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'How long did it take you to look like that?'

This is one of the most common questions I get asked when working out in the gym during my contest preparation. Off season, I tend to train in a baggy t-shirt or sweater and I never seem to get a second glance from the big guys in the gym. They sometimes look when I am squatting these days or benching though, wondering how a skinny guy like me can be lifting the same weights as them.

As my contest diet and training regime starts to kick in, I tend to wear slightly tighter t-shirts or even a training vest (a proper sports vest, not a bodybuilding one that barely covers my nipples!!) This is partly due to vanity and partly trying to attract new clients for my Personal Training business.

This is when people around me start to notice. They sometimes ask me what I am training for, what supplements I take and the question above, ' How long did it take you to look like that? '   I have even had a group of lads at Sainsbury's, on my way home from training whilst I was buying a chicken, shout 'STEROIDS' and giggle. It made me smile, being a lifetime natural.

Back to the original question. I tell them, '36yrs it took me to get in this shape'. That is not what they want to hear but it is the truth. I have exercised all my life, going from swimming to rugby to weight training. Everything I have done in my life has contributed to what I am now, 2x British Natural Bodybuilding Champion and 2 nd and 3 rd in World Championships.

The main difference between me now and 10 years ago is that I am now a 24hr Athlete, not a 1hr Athlete.

Let me explain.

I see lads and lasses in the gym every day working out. Some hard, some not so hard, some completely wasting their time. I see all shapes and sizes, fat, thin, tall, and short. Out of all the people I see, less than 5% have what I call a great physique or figure. The other 95% of all trainers are 1hr Athletes. They train their socks off for that precious hour (or 2) in the gym and then as soon as they finish, neck a bottle of lucozade or protein drink if they are lucky (some don't even bother). Then they go home to eat fish and chips and drink beer or wine or something similar. Weekends are even worse when alcohol and fried foods seem to be allowed even more. 'I train so I can eat what I like' is a common phrase. ' You have to have a life ' is another I hear often.   I used them myself all through my 20's. If you want love handles, go ahead. If you want a body to die for, you need to be in the zone 24hrs a day. This doesn't necessarily have to be 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We all need a treat and some fun but every cheat comes at a price.

I ask my clients to envisage their ultimate goal as a landmark, usually the wall at the far end of the gym. Every great workout, healthy meal, walk in the countryside, good night sleep, drink of water, etc is a step towards that wall/goal. Every sip of alcohol, spoon full of sugar, takeaway, biscuit, chocolate, cigarette, latte, etc is a step backwards. At the end of every day, are you closer or farther away from your goal?   Most 1hr Athletes are still in the same place or a few steps back. 24hr Athletes are getting closer and closer every day.

Conclusion

Ask yourself these 3 questions.

1. Do you like what you see when you stand naked in front of the mirror?
2. Do you have lots of energy and a lust for life?
3. Do your clothes fit you and look good?

If you answer yes to all these questions, carry on as you are. If you answered no and you want good skin, hair, nails, muscle tone, a slim waist,   strength and stamina, follow these 5 simple steps.

24hr Athletes

1. Exercise in some form every day, preferably safely and effectively.
2. Drink plenty of clean, fresh water every day.
3. Eat fresh, wholesome foods such as vegetables, lean protein, good fats, whole grains and fruit every day.
4. Get good nights sleep every day.
5. Have fun, love your family and keep a work/life balance.

To find out how to become a 24hr Athlete and literally transform your life log onto www.absolution.uk.com or call me on 07980 906 982