"Being healthy, fit and active has massively improved my life overall"
Neil worked hard to achieve a phenomenal transformation in just 12 weeks of our RISE program.
What I feel is really impressive about Neil’s journey is that he recognised how leading a lethargic, unhealthy lifestyle was affecting his mindset - then he set out to do something about it!
Like many men, Neil was looking for a challenge in life, something positive to put his energy towards and a structure to focus on. The RISE program has worked well for him and here, in his own words, you will learn how he improved his life.
WHY DID YOU START TRAINING AT RSG? WHAT DID YOU SET OUT TO ACHIEVE?
I was stuck in a rut with my lifestyle. I was drinking a bottle of wine to myself every night and lacked any sort of hobby to get me out of the house. I had booked a watersports holiday in a few months and my wife said I wouldn't be fit enough to do the activities. I looked in the mirror and realised I'd become a lazy, overweight, tired person who was drinking too much and just not looking after myself like I should be. I wanted to lose weight, get fit and get out of my rut. I saw a few adverts on Facebook for RSG and decided it could be the trigger to get me on the right track.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST WEEK OF TRAINING LIKE?
I went out with work on the Wednesday night on a corporate night out and got absolutely smashed, finished at 2am and felt awful. It was my first session on the Thursday night and I knew I had to get 3 sessions in back to back on Thu/Fri/Sat to hit my goal so I had no choice but to commit and grind through it. My first session on the Thursday was a total baptism of fire, I realised just how unfit I was but I finished the session and everyone was really friendly from the outset. The prowlers pushed me to my limit and I was sick in the car park after my first session! This seemed to earn me some kudos for my work rate but in truth it was probably the hangover from the night before! I was back in 24hrs later for my next session, aching but still keen for more.
The Saturday morning was the hardest, I was starting to ache so hard I couldn't really run but I made it through the session and headed off camping for the weekend with my family laughing at me for hobbling around like an old man! The first week was the hardest by a mile and I've been fine ever since. I think everyone has to go through that tough first week but it gets much easier after that and I hardly ever ache after a session now.
HOW HAVE YOUR DAILY HABITS CHANGED SINCE STARTING?
I have stopped drinking alcohol through the week and massively cut back at the weekend. This was the biggest change for me and I feel so much better for it. I've also been eating much healthier and sleeping better. Now when I occasionally eat crap it makes me feel like crap and that reminds me that eating better is the way forward.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT/S IN YOUR LIFE?
I've lost around 1 and a half stone in weight and dropped 2” on my waist. My clothes fit so much better and I look healthier. I sleep much better now as well and my diet has completely changed. I also feel like I have reclaimed my weekends. Previously I slept in until 11am and now I'm up and at it on the morning sessions and go for Starbucks coffee and breakfast afterwards with the guys. By the time I get back at 9am I feel great and I've got the whole day ahead of me.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE TO YOUR EATING HABITS?
I track my calories on myfitnesspal and eat a lot less calories than I did. I also have protein shakes and high protein meals. I don't really feel hungry anymore and when I do I have plenty of options for quick high protein snacks. I enjoy planning my meals now and definitely have some really tasty meals. When I occasionally have a lapse and I eat a big burger at the pub, it makes me feel really sluggish and tired and it reminds me of why I don't enjoy eating like that anymore.
WHAT SPECIFIC RESULTS (muscle gain, fat loss, strength) HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
I have lost 1½ stone overall over the year but this doesn't tell the full story as I've put on quite a bit of lean muscle. I've also taken my squat from 45kg to 95kg, bench press from 50kg to 75kg and deadlift from 70kg to 130kg.
WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR TRAINING/NUTRITION RIGHT NOW?
I want to lose some more body fat around my abdomen and carry on increasing my PBs on the weights. I'm getting more serious now about my meal prep for the week and focusing on my macros more.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE RISE METHOD DIFFERS TO WHAT YOU'VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
There is way more personal support and encouragement and there's no bullshit “get ripped quick” stuff. Everything is really inclusive and there's a huge team spirit both in the gym and on Facebook. People push each other far more than you ever would on your own and celebrate success together. The Wodify app and Facebook group are also really active and I love how they make you feel part of a group of mates.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT RSG?
The people! Everyone is so friendly. No egos at all. There's all abilities, shapes and sizes and everyone just gets on together and helps each other get better every session. I also love our team Saturday morning Starbucks breakfast sessions!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT STARTING AT RSG?
Think about your priorities and realise that being healthy, fit and active can massively improve your life overall. If you're going to do it you owe it to yourself and the rest of the team to give it your best shot for 6wks. If you don't like it after that then fair enough, but if you do it could be a huge change in your life and you'll meet some great new friends along the way who want to help you be the best version of yourself possible.