Breaking The Mould: Interview with AT-12 Winner Elliot Mould

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

Today John talks to Elliot Mould who placed 7th in our last contest.  Being a former Hockey Player, Elliot describes himself  as being a fit athlete, but never being lean.  It was lifelong goal of his but he never had the proper instruction on how to achieve that end state.  While young, he was able to carry his weight proportionately,  however, lessons learned from later on in life would later guide him in the direction of training for looks, instead of  the traditional “bigger, faster, stronger” athletic approach.

 

Breaking The Mould: Elliot’s Adonis Lifestyle Journey to Contest AT12

Elliot shares with us  his “Adonis Origins” images prior to the start of contest AT12.

Before discovering AGR, he was about 260 lbs.  Stepping back to his athletic roots he was able to dwindle his way down to 230 lbs.  However, he was frustrated with the proverbial “workout-hopping” routine.

He had tried several other workout plans before deciding to follow through with AGR and shadow contest AT11.  He lost over 25  pounds in contest AT11, finishing at 205.  His only regret, was not entering…  Determined to build upon his initial 12 week success he continued the challenge and entered AT12. Checkout his progress pics below:

Breaking The Mould- Elliot's Transformation Journey from Past to Present

Breaking The Mould- Elliot’s Transformation Journey from Past to Present

 

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

But first, check out Elliot’s  AT12 Pictures

 

Elliot Mould - AT12 7th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Elliot Mould – AT12 7th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Elliot Mould- Transformation Image

Elliot Mould- AT12 Transformation Image

 

Elliot Mould- AT12 Transformation Image

Elliot Mould- AT12 Transformation Image

 

 

 

Elliot Mould - AT12 7th Place - Back  Before/After Photos

Elliot Mould – AT12 7th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Elliot Mould - AT12 2nd Place - Side Before/After Photos

Elliot Mould – AT12 7th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

Elliot’s Transformation Essay:

I originally joined AGR back in Feb 2013 but I only looked around the site.  It wasn’t until just before AT11 started that I actually downloaded the program and started doing the workouts.  I was put in Category 2 and it ended up working out great.  The results I got from Category 2 made me definitely want to join AT12 as I had lost 30lbs+ in that 12 weeks and I hadn’t even started using the nutrition calculator, I simply read ESE and cut back on what I was eating.  Of course, now I was in Category 3 and the focus was body re-composition, which meant the focus wasn’t primarily fat loss and I know that building muscle takes much longer so I worked out 6 days a week.

At this point, I had used the nutrition calculator and knew what amount I should be eating, but only tried counting calories for a week and then stopped.  Due to my current situation, I often eat meals that are prepared and made by others, and often casserole like dishes, so I have no idea how many calories I am consuming which most likely kept me from getting leaner in the mid-section.  I would simply try to be reasonable.

I found that nearing the end of the contest I was getting more tired, during workouts and throughout the day which not only came from pushing hard in the gym, but perhaps also the lower than recommended calorie intake, and perhaps lack of sleep at night.  One thing for sure is that this contest kept me going at a hard pace.  My results from Category 2 when I shadowed AT11 and then being a part of this contest fuelled my motivation.  I am happy with my results but can’t help to think what would have been if I followed the RTD recommendations for the calorie intake.

I think the reason why the contest wasn’t so bad for me in terms of sticking with it is because I really didn’t change too much in my life for it from what I was doing before the contest, and therefore will be able to maintain this and continue to work towards reaching my Adonis Golden Ratio.

This is the first program that I ever really stuck with and committed to, probably because the results came so quick, and I am definitely happy that I did and will continue to stick with it.  Being a part of the contest made me accountable, which kept me motivated to push hard and give a high level of effort no matter what and for that, I would recommend entering a contest to anyone.

No matter what your starting point is, just give it your very best early on and you will experience leaps and bounds in progress towards your AGR.

Some important things that the AGR philosophy has taught me that have forever changed the way I look at things would definitely have to include nutrition and the idea of fat availability.  The more fat you have, the less you need to eat is something that is critical as well as the reverse taper diet and the fact that it all comes down to calories in and calories out.

This was first and foremost for me.  Just as important though is the change of thinking for me in the gym and the idea of not lifting with my ego.  Use manageable weights and perfect form, go to form failure, and lift with intention by focusing on contracting the actual muscle you are training in that exercise.  For me, it’s all about time under tension as opposed to just moving weights through space.

It was less about the number on the dumbbell, and more about how hard I actually worked the muscle.  I was completely open-minded when I started this program and just followed the workouts to a T and it worked.  This program is definitely not run of the mill, but you need to be willing to try something new without questioning every little thing because it’s not the same as what you have been doing or what you have been told.  Let’s be honest though, if what you were already doing was working, then you probably wouldn’t be looking to a new program, so it’s important to put all that aside and do what the program asks of you.

Editor’s Note:

Hey Elliot,

Just wanted to start off by saying you have a cool first name.  LOL   Coming from a military background, it’s often what I go-by as well.

I really enjoyed  listening to your podcast and reading your essay on your transformation.  You have come a long way and it was interesting to hear how much of mental transformation this was as much as being a physical one.  You definitely earned it bro and like John said, that guy in the ‘after” pictures really is you!  Just knowing that your capable of  transforming into “model material: given the conditions should be a testament in itself.  After all, you had to put yourself in that arena to “look the part.”

Dropping the “big guy” mentality and now training to achieve the “aestethetic/ripped” look can be quite a transition.  I feel like your still learning about the new “you” and exploring the possibilities of where you can go with the AGR system.  That is awesome and I would encourage you to create a new mold for who you want to be and to keep pushing ahead for great things in your fitness goals!

 

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Elliot’s Transformation Interview:

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

The Power of Association: Interview with AT-12 Winner Keith Coomes

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

Keith is no stranger to the AGR Systems.  However, for a brief period of time he was on the outside looking in.  Keith was introduced to us by first gaining success with Brad Pilon’s “Eat Stop Eat” Program and then picking up one of our Legacy Systems called Muscle Building Foundation.

However, Keith later goes on to tell us that although he wasn’t close-minded about AGR Systems, but he was skeptical.  It wasn’t until he plugged into the AGR community that the “Power of Association” came into effect for him.

After meeting some successful members in the AGR community, Keith was inspired to upload his pictures and join AT12.

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

But first, check out Keith’s  AT12 Pictures:

Keith Coomes - AT12 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 Transformation Image

Keith Coomes – AT12 Transformation Image

Keith is one of our many veteran "Every Day Adonis" men who maintain the Adonis lifestyle. Much of his success comes from eating healthy. He pays attention to the reactions in his body and how specific foods make him feel.  Stay tuned for his transformation interview coming soon!

Keith is one of our many veteran “Every Day Adonis” men who maintain the Adonis lifestyle. Much of his success comes from eating healthy. He pays attention to the reactions in his body and how specific foods make him feel.

Keith Coomes - AT 12 Transformation Image

Keith Coomes – AT 12 Transformation Image

 

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 4th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 4th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 2nd Place - Side Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 2nd Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Keith’s Transformation Essay:

My name is Keith and I am 34 years old and my Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) journey began around this time last year. I was doing a program to gain mass and that’s what happened, just not in the way I had hoped. I was weighing near 195 pounds and buying my clothing at plus size stores. It was the biggest I had ever been, and even though I was excited about the size, I was highly disappointed with the look. I was not “fat”, but I was nowhere near as ripped as the men of the Adonis Transformation Contest. I realized that was the look I was striving for my whole life. I bought Legacy Systems: Muscle Building Foundation, Adonis Index 3.1, Eat Stop Eat, and Anything Goes Diet and I was on my way to my Golden Ratio. Soon, I joined the AGR community, posting pics, and began learning and reaching out to the other guys. This was key!

One of the guys from a previous contest inspired by to join AT12, so I did. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The contest now gave me goals to work towards and a new reason to focus on my diet and training. When I first started, I took a real assessment of where I was at and what areas I needed to focus on. With advice from previous contestants, I was able to choose the program that I thought would work best for me. Next, I started implementing the calorie intake by the AGR calculator and intermittent fasting protocol.

After the first month, I started seeing changes and I was excited. Even though things were going well, I struggled with the AI philosophy sometimes. I come from a power lifting background and I had to fight my old habits of wanting to lift for strength. A buddy of mine kept reminding me that I was going for a look. This helped, but it made me question if I was doing enough. This started me doing 2 a day workouts.

I might have over done it some days, but I was compelled and really wanted the look. By the end of the contest, I was amazed by the transformation. The Adonis Golden Ratio program gave me the body I had been chasing my whole entire life. I have learned so much about nutrition, in regards to how much I should be eating to lose fat, and gain muscle. I now look and approach my training in a whole new way. I have to admit that I was at first a  skeptic, but after my transformation all doubts have been laid to rest. Thanks to John Barban, Brad Pilon, Brad Howard and the AGR team  for bringing me a program that delivers amazing results!

 

Editor’s Note:

Keith,

I enjoyed your testimonial because I felt we had a lot in common in regards to how we got our start in weight lifting.  In the very beginning, I too took my knowledge from football players, because they were the biggest guys I knew at the time.  When it came to nutrition,  I was eager to learn how to build lean muscle.  However, when I asked my football coach about supplements and nutrition, he simply replied, “Eat a Steak!” LOL

I’m glad to know you overcame other challenges, like bulking up and having to find the right pair of jeans to fit your over-sized quads.  Between me and you, I don’t intend to ever have skinny jeans in my wardrobe. LOL

In conclusion, congrats again on your amazing transformation and we are thankful to hear that the positive association of  members within the AGR community inspired you to pursue and achieve your fitness goals!

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Keith’s Transformation Interview:

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

Doctor Undergoes “A Golden Transformation” Procedure: Interview with AT-12 Winner Harold Shim

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

Today John talks to Harold Shim who placed 4th  in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Harold, who is an actual  Doctor by  profession stumbled upon AGR systems after first following the principles of “intermittent fasting” from Brad Pilon’s Eat Stop Eat.  Discouraged by the temporary, unsustainable results from “Fad Diets” Harold was enjoying the success of his new dieting regiment when he realized in order to achieve his goal of becoming “lean & shredded” he would need a workout to compliment this new approach.

He openly admits at first he was skeptical, but quickly noticed the AGR systems were the only program he found where the emphasis was building a balanced body as opposed to just strength training.

Taking advice and tips from previous contest winners he decided to enter AT12 on a whim.  However, he booked a photo shoot early on to help keep him accountable.

Following in the footsteps of previous contest winners, Harold underwent a “Golden Transformation” procedure of his very own!

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

But first, check out Harold’s  AT12 Pictures:

Harold Shim - 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

s0fne3my89

Harold Shim – AT 12 Transformation Image

“Just because you know how to bang nails, doesn’t mean you know how to build a house… Having found the AGR program I’ve come to recognize that this system masters the process of constructing your physique to properly transform into it’s Ideal/Golden Measurements.”

– Harold Shim, AT12 Contest Winner

 

Harold Shim - AT12 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

Harold Shim - AT12 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Back Before/After Photos

The Golden Way: Gaining Muscle in a Deficit

Harold has held the banner high for the AGR approach of transformation possibilities  within a 12 week period!  Harold is our second documented contestant to have gained muscle while in a  weight loss deficit.  He Lost 14.5 pounds of fat while simultaneously gaining 9 pounds of muscle!

As verified by the DEXA Scan:

Harold Lost More Than 9% Bodyfat during his 12 week transformation!

Harold Lost More Than 9% Bodyfat during his 12 week transformation!

 

DEXA Scan indicating Absolute Loss Measurements!

DEXA Scan indicating  Harold’s Absolute Loss/Gain Measurements
He Lost 14.5 pounds of fat while simultaneously gaining 9 pounds of muscle.

Harold’s Transformation Essay:

Funny how many of us were “athletes” at one time in our lives and think to ourselves that changing our bodies should be something that we can easily do ourselves. After all we’ve all lifted weights and we could follow anyone of a million diets.  On the contrary, it’s no less stupid than thinking I can build a house because I know how to cut wood and bang nails!  Ummm NO!

What drew me to the AGR Systems was two-fold.  First off, I finally decided that if I didn’t try to get the body I wanted now, I likely never would and second, at age 50 I would be losing muscle mass very quickly if  I didn’t do something to slow it down. I first started by stumbling across ESE which gave me that … “duh of course stupid!” moment. From there I looked for a comprehensive weight training program and through the ESE links I found Adonis.

As recommended I did my initial Dexa Scan which put me at 17% body fat.  After following the basics of ESE and the Adonis program to the “T”, my Dexa on Nov 27,13 showed that I dropped 7kg of fat and put on 4kg of lean muscle giving me a body fat now of 8.1%

I started trying to mess with success towards the end by looking for ways to speed the last bit of fat loss.  Fortunately, I returned to the AGR principles recognizing that the last leg of the journey will take some more patience and trust.  The goals I set out for myself only 12 weeks back are unchanged and really should be unchanged.  Get in the best shape of my life, make the changes easy and most of all make it sustainable.  Thanks Guys!

 

Editor’s Note:

Harold,

What an amazing transformation you’ve had! Better yet, your results were documented by the Dexa.  I really enjoyed listening to your interview and have a great deal of respect for you not only as a contestant, but as a Doctor in a very demanding profession.  Thank you for  your willingness to listen and apply the success principles of the contest winners who have gone before you.  Your  transformation raises the banner high for the “Golden Army.”

My biggest take-away was a phrase or quote you mentioned during your interview, “Just because you know how to bang nails, doesn’t mean you know how to build a house.”  That’s a “Golden” nugget if I ever heard one!

Look forward to hearing more updates from you along your journey with the Adonis Lifestyle. Congrats again Harold!

 

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Harold’s Transformation Interview:

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

AT12 12-Week Transformation Winners Announced

The AT12 results are in and the transformations our guys made are simply amazing! This was the largest contest we’ve had yet… The competition was fierce and the contestants were judged in a total of five equally weighted categories:

1- Weight Loss (LBS) – 20%

2-  Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR)  Transformation Change -20%

3-  Final AGR Score- 20%

4- Muscularity- 20%

5- Aesthetics/Photogenic Quality – 20%

Congratulations to everyone who entered and completed their transformation goals! Here are the winners:

 

Chad Frakes – 1st Place

 

Chad Frakes - 1st Place - Front Before/After Photos

Chad Frakes – 1st Place – Front Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – 2nd Place

 

Keith Coomes - 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Jon McManus – 3rd Place

 

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

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

 

Harold Shim – 4th Place

 

Harold Shim - 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – 4th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Tyler Ellis – 5th Place

 

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

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

 

Audie Harrison – 6th Place

 

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

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

 

Elliot Mould – 7th Place

 

Elliot Mould - 7th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Elliot Mould – 7th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Richard Geary – 8th Place

 

Richard Geary - 8th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Richard Geary – 8th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

 

 

Tyson Harker – 9th Place

 

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

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

 

 Joseph Riggs – 10th Place

 

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

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

If you are wondering about what program(s) they used then check out the Adonis Index systems that all of them followed. You can also look forward to their interviews coming up later this month. Again congratulations to everyone, outstanding job.

What about Genetic Differences in Performance?

Here’s the next episode of the UNCENSORED Podcasts Season 3.

When determining your genetic potential,  compare yourself to your own performance; improve yourself. Each of these men worked hard to achieve their best, you can too!

When determining your genetic potential, compare yourself to your own performance; improve yourself. Each of these men worked hard to achieve their best, you can too!

What about genetic differences in performance?

  • There is research to show genetic differences effect performance.
  • We constantly compare ourselves with others in the gym and watching sports events.
  • We can’t help doing that, but you should at least try and compare yourself to someone of very similar genetics.
  • Genetics play a huge role in success; it plays a bigger role than anyone ever wanted to admit.
  • It doesn’t mean you are not a good person or equally of value as a human if you don’t have specific genetic gifts.
  • It doesn’t seem fair. No matter how hard you practice you won’t be the same as someone who is truly gifted.  Life is not fair.
  • If everything was equal the person who did the best hardest work wins. This is not what happens. Genetics plays the bigger role.
  • We are all unique.
  • But at the same time genetics should not be a reason to not work hard to be your best.
  • It is not an excuse to not work hard to achieve your best.  As far as performances compare yourself to your own performance; improve yourself.
  • What you can achieve?
  • Knowing about genetics is great way to understand what other people have achieved.
  • John and Brad go into great detail into how genetics affect various sports.
  • It does not always mean if you train harder you will get the same results as someone else.
  • It does not mean you should give up training.
  • Everyone is capable of change.
  • Don’t base any of your metrics on performance.
  • All that matters is your own results.
  • How you respond to exercise and diet is unique to you.   You can try things that others do, but it does not mean it will work for you. Also what works for you will change over time. You will have to experiment to find what works for you.

IMMERSION Clients May Login and Download Podcast Here

Not an Adonis Index IMMERSION client? Click here to find out more… and hear a weird story too

 

Having Trouble Getting Motivated or Started On Your Fitness Routine? Here’s How To Get Going.

Here’s the next episode of the UNCENSORED Podcasts Season 3.

The contest winners didn't have all the answers. They still don't. They took steps moving forward and kept going, and they are still moving forward today!

The contest winners didn’t have all the answers. They still don’t. They took steps moving forward and kept going, and they are still moving forward today!

 

Having trouble getting motivated or started on your fitness routine?

Whether you are just getting started, or getting back into your routine after a break, it’s hard to get started.

It feels overwhelming.

You can read online all day long about all the ways people did it successfully and it seems  overwhelming.  Sometimes it’s a case of fear of failure or just a case of analysis paralysis.

 

Some days it is a heroic act just to refuse the paralysis of fear and straighten up and step into another day.

Edward Albert

 

Not enough time?

Not motivated?

The goal is to just fit it in.  Do something.  Walk, pushups, chair squats.

Anything is better than nothing.  A little something is forward motion.

Does not have to be complicated.

John and Brad give you some ideas for getting started in today’s podcast.

IMMERSION Clients May Login and Download Podcast Here

Not an Adonis Index IMMERSION client? Click here to find out more… and hear a weird story too

 

Support