Here’s a quick Q&A with our 5th place winner in the men’s weightloss category, Andrew Brooks. He achieved success with our 8-week Ultimate You Challenge.
- Give us a short history of your journey to health and fitness before the challenge.
Prior to joining Sleekgeek I did not consistently go to gym. And when I went it was with minimal effort such as running for 20 mins on the treadmill and then feeling that I had done enough. At the time I thought I was doing enough to get to a decent fitness and weight level but realised that together with a more intense gym routine coupled with a strict eating plan, I could get to my desired weight.
- What prompted you to join the ULTIMATE YOU Transformation Challenge?
My partner and I were trying to lose weight, but could not both find a suitable plan that we could do together. I saw on Facebook the ads for Sleekgeek and liked the combination of providing both an eating plan and an exercise plan. I enjoyed the fact that you had numerous options and could mix and match the plans based on your own personal choice. The reviews from fellow geeks was inspirational and we both had the same and focused mind-set to reach our goal.
- Give us a quick overview of the nutrition and eating plan that you followed during the challenge.
We opted for an eating plan that was sustainable post the 8 week challenge. Therefore we opted for the plan that included food that form part of our daily life such as bread, egg, etc. We followed the moderate the plan though such as using brown bread for breakfast. We knew that it would prolong the weight loss, but again needed a plan that was sustainable. What was impressive for me was how we managed when out socially in terms of dinners and lunches. By the end of the 8 week challenge we very much knew what worked for us, even on the cheat meals and cheat days.
- Give us a quick overview of the training and exercise plan that you followed during the challenge.
We decided to mix our plans by using both the cardio and weight training plans. We started on the beginner for the weight training plan and by week 4 we switched over the intermediate plan. We attended gym on average 6 times a week in the morning and always ensured that we finished off the weekend with an intense gym session on the Sunday afternoon/evening.
- If you could give 3 pieces of advice to future challengers, what would they be?
- Try and gym with a friend that has similar needs to you.
- Gym first thing in the morning i.e. 5am start. It is tough in the beginning but once done is all worth it. By the afternoon (if you have not gone to gym) you generally would feel lazy and have the attitude “ had a tough day”.
- Water, water, water. Drink loads of water. Before and after meals especially.
- What did you find most valuable about your experience?
The most valuable lesson I can take from this challenge is the confidence gained with each kilogram falling. I could see my body change and the physical feeling was great. It was the first time that I was starting to feel comfortable wearing no shirt outside or in public.
Another lesson is how easy is actually was for me and for my partner. We were totally committed to this and our relationship also grew as a result as it now provided that morning time together by going to gym and then having breakfast together before we went to work. Before we would sleep in and not communicate in the morning before going to work.
I also got to understand my body more. What limits could I push, what foods worked against me or for me. It really became part of my life and still is.
