Walking the fairways of my local course with beer in hand of as usual, I felt short of breath and lacked energy. After my round — and several beers — I felt listless and ready to collapse in a big heap. While I was aware I had put on weight, I hid behind the fact that I was 43 years old and comfortable in my middle age! Later that week I decided to see my doctor to have my cholesterol checked. The results came back: my cholesterol was OK, however the doctor informed me that my blood-sugar count was high, indicating possible onset of diabetes.

After separating from my wife and now living alone, I had indulged in several months of a diet consisting of takeaway and more takeaway. My consumption of alcohol had skyrocketed — I was easily drinking six-to-eight stubbies of beer each night. With the threat of developing full-blown diabetes, not to mention me doing real damage to my liver, it was time for a serious body overhaul. I had joined a gym several months earlier but had only been once in that entire time. The BodyBlitz transformation challenge was a perfect vehicle for me to stay motivated long enough to make some serious changes to my body.

The day I walked back into the gym was the last day I had a drop of alcohol and takeaway food. After researching the web and the pages of Australian Iron Man magazine it became clear a diet consisting of lots of protein, low GI carbs and healthy fats were the big go. Same with the training — intense sessions of cardio and weight training were the keys to a new, leaner and healthier body. The first six weeks of the challenge I performed 20 minutes of cardio first thing in the morning and trained with weights (one-to-two body parts, five nights per week). From week seven I included and additional 20 min cardio session after my weight training.

The timing of my 12 week transformation coincided with a very ‘social’ period in Melbourne, where I live. Events such as AFL football finals and the Spring Racing Carnival tend to be quite festive — lots of barbecues and drinking. So whilst my friends ate and drank merrily, I kept strong and remained focused on the task at hand. Initially I made steady progress, losing a kilo a week on average. Being a little impatient I wanted the results right away, so at times it was a little frustrating. However, I remained diligent and committed.

Having now completed the challenge I feel proud of my efforts, the mental discipline required is quite extraordinary. I’m pleased not to have made any poor choices with food and nor to have touched a drop of alcohol. Feeling and looking better are two obvious benefits of my transformation; however, my greatest joy is the new role model I am to my children. My journey has even inspired my 14 year old son Brodie to start training with my old weights I left in the garage. That’s the role model I want to be, not the big beer drinking slob I once was!