Re-Birth: Interview w/ AT-12 Winner Tyson Harker

Here’s the latest post with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Along contest AT-12 life threw a very interesting curve ball at Tyson.  As he was striving for the birth/transformation of his  “brand-new physique” he was also accompanied with a new addition to the family.  Nevertheless, Tyson continued the challenge and overcame the countless sleepless nights and many other “time-consuming” activities that come with raising a “new-born.”  He not only successfully completed the 12 week challenge, he actually saw some dramatic results!

Scroll down to read  Tyson’s transformation essay in his own words, but first, check out his  AT12 Pictures:

Tyson Harker - AT 12-  9th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Tyson Harker – AT 12 – 9th Place – Front Before/After Photos

Tyson Harker - - AT12 - 9th Place - Transformation Image

Tyson Harker – AT12 – 9th Place – Transformation Image

Tyson Harker -  AT12 - 9th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Tyson Harker – AT12 – 9th Place – Side Before/After Photos

Tyson Harker - AT12 - 9th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Tyson Harker – AT12 – 9th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Tyson’s Transformation Essay:

This contest  proved to be a very interesting 12 weeks in my life. My wife and I welcomed a new member into our family in July and we were still in the throws of sleeplessness during the beginning of AT12.? There were times I questioned why I started a contest under such duress but I never skipped a workout and continued to push through the tiredness. Eventually the nights got better and my workouts got stronger.? My workouts consisted of Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) Category 3 training with AGR Category 1 nutrition guidelines. It was a mix that I felt proved to be quite successful. After all AGR is all about adaption right?

I followed the Reverse Taper Diet (RTD) throughout the course of the contest and was amazing at the simplicity of it and its overall effectiveness.? A big take-away I learned was to eat for the week and not the day. I feel like this was my biggest catalyst for success as I was able to plan my weekends for social events and times with my family knowing that during the week I could be strict with my diet. When I did this, the weight and inches fell off.

I look in the mirror and for the first time in years of training, I can actually see a difference. My shoulders are wider, my waist is smaller and I feel I actually look “good”. The biggest pay-off has been in the way my clothes fit. There is just something “rewarding”  about putting on a pair of pants that doesn’t quite fit like they used to.

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Tyson,

Major kudos to you for completing contest AT-12. Also, congratulations on the new addition to your family. You had plenty of reasons to “bow out” with all do reason.  But you chose to stay the course. Another great example of one’s will and desire to improve.  It reminds me of a quote, “Change is inevitable, progress is optional.”  Thanks for raising the bar one step higher in the “AGR community” and being an “excuse-eliminator.”

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Transformation Coach

Plan the Work & Work the Plan: Interview w/ AT-12 Winner Tyler Ellis

Here’s the latest post with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Before Tyler discovered AGR he was diligently gathering the  “transformation tools for success.”   If we were to look in his kit bag we would find familiar items referenced by previous transformation winners such as: determination, motivation, momentum, goal-setting, and most importantly PLANNING.

However it wasn’t until  the proper application of AGR that enabled Tyler to, “Plan the Work & Work the Plan.”

Scroll down to read  Tyler’s transformation essay in his own words, but first, check out his  AT12 Pictures:

Tyler Ellis-  - AT12 - 5th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Tyler Ellis- – AT12 – 5th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Tyler Ellis - AT12 - 5th Place - Transformation Image

Tyler Ellis – AT12 – 5th Place – Transformation Image

 

Tyler Ellis-  - AT12 - 5th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Tyler Ellis- – AT12 – 5th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Tyler Ellis-  - AT12 - 5th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Tyler Ellis- – AT12 – 5th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Tyler’s Transformation Essay:

Prior to discovering AGR I had tried various forms of dieting and fitness. From aimless lifting what I saw others lift and though I should be lifting to the whole P-90X craze. I tried bulking, I tried eating only “health” foods. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon the AGR that everything just fell into place. It literally was the answer to what I had been looking for so long.

When I discovered AGR back in March of 2013, I was horribly out of shape at the time. At 6’1” I was 235lbs and had a 42-inch waist. When I input my measurements into the RTD calculator I got the dreaded 1,000-calorie suggestion. Only eating 1,000 calories a day took a lot of effort to stay on course. I started AGR Category 2: Fat Loss and used intermittent fasting to help accelerate my fat loss.

I had never even considered the concept of fasting before. But after reading Eat Stop Eat I felt as though this would be another valuable tool to use. After only two weeks of  AGR Category 2 and eating 7000 calories a week, my calories intake started to go up. And after 12 weeks, I was down 40lbs to 195 and my waist was down around a 35″-36″. I was finally back to what I had considered lean in time for the summer.

Through the summer I maintained. I hovered around 195-205. I had various events going on like my 3 week National Guard Annual Training in August that prevented me from really utilizing the RTD and working out for periods of time. When I returned I immediately started back on the workouts and staying disciplined in my eating.

I started AGR Category 3:Combined Muscle Gain & Fat Loss two weeks before the start of AT12 and when I saw the post for the up coming contest I figured this would be the opportunity to really push myself to a level I have never seen before. I took my before pictures on my own and weighed measured myself. I started at about 204 lbs with around a 36 in waist. I figured that 12 weeks I realistically get down to my golden waist and would probably end up in the 185 lbs range.

Looking at the next 12 weeks, I saw many milestones and potential roadblocks. Working two jobs and being a single father has always given me the easy excuse of “no time” to skip out on the gym. One job I work a rotating shift schedule that changes weekly to include 16 hr days. The other is my National Guard duty that I do once a month. Seeing this, I knew I needed to budget my time. I sat down and wrote out my schedule for the next 12 weeks.

For every day I inputted key events, Work/Overtime/Army/Gym/Run/Pick up daughter/Drop off daughter. I listed it all, day by day. This also included three key milestones evenly spaced throughout the twelve weeks for me to overcome. Sort of mini goals within the bigger goal. I also scheduled a DEXA scan at a local University that first weekend of the contest. This was amazing being able to see exactly what my body composition was. This also motivated me to really push towards my goals. It all looked realistically possible to get down to health body fat levels in the next 12 weeks.

The first month I was looking towards participating in my Battalions in house Air Assault tryouts. The main physical event for this was a 12-mile road march with a 35 lbs pack. This month, On top of my normal AGR Category 3 workouts I also added in leg boosters to try and build up strength to carry over in the road march. I also added in cardio in the form of running. When the event came, I was able to complete the road march in 2 hr and 35 min. The standard time is under 3 hrs. On top of this I was able to excel in the other events placing me as one of the top 5 candidates to get submitted for Air Assault School.

Mid Oct I was looking at running a 1/2 marathon. I continued to run after workouts and on my off days and continued to increase my miles. I also started the Arms and Abs booster to add in to my workouts. At this point the RTD and Adonis workouts were second nature and I felt as though I could focus on pushing myself on my running. I also noticed that my recovery time seemed to improve.

I could workout the same muscle group multiple times a week and not stay sore. When race day came I was able to run it in under my goal of 2 hrs. My official time was 1:44:14 with an average pace of 7:57 min per mile. I also finished in the top 10% of overall runners and even higher in my age division.

I finished up my Arms and Abs booster and moved on to adding in the Shoulder Booster. This may have been a contributing factor to bringing back and old injury. I had injured my left shoulder playing football in High School. I noticed that my shoulder progressively hurt more and more every day. Even just sitting and resting it was constantly sore. I kept doing the workouts. I tried real hard to listen to my body and do what I could without further aggravating my injury. I was still able to do all the workouts but I really had to focus on my form and drop the weight on some of my lifts.

The last milestone I anticipated to be my toughest yet. The Tough Mudder was the self-proclaimed “toughest event on the planet”. It was hailed to be a 10-12 mile mud run through 20+ military grade obstacles. However, after completing the 10.8-mile course on Nov 10th, I felt that it was somewhat….easy. Maybe it was overhyped. Or maybe my level of fitness was now at that level that this kind of event was considered easy to me. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. But one thing is certain. The former 235 lbs, out of shape, cigarette-smoking person I was 8 months ago probably could have not completed that.

I finished my  AGR Category 3 and shoulder booster workouts two weeks before the end of AT12. I was now down to a new level of leanness I have never seen before. Using the AT12 competition to motivate me, I was able to see my abs for the first time in my life and get my waist down to  32.25″. I was also down to 180lbs for my final weight on picture day.

I have not been this light since probably my junior year in High School. And I sure as hell was never this ripped or muscular then either. I have my after DEXA scan scheduled for this weekend and I cant wait to see the exact progress I have made over the last 12 weeks.

 

The Adonis Golden Ratio System is probably one of the most valuable assets I have added to my life. AGR has helped me to understand what it meant to live a healthy lifestyle as far as diet and fitness goes. The fact that it actually teaches you how to get yourself to a level of maintenance and stay there is probably one of the best features about this program.

This has also carried over into other areas of my life and I feel I have really grown in 2013. These events and other physical recreational activities that I have participated in this year, I would never have been able to enjoy had it not been for AI. I will never go back to any other diet or fitness program out there. AGR has everything I need and I look forward to using it in my journey to achieve my golden ratio of 1.618.

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Tyler,

Wow! What an awesome  transformation and  insightful  testimonial you have.  I could definitely relate to your military background and thought process towards successfully completing all your goals and objectives in this 12-week transformation period.  I’m also happy to learn that your physical success realized through the AGR systems has transferred into other areas of your life as well. Way to “Stay The Course” my friend!

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Transformation Coach

Hi-Cholesterol, YouTube, and The Adonis Effect: Interview with AT-12 Winner Jon McManus

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

When backed into a corner, one has two choices fight or flea.  Jon chose to fight back and restore his health after learning that his cholesterol was three times above the normal limit.  He began to make changes in his diet and even began searching out fitness routines on YouTube.

It was on YouTube that Jon first learned of an interesting concept known as, “The Adonis Effect.”

Scroll down to read Jon’s transformation essay in his own words, but first, check out his  AT12 Pictures:

Jon McManus - AT12 3rd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Jon McManus – AT12 – 3rd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Jon McManus - AT12 - 3rd Place - Transformation Image

Jon McManus – AT12 – 3rd Place – Transformation Image

 

Jon McManus - AT12 - 3rd Place - Side Before/After Photos

Jon McManus – AT12 3rd Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

Jon’s Transformation Essay:

The clock struck twelve midnight, the start of a new year,2013 ,and I’m staring down the barrell of my fortieth year. Thoughts and notions have been playing in my mind for a while now. ” Jon your not getting any younger you need to get in shape”?  So I start to watch what I eat (a bit), exercise (a bit) etc…

Then around March, I go for a check up and have bloods taken,the results when I get them back shocked me! My cholesterol is nearly three times what it should be. This scared the crap out of me. Heart decease is in our family. This kicked my backside into gear. I cut out all the crap in my diet, and started earnestly excersizing.I started doing routines out of fitness magazines,surfed YouTube, this is when I came across Mike Chang.

I started following some of his workouts. Then one day on one of his vids. There is this big guy,well defined, highly ripped,guesting with mike(our one and only John Barban).

This guy is not only talking about lifting large weights but small weights also with higher reps to target all of the muscles. This really caught my attention. Until this point i had mainly heard lift big to get big!

Then John started talking about the Adonis affect…  I was really hooked now.  I went straight to the Adonis site that had been mentioned and joined up on the spot!

I have to say this is the smartest thing that I have ever done where my fitness is concerned! Boy, did this program ever deliver. The changes to my physique in just three weeks was amazing! There’s nothing like results that you can see, to drive you forward and spur you on!

Everything that the Adonis system promises it delivers.The support from the AI team, the design of the workouts the advise from the fellow AI brothers of Iron,it is all here to help build a body that will turn heads and have you feeling like the best thing since  sliced bread!! So to sum up….. for those looking for change, look no further…….Your home is here among  your brothers of Iron.

I want to say a big thank you, to all here….I am firmly on the road to the Golden Number 1.61

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Jon,

Congratulation on a Amazing contest transformation.  It was interesting to learn how you discovered the AGR system.  I also discovered the AGR system in a similar way.  Glad to know that when the going got tough, you got going!  Taking control of your health choices and transforming your physique has been a huge inspiration to others.  Your transformation further solidifies that the Adonis Golden Ratio system delivers proven results to those who embrace the Adonis Lifestyle.

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

AT13 12-Week Transformation Winners Announced

The “Cut” Mentality: Interview with AT-12 Winner Joseph Riggs

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Joseph Riggs who placed 10th in our last contest.

Joseph tell us in his interview how he pulled no punches when it came to “cutting fat.”  Making some serious lifestyle changes he was determined to improve himself.   Joseph stumbled upon AGR when he found our “Podcast Content.”

At first, he was a little skeptical but the information shared during the podcast kept him “open-minded”  and curious enough to learn more.

As his journey continued, one of the biggest challenges he faced was abandoning the “Cut Mentality” and applying the rules of (RTD) by increasing his calorie content  for “Muscle-Building.”

Scroll down to read more of  Joseph’s transformation journey in his own words.

But first, check out Joseph’s  AT12 Pictures:

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place – Front Before/After Photos

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Joseph Riggs- AT12 10th Place – Back Before/After Photos

Joseph’s Transformation Essay:

I never really lifted weights nor ever had a desire to, just to be honest. I was happy where I was in life. I struggled with blood pressure problems, and other medical issues as well.

But never really equated the problems that I was having with my weight. I am 6’3″ and I weighed 235lbs! Looking back at old pictures of myself, I see a difference from then to now but I can remember that I never thought of myself as being, “overweight”.1

Thankfully, my wife came up with the idea of wanting  to eat “better.” I thought to myself…”So tell me, what exactly is better?” Better in my mind was doing a complete 180 from where I was at in my life. I am one of those people that when I set my mind to something I am going to give it my all.

Not only did I start trying to put my diet in check but I also started running! At first I hated it. I couldn’t get very far but I had my mind made up and I kept it up. The first 35lbs came off relatively easy and quickly!

I was able to lose the weight in about 2 and a half to 3 months! When I got to the 200 pound mark, I stalled out. It didn’t matter how much running I was doing the weight just wasn’t coming off the way it had been. I decided to start working out the last part of 2012.

I did my own thing and the only thing I got out of it was an injury. In February 2013 I bought the Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) Program. I dove right in and never looked back.

I shadowed AT11 and I thought, what did I have to lose? So I entered AT12 and the results speak for themselves!! AGR is a lifestyle that I have embraced and will always hold on too!

Editor’s Note:

Hey Joseph,

As I listened to your podcast and read your essay, I’m reminded of a quote, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”   Thanks to your wife, who I believe positively challenged you to want to eat better. Which ultimately led you to take it to the next level and improve your overall physique. Very cool your wife is also on board with Venus as well!  It was also very refreshing to hear your feedback on how much the testimonials and experience of other former contestants became your motivation & support system. We look forward to seeing your next round of photos along your Adonis Lifestyle journey!

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

Joseph’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Joseph’s transformation podcast interview click below:

Clear the Mechanism: Interview with AT-12 Winner Audie Harrison

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Audie Harrison who placed 6th in our last contest.

Audie begins the discussion talking about his obsession with coffee.  It had become his crutch, helping him get through extended sessions in front of his PC.  He knew it was time to make a change and rather than gradually making a change he decided to “Clear The Mechanism” and went cold-turkey.

This mental battle would prove to be a continuing theme during the period of his transformation contest.

Prior to beginning the AGR System, Audie’s weight had the “Yo-Yo” effect. He was literally at the mercy of his lifestyle or environment.  Desperately looking for something to focus on, he felt AT12 would be the great opportunity to take control of his physique.

Scroll down to read more of  Audie’s transformation journey in his own words.

But first, check out Audie’s  AT12 Pictures

 

Audie Harrison - AT12 6th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Audie Harrison – AT12 6th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Audie Harrison - AT12 Transformation Image

Audie Harrison – AT12 Transformation Image

 

Audie Harrison - AT12 6th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Audie Harrison – AT12 6th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

- AT12 6th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Audie Harrison- AT12 6th Place – Side Before/After Photos

Audie’s Transformation Essay:

I decided to do AT12 quite a while before the contest even started. I’d gained more fat than I would have liked and decided the competition would be a good way to focus my energy and keep me on track. Had I really thought hard about it I never would have entered at this time what with a family holiday to contend with as well as a week I would be away with work. It had me freaking out at the time but I’m glad I did it  anyway.

I knew I was in for a tough time and I had actually planned on being very close to my golden waist by the time the competition started, which I knew would leave the majority of my transformation to come in the form of muscle growth, which is obviously very slow. I’d set the bar high for myself but that was fine with me.

Workout wise there was nothing too fancy. I’d spoken to various forum members about what worked for them and decided to do Adonis 3.1 and add in a Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) Booster every single day on top of it, or as much as my body would allow anyways. My body tolerated the flow of Adonis 3.1 and I was able to stay mentally engaged during the workouts. Calories were a huge pain for me. I was on a deficit the whole time and I’d experimented with two different eating patterns, one of which made me feel horrible for two weeks.

All in all,  I really enjoyed the competition even though I felt I made more mistakes than I needed to.  Something struck me as soon as I’d had my pictures done. There was this feeling of catharsis where everything just seemed to evaporate and I felt an immense sense of relief. It was at that point that I realized just how hard this competition can be on someone without them even knowing it.  My biggest support system was the online community. There are some terrific guys on there. They’ll stand by you and encourage you when you need it, and give you a mental shake when you need that too. I honestly don’t know if I could have made it through the whole contest without the support and encouragement I received from those guys.

One thing I’m very glad to take way from this contest is the liberation from doubts and worries that I had pre contest. I’m genuinely looking forward to the years ahead. Many thanks to everyone behind the Adonis Golden Ratio System, and a special shout-out to all you guys on the forums! Thanks to you that I have a very clear vision of the road ahead. I know now exactly what physique I want and exactly how I’m going to get it!

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Audie,

Through sheer mental toughness and perseverance you held fast to your goals.  ” Congrats on your transformation and placement in this contest!  Happy to know that you finally came to utilize all the tools that the AGR system has to offer.  Most importantly, the online Adonis community!  Your story is a great inspiration to others. Keep pushing toward your goals, remember, “Winners Find A Way to Win!”

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

Audie’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Audie’s transformation podcast interview click below:

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