BodyBlitz Challenge Measurements Before Height: 185.5 cm Weight: 102 kg Chest: 108 cm Waist: 103.5 cm Calves: 40.5 cm Arms: 36.4 cm Thighs: 61 cm After Height: 185.5 cm Weight: 87.5 kg Chest: 102 cm Waist: 79 cm Calves: 35 cm Arms: 33 cm Thighs: 55 cm

The reality is that at 27 I was feeling like an old man. For years my lifestyle consisted of an extremely poor diet, with no exercise and excessive drinking, smoking and a sombre existence. I would work during the day and come home to a take-away dinner most nights followed by beer until I fell asleep — then up and at it the next day to do it all over again.

Being self-employed, the icing on the cake was not being able to pull myself out of bed to go to work due to sickness, lethargy and a general feeling of worthlessness. One day, during my normal morning tea routine of a couple of dim sims, a can of Coke and a smoke there was a magazine being passed around with an article about the BodyBlitz Challenge. That was the start of my journey.

I joined the Challenge and set some goals for myself, which was the first time I had set any goals for myself in my life. The past 12 weeks have been extremely enjoyable and more than anything, totally rewarding. I no longer smoke, eat take away or drink beer. My day now starts with an energetic rise from an extremely good night’s sleep, followed by a cardio workout along with a protein fruit smoothie — all before I start work.

Off to work I go, looking forward to the day. Morning tea now brings cottage cheese with a piece of fruit and goodbye to the dim sims, Coke and smoke.
Lunch is now fish, salad and rice. Afternoon tea consists of cottage cheese and another piece of fruit. Dinner is a chicken breast with steamed vegetables or salad. Supper is a protein shake.

During the initial stages of my Challenge I feel the main hurdle for me was the mindset that I could do it, because for so long I have wanted to change my lifestyle but never had the discipline. Being unable to attend work due to poor health, and therefore not getting paid was just the wake up call I needed.

During the first week I noticed immediately my change in energy based solely on my change in eating habits. Having regular healthy meals made all the difference. This enabled me to have the energy to get up in the morning and train before work. It was such a change in my wellbeing. Previously the alarm clock blaring on loud would be all that could wake me — certainly not the anticipation of a workout. I now happily awake daily and six days of the week utilise my new gym membership.

Following the above routine over the past 12 weeks has been enjoyable and life changing. The reward of feeling like a 27 year old and having the energy and mindset of a healthy happy person has been well worth the effort.

I now only wish that the magazine getting passed around the blokes at morning smoko had been sooner. IM