The Dark Side of Workouts; Uncensored Podcast

In today’s uncensored podcast John and Brad will speak to us about Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis.

John and Brad speak to us about Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

John and Brad speak to us about Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

 General adaptation response is a normal part of working out, but if exercise is taken to the extreme you can go into Rhabdomyolysis. Normal exercise is just enough to have general adaptation response. It’s important to realize that muscle building and fat loss happens in short consistency over time. It can’t be done too fast.

There is some glorification regarding extreme exercise exertion and exhaustion and even Rhabdomyolysis, but this is a serious condition that can be fatal.

Rhabdomyolysis, with aliases such as “Rhabdo” & “Uncle Rhabdo” is a rampant problem, at least in the CrossFit community.

CrossFitters, largely unaware of the rhabdo risk, will continue to charge ahead, pressured and happily coerced into exercising to depletion and exhaustion.

 

“Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown

  of muscle fibers resulting in the release of

muscle fiber contents (myoglobin)

into the bloodstream.”

Since I’ve been a part of the AGR community and lived the Adonis lifestyle for the past four years, I realize you don’t have to exercise to an extreme to lose fat and attain “Golden Measurements.”  With much less effort, you can transform from “Average Joe  to Cover Model Pro.”   Our former Adonis Transformation Contest winners have proven that time and time again. 

While the allure of extreme workouts done together in a team environment may seem appealing, do no allow your goals to become hi-jacked! 

The AGR philosophy is “Targeted Muscle Building and Fat Burning for the Perfect Physique.”  There is no need get extreme.

In fact too much strenuous exercise can decrease your leptin levels, hindering your ability to lose fat, increase your hunger, and make you feel fatigued and lethargic.

Our workout and nutrition programs are designed to  provide a sustainable active lifestyle that can be followed for the long term.  Of course you will have days you don’t feel like working out, we all have those days, but remember our goal is to STIMULATE not ANNIHLATE you with exercise.

 

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Listen to what John and Brad have to say about Exercise-Induced Rhabdomyolysis here:

IMMERSION Clients May Login and Download Podcast Here

(If you are using Adonis Index Mobile, go to the left menu -> My products -> right menu -> Uncensored Season 3 -> enjoy, you can assign star to add it into Favorites for easier access next time, if you don’t have access to Uncensored Podcasts you can purchase Immersion Package inside the App Shop)

Not an Adonis Index IMMERSION client? Click here to find out more… and hear a weird story too

The Power of Association: Interview with AT-12 Winner Keith Coomes

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Keith is no stranger to the AGR Systems.  However, for a brief period of time he was on the outside looking in.  Keith was introduced to us by first gaining success with Brad Pilon’s “Eat Stop Eat” Program and then picking up one of our Legacy Systems called Muscle Building Foundation.

However, Keith later goes on to tell us that although he wasn’t close-minded about AGR Systems, but he was skeptical.  It wasn’t until he plugged into the AGR community that the “Power of Association” came into effect for him.

After meeting some successful members in the AGR community, Keith was inspired to upload his pictures and join AT12.

Scroll down to read more of  Keith’s transformation journey in his own words.

But first, check out Keith’s  AT12 Pictures:

Keith Coomes - AT12 2nd Place - Front Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 2nd Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 Transformation Image

Keith Coomes – AT12 Transformation Image

Keith is one of our many veteran "Every Day Adonis" men who maintain the Adonis lifestyle. Much of his success comes from eating healthy. He pays attention to the reactions in his body and how specific foods make him feel.  Stay tuned for his transformation interview coming soon!

Keith is one of our many veteran “Every Day Adonis” men who maintain the Adonis lifestyle. Much of his success comes from eating healthy. He pays attention to the reactions in his body and how specific foods make him feel.

Keith Coomes - AT 12 Transformation Image

Keith Coomes – AT 12 Transformation Image

 

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 4th Place - Back Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 4th Place – Back Before/After Photos

 

Keith Coomes - AT12 2nd Place - Side Before/After Photos

Keith Coomes – AT12 2nd Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

Keith’s Transformation Essay:

My name is Keith and I am 34 years old and my Adonis Golden Ratio (AGR) journey began around this time last year. I was doing a program to gain mass and that’s what happened, just not in the way I had hoped. I was weighing near 195 pounds and buying my clothing at plus size stores. It was the biggest I had ever been, and even though I was excited about the size, I was highly disappointed with the look. I was not “fat”, but I was nowhere near as ripped as the men of the Adonis Transformation Contest. I realized that was the look I was striving for my whole life. I bought Legacy Systems: Muscle Building Foundation, Adonis Index 3.1, Eat Stop Eat, and Anything Goes Diet and I was on my way to my Golden Ratio. Soon, I joined the AGR community, posting pics, and began learning and reaching out to the other guys. This was key!

One of the guys from a previous contest inspired by to join AT12, so I did. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The contest now gave me goals to work towards and a new reason to focus on my diet and training. When I first started, I took a real assessment of where I was at and what areas I needed to focus on. With advice from previous contestants, I was able to choose the program that I thought would work best for me. Next, I started implementing the calorie intake by the AGR calculator and intermittent fasting protocol.

After the first month, I started seeing changes and I was excited. Even though things were going well, I struggled with the AI philosophy sometimes. I come from a power lifting background and I had to fight my old habits of wanting to lift for strength. A buddy of mine kept reminding me that I was going for a look. This helped, but it made me question if I was doing enough. This started me doing 2 a day workouts.

I might have over done it some days, but I was compelled and really wanted the look. By the end of the contest, I was amazed by the transformation. The Adonis Golden Ratio program gave me the body I had been chasing my whole entire life. I have learned so much about nutrition, in regards to how much I should be eating to lose fat, and gain muscle. I now look and approach my training in a whole new way. I have to admit that I was at first a  skeptic, but after my transformation all doubts have been laid to rest. Thanks to John Barban, Brad Pilon, Brad Howard and the AGR team  for bringing me a program that delivers amazing results!

 

Editor’s Note:

Keith,

I enjoyed your testimonial because I felt we had a lot in common in regards to how we got our start in weight lifting.  In the very beginning, I too took my knowledge from football players, because they were the biggest guys I knew at the time.  When it came to nutrition,  I was eager to learn how to build lean muscle.  However, when I asked my football coach about supplements and nutrition, he simply replied, “Eat a Steak!” LOL

I’m glad to know you overcame other challenges, like bulking up and having to find the right pair of jeans to fit your over-sized quads.  Between me and you, I don’t intend to ever have skinny jeans in my wardrobe. LOL

In conclusion, congrats again on your amazing transformation and we are thankful to hear that the positive association of  members within the AGR community inspired you to pursue and achieve your fitness goals!

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Keith’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Keith’s transformation podcast interview click below:

AT13: 30 Days and a Wake Up!

The title of today’s post, comes from a “phrase” inspired by my military background.  Often time tasks were given to us and they had a deadline in which they were to be accomplished.

To help instill not only a sense of urgency, but teamwork and accountability we’d often remind one another how many days we had left  to accomplish the mission.

In the last remaining weeks of AT13 it’s imperative that you maintain your pursuit towards that  “Golden” transformation.  I’ve often heard the transformation contest described as a “Marathon” with a series of sprints.  Today’s post will strive to ensure that you are keeping pace and that you’ll have enough “fuel in the tank” to sprint to the end in order to present your best physique.

The Final Countdown of AT13 Has Begun!

The Clock is Ticking! The Final Countdown of AT13 Has Begun!

Contest Photo Submissions for AT13 will be due no later than Monday April 14th at Midnight Eastern Standard Time.  AT13 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. 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 the Adonis Lifestyle journey and to those contestants in AT13, come April 14th, I look forward to congratulating you on your transformation!

Stay Safe, Train Hard, and enjoy the weekend!

TGIF (The Goal Is Fitness)

your’s in fitness,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

Doctor Undergoes “A Golden Transformation” Procedure: Interview with AT-12 Winner Harold Shim

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

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

Harold, who is an actual  Doctor by  profession stumbled upon AGR systems after first following the principles of “intermittent fasting” from Brad Pilon’s Eat Stop Eat.  Discouraged by the temporary, unsustainable results from “Fad Diets” Harold was enjoying the success of his new dieting regiment when he realized in order to achieve his goal of becoming “lean & shredded” he would need a workout to compliment this new approach.

He openly admits at first he was skeptical, but quickly noticed the AGR systems were the only program he found where the emphasis was building a balanced body as opposed to just strength training.

Taking advice and tips from previous contest winners he decided to enter AT12 on a whim.  However, he booked a photo shoot early on to help keep him accountable.

Following in the footsteps of previous contest winners, Harold underwent a “Golden Transformation” procedure of his very own!

Scroll down to read more of  Harold’s transformation journey in his own words.

But first, check out Harold’s  AT12 Pictures:

Harold Shim - 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

s0fne3my89

Harold Shim – AT 12 Transformation Image

“Just because you know how to bang nails, doesn’t mean you know how to build a house… Having found the AGR program I’ve come to recognize that this system masters the process of constructing your physique to properly transform into it’s Ideal/Golden Measurements.”

– Harold Shim, AT12 Contest Winner

 

Harold Shim - AT12 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

Harold Shim - AT12 4th Place - Front Before/After Photos

Harold Shim – AT12 4th Place – Back Before/After Photos

The Golden Way: Gaining Muscle in a Deficit

Harold has held the banner high for the AGR approach of transformation possibilities  within a 12 week period!  Harold is our second documented contestant to have gained muscle while in a  weight loss deficit.  He Lost 14.5 pounds of fat while simultaneously gaining 9 pounds of muscle!

As verified by the DEXA Scan:

Harold Lost More Than 9% Bodyfat during his 12 week transformation!

Harold Lost More Than 9% Bodyfat during his 12 week transformation!

 

DEXA Scan indicating Absolute Loss Measurements!

DEXA Scan indicating  Harold’s Absolute Loss/Gain Measurements
He Lost 14.5 pounds of fat while simultaneously gaining 9 pounds of muscle.

Harold’s Transformation Essay:

Funny how many of us were “athletes” at one time in our lives and think to ourselves that changing our bodies should be something that we can easily do ourselves. After all we’ve all lifted weights and we could follow anyone of a million diets.  On the contrary, it’s no less stupid than thinking I can build a house because I know how to cut wood and bang nails!  Ummm NO!

What drew me to the AGR Systems was two-fold.  First off, I finally decided that if I didn’t try to get the body I wanted now, I likely never would and second, at age 50 I would be losing muscle mass very quickly if  I didn’t do something to slow it down. I first started by stumbling across ESE which gave me that … “duh of course stupid!” moment. From there I looked for a comprehensive weight training program and through the ESE links I found Adonis.

As recommended I did my initial Dexa Scan which put me at 17% body fat.  After following the basics of ESE and the Adonis program to the “T”, my Dexa on Nov 27,13 showed that I dropped 7kg of fat and put on 4kg of lean muscle giving me a body fat now of 8.1%

I started trying to mess with success towards the end by looking for ways to speed the last bit of fat loss.  Fortunately, I returned to the AGR principles recognizing that the last leg of the journey will take some more patience and trust.  The goals I set out for myself only 12 weeks back are unchanged and really should be unchanged.  Get in the best shape of my life, make the changes easy and most of all make it sustainable.  Thanks Guys!

 

Editor’s Note:

Harold,

What an amazing transformation you’ve had! Better yet, your results were documented by the Dexa.  I really enjoyed listening to your interview and have a great deal of respect for you not only as a contestant, but as a Doctor in a very demanding profession.  Thank you for  your willingness to listen and apply the success principles of the contest winners who have gone before you.  Your  transformation raises the banner high for the “Golden Army.”

My biggest take-away was a phrase or quote you mentioned during your interview, “Just because you know how to bang nails, doesn’t mean you know how to build a house.”  That’s a “Golden” nugget if I ever heard one!

Look forward to hearing more updates from you along your journey with the Adonis Lifestyle. Congrats again Harold!

 

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Harold’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Harold’s transformation podcast interview click below:

Hard Gainer U-Turns Onto Golden Way Drive: Interview with AT12 Winner Chad Frakes

Here’s your new interview with one of the winners from the 12th Adonis Golden Ratio Transformation Contest.

Today John talks to Chad Frakes,  who placed  1st in our last 12-Week Transformation contest.

Chad has been following the program since about April 2013.  He  competed in both contests AT11 & AT12.  He’s a great example of someone who may need to complete two transformation contests in order to achieve their “Golden” measurements.

Chad shares with us  his “Adonis Origins” images prior to the start of contest AT11.  See below:

Adonis Origins: Chad Frakes Beginning of  Contest AT11

Adonis Origins: Chad Frakes Beginning of Contest AT11

Adonis Origins: Chad Frakes End of  Contest AT11

Adonis Origins: Chad Frakes End of Contest AT11

 

“I have spent most of my life as a hard gainer, eating whatever I wanted. I was always motivated to train in order to put on size. But when it came to cutting the fat, I was clueless. I am truly blown away when I reflect back to the shape I was in prior to starting Adonis Golden Ratio Systems. “

– Chad Frakes, AT12 Contest Winner

 

Scroll down to read more of  Chad’s transformation journey in his own words.

But first, check out Chad’s  AT12 Pictures:

Chad Frakes - AT12 1st Place - Front Before/After Photos

Chad Frakes – AT12 1st Place – Front Before/After Photos

 

Chad Frakes - AT 12 Transformation Image

Chad Frakes – AT 12 Transformation Image

 

i00nd3kcu6

Chad Frakes – AT 12 Transformation Image

 

Chad Frakes - AT12 1st Place - Side Before/After Photos

Chad Frakes – AT12 1st Place – Side Before/After Photos

 

 

Chad’s Transformation Essay:

I joined Adonis Golden Ratio in April 2013, and quickly put the AGR workouts to the test. Right away I felt great with having a laid out plan to follow, I have been working out for about 14 years. Having a detailed exercise program to follow was something new to me, I have always just done what ever exercise or muscle group I felt like doing that day, with no real plan. For the most part, I would do chest/tris, back/bis, legs/shoulders. Doing this type of routine would give me results, but never gave me a total body plan that was goal objective.

When I first started the program, Dieting was something I did not understand; I have been a hard gainer for most of my life, I was use to eating whatever and however much I wanted. Since I have gotten older and life less active that has changed for me. Once I started to gain fat I really didn’t know how to get rid of it, I just kept doing what I have done for years.

The past 12 weeks have been a great experience. There were some difficult times along the way, it is my experience that when I started AGR and only eating 1000 calories, this was easier for me then when I got leaner and was eating 2000 calories, it seems the leaner I got the more hunger there was. I encountered some resistance from friends and even my own girlfriend as I was getting leaner, they kept telling me I was getting too skinny, but I ignored them and kept on the path to  achieving the Golden ratio. I think most people are not use to seeing other people as lean as they should be really, but the stares I get in the gym told me I’m on track!

I kept things simple throughout my transformation, just followed RTD: Reverse Taper Diet, ate what I wanted within my calorie deficit, that’s it.

Thank you AGR systems, my new body has been achieved from the results of this program!

-Chad Frakes

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Chad,

Congratulations on making a successful transformation.  You stayed the course through BOTH AT11 & AT12 never losing sight of your goal.  I really enjoyed listening to your interview and the mindset you had to push pass barriers to get the results you were working for.  Your hard work has paid off and we look forward to featuring you as a “cover model” on some our upcoming workout programs.   Your “U-Turn” onto the Golden Way has been a tremendous success! Keep up the great work and we expect to see and hear more from you along your fitness journey.

your brother in Iron,

Allen Elliott | Adonis Golden Ratio Ambassador

 

Chad’s Transformation Interview:

To listen to Chad’s transformation podcast interview click below:

If You Want to Change Your Shape, You Need to Change Your Life: Uncensored Podcast

 Here’s the next episode of the UNCENSORED Podcasts Season 3.

 If You Want to Change Your Shape, You Need to Change Your Life

iStock_000031249604Small

Any time is a good time to start your fitness goals, but the New Year is a common time to start. The most important thing is that you are making a LONG TERM lifestyle change. If you are going to make this step, it’s going to take a shift in the way you live your life.

 

Welcome to February 2014!  The crowded gyms filled with New Year’s Resolutioner’s are beginning to dwindle down in occupancy.  Hopefully, with the help of the Adonis Community you will remain motivated and steadfast in the pursuit of your goals.   Any time is a good time to start your fitness goals, but the new year is a common time to start.

Some people show up in January hoping it will all be done in February, but it just does not work that way does it?  The problem with this mentality is that it is not life changing.  Real change requires you to change your habits for life.  You can’t just fix everything in one month and go back to the way you were living your life that got you overweight and out of shape in the first place.

The most important thing is that you are making a LONG TERM lifestyle change.

If you are going to make this step, it’s going to take a shift in the way you live your life.

The first 21 days are the toughest, it’s the habits you develop here that eventually become the way you live your life.  These habits over time are performed with less effort as it becomes familiar and more natural to you.

Why is exercise is important?  Not only is it healthy for you, it provides structure – like a steering wheel – it creates a mindset for changing your body.  It adds purpose to your day, giving you something to strive for. Proper exercises accompanied with good food choices adds incentive to see results quickly.

The habits of good diet and exercise build upon each other, creating a snowball effect and your progress accelerates as your quality of life increases.

DIET (two diets):  Diet from food and diet from fitness media (limit your reading of fitness media).

Be patient because it won’t happen as fast as you want it to, but patience is what will finally bring you the results.

Today John and Brad talk about the Adonis philosophy of weight loss and how to change your shape for life.

IMMERSION Clients May Login and Download Podcast Here

(If you are using Adonis Index Mobile, go to the left menu -> My products -> right menu -> Uncensored Season 3 -> enjoy, you can assign star to add it into Favorites for easier access next time, if you don’t have access to Uncensored Podcasts you can purchase Immersion Package inside the App Shop)

Not an Adonis Index IMMERSION client? Click here to find out more… and hear a weird story too

Support