Change or Remain the Same: Interview w/ AT-12 Winner Richard Geary

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

Richard is definitely “A man on a mission.” With an active lifestyle involving work, family, and coaching it’s needless to say that his time is very valuable to him.

However, Richard explains how his workouts were driving him insane!

Scroll down to read  about how the Adonis Golden Ratio system helped Richard get his “Workout Sanity” back, but first, check out his  AT12 Pictures:

Richard Geary - AT 12 - 8th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Richard Geary – AT12 – 8th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Richard Geary - AT12 - 8th Place - Transformation Image

Richard Geary – AT12 – 8th Place – Transformation Image

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Richard’s Transformation Essay:

I bought the Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) system looking for a program that “fit” into my lifestyle.  I consider myself a family man,  having been married for 16 years with 3 children. I also coach multiple  traveling sport teams in addition to the “occupational travel” for my sales job.
I like to work out, but have been stuck in a “rut” doing the same things and expecting my body to change.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
So I guess you could say I was going insane when I bought the program. What I found with the AGR system is that it delivered above and beyond my expectations. This system allows me to be able to get in and out of the gym quickly and efficiently.
I can access all the content from my smartphone which is ideal for how mobile I am. The nutrition program has guided me to what my body needs to stay lean.  No doubt, the diet is the most important part of the program.  It takes discipline and persistence.
The workouts started out very challenging with a bunch of exercises I had never done before. I was skeptical at first, but was able to maintain size even though I lost inches in my waist.
I am still working toward my ideal Adonis Golden Ratio measurements, but I believe I will achieve that goal soon. With multiple programs to give variety, along with a final phase program, you have given me the tools I need to FINALLY succeed.
Thanks for making a great program!

Editor’s Note:

Hey Richard,

I enjoyed hearing that in your active lifestyle, you still placed a priority on working out.  Glad to know that you stayed the course and hung on long enough to overcome the frustrations of not seeing results until you were able to discover AGR. You provided some very valuable feedback on how you have made the AGR system “fit” into your lifestyle and were happy to hear you’ve had such a positive experience.  Enjoy the journey and keep pushing towards your “Golden” A.I. measurements.  Congratulations on your transformation! 

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Transformation Coach

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

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

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:

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:

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