Formerly Hi-Jacked by H.I.I.T. – Now Golden-Ripped! : Interview w/ AT-15 Winner Elijah Smith [ezs777]

Here’s your latest essay interview with 7th place winner  Elijah Smith  from the 15th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 - Front Before/After Photos

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 – Front Before/After Photos

Elijah’s Transformation Interview:

1- What workout or nutrition routine did you do before Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) System? What kind of results did you get?

Before doing AGR, my prior workout routine was HIIT-based; I had bought into the notion that high-intensity circuits were best for both building muscle and losing fat; and since the workouts were shorter, I thought that would give me the best of both worlds: less time and better results. As far as my nutrition routine, I mostly just ate when I wanted to, and didn’t pay any attention to calories or protein at all. The results I ending up getting from that approach were two-fold: increased frustration from being unable to stick with the workouts, and fifty pounds of excess body fat from the unlimited calorie intake.

 2- How did you find out about AGR?

I first found out about AGR somewhere around 2010, shortly after I had purchased the latest version of Eat Stop Eat. I was watching some videos about Eat Stop Eat on YouTube, when I came across a video of John Barban and Brad Pilon talking about their new workout program for men. At first, I thought it was a scam; the idea of building the “perfect” body seemed too good to be true. However, after watching the whole video, reading some reviews, and skimming the sales page, I decided to take the plunge and purchased the AGR program. I figured, “What do I have to lose? There is a money back guarantee.” When I finished reading the Main Manual, I realized that this concept of a perfect body wasn’t totally made up, and that it was, in fact, based on a large compendium of research and data.

3- What was most appealing to you about AGR?

There were two things that appealed to me most about AGR: that I didn’t have to do any HIIT style workouts, and that I didn’t have to follow any complicated dietary guidelines.

The first workouts I ever did were basic weight-training workouts; we had a class called “Fit for Life” in high school, and it was mandatory. In that class, we learned how to lift weights properly, and were then given a workout plan for every week of the semester. The thing is, those kinds of workouts were doable for me; I enjoyed them, and I made a lot of progress (I both built muscle and increased strength). In retrospect, I realize that my goals became hijacked a short time later, and I began to believe that HIIT-style training was better, even though I didn’t enjoy it very much (part of this was due to the fact that it was shortly after this that I got involved in martial arts, and I wanted to improve my work capacity so that I could spar and train longer).

I really liked the fact that AGR didn’t have a “bad foods” list, nor did it have a pre-planned menu, nor was I required to measure and weigh every gram of food, nor eat at a specific time(s) of day, nor have a specific ratio of macronutrients. One of the reasons it had been so hard for me to lose weight in the past, was that I felt I had to restrict the types of food I was eating (i.e., most of the foods that I actually liked to eat); the fact that I can eat whatever and whenever I want (keeping calories in mind, of course) made this diet so much more sustainable.

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 - Front Before/After Photos

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 – Side Before/After Photos

4- Were there any concepts or approaches you were skeptical about?

I was initially skeptical that there was such a thing as a “perfect body,” or that having one could bring all of the benefits mentioned in “The Theory of Ideal Body Proportions.” I was also skeptical about weight loss being so simple; I thought, “Surely, there has to be more to this than just eating less.”

5- When did you decide to jump on board full fledge with AGR?

I decided to jump on board full-fledge with AGR in 2013, after trying a number of other diet approaches, and seeing no noticeable results. It was then that I decided I would ride this train as far as I could, and I began the yearlong process that would culminate in where I am today. I wanted to make sure that I didn’t repeat the mistakes I made in the past, where I tried to do too much and lose the weight too fast (only to rebound later). This time, I took the tortoise approach: slow and steady, and it definitely paid off in ways greater than I ever imagined.

6- When did you first decide to enter an Adonis Transformation (AT) contest?

I have attempted to enter so many contests in the past few years, I’ve lost count; however, the earliest contest I remember entering was AT-10.

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 - Back Before/After Photos

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 – Back Before/After Photos

7- What was your experience going through the AT contest? Challenges that came up? Things you didn’t expect?

My experience going through the AT-15 contest was filled with a plethora of different emotions: fear, excitement, astonishment (at times), uncertainty, regret, and pride. There were two major challenges that came up: perfectionism and my mother. There were days when I ate double the calories that I was planning to eat, and I felt the temptation to just give up, because all was clearly lost. I had to constantly remind myself of the 80/20 principle: that staying on track 80% of the time will get me to my goals; I didn’t have to be perfect.

Another big challenge for me was the negative feedback that I received from my mother; she would constantly express concerns that I was losing too much weight, that I looked emaciated, and she even expressed concerns that I was anorexic/bulimic, despite the fact that I ate a lot, and told her that I like food (perhaps too much, which was why I had the excess fat I did in the first place). Learning to ignore her criticisms was perhaps the biggest challenge that I faced all along the way. I had to come to the realization that I was doing this for me, and no one else. Since no one else has to live my life, it doesn’t make any sense to let someone else chose what’s best for me.

In going through a transformation, I have realized the important role that environment plays in your success; if there are a lot of stressors around you, weight loss can become next to impossible. However, by either mastering or removing yourself from a stressful environment, your ability to stay on track increases exponentially.

One thing that I didn’t expect was the weight loss to be so consistent; it was like magic: I ate less, and I lost weight. Every time I stepped on the scale, I somehow expected to gain weight (even though, at the beginning, I was eating about 1,200kcal per day). I think that all of the misinformation in the diet/fitness media has tricked a lot of us into thinking that weight loss is a magical process that cannot be explained, except by an esoteric lot known as “fitness gurus.”

8- How did people react to your transformation? Positives and negatives (if any).

Most of the people I knew reacted positively. It was very encouraging when people would ask me if I’d lost weight, even though I had never mentioned to anyone that I was in the process of reshaping my body (a la covert nutrition); that’s how I knew that I was doing something right. As I mentioned before, the one person that reacted negatively was my mother.

I have also noticed that I seem to get more positive attention than I did before, both from total strangers and people that I have known for a while. Sometimes I wonder how much of this is from my increased confidence at the fact that I feel good about my own body, and how much is from the “Adonis Effect,” relative to the increase in my AI.

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 - Adonis Origins: Before Photo from 5-14-13

Elijah Smith 7th Place AT15 – Adonis Origins: Before Photo from 5-14-13

9- How do you react to the “Brand New” you? Have you noticed changes in your outlook and attitude in general.

To be honest, I’m still surprised when I look in the mirror. I often ask myself, “Is that really me?” It’s as if I imagine that I’m going to look in a mirror one day and magically be 50 pounds overweight again. Other than the regular reminders that this is, in fact, the real me, I am very happy with my results, and they are what motivate me to keep working hard so that I can push even further to achieve true golden.

I have noticed some profound changes in my outlook and attitude; I find that now I am much more passionate about life, about doing everything that I can to make it the best that it can be. I also find that I am able to better exercise self-control in other areas of my life, areas where I have also previously struggled (e.g., finances, delayed gratification in general).

Editor’s Note:

 

Hey Elijah,

Congrats on your transformation.  I could really relate to your interview as I to was goal hi-jacked in a similar fashion.  Before AGR, I was big into running 5K’s and I thought HIIT training was the way to go to get the results I wanted, fat loss wise.  What I soon discovered was that I didn’t enjoy the workouts and it actually hindered my progress to “Golden.”

 Major kudo’s to you as well for surviving criticism from your mom. I know it must’ve been hard at times as she didn’t understand your fitness goals. It sounds like she was a strong influence and I’m sure she meant well.  At the end of it all congrats on making it to the other side and I hope that the “Adonis Effect’ continues to work in your favor on your journey of the Adonis Lifestyle.

your brother in Iron,

 

Unstoppable Confidence & The New “Me”: Interview w/ AT-14 Winner Adam G. [driftbouncer]

Here’s your latest essay interview with 3rd place winner  Adam G. from the 14th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Front Before/After Photos

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Front Before/After Photos

 

Adam’s Transformation Interview:

1- What workout or nutrition routine did you do before Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) System? What kind of results did you get?

Before finding the AGR system I really didn’t follow any nutrition plan. I simply tried to eat foods that were healthy and limit those that were not. Over time this strategy did not work as I continued to slowly put on fat. As far as workout routines are concerned I followed many different ones over the years with minimal results. The real problem was not necessarily the routines themselves rather it was the fact that I never gave any one routine 100% dedication. I either did not follow the routine long enough or tried combining several routines into one.

 

Side BnA

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Side Before/After Photos

 2- How did you find out about AGR?

I found out about AGR from a fellow named Kyle Leon. I had been following his work out and nutrition routine ( very loosely might I add) and it was a good routine just not for me. Kyle sent an email out with a link to AGR and the rest is history.

3- What was most appealing to you about AGR?

The most appealing thing to me about AGR was it’s simplicity. Food wise you could eat most things you want within reason as long as I stayed withing my weekly caloric needs. As well all the workouts are laid out for you focusing on the areas that really mattered to me to get the body I desire.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Back Before/After Photos

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Back Before/After Photos

4- Were there any concepts or approaches you were skeptical about?

I think in the beginning I was a little skeptical about the idea of not bulking up first in order to put on muscle. I was of the mindset that what I weighed was really important and had some reservations about losing a lot of weight fearing I would lose muscle as well. In the end this was not the case and I have learned weight is only a number, what I look like is really what matters.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Transformation Image

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Transformation Image

5- When did you decide to jump on board full fledge with AGR?

When I discovered AGR I spent a lot of time reading everything I could about the system and the people behind it. The more I read the more interested I got. The philosophy behind the nutrition and workout plans just really appealed to me. The AGR system just made sense. It focuses on the body parts that matter in order to achieve the body I desire and the nutrition plan allowed me not you give up the foods I love. For me it felt like a recipe for success.

6- When did you first decide to enter an Adonis Transformation (AT) contest?

This was not the first time I entered an AGR contest, I believe this was my fourth try. But this is the first time I actually submitted my after photos. All the other times I pretty much talked myself out of submitting the photos. I told myself that I was not good enough and it was not worth sending in the after pictures. Those other times I looked much the same as in these after photos the only difference this time was was my mental approach to the situation. Even though I am still not happy with my after photos (I am truly my biggest critic) I said what the hell, what do I really have to lose? Now after the fact I am so happy I followed through and sent in the photos.

 

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Transformation Image

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Transformation Image

7- What was your experience going through the AT contest? Challenges that came up? Things you didn’t expect?

My experience going through the AGR contest was generally a good one. The hardest part for me by far was how light I was getting. Even though I was looking better and better in the mirror I felt like I was pushing to hard and could be losing muscle mass. In the end I realized  I was still as strong as ever (perhaps a little stronger) and that weight is just a number. I have never felt better.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Transformation Image

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Transformation Image

8- How did people react to your transformation? Positives and negatives (if any).

Family and friends by far are the harshest critics. Many family members have told me that I look sick and need to put weight back on. Even my wife thinks I am to thin and would like me to put more weight on. Let me tell you, when the people closest to you are all telling you over and over how bad you look it was tough at times not to give in and just quit what I was doing. But I was not about to give up and used the negative comments as fuel to keep going because as far as I was concerned I looked and felt great. I also realized these comments were not meant to be hurtful my family and friends were just not used to the new me. As soon as I looked different than people around me were used to they thought I did not look right. On the other hand anyone who does not know me would not think I look sick at all. I know it will take time for those around me to adjust but I can assure them that I am healthy and feel great.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Transformation Image

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Transformation Image

9- How do you react to the “Brand New” you? Have you noticed changes in your outlook and attitude in general.

I like the new “me” very much. I still have a little fat to lose and some muscle to gain before my physique is golden but I know I will get there. Over all I feel great and my confidence is higher than ever. I may not be the biggest guy around but when the shirt comes off I think I look pretty good. Also completing the competition and placing third is a huge boost to my confidence and helps justify to myself all the hard work I have put in and that there are others out there that think I look good too.

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 - Transformation Image

Adam G. 3rd Place AT14 – Transformation Image

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Adam,

Congratulations on your transformation to a brand new “you”!  It was refreshing to hear how your mindset changed for this particular contest and you decided to submit your “after” photos.  A decision well made, earning yourself a “Top 3” finish in contest AT-14.  Also big kudos to you on hitting some of the bodybuilding “mandatory” poses.

I can tell you’ve been practicing them. Because of this, we look forward to featuring you on some of our upcoming AGR covers.  Keep pushing on towards your quest to “Golden” and I’m sure your unstoppable confidence will guide the way!

your brother in Iron,

 

Hold The Rope! Final Countdown to AT-15

Final Countdown to AT15: “Hold the rope! -- let it burn but don't let go!"

Final Countdown to AT15: “Hold the rope! — let it burn but don’t let go!”

 

In the last remaining days of AT15 it’s imperative that you maintain your pursuit towards that “Golden” transformation.   Many will be making their final preparations this weekend or have already done so.

Contest Photo Submissions for AT15 will be due no later than Monday November 24th at midnight Eastern Standard Time.  AT15 is trending to be our largest competition to date based on the number of contest entries.

For many contestants, this is the first workout program that you’ve followed consistently.  Thank you for your commitment to the Adonis Golden Ratio Program and more importantly for your commitment to your own personal goals.

The time of this particular contest concludes near the end of the year and is our final scheduled transformation contest for 2014.

Here is a brief recap of some of our transformation winners from earlier this year.

AT13 TOP 3

Stuart Barton - AT13 - 1st Place - Front Before/After Photos

Stuart Barton – AT13 – 1st Place – Front Before/After Photos

Michael Rutz - 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Michael Rutz – AT13 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

Robin Andersson - AT13 - 3rd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Robin Andersson – AT13 – 3rd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

AT14 TOP 3

Ryan Law AT14 1st Place - Front Before/After Photos

Ryan Law AT14 1st Place – Front Before/After Photos
Mike De Oliveira AT14 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Mike De Oliveira AT14 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

Adam G. 3rd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Adam G. 3rd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

HOLD THE ROPE!

Every year we have transformation contests in which the Top 10 transformation contestants are recognized for their achievement in staying committed to their fitness goals.

All these contestants have one thing in common. No matter how tough it became throughout their transformation, they did one thing — they held the rope!  What is “holding the rope?” Imagine that you are hanging from the edge of a cliff with a drop of twenty thousand feet. The only thing between you and a fall to your death is a rope, with the person of your choice on the other end. That person on the other end is the AGR system which includes our awesome community members.  When the going gets tough, you can rest assured that we have the guts to pull you to safety.  Whether it be a clarification with nutrition or a mental stumbling block which is overcome by encouragement, motivation, and/or AGR coaching.   Rest assured, all you have to do is “Hold The Rope!”

You see, the person that holds the rope when the going gets tough is a winner. When you’ve had a long day at work and choose to go to the gym afterwards that is a “winning” decision.  If you are frustrated and have lost the willpower to track your calories come and visit with some of the members in the AGR community.

In a matter of speaking, they will tell you they have been where you are, just “hold the rope — let it burn but don’t let go!”

Win or lose, remember that your transformation is a personal achievement and you should be very proud of your accomplishment.

In a previous post, I discussed the Four Key Ingredient necessary in order to become “Photo-Shoot Ready” on command.

Those ingredients are:

1. Conditioning

2. Posing

3. Tanning

4. Photography/Lighting

Keeping these concepts in mind will help you capture some amazing images of your new & improved physique.

In conclusion, to all my brothers in Iron, I hope you’re enjoying living the Adonis Lifestyle and to those contestants in AT15, come November 24th, I look forward to congratulating you on your transformation!

If you have any questions on the contest email me at:

ALLEN.E.MODEL@GMAIL.COM

Train Hard, Finish Strong! Interview w/ AT-14 Winner Michael De Oliveira [Mike]

Here’s your latest essay interview with 2nd place winner  Michael De Oliveira from the 14th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place AT 14 – Front Before/After Photos

 

Michael’s Transformation Interview:

 

1- What workout or nutrition routine did you do before Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) System? What kind of results did you get?

I followed my own training programs that I had designed myself (I am a qualified personal trainer). I got fairly good results with these, but it was nice to follow another workout routine that I hadn’t designed in order to do something different, as well as get good results with that too, of course.

 2- How did you find out about AGR?

I first found out about AGR through Brad Pilon. I subscribe to his emails and was a follower of Eat Stop Eat so received an email with a link about AGR one day. I read through the site and thought it sounded good so bought the product to check it out and I’m glad that I did!

3- What was most appealing to you about AGR?

I liked the fact that there was a specific goal to aim towards. With most bodybuilding programs, even though proportions do matter to a certain extent, the goal is to just try and get as big you can with no real set numbers to aim for. It’s obvious that certain body shapes are more aesthetically pleasing than others, so it just made sense that there was an ultimate finite goal to try and achieve rather than just aiming to get as big as possible.

4- Were there any concepts or approaches you were skeptical about?

Not really, no. As I say, it made perfect sense whilst reading about it, and everything was thoroughly explained and backed up by evidence so there was nothing I felt particularly skeptical of.

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place AT 14 - Back Before/After Photos

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place AT 14 – Back Before/After Photos

5- When did you decide to jump on board full fledge with AGR?

Probably a few years ago (I can’t remember the exact date but I’ve been following for quite some time now). I still do go back to my own programs every now and then, but I’ve agreed with the AGR principles ever since first hearing about them so I will always pay close attention to any updates and things going on within the community.

6- When did you first decide to enter an Adonis Transformation (AT) contest?

I believe it was AT2 if I remember rightly? I must admit that I have actually entered quite a few contests, but this is only the second one I have managed to properly see through to the end. For some of the contests I had genuine reasons for not being able to finish, but most of the time I just couldn’t seem to find the willpower to stick with the diet. I somehow managed to find it for this contest however, and so it goes to show that perseverance does pay off in the end!

7- What was your experience going through the AT contest? Challenges that came up? Things you didn’t expect?

During the first few weeks of the contest I followed the workout but didn’t start dieting too hard (if at all, really). I actually went on a clubbing holiday to Ibiza for a week at the beginning of June, but once I came back I properly got into my nutrition and resumed training hard for the remainder of the contest. It was all fairly manageable until the last two or three weeks when being in a caloric deficit, training hard, starting a new job and my diminishing social life started to take it’s toll. Thankfully I was able to stick it through to the end this time though before succumbing to four bits of birthday cake at a friend’s birthday BBQ!

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place AT 14 - Side Before/After Photos

Mike De Oliveira 2nd Place AT 14 – Side Before/After Photos

8- How did people react to your transformation? Positives and negatives (if any).

Surprisingly enough, I have found that I’ve actually received a lot more negative comments/remarks/etc. from my transformation than I was expecting to get. Nothing too horrendous; just not always the positive comments I would have thought I would have received (especially from family and friends). Thankfully a big amount of the feedback has been good though, with most people not even commenting at all as I don’t really look any different until I take my shirt off.

9- How do you react to the “Brand New” you? Have you noticed changes in your outlook and attitude in general.

To be honest I don’t really see this as the “brand new” me. I see it more of a stepping stone to where I want to be, and that I still have a bit of a way to go before I get there yet. With that being said, I’m definitely feeling more positive in general and happy that I’m no longer carrying as much fat around as I once was. I haven’t decided whether to enter the next contest or not yet as I’m enjoying the break from dieting and will probably just try and maintain as much of these results as I can for now. I do know, however, that I definitely want to have another go at a contest in the future, and am determined to eventually reach my golden A.I.!

Editor’s Note:

Hey Michael,

Glad to learn that you’ve been with us for a while.  I commend you for never losing site of your goal despite not finishing previous transformation contests.  It seems like the right alignment kicked in for you during this contest to allow you to continue training hard and sticking to your nutrition despite attending an overseas trip and cake & BBQ back home.  Too bad to hear some reacted negatively to your transformation.  People often put-down or dismiss things they do not understand.  Nevertheless, you have an awesome transformation to show for it and we look forward to seeing your “Golden” physique in an upcoming contest.

your brother in Iron,

Crossing the Mental Minefield…The Path to a Golden Lifestyle: Interview w/ AT-14 Winner Ream Kidane [Reamerton]

Here’s your latest essay interview with 8th place winner  Ream Kidane from the 14th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Ream Kidane - AT14 8th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Ream Kidane 8th Place – Front Before/After Photos

Ream’s Transformation Interview:

1- What workout or nutrition routine did you do before Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) System? What kind of results did you get?

AGR was the first workout program that I have applied consistently.   Before AGR, I would more or less follow whatever the newest program from Men’s Health magazine or something similar.  Growing up, I played soccer and basketball and later took up running, but never had a consistent training program that I followed.  As a result, my results were mediocre and I easily fell back into old habits.  I finally made the decision that I didn’t just want to be healthy, I wanted to look damn good too! I haven’t looked back since.

 I’ve tried too many nutrition programs to count.  The ones that I stuck with the longest were the “slow carb diet” from the 4 hour body and the “one-day” diet from Biotrust.  They were both effective when I was on them.  I was able to lose a significant amount of weight with both and that experience prepared me to fashion a set of habits that were helpful during the contest, but ultimately were too restrictive for me for a long term period.

2- How did you find out about AGR?

Honestly, I have read about and come across so many different programs over the years that I don’t remember how I first found out about AGR, but it was the only one that stuck.

Ream Kidane 8th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Ream Kidane AT-14 8th Place – Side Before/After Photos

3- What was most appealing to you about AGR?

The most appealing thing about AGR is the simplicity.  With my limited experience with weight lifting, it was easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of information that is available.  AGR made it simple (but not easy) to learn the basics and develop a solid framework for steady progress.

4- Were the any concepts or approaches you were skeptical about?

I was most skeptical that such a drastic transformation was possible in such a relatively short amount of time.  Although I had seen the transformations in the other men from previous contests and the forum, I had always secretly thought there must be something different about them.  It must be their genetics or they must have more motivation or some other thing that I didn’t have.

 5- When did you decide to jump on board full fledge with AGR?

Although I had the AGR program for years, I did not jump in fully until the beginning of the AT14.  It was the motivation and the accountability through the coaching program with Jason Haynes that allowed me to push through the resistance and the doubt of the first few weeks.  Having someone whose been through the process to answer my questions and provide guidance was critical in the periods where I was having a lot self doubt.

Ream Kidane AT-14 8th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Ream Kidane AT-14 8th Place – Back Before/After Photos

6- When did you first decide to enter an Adonis Transformation (AT) contest?

I had actually entered the contest once before AT14 and dropped it after a few weeks.  I decided after multiple attempts at starting the program that I needed to prioritize my workout routine over anything else that came up.  It meant sacrificing many of things that I enjoyed but were not actually helping me to achieve my goals.  I needed to fully commit and only after doing that would I be able to evaluate how effective it would be for me.

7- What was your experience going through the AT contest? Challenges that came up? Things you didn’t expect?

In retrospect, going through the contest was difficult, but not as difficult as I imagined it would be before I started.  Some of the biggest challenges for me were psychological.    I never considered myself a “gym” guy and often felt uncomfortable even being at the gym at all, among guys that looked like they had been training their entire adult life. It took a while for me to learn to not pay attention to what other people were doing, but on my own workout and my own progress.

 The biggest challenges came when I didn’t have access to all things that I would normally have (my gym, my kitchen, convenient access to grocery stores) when I was out of the country for several weeks.   I was only about a month into the contest when I left for my trip, but in that short amount of time, I had learned enough to be able to approximate my nutrition needs and my workouts.  I jumped right back in when I returned, because I knew exactly what I needed to do.  I had internalized the most important parts of my routine.
Ream Kidane - AT14 8th Place - Transformation Image

Ream Kidane – AT14 8th Place – Transformation Image

8- How did people react to your transformation? Positives and negatives (if any).

Most reactions to my transformation were positive.  One of the most common reactions to my transformation was “you’re getting too skinny” or “you shouldn’t lose any more weight!”  I found over time that it became easier to ignore.  I learned not to react or explain or justify any of it.  I would just say “yes, I’ve been working out and eating well and I’ve never felt better”.  I got to a point at the end of the contest that other people’s reactions, positive or negative, didn’t really matter to me anymore.  Although it certainly felt good to place in the contest.  I’m at a point now where the only feedback I need is the measuring tape.

9- How do you react to the “Brand New” you? Have you noticed changes in your outlook and attitude in general.

The difference in my outlook and attitude cannot be understated. I have more energy and confidence. I sleep better than I have my entire life.  I am more optimistic about almost every part of my life in general.  The most important thing that I’ve gained through this process has been the level of self trust that comes with following the program through to the end.  I’ve learned to trust the process and not get hung up on individual days or weeks where it seems that I am not making progress.  I’ve also come to understand what it means when others have said that this is not just a workout plan or a diet, but a lifestyle.

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Ream,

Happy to hear that your transformation was supported through the Adonis Golden Ratio Coaching Program.  We pride ourselves on the ability to help others cross that “mental minefield” during the transformation period in order to reach not only a brand new body, but a new lifestyle.

I really enjoyed the part in your interview when you mentioned overcoming the mental barriers and ignoring the negative comments from others who did not understand the transformation process.  My favorite quote was when you said, “The only feedback I need is the measuring tape.”

That spoke volumes on so many different levels!  Congratulation again Ream, we look forward to hearing more from you as you continue your pursuit to Golden.

your brother in Iron,

 

Believe & Achieve: Interview w/ AT-14 Winner Colin Doyle [ColinD]

Here’s your latest essay interview with 6th place winner Colin Doyle from the 14th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

 

Colin Doyle - AT14 6th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Colin Doyle – AT14 6th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Colin’s Transformation Interview:

1- What workout or nutrition routine did you do before Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) System? What kind of results did you get?

Before I discovered AGR I had never done any regular workout routine. I used to play various sports quite regularly up until about six or seven years ago, such as soccer, swimming, surfing and lots of other ad hoc sports when the opportunity arose. When I started to slow down, as work and family began to consume more of my time, I started playing squash once or twice a week. But all of this was just general activity to maintain some semblance of fitness. I had never really worked out properly, and had never been a member of a gym. Honestly, I thought that just wasn’t for me.

With regards nutrition, I had never followed any kind of formal nutrition routine. I have always eaten a fairly balanced and healthy diet – lots of vegetables, never too much junk food – but as I got older the fact is that every biscuit or pint ends up going straight to the gut. I’ve always had a sweet tooth and have a fairly hearty appetite for social boozing. I could keep the impact of this relatively in check when I was more active and younger, but in the last few years this lack of routine (and knowledge) meant that my belly had quite literally gotten out of hand. Out of both hands actually!

 

2- How did you find out about AGR?

I think it was Google. Last November something just clicked in my head and I decided I wanted to primarily get rid of my belly, and secondly become more fit. Honestly at that point I figured I was too far gone to actually get into really good shape. I just wanted to lose the belly. That seemed like a monumental task at the time and so I wasn’t really thinking about weights or getting into optimal shape. But when I found AGR I just knew instantly that this was what I was looking for.

 

3- What was most appealing to you about AGR?

The most appealing thing to me was how pragmatic the system is. There was no fluff, quick fixes, or short-term-easy-results promised. The message was simple and easy to understand: eat less, work out more. But the important feature was that once you got that simple message, AGR has the full apparatus to help you achieve this, namely:

  • The nutrition calculator: to give you plain and simple guidance on your diet.
  • The workout programs: based on your specific measurements, and excellently tailored to progress you toward the perfect physique. I loved the fact that there were exact measurements for the Golden Ratio too, so you could measure progress.
  • The member community, forums and blogs: originally I didn’t think this was for me. I had thought I was on a solo journey, all about me. But the community is absolutely vital, and extremely valuable. The contributions from all of the other members proved immeasurably helpful and instructive. The questions, pointers, solidarity, guidance and support from fellow members is so important that I do not think that I would have made as much progress without it. For that I am extremely grateful to all my fellow members who regularly contribute and help others – a huge thank you to all those guys!
  • The podcasts, particularly the whole backlog of coaching calls: when I started to make progress I started to really believe I could go the whole distance, and become Golden. Listening through the whole backlog of podcasts, and particularly the coaching calls, was hugely beneficial because I kept learning, even about questions and issues I hadn’t encountered myself yet. I downloaded them all and listened on my commute or anywhere. That’s when I figured out why it was called ‘Immersion.’ How appropriate that name is! In order to achieve the best possible results, for me anyway, immersing myself in the whole AGR system and lifestyle was essential.

I’d like to emphasize again, that when I started out I don’t think I really believed I could become like some of the other guys whose amazing pictures and transformations were on the site. I kind of dreamed or wished, but it was not until I started to see some results – relatively quickly – that I started to really BELIEVE. And then the whole framework above, last but not least, the positive momentum I got from the forums and blogs, propelled me to first believe and then to work harder to achieve.

And the great thing is that the more I progress, the hungrier for ultimate success I’ve become. It’s a really positive cycle of life-improvement.

4- Were the any concepts or approaches you were skeptical about?

I’d say the thing I was most skeptical about was whether I could really do it. I was so far away from fit, had become very unhealthy and was so many belly inches away from being in good shape that it just seemed highly improbable that I could consider myself in the same company as some of the guys whose pictures I was looking at in the forums and blogs.

I didn’t really know much about nutrition or working out, so there was definitely an element of blind faith that the system could do for me what it had done for lots of others. But it is all spelled out in such an accessible and straightforward way that it was easy to understand the logic. Once I started then, I could see the progress relatively quickly. I started on AGR Category 2 and was amazed at how effective it was at targeting fat so quickly. So I think my mindset pretty quickly became “well I don’t really know much about this stuff, but these guys clearly do, so I’m just going to stick with the program.”

 

Colin Doyle - AT14 6th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Colin Doyle – AT14 6th Place – Side Before/After Photos

5- When did you decide to jump on board full fledge with AGR?

I jumped on board right away,  having read the background material and looked at the AGR Category 2 training program,  that it seemed to me like you just needed to get busy and that’s what I did. The results began to show almost immediately. That provided momentum and I’ve never really looked back.

After the first couple of months of working hard and sticking to the calculator, I got more curious and wanted to step up the pace of my understanding. That’s when I started listening to the podcasts and accessing the historical blogs. I felt I had kind of earned the understanding for some of the finer points of nutrition, supplements and workouts. I’d also search for some topics that I was experiencing first hand for myself, and the answers were always there.

I’m pleased with my own results to date. I know that I still have a huge amount to learn, and plenty of progress that I am determined to make and maintain. Whereas I’m going probably slower or faster than others, I feel like I’m at the right pace for me and it’s great that the system caters to each person in that way. I’ve been fully invested in terms of my own commitment since the start, and whenever I feel it’s right for me to fine tune a subject, up my skills on certain elements or add specific boosters etc, that is easy to do because it is all there.

Colin Doyle - AT14 6th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Colin Doyle – AT14 6th Place – Back Before/After Photos

6- When did you first decide to enter an Adonis Transformation (AT) contest?

AT14 was my first contest. During my first training program, AGR Category 2, I wanted to just stay focused on my own training and program and really prove to myself that I could do it. When that was going well I began to look around a bit more and started paying attention to AT13. At the time I had also started reading some of the blogs from a few years ago, of guys who were in the earlier contests. It was great reading through them and then shadowing the closing stages of AT13. I began to really appreciate that level of commitment and how amazing it must be to set a target like that and just go all guns blazing to push yourself to see what you could do. By the end of AT13 I had decided there was no point hanging about – I was all in for the next one!

 

7- What was your experience going through the AT contest? Challenges that came up? Things you didn’t expect?

I can safely say, it was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done in my life. I am not making light of it – it was very tough! – but to have come that far in that relatively short space of time has been just immense. I have this feeling that I can do anything!

I was a little daunted at the start as to whether I could stick it out. And there were a couple of moments where I thought I would not finish. I had a holiday during the contest and didn’t really get to do a proper workout during that. I had tried to compensate beforehand, and worked hard afterward to make up for it. But for that week I had doubts as to whether I was truly giving it my all. But in hindsight, I realized that was no excuse. There will almost never be 90 days in my life where there won’t be some kind of excuse or obstacle or whatever. And this was a holiday for me and my son and that is way more important than anything. So I just worked around it. And it was a brilliant holiday too, plenty of water parks and swimming in the sea etc, so was pretty active.

Something else I experienced during the contest was that I have firmly progressed from just wanting to lose fat when I initially joined, to now wanting to really work on my shape, build muscle. To have made this much progress in a relatively short space of time has instilled a sense of confidence that this is the logical progression, and that I can achieve that too.

 

Colin Doyle - AT14 6th Place - Transformation Image

Colin Doyle – AT14 6th Place – Transformation Image

8- How did people react to your transformation? Positives and negatives (if any).

People have been almost unanimously positive and complimentary. Because I was coming from a starting point of having to lose weight rather than gain muscle, it’s probably more obvious to people at the start than if you’re trying to gain muscle mass. Most were full of praise initially which was great, and no doubt helped fuel momentum. I also found that as I continued to progress loads of people were intrigued to find out what the trick was. The answer of ‘eat less and work out more’ doesn’t generally cut it for people though….!

I will say this though. Whereas it was great to hear people say “you look great, have you lost weight?”, it’s absolutely exhilarating when people start saying “oh you are looking really toned there, you must be working out?”

9- How do you react to the “Brand New” you? Have you noticed changes in your outlook and attitude in general.

It would be impossible to overstate the positive net effect of the new me. Not sure I have the words to fully articulate (or anyone would want to read that much!) so let me say it as simply as I can: my life is so much better now than it was when I started.

It is great to achieve anything in life that takes hard work, but your body and health are the most important things so that makes making this kind of change amongst the greatest things anyone can do for themselves. I said this in my first post before I started and I fundamentally believe it.

It is also really great when people start reacting positively to you and how you look. That becomes another positive cycle because you reciprocate, and the world is a happier place.

But I think the most important change of all is a mental one. Having felt that I was so far away from where I wanted to be meant I was starting on a very long, steep uphill journey, with plenty of doubt in my mind. I am not where I want to be yet, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will get to where I want to be. I know what it takes, I know how to get there and I am armed with the system to get me there.

This is what AGR has done for me. It has given me a sense of self belief that I am applying to all areas of my life. The system itself with the nutrition and training routines, the podcasts, the forums, blogs and contributions from other members. I am extremely grateful to everyone who forms part of that system and community.

 

Editor’s Note:

Hey Colin,

Thank you for you tremendous belief in the AGR system and the mental stamina to, “Stay in the fight”  for your AT-14 contest goals.  I’m a big believer in positive mental attitude and whole-heartedly believe this mindset eliminate a lot of barriers that hinder people particularly along this transformational period.  I could totally relate to when you said there would never be a 90-day period  when there wouldn’t be a choice of an obstacle to overcome or an excuse to set you back. It reminded me of a quote, “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”   Keep striving for excellence Colin.  We look forward to hearing more from you and your journey in the AGR community.

your brother in Iron,

 

 

 

 

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