Rebound Recovery: Interview with AT11 Winner Michael B.

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 11th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

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

Michael is a unique contestant to AT11, he previously shadowed contest AT6 and made a transformation that most would be proud of.

However, his approach was to just cut as much weight as possible without fully embracing the AGR nutrition and maintenance  principles.

Needless to say, his transformation was temporary and Michael ended up rebounding to his original starting weight.

Here’s a throwback image of  Michael when he first embarked on his Fitness Journey and the results of him successfully shadowing contest AT6, an earlier AGR transformation contest.

Adonis Lifestyle Origins: Michael B. Circa 2011

Adonis Lifestyle Origins: Michael B. Circa 2011

 

With a renewed approach and support from members of the AGR community Michael has rebounded from his last transformation attempt and this time has transformed himself  in spirit,  mind, and body!   Check out his AT11 Pictures:

Michael B. - AT11 1st Place- Before Photos

Michael B. – AT11 1st Place – Before Photos

 

Michael B. - AT11 1st Place - Transformation Image

Michael B. – AT11 1st Place – Transformation Image

 

Michael B. - AT11 1st Place- After Photos

Michael B. – AT11 1st Place- After Photos

 

 Breaking the Mold: Gaining Muscle in a Deficit

Michael not only raised the bar of transformation possibilities  within a 12 week period, he broke the mold!  Michael is our first documented contestant to have gained muscle while in a  weight loss deficit.

As verified by the DEXA Scan:

 

Michael's DEXA Scan shows he lost over 16 pounds of fat while gaining 7 pounds of muscle!

Michael’s DEXA Scan shows he lost over 16 pounds of fat while gaining 7 pounds of muscle!

Michael’s Transformation Essay:

My Adonis journey has been a huge learning experience for me. I actually got involved with the Adonis Index Systems in September 2011. I joined a bit late to enter AT6 but shadowed the contest anyway, having an amazing transformation. I started at about 175 lbs. (I’m 5′ 7.5″ tall) with a 35 inch waist on September 15 and ended up weighing 147 lbs. with a 1.8 AI ratio on November 23. It was the first time I had visible abs in my life and I looked great, but the transformation didn’t stick 🙁

Shortly after the contest, I rebounded all the way back to where I had started. Even though I had accomplished a physical change, it wasn’t a transformation. I knew how to cut weight. In fact, I now realize that I had cut too far down, without even coming close to figuring out maintenance.

My one saving grace was that I kept on doing the Adonis workouts even as I was rebounding. I completed a giant cycle and was definitely getting stronger, but I was ashamed at how I looked.

I re-connected with the AI forums and focused on getting my mind right for true transformation. I started AT11 at 183 lbs. and a 35 in. waist. My goal was maintenance versus an all-or-nothing cut-down. I had to essentially come to terms with the priorities in my life (God, family, and living a life worth living) and how an Adonis body supports them. My focus became integrating Adonis into my lifestyle versus making Adonis a short-term priority.

The result: Before and after DEXA scans showed I had lost 16.48 lbs. of fat and gained 7.13 lbs. of lean mass in just 8 weeks! I went from 18% body fat to 8%. I am now just about at my golden measurements and enjoying life so much more.

Thanks to the Adonis family, especially you forum users, for welcoming a rebounder back and motivating him to stay in the fight. A big thanks to Barban, Pilon, and Howard for all their podcasts and the lessons I have learned from their discussions. You guys are life changers!

 

Michael’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Michael’s transformation podcast interview:

 

The Adonis Transformation Contest AT12 starts today!

The Adonis Transformation Contest AT12 starts today!

 

Any male who owns an Adonis workout is eligible to enter the Adonis Transformation contest. There will be prizes for the top 10 contestants accompanied by a podcast interview  with John where you can share your story and pictures of success.  It is not a requirement that you are an immersion customer, but it happens to be that our most successful contest winners have used the immersion coaching.

If you have placed in a previous AT contest you are eligible to enter the contest to win in the Cover category.  There will not be prizes for this category but you can interview with John and share your story of continued success and pictures.  These pictures could be chosen for one of our covers.

The contest entry requirements will be:

  1.  Any  male who owns a Adonis workout
  2.  Front pose
  3.  Side pose
  4.  Back pose
  5.  Newspaper pose – same as front pose but with current days newspaper front page clearly visible in your hand.
  6. Your weight, height, shoulder, and waist measurements at the time of the photo.

It is very important that for your front, side, and back poses your arms are down at your sides but not covering your waist. Do not crop out your face.

 

Here is a perfect example of a contest entry (Michael is one of  our previous contest winners).   Front, back, and side images with  newspaper picture.

Here is a perfect example of a contest entry (Michael is one of our previous contest winners). Front, back, and side images with newspaper picture.

By the way, here is one of Michael's stunning contest pictures.

By the way, here is one of Michael’s stunning contest pictures.

The contest entry period is: September 2nd thru September 6th

This means you must submit all of the contest entry requirements anytime during the week.  The  deadline for the contest entry submissions will be this Friday at midnight Eastern Time on September 6th.

The entry photos must be taken during the week of Sept 2 – Sept 6 and the newspaper front page much show the date during this week.

 

Adonis Transformation Contest Entry Tutorial Video

Please feel free to contact me if you have problems with the tracker program:

Allen.E.Model@gmail.com

Best of luck and remember to enjoy the transformation journey !

Your Brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott

 

 

AT11 12-Week Transformation Winners Announced

The AT11 results are in and the transformations our guys made are simply amazing! This was the largest contest we’ve had yet… The competition was fierce and the contestants were judged in a total of five equally weighted categories:

1- Weight Loss (LBS) – 20%

2-  Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR)  Transformation Change -20%

3-  Final AGR Score- 20%

4- Muscularity- 20%

5- Aesthetics/Photogenic Quality – 20%

Congratulations to everyone who entered and completed their transformation goals! Here are the winners:

 Michael B. – 1st Place

Michael B. - 1st Place - Front Before/After Photos

Michael B. – 1st Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Michael B. - 1st Place - Back Before/After Photos

Michael B. – 1st Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Michael B. - 1st Place - Side Before/After Photos

Michael B. – 1st Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 James Tonda – 2nd Place

James Tonda - 2nd Place - Front Before After

James Tonda – 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

James Tonda - 2nd Place -  Back Before/After Photos

James Tonda – 2nd Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

James Tonda - 2nd Place -  Side Before/After Photos

James Tonda – 2nd Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 Lance Quenneville – 3rd Place

Lance Quenneville - 3rd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Lance Quenneville – 3rd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Lance Quenneville - 3rd Place - Back Before/After Photos

Lance Quenneville – 3rd Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Lance Quenneville - 3rd Place - Side Before/After Photos

Lance Quenneville – 3rd Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 Timothy Olson – 4th Place

Timothy Olson - 4th Place -  Front Before/After Photos

Timothy Olson – 4th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Timothy Olson - 4th Place -  Back Before/After Photos

Timothy Olson – 4th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Timothy Olson - 4th Place -  Side Before/After Photos

Timothy Olson – 4th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 Mark Kiser – 5th Place

Mark Kiser - 5th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Mark Kiser – 5th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Mark Kiser - 5th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Mark Kiser – 5th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Mark Kiser - 5th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Mark Kiser – 5th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

William Heinrichs – 6th Place

William Heinrichs - 6th Place -  Front Before/After Photos

William Heinrichs – 6th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

William Heinrichs - 6th Place -  Back Before/After Photos

William Heinrichs – 6th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

William Heinrichs - 6th Place -  Side Before/After Photos

William Heinrichs – 6th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Daniel Carbonel – 7th Place

Daniel Carbonel - 7th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Daniel Carbonel – 7th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Daniel Carbonel - 7th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Daniel Carbonel – 7th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Daniel Carbonel - 7th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Daniel Carbonel – 7th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Jacob Hahn – 8th Place

Jacob Hahn -  8th Place -  Front Before/After Photos

Jacob Hahn – 8th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Jacob Hahn -  8th Place -  Back Before/After Photos

Jacob Hahn – 8th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Jacob Hahn -  8th Place -  Side Before/After Photos

Jacob Hahn – 8th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Henry Tom – 9th Place

Henry Tom -  9th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Henry Tom – 9th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Henry Tom -  9th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Henry Tom – 9th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Henry Tom -  9th Place - Side Before/After Photos

Henry Tom – 9th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Oscar Ramirez – 10th Place

Oscar Ramirez - 10th Place -  Front Before/After Photos

Oscar Ramirez – 10th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Oscar Ramirez - 10th Place -  Back Before/After Photos

Oscar Ramirez – 10th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

 

Oscar Ramirez - 10th Place -  Side Before/After Photos

Oscar Ramirez – 10th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

If you are wondering about what program(s) they used then check out the Adonis Index systems that all of them followed. You can also look forward to their interviews coming up later this month. Again congratulations to everyone, outstanding job.

How To Get Ripped: Interview With Scott Tousignant

Bulking and cutting is a standard bodybuilding practice to gain muscle. But is it really necessary, does it really work? Even if it does work is it really worth it to gain fat and spend months and in some cases years overweight and ashamed of your body all in the name of gaining a few extra pounds?
Scott-T
Today I interview Scott Tousignant and we talk about his recent bulking experiment where he willingly gained fat in order to gain muscle. Scott tells us how it felt to go from being in the best condition of his life after placing 2nd in a bodybuilding show to being embarassed to take his shirt off at the pool.
Granted Scott might be overstating how ‘bad’ his condition got, but conditioning and the standards we set for ourselves is relative, and in Scott’s mind his body was not “shirt-off” beach ready any more, and he didn’t like it.
Listen in and find out what the verdict was on Scott’s bulking experiment and if he would ever recommend anyone else to gain fat in the name of muscle.
John
P.S. Scott’s training philosophy fit’s with the Adonis principles of proportion, check them out here: Scott Tousignant Training

“The Golden Birthday Gift” Interview with AT10 Winner Mike Cerantola

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

Today we get to hear from Mike Cerantola who placed 10th in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Mike’s Transformation Journey begans when he received a severe “wake-up call” from his doctor.  He was 18 at the time and had just weighed in 315 pounds.  Prompted to take action he began to look for weight loss solutions.  Bound and determined, he found results in playing a popular video game called “Dance Dance Revolution.”  His results were uncanny, he lost more than 85 pounds in about 3 months!

However it wasn’t until one year ago,  when Mike would receive his “Golden Birthday Gift.”  He was first introduced to the Adonis Golden Ratio by a fellow “Sister in Iron”  Jessie T, VT6 contest winner from  the Venus Index.

Mike picked up the Muscle Building Foundation and Eat Stop Eat Plans and catapulted his transformation even further than he could imagine.  Scroll down to listen to how Mike was able to make more progress in one year compared to the previous seven!

Check-Out Mike’s AT10 Pictures:

Mike Cerantola - AT10 10th Place - Before Photos

Mike Cerantola – AT10 10th Place – Before Photos

 

Michael Cerantola - AT10 10th Place - Transformation Image

Michael Cerantola – AT10 10th Place – Transformation Image

 

Michael Cerantola - AT10 10th Place - After Photos

Michael Cerantola – AT10 10th Place – After Photos

Mike’s Transformation Essay:

AT10 was a completely different shift of mentality from AT9.  I spent most of my time  focusing on making my training and gym times a fun habit instead of viewing going to the gym as an ‘errand’, or ‘chore’.  I had no problem adapting to that,unfortunately I did not place.

I realized that even though I was pushing it really hard in the gym, I had gotten cocky and stopped using myfitnesspal to count calories and just assumed “yeah yeah, I’m always between 1500-1800”. I became the victim instead of the victor. AT10 was all about keeping my diet in check, adapting ESE to fit with my lifestyle and schedule.

Coming from a 315 lb background where I used to eat well over 3-4k cals a day, cutting from 1500 to 1300 and finally to 1000 for the last 3-4 weeks was probably one of the most difficult ongoing mental battles of my overall transformation. It’s easy to “auto-pilot” to the gym and then you’re there so you do your workout, but it is very difficult to “auto-pilot” not eating when you’re at home, not keeping too occupied, and having a mind that always thinks and reverts to food.

After placing in AT10 I am reflecting on this experience with the knowledge, willpower, and dedication to not fall off the bandwagon. I reached my golden waist, I have gotten used to eating ~1300/day, and now my next journey is maintaining my waist while slowly developing an extra 3 inches in my shoulders, which should take a couple of years.

I placed a quick before and after side-by-side from 1 year ago to my 1st day of AI 3.0, compared to now, and I am proud to say that I have achieved a level of physique that does not make me anywhere remotely near as self conscious as I used to be. The Adonis Lifestyle has changed my life.

I feel I’ve began to develop good habits that I will use as a takeaway and apply to the remainder of my lifestyle…Leanness is awesomeness!

 

Mike’s Transformation Interview:

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

The “Muscle Hustle” Experience! Interview with AT10 Winner Tim Heaton

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

Today we get to examine the “Lessons Learned” from Tim Heaton who placed 9th in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

As Tim states in his essay, he is no stranger to hard work. In just 12 short weeks Tim was able to add a significant amount of  “muscle” with the help of his “hustle” mentality.

Coming from a diverse background in both SCUBA diving and marathon training, Tim launched his AT10 journey with a clear goal in mind.  That goal simply was to progress from start to finish.

For a visual journey of Tim’s 12 contest weeks which consisted of: developing focus, overcoming obstacles, and achieving desirable results, simply check-out Tim’s AT10 Pictures:

Tim Heaton - AT10 9th Place - Before Photos

Tim Heaton – AT10 9th Place – Before Photos

 

Tim Heaton - AT10 9th Place -Transformation Image

Tim Heaton – AT10 9th Place -Transformation Image

 

Tim Heaton - AT10 9th Place - After Photos

Tim Heaton – AT10 9th Place – After Photos

Tim’s Transformation Essay:

When entering the contest, I had no intentions of winning anything, or placing in the Top 10. This was only meant as a way to progress from start to finish, with a clear goal in sight. Having been an active person throughout my life, I was no stranger to hard work and intensity in training, although I found many obstacles to overcome. From 24-hour fasts and tracking of all food intake, to 6-day-per week weight-training sessions that lasted up to 2 ½ hours, I found the twelve week process more intense than training for a marathon.

In contrast to marathon training, I look better, I feel much better, and most important…I am injury free! After trying a multitude of strength-training protocols and sport-specific systems, many years went by in frustration at not being able to achieve a lean muscular body. I have had more change in the last twelve weeks than ever before. After three years away from ANY kind of training, working on SCUBA-dive boats in the Caribbean, I started the AI program on 13 Dec 2013. I went from Muscle Building Foundation (MBF) to Final Phase. These, along with the other protocols within the system, all seem to be sustainable, incorporating things that work to gain an incredible physique AND strength, yet changes often enough to keep one from getting bored.

But, the biggest surprise and change came from nutrition and fasting. I have learned more about these two things than I ever thought possible. This aspect, especially, has changed my life forever. Sure, I will still eat chocolate, drink red wine, eat a burger & fries or pizza, and indulge in ice cream, but over the days, weeks and months, it will not happen as often (except for the chocolate and red wine – ok ice cream, too). I am truly impressed with the knowledge and support of the AGR/AI community.

I utilized the Forum to gain insight into training philosophy and nutrition from real people who have gone through the process before. The podcasts and information available from the Adonis Index system provided information AND inspiration to keep me dedicated to giving myself a healthy, strong and lean body, along with a well-rounded mindset to train smarter. THANK YOU!!

 

Tim’s Top Five Lessons Learned:

  1. Muscle Building Foundation is a great place establish a baseline for you AI goals.
  2. The 12-Week Transformation process was more intense than Marathon training.  The only difference is I LOOK and FEEL much better!
  3. 24-Hour Food Fasts and Tracking of my caloric intake, helped keep me accountable to my nutrition goals
  4. Utilize the AGR forum gain additional insight and training philosophy from real people who have already gone through the transformation process.
  5. Listen to the podcast and read the blog posts to remain informed and inspired.
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