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Diet seems to play a major role in weight loss, which is why the lifelong friends and Bergen County dads are partnering up to launch "Barbell Chef," a meal prep service — that's also kosher! — tailored to anyone looking to get in shape.
The pair met back in high school at Torah Academy of Bergen County.
They split the duties of business management, with Gilbert on the cooking and delivering and Klyman on marketing, web design and apparel.
They even brought a nutritionist on board to help specialize each meal, Rena Schenker. Klyman's wife, Renee Klyman, helps with meal planning, too.
"You can't have a great physique and not watch what you eat," said Gilbert, a father of three.
"You can't out-exercise a bad diet," Klyman added. "With Barbell Chef, you get the best of every world."
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Meal preparation is a common tactic used by bodybuilders to stay on track with their fitness goals to help them achieve their ultimate physique in time for shows and competitions.
It all started sometime last year when Gilbert switched over to Klyman's Tenafly gym, "Underground Training." Instead of paying Klyman for his fitness services, Gilbert prepped his meals.
That's when they realized: "this is a great idea, let's make it into a business."
Meal prepping has helped Gilbert meet his fitness goals.
"Someone like me who has junk food at his fingertips may have a harder time," Gilbert said. "I'm not perfect."
The father of three lost 15 pounds of pure fat and put on several in muscle. When he started exercising, Gilbert could barely run a mile. Now, that's his warm-up.
"I wasn't happy with the way I looked or felt, and was ready to put in the work," he said. "After doing it I really liked seeing my hard work paying off, so I kept it up."
Gilbert and Klyman are hoping Barbell Chef will help others stick to their fitness goals, just like they did.
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