Training and Diet Plan

[megapixels83]

I want to start training in order to lose weight, tone up and feel good in my skin.

I have inquired with a local fitness club about their physique transformation program which I have seen the results in the flesh and with the hard work and determination are amazing and exactly what I want to achieve but I am guessing the cost is going to be extremely high (that is not to say worth it if I get the results I am looking for) I am waiting to hear the format and price and I gather it is a 10 week, 4 day a week training session and nutritional guidance and am expecting the price to be £750 to £1k. Happy to pay for it but wondered if I can do it alone with a gym membership.

Has anyone used a good training and diet guide that is good for a beginner into the world of training but sufficient to see results when putting in the time and effort.

[Crush]

For the diet:

I used IIFYM to calculate my macros (calories, carbs,fat & protein)

I then ate to those cleanly (freshly prepared food, nothing processed)

I cut out cordials and fizzy pop, drinking only water with cut fruit in

For exercise:

I have done a mix of the Ice Cream Fitness workout and Simple Power Based Routine from Iron Addicts.

But for weight loss, running and press ups / sit-ups should be enough. When I had to lose a lot of weight during my rugby days I did a lot of plyometrics, hill running and 5 mile jogs along with a restricted diet.


After this, if my weight was not dropping I cut the calories a little more.

I think the toughest part is the self discipline, especially in the early days when you suffer cravings for sugary treats or cordials!

[Art0ir]

I did a similar thing for 8 weeks and found it very beneficial. About 1/3 the price though.

It'll get into the habit of training 4 days a week which will be key when training on your own.

You'll get a good understanding of diet and how different foods affect your body and strength.

You'll learn how to do the movements with good form and ideal rep ranges,etc.

All of the above is dependent on having a good trainer. It's expensive as a standalone thing, but if it puts you on the path to better health and strength then it's pennies IMO.

Edited by Art0ir on Thursday 23 April 09:15

[Hoofy]

Hm. I suppose if they're working with you for 40 hours, it's not too bad.

But I'd just eat under your TDEE (google it), lift heavy weights via compound routine and do cardio. Quite simple, really.

[RUNAMOK]

I think if you are willing to put in the hard work and determination as you say, there is no need to give someone £1k. All the information you need is online, the kit you need is relatively inexpensive (trainers, possibly road bike, gym membership if no space at home for weights, yoga mat etc etc). I think the big thing people pay astronomical sums of money to personal trainers for is so they don't have to put in as much effort getting out there and training hard alone (want someone to keep on at them), or they don't have the time to learn things for themselves, what works and what doesn't. Just my opinion but the weather is turning nice, and the great outdoors is free...

[chris watton]

TBH, if you have the room, you could spend a fraction of that £750-1000 and buy yourself the equipment, and that will last a lot longer than the programme they're selling you! Many on here, including me, have lost a lot of weight via exercise and diet change (on a permanent basis). I lost over three and a half stone in 11 months, and no-one relieved of £1k to tell me how.

There are no magic tricks to training and losing weight via diet.

However, I guess we are all different, and it may be right for you.

Edited by chris watton on Thursday 23 April 08:32

[toon10]

I did one but it was for 6 weeks and lost just over a stone. They do work. I only paid £180 though. It's the same guy who trains the Geordie Shore lot. If you're like me, you'll really need someone there shouting at you and pushing you along as without, you'll take the path of least resistance and won't get the results. Ultimately the lifestyle is not sustainable though. After 6 weeks you just can't face another week without beer and chocolate and looking at salads just makes you want to punch someone.

I've put on all the weight I lost so if I did one again, I'd do the 6 weeks and then take SOME of the nutrician and diet from what I've learned and maybe do a couple of bootcamp classes per week to keep ticking over. My friend is doing this now and he's been ticking over for some time and managed to keep the weight off.

[LordGrover]

At that price I'd expect them to prepare and deliver the food - probably do my exercises for me too.

[ewenm]

New book just published: Training Food by Renee McGregor

She's a dietician who works with elite sportspeople to meet their nutritional needs. It's all science-based rather than latest-fad based. Simple recipes for fueling your training.

[LordGrover]

Everyone knows a good balanced diet made with whole, fresh ingredients is what we need. Limiting (or eliminating) processed food is probably a good idea. Finally, portion sizes should be 'enough' and no more. That's it.

These sports/athletes diets are as much a fad as atkins or the cauliflower and leek diet. We've all read about elite athletes/swimmers/cyclists who stuff their faces with pizza and cake because they need the calories - pretty sure they consume fruit and veg too though.

[Burwood]

yet another money earner from concepts anyone can google. NOt pointing any finger at OP but he raises the point-just eat well and move! it's free. If you don't learn for yourself you will always cycle up/down. Brother in law must be 23 stone. He said the other day hmm i think i will join a gym. He doesn't need a gym, he needs to stop eating twix, pies and crisps

same chap was on the 'milk' diet 6 months ago and said he lost 8 lbs so must work. When you are 322lbs and 5ft 8 you could literally crap 8lbs. This coming from a guy who's Mrs is a senior Nurse in teh NHS and must surely see/know a bit about health and the affects of obesity.

Edited by Burwood on Thursday 23 April 09:25

[Burwood]

LordGrover said:

Everyone knows a good balanced diet made with whole, fresh ingredients is what we need. Limiting (or eliminating) processed food is probably a good idea. Finally, portion sizes should be 'enough' and no more. That's it.

These sports/athletes diets are as much a fad as atkins or the cauliflower and leek diet. We've all read about elite athletes/swimmers/cyclists who stuff their faces with pizza and cake because they need the calories - pretty sure they consume fruit and veg too though.

If you're talking michael phelps 12,000 a day diet, he has categorically said it is all lies. You only need to look at youtube to see the pro bodybuilder who says he eats 20,000 on his cheat day and then films him doing it over the day. It's all bs. I would like to see any 'athlete' eat more than 5-6k. Their colon would be in tatters and they would be farting and stinking up the place.

[Hoofy]

LordGrover said:

At that price I'd expect them to prepare and deliver the food - probably do my exercises for me too.

It does sound a lot... I thought so too but decided to do the sums... it's actually only £25 an hour if he meant he gets 4 sessions with a PTer a week for 10 weeks.