It was hard, staying long enough to see the success will motivate you for the rest of the time. And then all the little things come in, like fitting in an airplane seat, more energy to walk my dog, literally more options when you're shopping for clothes, like, things fit!
There were all kinds of motivational things along the way.
When you're doing whole body all the time, your body changes quickly.
Jackie Morreale (50:57)
Apparently so!
Euell, same question. What would you say to anyone looking to start their fitness journey? Are there any particular training tips or techniques that you might want to share with people who want to have an edge and take their fitness to the next level?
Euell Barnett (51:14)
I would tell any individual that when you speak it, do it.
So many people speak it, but speaking it is not coming and not actually participating.
Speaking it is not I'm going to do it this day and then I'll do it again next week. When you speak it, you make time for it.
Get a time that fits you and where you have no distractions. At least about 45 minutes to do so. Then you go forward.
It's fun because you get to know who you're working with, and you start to develop in a whole different way.
Dianne Marie Nigh (51:42)
It is fun.
Euell Barnett (51:51)
You transform your body into something that you did not realize that you had.
A lot of people look at their age and say, ‘Well, I'm too old now.’
Once again, I'm in my fifties; not to be boastful, but I had a couple of guys out at the track that were doing, pull ups at five, and I'm there doing like 30 [pull ups].
They're like, 'What is going on? How old are you?'
I tell them, and they’re like, ‘No way. What are you taking?'
That's the first thing. What are you taking?
I tell them, no, this is nothing that I'm taking. It's the fact that I'm determined. You have to start somewhere. Start with those five [pull ups], and work your way up.
I worked with a gentleman who couldn't do one pull-up, and in six weeks, he was doing five. He felt that that was the most exciting thing in the world, which is great. It just goes to show you that when you're consistent with something and you're determined, it'll happen. It will happen.
It goes back to: You do you.
I didn't go and try to follow the person that's in front of me or the person that I was watching.
Where I am today, I go to failure.
Dianne will tell you, when I'm doing my workout, I go to failure.
(Continued below)
Dianne Marie Nigh's October 2025 and Upcoming April 2026 Bodybuilding Competitions:
Joe Weidner's Olympia Amateur Las Vegas October 8, 2025
|
Dianne Marie Nigh at Joe Weidner's Olympia Amateur Las Vegas on October 8, 2025
|
Better Bodies Classic Bodybuilding Fitness Show in Dallas Texas on April 11, 2026
|
(Continued)
Dianne Marie Nigh (52:53)
Dude busted his finger so bad he wouldn't even go to the ER because he's like they'll stitch it up and then I won't be able to use it.
Jackie Morreale (52:59)
You're just holding on with the other four, like, ‘I'm good!’
Dianne Marie Nigh (52:59)
Determined.
Euell Barnett (53:01)
Yeah, this is going on. And she's like, 'Are you coming tomorrow?'
I'm like, 'Why not? Just tape that bad boy up and keep it moving.'
Yeah, I wedged my finger between a 50-pound dumbbell and a 40-pound dumbbell on the floor.
The best way I can describe it, if you butterfly a chicken, that's what it looked like. It just split open.
Jackie Morreale (53:24)
I hope that some of that mental toughness rubs off on me.
Do you want to send kudos to anyone out there who's doing amazing things, or shout-outs to anyone who helped you get to where you are today?
Dianne Marie Nigh (53:38)
I did have a team. Euell was number one on my team, six days a week through competition training. He did all of my meal planning, all the mindset motivation stuff.
I also saw a posing coach the last month, Catt Catrett. She trains virtually anywhere. I knew she was tough because I had worked with her in a kickboxing studio 2016 to 2018. I wanted her on my team because I knew she would be honest with me, and she was brutally honest many days. But I love you, Catt.
I went to stretch therapy with Sam at Try and Triumph Fitness. It is located in Winston Golf Trails. I did a weekly stretch with him. The stretching helped me to increase my run pace, way more flexible. It also prevented injury. Having weekly stretches, we take care of those muscles that we've been tormenting all week.
Appreciate them very much.
Jackie Morreale (54:23)
Absolutely. It takes a village! Amazing team that you have in your corner, Dianne.
Euell, anybody you want to give kudos to or shout out?
Euell Barnett (54:32)
I would love to give kudos and a shout-out to my high school coach, but he's no longer with us.
Coaches can be good and they can be the ones that when they turn their head and you're like, I could just, you know. I think Dianne can say this too, you're saying things in your head, like, I wish I can really say what I want to say.
I told him that I was going to try out for football, train, and get into shape.
Believe it or not, I was this little chubby kid, out of shape, didn't work out, didn't do anything.
But in high school, I'm like, 'I'm going to play ball.' And he's like, 'You can't play dead.'
He made that statement. He walked off.
It did something to me. It did a lot to me. I was determined to start that journey from that point on.
It led up to where I am today.
Now it's a whole different ball game. I've extended my reps. I've extended what I'm doing. I've added different things. I've added new things and the endurance side of it. So for him, pushing me to that point, that did something to me.
He told me, 'I knew you had it in you and I could see that.'
At first I was like, as a coach, 'This is how you motivate your players?'
It was something he was releasing out of me. He said, 'I was hoping you would take that so you can use what you have locked up in the inside and you haven't.'
I really appreciate that.
Jackie Morreale (55:54)
Wow, so he released the fire, it sounds like. The burning fire to do better in everything that you do.
Euell Barnett (56:01)
Yeah, and the desire to and the will to do so.
Jackie Morreale (56:04)
What was your coach's name?
Euell Barnett (56:06)
Jennings, Robert Jennings.
Jackie Morreale (56:10)
Rest in peace, Robert Jennings, and thank you for contributing to this amazing human being, Euell Barnett, who is sitting with us today.
And to Dianne Marie's coaches as well, Catt and your stretch trainer Sam as well.
Are there any new projects, in addition to the upcoming bodybuilding competition? What's next for Dianne Marie Nigh and Euell Barnett?
Euell Barnett (56:33)
For me, besides the competition that's coming up in April, it's just continuing on the journey.
I'm not looking back.
Continue to do what I do each and every day, whether it's a competition coming up or not, just to maintain what I have. If you're going to be a trainer, you have to look like a trainer.
To train and continue to train others, I have got to stay in a certain condition and a state of mind to do so: spiritually, mentally, and physically.
I give all thanks to God for giving me the ability to do so.
Dianne Marie Nigh (57:05)
No looking back. Full speed ahead.
I love being with people. I love that we have Laura with us now.
I would love more people on our team. I really would like an NPC team. I would love to travel and see my teammates shine. It's really exciting.
My father passed away at 62. My sons and I were talking about this: Grandpa was in a wheelchair by 50. He suffered from multiple sclerosis.
When I think of myself at 53 and I am able to make the decision to get up out of bed and go wake up and work out, I'm going to do it.
I’m thankful for the body that I have.
Anyone listening to this, if you have that ability to stand up and that ability to walk.
That ability to move your body. Why not move it better? Why not train it to move it better?
Jackie Morreale (57:48)
You guys are making me feel something here. I don't want to take anything for granted. I'm ready to go for a mile run or lift some things up, pull myself up, do an inverted sit-up, all of the stuff that we talked about. I don't know if I would look as pretty as you Dianne or Euell doing it. Maybe one day. I'm ready for team NPC!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:06)
No judgment. We just do it.
Jackie Morreale (58:07)
No judgments, just do it.
Euell Barnett (58:08)
There's it. Start somewhere.
Jackie Morreale (58:11)
Just start, love it.
Thank you guys so much for your time today. I learned so much from you both. Appreciate you sharing your journey!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:17)
Thank you.
Euell Barnett (58:20)
It was such a pleasure, and thank you, Jackie, for inviting us and being a part of what you do and your accomplishments. I will be more than happy to come on anytime. And when you're ready, just let me know.
Jackie Morreale (58:35)
Game on!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:35)
Thank you.
Euell Barnett (58:36)
Thank you. Alright, bye.
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:38)
Bless you. Bye.
To learn more about the National Physique Committee (NPC) Amateur Olympia competition, visit:
https://mrolympia.com/amateur/usa/
To learn more about the Better Bodies Classic competition, visit: https://www.betterbodies.com/usa-events
Dianne Marie Nigh (52:53)
Dude busted his finger so bad he wouldn't even go to the ER because he's like they'll stitch it up and then I won't be able to use it.
Jackie Morreale (52:59)
You're just holding on with the other four, like, ‘I'm good!’
Dianne Marie Nigh (52:59)
Determined.
Euell Barnett (53:01)
Yeah, this is going on. And she's like, 'Are you coming tomorrow?'
I'm like, 'Why not? Just tape that bad boy up and keep it moving.'
Yeah, I wedged my finger between a 50-pound dumbbell and a 40-pound dumbbell on the floor.
The best way I can describe it, if you butterfly a chicken, that's what it looked like. It just split open.
Jackie Morreale (53:24)
I hope that some of that mental toughness rubs off on me.
Do you want to send kudos to anyone out there who's doing amazing things, or shout-outs to anyone who helped you get to where you are today?
Dianne Marie Nigh (53:38)
I did have a team. Euell was number one on my team, six days a week through competition training. He did all of my meal planning, all the mindset motivation stuff.
I also saw a posing coach the last month, Catt Catrett. She trains virtually anywhere. I knew she was tough because I had worked with her in a kickboxing studio 2016 to 2018. I wanted her on my team because I knew she would be honest with me, and she was brutally honest many days. But I love you, Catt.
I went to stretch therapy with Sam at Try and Triumph Fitness. It is located in Winston Golf Trails. I did a weekly stretch with him. The stretching helped me to increase my run pace, way more flexible. It also prevented injury. Having weekly stretches, we take care of those muscles that we've been tormenting all week.
Appreciate them very much.
Jackie Morreale (54:23)
Absolutely. It takes a village! Amazing team that you have in your corner, Dianne.
Euell, anybody you want to give kudos to or shout out?
Euell Barnett (54:32)
I would love to give kudos and a shout-out to my high school coach, but he's no longer with us.
Coaches can be good and they can be the ones that when they turn their head and you're like, I could just, you know. I think Dianne can say this too, you're saying things in your head, like, I wish I can really say what I want to say.
I told him that I was going to try out for football, train, and get into shape.
Believe it or not, I was this little chubby kid, out of shape, didn't work out, didn't do anything.
But in high school, I'm like, 'I'm going to play ball.' And he's like, 'You can't play dead.'
He made that statement. He walked off.
It did something to me. It did a lot to me. I was determined to start that journey from that point on.
It led up to where I am today.
Now it's a whole different ball game. I've extended my reps. I've extended what I'm doing. I've added different things. I've added new things and the endurance side of it. So for him, pushing me to that point, that did something to me.
He told me, 'I knew you had it in you and I could see that.'
At first I was like, as a coach, 'This is how you motivate your players?'
It was something he was releasing out of me. He said, 'I was hoping you would take that so you can use what you have locked up in the inside and you haven't.'
I really appreciate that.
Jackie Morreale (55:54)
Wow, so he released the fire, it sounds like. The burning fire to do better in everything that you do.
Euell Barnett (56:01)
Yeah, and the desire to and the will to do so.
Jackie Morreale (56:04)
What was your coach's name?
Euell Barnett (56:06)
Jennings, Robert Jennings.
Jackie Morreale (56:10)
Rest in peace, Robert Jennings, and thank you for contributing to this amazing human being, Euell Barnett, who is sitting with us today.
And to Dianne Marie's coaches as well, Catt and your stretch trainer Sam as well.
Are there any new projects, in addition to the upcoming bodybuilding competition? What's next for Dianne Marie Nigh and Euell Barnett?
Euell Barnett (56:33)
For me, besides the competition that's coming up in April, it's just continuing on the journey.
I'm not looking back.
Continue to do what I do each and every day, whether it's a competition coming up or not, just to maintain what I have. If you're going to be a trainer, you have to look like a trainer.
To train and continue to train others, I have got to stay in a certain condition and a state of mind to do so: spiritually, mentally, and physically.
I give all thanks to God for giving me the ability to do so.
Dianne Marie Nigh (57:05)
No looking back. Full speed ahead.
I love being with people. I love that we have Laura with us now.
I would love more people on our team. I really would like an NPC team. I would love to travel and see my teammates shine. It's really exciting.
My father passed away at 62. My sons and I were talking about this: Grandpa was in a wheelchair by 50. He suffered from multiple sclerosis.
When I think of myself at 53 and I am able to make the decision to get up out of bed and go wake up and work out, I'm going to do it.
I’m thankful for the body that I have.
Anyone listening to this, if you have that ability to stand up and that ability to walk.
That ability to move your body. Why not move it better? Why not train it to move it better?
Jackie Morreale (57:48)
You guys are making me feel something here. I don't want to take anything for granted. I'm ready to go for a mile run or lift some things up, pull myself up, do an inverted sit-up, all of the stuff that we talked about. I don't know if I would look as pretty as you Dianne or Euell doing it. Maybe one day. I'm ready for team NPC!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:06)
No judgment. We just do it.
Jackie Morreale (58:07)
No judgments, just do it.
Euell Barnett (58:08)
There's it. Start somewhere.
Jackie Morreale (58:11)
Just start, love it.
Thank you guys so much for your time today. I learned so much from you both. Appreciate you sharing your journey!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:17)
Thank you.
Euell Barnett (58:20)
It was such a pleasure, and thank you, Jackie, for inviting us and being a part of what you do and your accomplishments. I will be more than happy to come on anytime. And when you're ready, just let me know.
Jackie Morreale (58:35)
Game on!
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:35)
Thank you.
Euell Barnett (58:36)
Thank you. Alright, bye.
Dianne Marie Nigh (58:38)
Bless you. Bye.
To learn more about the National Physique Committee (NPC) Amateur Olympia competition, visit:
https://mrolympia.com/amateur/usa/
To learn more about the Better Bodies Classic competition, visit: https://www.betterbodies.com/usa-events
Dianne Marie Nigh (right) after winning third place in 2025 National Physique Committee (NPC) Amateur Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 8, 2025.
An Insider's Look Into Dianne and Euell's Morning Routine
Join Bodybuilder Dianne Marie Euell and Personal Trainer Euell Barnett for an energizing outdoor calisthenics session designed to build strength, mobility, and confidence - no equipment required.
Set in the fresh air of the park, this dynamic workout blends functional movement, body-weight resistance training, and athletic conditioning. Dianne brings her disciplined bodybuilding expertise, while Euell — known for his athletic background, real-estate entrepreneurship, and years of coaching — guides participants through safe, effective progressions for all fitness levels.
Whether you’re improving core stability, mastering new skills, or simply looking for a motivating community workout, this session offers a powerful way to challenge your body and elevate your fitness routine.
Set in the fresh air of the park, this dynamic workout blends functional movement, body-weight resistance training, and athletic conditioning. Dianne brings her disciplined bodybuilding expertise, while Euell — known for his athletic background, real-estate entrepreneurship, and years of coaching — guides participants through safe, effective progressions for all fitness levels.
Whether you’re improving core stability, mastering new skills, or simply looking for a motivating community workout, this session offers a powerful way to challenge your body and elevate your fitness routine.
1. Jogging Warmup and Squats
Start your session by warming up the entire body with a light jog to elevate your heart rate and activate your muscles. Follow it with controlled squats to wake up the glutes, legs, and core. This combination builds heat, increases mobility, and prepares you for a strong workout ahead—all while reinforcing proper posture and balance.
2. Leg Lifts and Jumping Jacks
Leg lifts help strengthen the lower core and hip flexors, supporting stability and form for every movement that follows. Paired with classic jumping jacks, this segment boosts cardiovascular endurance and coordination. Together, they create a rhythm that energizes the body and aligns your focus.
3. Elevated Lunges with Shoulder Press
This powerful duo targets lower‐body strength and upper‐body control. Elevated lunges engage the quads, hamstrings, and glutes while challenging balance. Add a shoulder press — whether with dumbbells or your own bodyweight — and you activate the shoulders, back, and core for a complete functional strength sequence.
4. Plank, Plank Crunches, and Mountain Climbing
Fire up your midsection with a strong plank foundation, then intensify the burn with plank crunches to engage deeper core layers. Finish with mountain climbers to elevate your heart rate and build dynamic strength. This trio is a true core-conditioning circuit that increases endurance, stability, and full-body coordination.
5. Seated Crunches with Band, Plus, Gratitude For Your Able Body!
Seated crunches with a resistance band add tension and control, helping sculpt the abdominal muscles through mindful, supported movement.
As you close the session, take a moment to breathe deeply and acknowledge gratitude for your able, moving body.
Strength is a gift! Honor it, celebrate it, and carry that energy into the rest of your day.
As you close the session, take a moment to breathe deeply and acknowledge gratitude for your able, moving body.
Strength is a gift! Honor it, celebrate it, and carry that energy into the rest of your day.
Photos by Jackie Morreale. See more photography.
Continued reading, recommended by Dianne Marie Nigh and Euell Barnett:
Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life. Published February 20, 2024. By Jamie Kern Lima (Author).
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Discover the Hidden You: The Secret to Living the Good Life. Published April 20, 2021. By Dr. Myles Munroe (Author).
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