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His Photos Cost Him 100 Pounds: Interview with AT10 Winner Kris Wragg

June 3, 2013 by

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 10th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Kris Wragg who placed 5th in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Truth be told, Kris is no stranger to the principles of AGR. He had been following the principles of Eat Stop Eat  for quite sometime before he made the decision to begin AGR workouts.  Kris had seen great results from intermittent fasting but realized in order to take his physique from what he called “skinny-fat” to “amazingly defined” a transformation contest would prove most helpful.

Kris also shares insights on he developed his homemade,  yet “Professional-Level” images for under 100 pounds.

Check out  Kris’s AT10 Pictures:

Kris Wragg - 5th Place - Before Photos

Kris Wragg – AT10 5th Place – Before Photos

Kris Wragg- AT10-Transformation Image

Kris Wragg- AT10-Transformation Image

 

Kris Wragg - AT10 5th Place - After Photos

Kris Wragg – AT10 5th Place – After Photos

 

Kris’s Transformation Essay:

When I started AT10 I was just finishing off MBF and then I moved on to the category 3 workouts. Throughout the competition I followed the calories suggested by the AGR calculator and shed quite a lot of fat in the first 6 weeks, after that it slowed down a bit and towards the end I added in a bit of cardio in the last few weeks to try and maintain steady weight loss.

I found the fat loss fairly easy, some weeks were harder than others trying to maintain the calorie allowances, especially with social events, but generally I compensated with a fast day and my weekly average balanced out. Between me and my girlfriend we managed to create lots of tasty low calorie meals and even tasty high protein desserts for treats, I’ve especially been enjoying some homemade protein flapjacks with chocolate on.

The workouts were fairly hard going and I added in a chest booster in the middle as this seems to be a lagging part for me. I really enjoyed the Fibonacci pyramids although they were extremely tough and took a long time setting up adjustable dumbbells. I thought the workouts were pretty well rounded and hit the whole body hard but evenly.

Overall I am extremely pleased with my transformation over the last 12 weeks, my girlfriend has been doing the Venus competition and we have both made great changes to our bodies in the short period of time. We are off on holiday in a few weeks and we will both be looking fantastic in our swimwear thanks to our hard work.

 

Kris’s Transformation Interview:

See below to listen to Kris’s transformation podcast interview:

 

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Filed Under: Contest, Stories, Transformation Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Battle of Perception: Interview with AT10 Winner Paul Tomlinson

May 27, 2013 by

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 10th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

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

Paul, a military fitness instructor was first introduced to  AGR when we met at at fitness workshop.  Recovering from an injury suffered during CrossFit, he was looking for a way to satisfy his “competitive edge” without the “wear & tear” of previous programs he had followed.

When I first  introduced  the  philosophy and workout concepts of  AGR with Paul he was skeptical, yet OPEN-MINDED.  As you’ll hear in his interview, he literally did a full-scale investigation of the AGR program including, measurements, training logs, body-fat analysis, etc.

However, when he finally conquered “The Battle of Perception”  he mentally embraced the transformation process.  Building positive habits, and following the workouts as instructed set the stage for some amazing results.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to listen to Paul’s interview.

But first, check out  Paul’s AT10 Pictures:

Paul Tomlinson - AT10 4th Place - Before Photos

Paul Tomlinson – AT10 4th Place – Before Photos

 

Paul Tomlinson Transformation Image

Paul Tomlinson – AT10 Transformation Image

Paul Tomlinson - AT10 4th Place - After Photos

Paul Tomlinson – AT10 4th Place – After Photos

 

Paul’s Transformation Essay:

Coming into this challenge I have to say I was quite skeptical. First, because I have been in the gym for 20 years and the only time I have seen any significant changes in my physique has been when I amped up my training to 2+ hrs/day, 5+ days/week. Second, I am a single father, of a 5 yr old, teaching for the Air Force, taking online classes for my degree, and still trying to be a Scouting leader and an active participant in a men’s small group.

Where was I going to fit in the extra time for the gym? Furthermore, I wasn’t willing or in a position to follow a body builder diet plan. What I have learned has really opened my eyes to my own personal fitness and self outlook. I work out less than I did last year (3-4 days/week, using lighter weights), have made small, simple changes to my diet (definitely not what I thought it would be) and find myself in better health today than I have been in over 20 years.

Before this transformation I was seeing a chiropractor once a week to manage pain and numbness from two bulging discs, pressuring the sciatic nerve. Today, I have no pain and only see the chiropractor once every 3-4 weeks. I feel so much more energized than I have in a long time, not to mention, much more confident. Thanks to AGR, at 44 I feel, and look, more like a 24 yr old.

 

Paul’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Paul’s transformation podcast interview:

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Filed Under: Contest, Stories, Transformation Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Patience, Persistence, & Perspiration: Interview with AT10 Winner Hans Gutmann

May 20, 2013 by

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 10th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Hans Gutmann who placed 3rd in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Hans’s Transformation is the epitome of a quote by author, Napoleon Hill.  The quote reads: “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”

During Hans’s 12-week journey he lost nearly 20lbs!  He stayed the course and was able to reward himself with a brand-new physique.  However, Hans’s isn’t stopping here…read onto find out his next goal.

But first, check out his AT10 Pictures:

Hans Gutmann- 3rd Place- Before Photos

Hans Gutmann- 3rd Place- Before Photos

 

Hans Gutmann- 3rd Place- AT10 Transformation Image

Hans Gutmann- AT10 3rd Place- Transformation Image

 

Hans Gutmann - 3rd Place - After Photos

Hans Gutmann – AT10 3rd Place – After Photos

 

Hans’s Transformation Essay:

I decided to enter AT10 to make myself accountable. I knew if I just shadowed the contest my self-discipline would be more apt to falter at some point. I also decided that I would jump in with both feet on the Adonis Lifestyle. I would follow the exercise and nutrition regimen as outlined, stick with it, and not question the process.

I worked from the Progressive Supersets and Final Phase modules and lifted nearly every day. I also followed the Reverse Taper Diet and closely monitored my caloric intake. I included the suggested 15% for labeling errors and saw my stalled fat loss pick up again.
I’d read many times in the AI Forums that Patience is the key. It sounds too simple to work but I guess I needed to learn it first-hand. Put in the hard work, follow the system, and it WILL work. When you see the same person in the mirror each day or even each week, you don’t see the changes – but they’re happening. As I progressed through the contest, I saw many of the topics discussed in the AI Community applying to me. For example, Permission to be Light. Initially, I thought I only needed to lose 10 lbs. to see myself in lean shape, but I ended up dropping nearly 20 lbs. with no loss in strength or size.
I am pleased with the outcome of my AT10 experience. Many of the RTD rules have become habits now and it gets easier as I approach golden proportions. A goal of mine has been to build a lean, strong body that I could be proud of on my 44th birthday next month and AT10 has helped me achieve that goal. Next stop: Golden Ratio!

Hans’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Hans’s transformation podcast interview:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Filed Under: Contest, Stories, Transformation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Walking The Walk: Interview with AT10 Winner Rich Sigona

May 13, 2013 by

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 10th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Rich Sigona who placed 2nd in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Rich, is the epitome of the phrase, “Walking the Walk” as a pioneer and ambassador of the Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) Program he has steadfastly  walked the path of the Adonis Lifestyle over the past three years.

Here’s a throwback image of  Rich when he first embarked on his Fitness Journey and the results of him successfully completing an earlier AGR transformation contest.

 

Adonis Lifestyle Origins: Rich Sigona Circa 2010

Adonis Lifestyle Origins: Rich Sigona Circa 2010

 

 

With consistency and effort Rich has transformed himself yet again!  Check out his AT10 Pictures:

Rich Sigona - 2nd Place - Before Photos

Rich Sigona – 2nd Place – Before Photos

Rich SIgona - AT10 2nd Place -Transformation Image

Rich SIgona – AT10 2nd Place -Transformation Image

Rich Sigona - 2nd Place - After Photos

Rich Sigona – 2nd Place – After Photos

 

Rich’s Transformation Essay:

I joined the Adonis Community in March of 2010 and this is the third time I have completed a contest. I have seen the AGR site grow and refine its system, improving itself along the way. I am happy that I have been able to participate in this experience.  After this third contest I have come to realize that exercise and nutrition are not short term goals but lifelong changes. However, the biggest takeaways are having a plan and following through with it, participating and connecting with the Adonis Community and most importantly, having a great support system at home.
The Adonis Golden Ratio provides a path to success. When I first joined it was a revolutionary idea to me that there are specific metrics to achieve the ideal body. The Adonis Golden Ratio provided a specific defined goal for any guy and provides the workout and nutrition guidelines to help them get there. With this in place I learned my part was simply not to over think the workouts. My part was to be consistent, performing the workouts with proper intensity.
The Adonis Community is a great resource and being a part of it is as important as doing the workouts. It is a good place for like minded people to come together and share their struggles and successes. I found support, advice and even a mentor to help with the final weeks of this contest.
I am lucky to have a mate who is of like mind, especially when it comes to fitness. She is a Venus member who, like me, embraces the whole lifestyle. Adonis and Venus have helped us both understand that by having a good workout plan and eating less we can reshape our bodies. We are able to encourage each other and support one another as we make our health a priority in our lives.
For those who are new to AGR, I believe the program provides a well laid out plan to achieving your optimum body. I can honestly say that my success comes from consistency with the AGR program. Do the workouts, eat less and be involved.

 

Rich’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Rich’s transformation podcast interview:

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Filed Under: Contest, Stories, Transformation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Less Is More: Interview with AT10 Winner Cody Johnson

May 6, 2013 by

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 10th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Cody Johnson who placed 1st in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Cody was no stranger to the AGR principles of intermittent fasting. However, it was the fresh & simplistic approach of AGR’s  strength training that was the biggest revelation to him.

Read on to find out why Cody believes, “Less is More” and learn about his contest experience throughout AT10.

But first, check out his transformation pictures:

Cody Johnson- AT10 1st Place - Before Photos

Cody Johnson- AT10 1st Place – Before Photos

 

Cody Johnson - AT10 1st Place - Transformation Image

Cody Johnson – AT10 1st Place – Transformation Image

 

Cody - AT10 1st Place - After Photos

Cody – AT10 1st Place – After Photos

 

Cody’s Transformation Essay:

The Adonis Contest is the first contest I have ever actually completed, due to its shear simplicity. There were no complicated plans to put together from day to day, no whole food groups forbidden, no magic ratios to hit to ensure I wasn’t wasting away or forfeiting any progress….Just simply eat less than I currently was.

There was no time in which I felt I needed to give up, because the guidelines were easy enough that it was already in line with what I was doing, yet less overall of it (overall food), which made it seem not like a plan but simply living.

I appreciated the straight talk in the podcast, to undercut all the fluff that so many of your users come out of; it was truly liberating to know I didn’t have to eat on schedule, that I wouldn’t up and die if I didn’t have 200 grams of protein a day, that I didn’t have to spend a wad on supplements to finally get to where I wanted to be. The common sense approach reigns supreme.

Cody’s Transformation Interview:

If you want to get in touch with Cody, talk to him about his approach and get more tips, here’s his profile in our community.

Here’s the program Cody followed that helped him win this transformation contest: Adonis Golden Ratio

To listen to Cody’s transformation podcast interview:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Filed Under: Contest, Stories, Transformation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Twinkie Challenge: Interview with Professor Mark Haub

April 17, 2013 by

Here’s the next episode of the UNCENSORED Podcasts Season 2.

Today’s topic:  The Twinkie Challenge: Interview with Professor Mark Haub

Professor Mark Haub experimented with The Twinkie Diet

Professor Mark Haub experimented with The Twinkie Diet

Today you will get a chance to hear John’s interview with Professor Mark Haub.  Professor Haub works at the Kansas State University in the department of Human Nutrition.

The “All-Twinkie” Diet experiment

Professor Haub challenges society’s beliefs about diet, nutrition and weight loss. His honesty and the fact that he is not endorsing or selling a diet or food product is quite compelling.  Mark’s journey to beginning the “Twinkie Diet” spawned from his desire for personal weight loss and  his  scientific knowledge in dietary fiber and whole grains relative to diabetes and obesity.

Since refined grains are listed by the USDA as potentially unhealthy and obesogenic Dr. Haub decided to use this opportunity to experiment with his own need to lose a few pounds.  He said it did not turn out the way he expected.  He learned a few things about himself during this experiment and after losing the excess pounds he decided to make some long term diet changes.

 

Professor Haub was surprised by the results of his experiment with snack foods. His health parameters improved.

Professor Haub was surprised by the results of his experiment with snack foods. His health parameters improved.

He measured his health parameters and used a DEXA scan to measure his body composition.  He lost 27 pounds of fat and 6 pounds of lean body mass which are both typical for this amount of weight loss on a just about any diet.  His health parameters improved.

Calories really do matter

Professor Haub limited himself to less than 1,800 calories a day.   A man of his size usually consumes about 2,600 calories a day.  He followed a basic principle of weight loss: He consumed significantly fewer calories than he burned.

This confirms what most of us here at the Adonis Golden Ratio already knew all along from the principles of John’s Anything Goes Diet.

You have your own unique dietary needs

Most of us have experimented to find our own way to lose weight.  We have found that the right amount of calories was key, along with not depriving ourselves of foods we love.

So if you have weight to lose the key is to find the right amount of calories and do whatever it takes to keep yourself sane and satiated for the short term.  Then spend the rest of your life figuring out what type of diet is good for you.  All of us have unique likes, dislikes, and health needs.  Pay attention to your calorie needs, what nutrients you need, what your health practitioner advises, and refuse to let food control you.

You can find Professor Mark Haub on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and CNN online.

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Filed Under: body image, Fat Loss, Food, health, Identity, Sage Advice, Stories, Uncensored Podcasts S02, weight loss Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
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