Day 84: 12 Week "Before & After" Pictures

12 Week Fat Loss Challenge

Start: November 8, 2006
Finish: January 31, 2007

Day 84 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 3: Day 5

G'day,

Mission 1 Complete! Without further adieu here are my 84 Day/12 Week before and after pictures.

Whoa! What a journey! These 12 weeks have changed my mind, my body and my life. After so many false starts over the last 6 years it feels fantastic to finally get my act together.

Like I have said previously I have enough before pictures to fill a family album. I'm not kidding, one day I'll show them to you in a high-speed montage.

Below is just one of my many "before" pictures taken in July 2003, along with the progress I made every 4 weeks over the last 84 days.



My life has changed in so many ways. First and foremost, my self-confidence and self-esteem has shot through the roof. You can see that just by looking at my pictures.

Secondly, I now keep the most important promises you can make...the ones you make to yourself. I set goals on a daily basis, hold myself accountable to those goals, and then take massive action to achieve them.

Posting to this blog and taking daily pictures of my progress have played a very important part of this accountability/goal setting process. If you are on a fat loss journey yourself I highly recommend you do the same. If you do I will put on on my Blog Roll in a flash.

Thirdly, I have rekindled my most important relationships, those with my family. Thank you guys for everything you have done for me and for your patience during the last 6 years when I went off the rails. I love you.

Fourthly, I have developed new relationships with people I admire and respect. Thank you Tom Venuto and Nick Nilson for your encouraging words and taking time out of your busy schedules to communicate with me. Thank you also to the members of Burn The Fat Inner Circle who have supported me and kept me accountable.

Last but not least I would like to thank my body! My body has gone through a lot of trauma in the last 6 years having to put up with ridiculous instructions from my mind! I have finally proven to myself that you can transform your body when you get your mind right.

This physique transformation (and blog) originated as an idea in my mind a long time ago. Once I made the decision to change, my mind sent instructions to my body to manifest this vision on a daily basis.

Once my body began to change it started to re-energize my mind. I now operate with a clarity and a focus that is fed by a positive cycle of energy between my mind and my body.

Before I sign off, I would like to say one more thing. THIS IS NOT THE END! This is the beginning. I will NEVER GO BACK to where I was before.

I WILL keep posting daily updates and pictures to this blog. I have a dual purpose for keeping this blog alive. I have many more goals and dreams I wish to accomplish. I will continue to hold myself accountable to my new physique goals which I will post here in the near future.

I also desire to give back. If there is one single person out there who is inspired by my journey to start their own accountability blog then that makes me happier than you could imagine. I WILL help anyone who asks, that is a promise.

One more thing...I will now fulfill another dream by getting certified as a personal trainer. I'll keep you posted.

Peace, AJ

P.S. I will be having my 33rd birthday celebration tomorrow night "live" on YouTube. I would be honoured if you could join me. There is no need to send me a birthday card, just post a comment to my blog!

P.S.S. Major props to my old and new friends, DD, Sarah, Rhez, BuffedStuff, John Bartlett and Josh for practicing what they (and I) preach!

P.S.S.S Even though I have no time for "energy vampires", negative people and skeptics I will post my blood test and polygraph results as soon as I can. In the meantime check below for close-ups of the two newspapers I was holding in the before and after pictures for absolute proof I completed this mission in an 84 day time frame.

Day 83 Pics: Breaking News...The Stats Are In!

Day 83 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 3: Day 4

Here are Day 83 Pics for January 30, 2007


G'day,

I'm pumped! I just got back from my bodyfat test at my local gym.

One word, REDEMPTION!

For those of you who have followed my journey you know the depressive state I was in after my last bodyfat test on October 26, 2006.

N.B For details go to Day 66: My Biggest Secret Revealed!

Even though I knew I had transformed my physique I still went there tonight with some trepidation.

This is because I'm a guy who gets motivated by visuals not numbers. For me, statistics are cold, they don't tell you anything about the emotion, the pain, the sacrifice and the glory of going through this process.

This is why I have not been back to the bodyfat testing center since October 26, 2006, even though I said I would go monthly on my Day 1 post.

I just didn't want to clutter my mind with the negativity that may have come from a less than desirable result because I was still in a very fragile mental state during the early stages.

This attitude runs counter to what most experts will tell you. They say you need constant feedback on your status so you can change and adapt your program where necessary. I actually do agree with this line of thinking.

However, there is one big difference with me. Since I was taking daily pictures of myself I could see positive changes to my physique were taking place in the early stages as clear as day. In other words, I didn't need stats to tell me it was working.

I could tell from the notches in my belt. In fact I have lost 5 notches in my belt to the point now where the 7th notch in doesn't fit me. I will go shopping for a new belt this weekend!

Anyway, let's cut to the chase.

N.B. My "before" stats were actually taken on October 26, 2006. However, I did not do any weight training, cardio or follow proper nutrition in the period from October, 26, 2006 and November 8, 2006. This is because I went to Australia in that time period. So actually my "before" stats on the day of November 8, 2006 would have been worse than this.

Body Stats Summary

Ok, here we go...

I LOST 9.5 kg's (20.9 Pounds) of FAT.

I GAINED 1.7 kg's (3.7 Pounds) of MUSCLE.

I LOST 12 cm's (4.9 Inches) around my WAIST.

I LOST 8 kg's of TOTAL BODYWEIGHT.

And now for the biggie...

I am NOW 10.3% BODYFAT, down from 20.8% BODYFAT!

How cool is that? I am stoked with these results. I now believe in regular bodyfat testing again!

Here is an exact breakdown of my stats. One thing did surprise me, that was the reduction in the circumference of biceps, triceps and chest.

I thought these muscle groups would have been higher than my original stats due to my increased muscle. I guess I didn't realize how much fat was stored there!

*******************************************************

My Stats For October 26, 2006

Total Weight: 84.0 kg/185.1 Pounds (U.S)
Lean Weight: 66.5 kg/146.6 Pounds (U.S)
Fat Weight: 17.4 kg/38.3 Pounds (U.S)
Body Fat % : 20.8%

Also, here are my body measurements taken on October 26/2006.
Bicep: 37.1 cm/14.6 inches
Tricep: 35.2 cm/13.8 inches
Waist: 92 cm/36 inches
Chest: 103 cm/40.5inches

*******************************************************

My Stats For January 30, 2007
(as of one hour ago).

Total Weight: 76.0 kg/167.5 Pounds (U.S)
Lean Weight: 68.2 kg/150.3 Pounds (U.S)
Fat Weight: 7.9 kg/17.4 Pounds (U.S)
Body Fat % : 10.3%

Also, here are my body measurements taken on January 30, 2007
.
Bicep: 35.4 cm/13.9 inches
Tricep: 32.4 cm/12.7 inches
Waist: 79 cm/31.1 inches
Chest: 90.4 cm/35.5inches

*******************************************************

Below is a copy of my BodPod readout for January 30, 2007.

Remember (makes note to self) this is only the beginning! I have BIG (hint, hint) plans for my physique during my next 12 week mission.

I gotta go now and get some rest.

See you tomorrow when I release my final "After" pictures for this 12 week period.

Peace, AJ

Day 82 Pics: Run Rabbit Run!

Day 82 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 3: Day 3

Here are Day 82 pics for January 29, 2007.



G'day,

Run rabbit run! As well as being the song that pumps me up before a weight-training workout this is also my motto for the next 3 days.

Why? Well rabbits run fast and running fast this is the staple of my HIIT cardio workout. For the last 3 days (and for the next two) I am doing daily HIIT cardio on the treadmill (along with swimming, boxing, skipping and cycling).

While this may sound extreme I am at the point now where burning fat is my over-riding priority (even at the expense of muscle) as I attempt to reveal the last two rows of my six-pack in the last 2 days before my self-imposed deadline.

But be warned, this technique may not work for everybody. It can backfire when you maintain this kind of regime for too long by shredding your hard-earned muscle.

In the last week I have actually come up with a new twist on conventional "Interval Training" by increasing my maximum level and shortening my lower levels. I can now burn just as many calories in 12 minutes that I used in 20 minutes! Oh how I love time efficiency.

Now what else do rabbits do? They eat clean! As you know from my previous posts I made a pact with myself to eat clean for the last 24 days leading up to January 31st, 2007. I am practicing what I preach in regards to "progressive discipline."

During the first 8 weeks this kind of nutrition discipline would have been unthinkable, but once you get "in the zone" you will amaze even yourself.

I have taken approach to a whole new level (at least as far as I'm concerned) where I have even made microscopic changes to my clean days. For example, a staple of my diet is the fabled tuna salad. At the beginning I used to have TWO large dollops of ceasar sauce and croutons with my salad to make it palatable. Now, I have half a dollop of ceasar and NO croutons!

Finally, rabbits have really fast metabolisms and right now mine is cranked so high that I'm burning fat on a daily basis. I am losing hundreds of grams of fat every single day now. This is because my metabolism is burning like a furnace due to my HIIT cardio, weight training and clean nutrition.

Ok, I must go to bed now and get a full 8 hours sleep to prepare my body, mind and soul for tomorrow's double whammy of "muscle rounds" part 2 (today was part 1) and HIIT cardio.

Peace, AJ

Eat Clean,
Shred Hard,
Think Big!

Day 81 Pics: Mentor Series - Michael Prichard and Massive Action!

Day 81 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 3: Day 2

Here are Day 81 pics for January 28, 2007




G'day,

Is that a 5 pack I see? Hmmm...looks like it! 3 more days to go to get my sixer!

I am shredding as hard and as fast as I can in these final few days before my self-imposed deadline of January 31, 2007.
This morning I did HIIT cardio and ab training. I have a new twist on HIIT cardio that works great. One day I'll tell you all about it.

My abs are so strong now that I'm gonna need to integrate actual weight plates into my routine. Exercises I could do only 15 reps of a few weeks ago are now up to 25 reps.

I have to employ "progressive overload" on my abs to get them to continue their progression. Remember, as Tom Venuto says "there is no such thing as maintenance." This means you are always either moving forwards or backwards. There is no such thing as standing still. This is true for all things in nature AND us.

By the way, take a look at Tom to the left. Do you think he knows what he's talking about?

I am also sticking 100% to the "eat clean for the last 24 days" pact I made with myself back on Day 60. I still have no cravings for anything other than a tuna salad! Trust me, once you get "in the zone" the pleasure of being lean far outweighs any pleasure you get from junk food.

I am so looking forward to my 33rd birthday! Its going to be a great party...no, I'm not going to go out and get drunk, I'm going to celebrate it right here with you guys who kindly followed my journey! I have planned a couple of cool things, just wait, you'll see.

Well, onto today's topic. I will talk about my very good friend and success mentor, Michael Prichard. In order for me to talk about Michael there is one other guy I must mention right off the bat. He is Jeff.

I could write a book about my experiences with these two guys, but if I did a lot of people would probably think it was fiction! The stories are so outrageous that would make your head spin.

Here's the problem I have. You see I haven't talked to Jeff for over 6 years. I don't even know where he is right now. The last time Jeff and I communicated it ended in a sour note.

There were a lot of things that went down during those days. But Jeff if you ever read these words I want you to know that I totally respect you man, from the bottom of my heart.

Michael and Jeff taught me everything I know about the most important factor of achieving your goals, that is taking MASSIVE ACTION. Both these guys live life "on the edge", they are always planning their next move, which is 10 steps ahead of everyone else!

Here's a story. Back in 1998 we were in direct marketing promoting health supplements and Michael wanted to bring out a "heavy hitter" from Los Angeles. The guy he brought out was not only "top dog" in the company but also a New York Times No.1 best-selling author on real estate investment with a net worth in the 9 figures.

So what Michael does is fly to L.A and convince this guy to come out in Melbourne and give a seminar on wealth creation...in our house! Me, Michael and Jeff saved our pennies to fly him out, put him up at a 6-star hotel, hold the seminar and market the seminar.

When the "top dog" came out he was under the impression he would be doing one meeting for the whole day. Well, Jeff had other plans! Jeff said "What's going to happen today is that you are going to do six 1-hour meetings back-to-back with a half-hour rest period in between each one"!

How's that! You see Jeff is a very unique character, he has such a strong force of personality that he can get away with things like that. Jeff also thinks big, REAL BIG!

Early in 2000, the three of us had a little internet venture going that landed us on the front page of business section of the Herald Sun on March 10, 2000.

One day I said to Jeff, "Hey man, what are you going to do with the millions we get when we IPO this company?" Without hesitation Jeff says back, "Adam, you are thinking too small, I've told you its BILLIONS not millions"

After I agreed I had "mis-spoken" I said "When we've got millions, I'm going to hire a coach and learn how to play golf then turn pro", Jeff said "Adam, you don't just turn pro, you gotta go No.1 in the world, Tiger woods won't even see you coming!"

Anyway, back to Michael. Even though we haven't spoken for a while Michael and I still stay in touch regularly. During my "dark years" Michael would always call up and encourage me to follow my dreams and live life to its fullest. I'll always remember those times we spoke and be forever grateful.

You see, Michael didn't have to do that. We no longer had a business realtionship and Michael was already super-successful himself in real estate investment, gym ownership, direct marketing and web design.

In fact you can check out Michael at at his very cool website. Here is the direct link: MichaelPrichard.com (Opens a new window). That's Michael below.

Michael Prichard is the epitome of taking massive action. He never does anything by half-measures, its all or nothing, go hard or go home!

For example, when Michael wants to contact one of his success mentors he doesn't just send them an email...he'll fly to them! Las Vegas, New York or Iceland, it doesn't matter where they are.

I could go on and on about my experiences with Michael and Jeff but I have to go to bed now.

Here's the point. Setting goals is a great start but you must couple that with massive action. This is what I did 81 days ago.

If you are struggling with fat loss yourself (like I was for 6 years) just grit your teeth and take massive action on your goals.

You may even shock yourself at the results you get!

Peace, AJ

Eat Clean,
Shred hard,
Think Big!

Day 80 Pics: Does This Qualify?

Day 80 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 3: Day 1

G'day,

Well, what do you think? Does this qualify as a six-pack? Please say yes!

Ok, I'm feeling a little weird today. I have been so intensely focused on getting a six-pack at the expense of everything else in my life I felt like lightening up a little today.

The threshold for becoming "obsessive complusive" is a line I crossed a long time ago!

I have been drilling myself so hard recently that I feel I need to release the pressure valve outside of the gym...and this blog isn't helping my cause!

I originally started this blog as a way to hold myself accountable by forcing myself to post daily updates and pictures. Well, as you can see this blog has taken on a life of its own. I have virtually uploaded my life story onto this blog. I have revealed the skeletons in my closet for everyone to see.

Trust me, it is still not easy for me to look at my July 2003 pictures. I feel like I hardly know who that guy is anymore. In fact, I don't even know who the guy is in my Day 1 picture anymore. I really want to put the past behind me now and just move on to bigger and better things.

But, I feel that those pictures may help people who are struggling with fat loss or are in a rut. That's why I continue to post those "before" pictures, even though I would rather just erase them from my memory bank.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that this blog was originally intended as my "release" from the pummeling I was handing myself inside the gym. Well, this blog has become just as intense for me!

I sit here every night for hours on end revealing very personal stuff about the wierd and wonderful events of my life. Some of the stories I have revealed are feelings, thoughts and stories that even my closest friends don't know about me.

What's strange is that my "new friends" from all 4 corners of the globe now know these deeply personal stories. I looked at my stats last night and its true.

Would you believe I have now daily readers across Europe, America, Middle East, Australia and Asia? This totally spins me out!

This is an awesome feeling as I count down to my 84th day because I am now accountable to you and hundreds of other people around the world. This "fuels my fire" every day as I hit the gym to subject my body to those hardcore workouts you all know about.

In fact, if you are on a fat loss journey yourself I highly recommend that you start your own blog and document your own journey. There is no reason that I know of why you can't do the same.

When you do be sure to leave a comment on my blog notifying me of the web address. If you do that I will add you to my "Blog Roll" along with DD and Sarah. By the way, major props to DD, Sarah and John Bartlett for his shredded muscle. Check my Blog Roll to learn more.

Anyway, back to my original thought. Today I want to turn down the intensity a notch so I don't get all riled up inside recounting my "home invasion" story, like I promised yesterday. I need a break!

I will re-tell this story sometime in the future. But be warned, it doesn't make for light reading. It will be a harrowing account of real events that took place in my house 7 years ago.

My house was destroyed from the inside out, a knife was held to my throat and a rock the size of a soccer ball was hurtled through my front glass door. But believe it or not, there was one more thing even more shocking than all of this put together!

Ok I'm gonna stop now, or else I'll just keep continuing.

I'm gonna chill out now and go listen to some Rage Against The Machine!

Peace, AJ

P.S. Here are Day 80 pics for January 27, 2007

Day 79 Pics: Mentor Series - Gary Halbert's 10,000 Hour "Mastery Index"

Day 79 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 2: Day 2

Here are Day 79 pics for January 26, 2007

G'day, I am now at "T-minus 6" and counting.

My "Operation six-pack in six days" workout regime today consisted of Lactic Acid training part 2. I had a killer lunge/squat double header of 8 sets each!

I was due to increase my lunges to 16 kg today, however one of the 16 kg dumbells in my gym has gone missing.

So, instead of staying at 14 kg I decided to increase 2 increments to 18 kg.

Well, lo and behold I nailed it! This goes to show that a lot of your barriers are purely mental, not physical.

On the nutrition front I am also continuing my "shred phase meal plan" that I talked about back on Day 69.

I have even amazed myself at how well I have been able to stick to my plan. I am now on Day 19 of 24 of eating totally "clean." This kind of discipline would have been unthinkable for me not too long ago.

However, as you transform your body, so do you transform your mind. I firmly believe that all transformation begins within the mind first, once the body catches up they can then "feed" off each other in a cycle of positive energy.

Today I will discuss my "writing" mentor, Gary Halbert. Gary is the self-proclaimed "greatest copywriter who ever lived." A rather bold claim to make as writing "copy" is one of the most competitive industries in the world.

However, take one look at his free online newsletter, The Gary Halbert Letter and you too will see that "Sir Gary of Halbert" can back up everything he says. (Link opens up new window).

Gary writes what I believe to be the most inspirational, educational and entertaining newsletter in existence. Gary used to charge thousands of dollars a year for his monthly newsletter. Then a few years ago he uploaded his archives (and new issues) free of charge for anyone with an internet connection.

While Gary primarily talks about how to excel at the art of copywriting and business success he doesn't just stop there. For me, Gary Halbert is a "life success" mentor. Gary's writing oozes with passion and fire because he speaks the truth as he sees it.

To give you an example of Gary's style he once stated that true freedom is being able to say "no" to anybody. I couldn't agree more as I have spent (and still do) my whole working life bowing to other people's demands and wishes.

Another thing I admire about Gary is that he writes from his own experience (something I try to emulate). In fact, he has revealed so many amazing, gut-wrenching true stories of his personal life that you could mistake his writing as fiction.

Gary literally makes words come alive, they jump off the page and grab you by the scruff of the neck. He doesn't mince words, he'll call you all sorts of names, he'll tease you and taunt you. If your sensibilities are easily offended then Gary is not for you.

However, I believe there is multi-layered genius behind his writing style. Beacuse Gary has only one goal in mind...he wants you to harness your own personal power and take massive action with the "big ideas" he so freely gives in every issue of his newsletter.

His M.O is to cut through all the hype, spin and B.S you read elsewhere online and get right to the heart of the matter. Trust me, Gary gives out nuggets of pure gold in every single edition of his newsletter.

In fact, Gary Halbert is THE reason I am talking to you right now through this blog. You see, a couple of years ago I read an issue of Gary's newsletter where he clearly stated that to achieve mastery in anything requires about 10,000 hours of training.

I took Gary at his word and started a website back in July 2005 called Natural Skincare Authority. This site is a portal of information regarding the "exciting" topic of natural skin care.

This site has a massive database of the Top 100 known toxins present in skin care products cross-referenced with the CDC (Ceneter for Disease Control), FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), HazMap (Hazardous Materials) and many more.

I also wrote ingredient based, scientifically backed reviews of the "leading" skin care brands along with leading "natural" skin care brands. All told, the site contains 284 pages of original content available for free plus 3 ebooks and a 14 day email course. I spent 3,000 hours writing and researching the content for that site.

This was not an easy task as natural skin care is something I originally knew nothing about. Truth be told, it was extremely difficult to research and write a whole site on a topic that I did not have a burning passion for.

Don't get me wrong, I believe strongly in REAL natural, organic skin care. In fact I still order over $100 of product a month (on a timed cycle) from the one company I trust to be legitimate. That said, I did eventually lose my drive creating content for a topic that did not really "turn me on."

N.B. If you are interested in learning more about natural and organic skin care alternatives to the highly toxic products perpetrated on us by the $29 billion chemcial empire go to Natural-Skincare-Authority.com (Link opens up new window).

So, why did I do it? Well, the answer is obvious. Gary Halbert told me to! As I mentioned earlier Gary said if you want to achieve mastery in any field you must put in 10,000 hours of training honing that particular skill-set.

Therefore, if your dream is to become a great writer you must write! All the better if the topic is something you know nothing about. Gary has said numerous times that some of his "home run" sales letters were on topics he originally knew little about.

This process forces you to hone your research skills, a very valuable commodity to have when writing on ANY topic.

Now, let's make this blog post relevant to present day. This blog I started on November 8, 2006 now contains 74 entries. The total number of pages written on this blog is enough to fill about 3 books, not to mention the hours I have spent taking daily pictures and optimizing them for web distribution.

I spend on average 2 hours a night writing each blog post. That's a grand total of 148 hours of writing I have done for this blog since I started 79 days ago. Now check this! While my writing has improved since "Zero Day" the art of writing is still not something that comes naturally to me.

I still have to force myself to sit down at the computer every night to think, research and write that day's blog post.

However, what I will say is this. When you write on a topic that burns deep inside of you it is much easier. The topic of transforming your mind, body and life is such a broad one that I could write every day for the next 5 years and still not cover the whole spectrum of just my own personal experience.

All told, I have spent about 4,000 hours writing on natural skin care and physique transformation in the last 2 years (this also includes other articles). In spite of this I am still not even half way according to the "Halbert Mastery" index!

Now, for something really bizarre. Let's contrast the time I have spent writing with the time I have spent in the gym. Since November 8, 2006 I have spent 148 hours writing compared to only 69 hours in the gym!

If you take a look at my current before and after pictures you'll notice that I have made some impressive changes to my physique in that time. Now, if you go back and read my earlier posts you'll also notice that my writing has improved markedly in that same time period as well (my biased opinion!).

Here's the kicker! I personally believe my writing (rather than my physique) has improved at a far rapid pace over this time period. While it may be hard to quantify the numbers back me up. 148 hours compared to 69.

Here's the point. While the long hours spent honing your craft may seem lonely at times the rewards will eventually come.

Did I ever dream that I would be a published fitness writer by Day 65?

Not only published, but on the Internet's No.1 fat loss support community website at BurnTheFatInnerCircle.com (Link opens up new window).

In a word, YES!

This achievement is something that I hold dear to my heart as I toiled away for 42 days before one single person had ever read a word on this blog.

Then in the space of 2 weeks I went from being alone in my own little corner of cyberspace to a potential readership of thousands.

So far I have written two exclusive articles for Tom Venuto's awesome membership site. The first one titled "How To Harness the Power Of Progressive Discipline To Create Unstoppable Momentum and See Results In Only 12 Days" is a 6 page, 2,000 word article I wrote in under 4 hours.

The second article "How To Achieve The Body Of Your Dreams By Unleashing The Power Of Visualization In 6 Simple Steps" I wrote in 2 hours while in the midst of food poisoning and my primary computer terminally crashing.

There are two reasons why I am able to write so quickly. The first is because I am living my life in real-time. This means I am writing from personal experience, much easier to do. The second is because I followed Gary's advice 2 years ago and started my 10,000 hour journey to mastery.

So when some people see that I already have 2 articles published it may sound like an "overnight" success story, but you and I both know better.

To be honest, there was a time when the "Halbert Mastery" index used to intimidate me. Not any more! Now I just imagine how much a better writer I will be by the time I hit 10,000 hours. This number drives me every night when I sit down to write.

What's more "scary" is wondering what my physique will look like after another 9, 931 hours of gym time!

This is the message I want to convey to you today.

If you want to achieve mastery in a certain area know up-front that it will take you about 10,000 hours. However, don't be consumed with that number at first. Break down your mastery aspiration into bite-sized pieces, then feverishly devour each piece as you progress.

On a final note just remember this...your journey to mastery starts with a single step.

You only have so many hours left to live.

Don't waste an hour longer before you start to live your dreams!

Peace, AJ

P.S. What did a home invasion teach me about forgiveness? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Day 78 Pics: A Six-Pack In Six Days?

Day 137 Update:

Six-Pack Video: M2 Judgment Day

Before I go into detail about how David Grisaffi's Flatten Your Abs System has helped me carve out a six-pack I will show you a time-lapse video that documents my journey over the first 136 days when I followed the Flatten Your Abs System.

This time period culminated in a public vote on whether my midsection qualified as a six-pack. To turn the pressure up even further I put my US$1,500 pre-paid Redemption Trip to Phuket on the line! On M2 Judgment Day I got 94 responses from 22 countries, that ultimately determined my fate.

Click Below to watch how the events unfolded, in real-time!



Day 78 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 2: Day 1

Here are Day 78 pics for January 25, 2007

G'day,

Back on Day 43 I wrote a post titled "A Six-Pack In Six Weeks?"

While I have definitely made progress since then its now crunch time.

I have six days left to fulfill my dream and carve out a defined six-pack within my 12-week self-imposed deadline.

The Washboard = "Holy Grail Of Fitness"

In my opinion the "washboard" is the holy grail. By now you may think I'm obsessed about getting a six-pack. You are right and I'm not the only one!

People have obsessed about the six-pack for centuries. Just take a look at Michelangelo's masterwork "David" which he sculpted way back in 1504!

So, What Am I Doing About This?

Well, I am happy to report that I am burning the fat and building my abs as hard as I can to achieve my dream. For example, today I did a tough "Lactic Acid" workout and an evening HIIT cardio session WITH abdominal training.

My evening HIIT cardio session also got me pumped! I hit 3 minutes at 16 km/h on the 4th cycle of my 20 minutes workout. This is a major milestone for me, especially since I struggled to get back to 16 km/h after Hong Kong. I actually blogged about "swallowing my pride" back on Day 62 when I could only reach a high of 15.5 km/h.

Well, now not only am I at 16 km/h, I can do it for 3 minutes straight! It was an incredible feeling, something I will never forget. Bodyfat measurements and scale weight indicators come a distant second for me compared to "real-world" feedback on my progess. This is why I celebrate every new milestone and appreciate how far I have come.

Progressive Overload Principle

However, there is still much to do. If you become content with where you are now you will not progress any further. You may actually go backwards!

This is because nothing stands still in this world. If you are not constantly moving forward you will stagnate and eventually go in reverse. As this is true for everything in nature it is also true for us.

Trust me, I know this to be true from personal experience.

Take a look at this picture slide and you'll see why I'm so obsessive about getting (and growing) a six-pack.

Step 1) Building Your Abs

For those of you out there desiring a six-pack remember this, BUILDING your abs and SEEING your abs are two different things. To build your abs you must work your core intensively.

The core includes not only the rectus abdominus (six-pack) but also your obliques and lumbar area. And let me tell you that conventional sit-ups are a joke, you need a variety of intensive exercises to get the job done for your core.

Step 2) Seeing Your Abs

Now, seeing your abs means quite simply losing bodyfat. You need to get under about 10% bodyfat before you can see them clearly. Losing bodyfat to most people means cardio, and to a point that is true. However, don't underestimate the power of weight training. When you start to replace bodyfat with muscle is when you will see results.

I personally use a combination of cardio and weight training, both done at high intensity. The staple of my cardio is running on the treadmill, but I also do swimming, boxing, cycling and skipping. My weight training is primarily is high rep/high intensity with short rest periods. This combo has gotten me to where I am now.

My Abdominal Training System

As I mentioned on my Day 43 blog post I followed David Grisaffi's awesome Firm and Flatten Your Abs abdominal training program for the first 6 weeks. I then got his bonus eBook Six-Pack In Six Weeks and have been following this advanced program the last 5 weeks.

So far I am ecstatic about the results I have gotten from following David's books. I intend to prove David right over the next 6 days!

For more information on Firm and Flatten Your Abs here is the direct link to David's site: FlattenYourAbs.net


RTP/FYA Bonus Pack Combo

If you purchase Flatten Your Abs from this link you will get access to a private members only online BFFM Support Zone to ask your most burning questions about how to integrate Flatten Your Abs in to your routine.

That's right, real-world advice from a guy (me) who has actually done it successfully. You'll also get access to the answer archive from previous questions asked by fellow Flatten Your Abs Support Members.

How To Get Your RTP/FYA Bonus

In order to qualify for Flatten Your Abs Support order Flatten Your Abs from this link and then enter your ClickBank Order Number after clicking on the "bonus delivery link" in the special box below.

To get your Flatten Your Abs Support Bonus immediately after ordering Flatten Your Abs, go right to my Bonus Delivery page. Enter your ClickBank Receipt number (from your order confirmation email) to verify your purchase, and you will get access to your bonus within 12 hours upon verification of your order.

This bonus offer comes directly from Adam Waters RTP, not from ClickBank or from the publisher of Flatten Your Abs. ClickBank will not honor any refund requests that are based on non-delivery, quality, or functionality of the bonus materials. If you have any questions or problems about the bonus, do not contact ClickBank or the product publisher. Click here for bonus contact information.

Important: I know David's book back to front as I have printed it out and constantly refer to it when I am fine-tuning my abdominal training program. I have used David's book successfully thus far by implementing his "7 Level System".

However, neither David nor I can guarantee you results if you decide to buy. The results you get will be directly proportional to the effort you put in.

Ok, time for me to wrap this up now. I must get my full 8 hours "recovery sleep" to prepare my body for another onslaught tomorrow.

I have a "double hit" of weight training and HIIT cardio to get ready for!

See you tomorrow,

Peace, AJ

Eat Clean,
Shred Hard,
Think Big!

Day 77 Video: A Real Heartstopper

Day 77: Week 11 - The Final Countdown!

Day 77 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 1: Day 5

Day 77 - Week 11- Pictures for January 24, 2007

What a week! My laptop crashed, I got food poisoning, I missed two workouts and I got my second article published! What can I say? This is real-time. I am living every day to its fullest, even on my "bad days" I try to remain productive.

I actually wrote my second article the day my laptop crashed (I have an external hard drive) while I had food poisoning. There is no way I would have had the discipline (or motivation) to do this even a few weeks ago.

Speaking of discipline...my body, mind and soul are now so in-tune with the discipline required that I have shocked even myself. On Day 60 I decided to "eat clean" for the last 24 days. So far it has not been a problem, I am used to it, I have no cravings at all.

I made a post recently on Tom Venuto's "Burn The Fat Inner Circle" forum that if someone came up to me and said "Adam, if you give in and eat this chocolate cake I will give you million dollars right now." My answer would be "No, thank you, I will not eat that chocolate cake."

There is no way I would have been able to resisit that offer even 4 weeks ago. However, things have changed. I am so focused on my dream of getting a six-pack by the 84th day that I am willing to do whatever it takes.

I am practicing what I preach as the first article I wrote for BTFIC was about "Progressive Discipline". This is where you start with a "baseline diet" giving yourself latitude to indulge in your favorite sweets at the end of each 12 day cycle. Once you start to see tangible results you will "tighten your discipline belt" almost instictively.

Application of "progressive discipline" over a 24, 36 and 42 day period will create a self-fulfilling prophecy of unstoppable momentum. Trust me, this strategy works! N.B. This article is exclusive to BTFIC, to read it in its entirity head over to BurnTheFatInnerCircle.com

I am also applying "progressive discipline" in regards to weight training and cardio for the final 7 days leading up to Day 84. I am doing daily HIIT cardio and 4 weight training sessions over the next 7 days. This is to destroy the last remnants of my "pooch."

Like I said a few days ago it has been 53, 808 hours since I last had a six-pack! So, the next 7 days are the most critical if I am to achieve my dream. Everything I have done for the last 77 days, all the discipline, all the sacrifice, all the muscular pain, all the intense cardio was merely a "launching pad" for the final 7 day shootout.

On November 8, 2006 I set January 31, 2007 (one day before my birthday) as the deadline I set myself to achieve a six-pack. I am never going back! Well, the day is nigh so I have to make this time count, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!

Peace, AJ

Eat Clean,
Shred Hard,
Think Big!

Breaking News..."Hot Off The Press", My Second Article Published!

G'day,

Just a short post as I have to head off to the gym soon. My second article titled "How to Achieve The Body Of Your Dreams By Unleashing The Power Of Visualization In 6 Simple Steps" has just been published on Tom Venuto's awesome fat loss support community at Burn The Fat Inner Circle.

I originally wrote this piece on Day 34 of my real-time physique transformation. Last Saturday (January 20, 2007) I updated the article with new pictures and new strategies.

Tom kindly published my article today, it went live just a short time ago!

I am now in the process of converting more of my previous blog posts into exclusive articles for BTFIC. If rapid-fire fat loss is your goal I heartily recommend you sign up now at BurnTheFatInnerCircle.com (Link opens up new window).

To learn more about how BTFIC can turbo-charge you physique transformation go to Day 65: Dreams Do Come True!

I'll upload Day 77 pics (11 Weeks) and a progress report when I get back from the gym later tonight.

Peace, AJ

P.S. The original Day 34 post is no longer available in it's original format as it is now an exclusive article for BTFIC.

Eat Clean,
Shred Hard,
Think Big!

Day 76 Pics: Mentor Series - Will John Reese Reboot Your Brain?

Day 76 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 1: Day 4

G'day,

Here are Day 76 pics for January 23, 2007.


One million dolars in 24 hours! This is what John Reese made on August 17th 2004 with no advertising.

To many people with more than a casual interest in building wealth online you have no doubt heard his nickname as the "million dollar man."

However, there is more to John than meets the eye. You see John believes in the concept of over-delivering.

This means that you not only keep the promises you make but you give more than anyone could ever expect.

This meshes with my philosophy perfectly. I believe that you have to go the extra mile (especially on the web) and deliver far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect from you.

Just take a look at this blog as an example. I have posted my daily pictures and updates (nearly) every day for the last 76 days.

I am doing this for two reasons. The first is to hold myself publicly accountable by posting daily progress pictures, reports and my thoughts and feelings. The second reason I do this is to try and inspire (at least one person) to do the same. I want you to surpass me, plain and simple. If I can do this so can you!

Now, back to John Reese. To be honest I have not purchased any of his material because his course weighed in at $1000. At the time (in 2004) I simply did not have that much spare cash to throw around. However, I do subscribe to his newsletter and plan to participate in his latest project.

The reason John is so successful is because people have the attitude, "If this is what John gives away for free, imagine what his paid stuff is like!"

This is how I feel right at the moment. John's "free stuff" changed my life. Back on October 13, 2006 John posted a free video on his blog titled "It's Time To Reboot Your Brain." John promised that this video could change your life. I watched it intently with the expectation that I would find some useful information. Instead, what I saw blew my mind!

Let me explain...at the beginning of the video John instructed his viewers to get 3 writing pads, your favorite pen and a quiet place where you would not be disturbed for at least 1 hour. I didn't have any clean writing pads handy so I rushed to the nearest convenience store to get them. Once settled, I watched the video and DID EXACTLY as John said.

So, what impact did the video have on me? I originally watched this video on December 6, 2006 and I posted an entry to his blog on December 21, 2006. Instead of telling you how "it changed my life" I'll show you. Below is my 2 week progression from Day 28 to Day 42.

What do you think? For me this 2 week period was critical in grand scheme of 12 weeks.

I made progress every single day.



I started to reach "tipping point" where my body quite literally became a metabolic furnace! I became an avalanche-triggered snowball raging down the mountain growing exponentially as I gathered speed and force!

In fact here is a post I made on John's blog on December 21st, 2006.

****************************************

Adam Waters Says:
December 21st, 2006 at 11:24 pm
Hi John,

I just wanted to add my sincere thanks for your Brain Reboot video. It is amazingly powerful, I did it as soon as I finished watching. It gave me so much more clarity and vision.

6 weeks ago I started a physique transformation challenge, it was going well as I had kept myself accountable by making daily posts and taking daily pictures and putting them on my blog. Then 2 weeks ago I watched your “Brain Reboot” video and after doing the exercise with 3 pads, my vision and focus for the future was solidified very strongly in my mind.

The progress I have made physically in the last 2 weeks alone has been amazing to me. I feel like my life has been kicked into overdrive, for the first time in a long time I know exactly what I have “to do”, what I “desire” and also what I “fear”.

I know my story is not marketing or business related but I throroughly believe that this “Brain Reboot” is so powerful that anyone who has a dream for a better life should do it. In fact I liked this video so much that I put a link to it from my blog!

Anyway John thanks again for providing such powerful life-changing information for free. You truly are an inspiration. I can’t wait to see what you have planned for next with Income.com

Cheers,
Adam waters

*******************************************

If you go his blog and scroll down to December 21st comments you will see it there, along with 389 other responses made by people who were grateful to John for sharing such life-changing information for free.

This is as much as I'll say right now. I don't want to spoil it for you. I heartily recommend that you go watch it for yourself if you want to change your life (in a hurry!).

Just click on the image below to be taken directly to John's free video, or you can click here to go to the exact Blog Post

Day 75: Mentor Series - Nick Nilsson's "Power Surge"

Day 75

Status: Metabolic Surge - Round 8: Phase 1: Day 4

G'day,

Today I will tell you how my life changed in the space of 3 seconds.

First, let me back up a little.

On November 1st, 2006 I went back to Australia for the first time in a long time. I stayed with my family for a week.

Over this period I rediscovered my drive while getting a few home truths delivered to me. You see, for the previous 6 years I had broken my word so many times I was becoming a joke.

In those 6 years I had also tried and failed at trying to get back into shape. I had enough "before" pictures to fill a family album. In fact, I had also just come off another failed attempt at a physique transformation.



My Life Was At A Crossroad

So, on the way back on the airplane I resolved to take massive action. My dream was (and still is!) to move back to the Gold Coast to be closer to my family in a house that I won outright.

I figured I had two options. I could slave away in Japan for the next 5 years working 7 days a week OR I could start living my dreams again by starting another blog and daily document (another) physique transformation.

The first option was clearly the safest. However, towards the end of my journey, about one hour before touchdown I had a sudden "Surge" of adrenalin. How could I even contemplate the "safe option"? Beacuse I had in my bag a printed eBook that I had been reading repeatedly since I had bought it (day before I left for Australia).

The eBook's name was Metabolic Surge by Nick Nilson. It was the latest in a long line of fitness eBooks I had shelled out money for. Trust me, if there is a fitness eBook out there, I own it!

My Life Takes A New Direction...In 3 Seconds!

Here's where it gets interesting...how I came to purchase Metabolic Surge is a tale of destiny and living your life in real-time. My life took a new course in the space of 3 seconds!

Let me explain...Like most people I surf the internet at hyper-speed. If a page doesn't load with 5 seconds I am already onto the next site. My mouse finger is very trigger-happy!

Two months earlier I felt like my heart had been ripped out when I returned from my bodyfat testing center (on October 26, 2006) after another failed attempt to get back into shape. Well, the event that happened later that night is THE reason why I am talking to you right now. You see, in my depressed and fragile state of mind I decided to go online and search for another "magic bullet" fitness program.

One Simple Decision Changed My Life

As I was surfing I got an email from a good friend of mine. He and I are always discussing fitness and how best to get into shape quickly so I trust his judgment. He sent me a link to an article on a site called FitStep.com. I was keen to check it out as he had "big wraps" on this article.

There was only one problem...it was a dead link! That's right, the page didn't load. Now normally I would just move on to the "next site" but this time was different. I made a snap decision to cut the dead link and go straight to the original domain of FitStep.com. This all happened in the space of 3 seconds!

* I must add that the "dead link is no slight against FitStep.com, they have a massive site of archived material that is constantly updated, I know myself how hard it is to keep all links working correctly in "portal style" websites having built a 280 page site myself.

Once on the homepage I scrolled rapid-fire down the page to find anything that would benefit me in my 6-year quest for turbo-charged fat loss. At the bottom of the page I found something that piqued my interest. The program was called Metabolic Surge: Rapid Fat Loss

This Was The Promise...


The Concept Of Surge Appealed To Me

As I read the sales letter I felt like it was talking directly to me. The whole concept of "Surge" was to lose fat fast WHILE preserving muscle. I read every single word on that page...twice. As I was scrolling down the page the second time towards the order button I started to get a little "tingle" down my spine.

I can only describe this feeling in one way...hope! Could this be true? Could you really lose fat and preserve muscle at the same time in only 36 days. Or was it just another slick sales letter?

I mulled it over for a couple of days, and then 1 day before I was due to leave for Australia I hit the order button for "Surge." I printed the ebook out devoured the whole book (all 583 pages worth) in one sitting. By the time I was finished I was in absolutely no doubt that this program could work for me.

Even though I didn't understand all the concepts Nick was talking about I took everything he said in faith. I BELIEVED! This is critical, if you don't believe in your gut what an author says you'll never get results.

I took the book with me to Australia and re-read the workout plan every chance I got. I started to mentally prepare myself for the program. By the time I did arrive back in Japan I was raring to go! I literally couldn't wait to start.

The Moment Of Truth

I printed out my first day's workout program called Fat Loss Circuit Training: Part 1. I bought myself a skipping rope to do the 40 seconds of cardio in between weight training sets. I set up all the exercises beforehand so I could move through the workout rapid-fire (the way it is intended to be).

Then the moment of truth...as I stood before my first set of 8 reps of "barbell bent-over rows" I resolved within myself to make this rep, set and workout count like never before. I channeled all the pain, all the depression, all the embarrassment I felt for the last 6 years into positive energy for that first set.

From There I Never Looked Back...

I could write a book on the emotions, sacrifice, discipline and the muscular pain I experienced during the next 36 days. Maybe one day I will, however right now I will cut to the chase and reveal to you my Day 36 pictures.



Well, what do you think? I am not going to toot my own horn...but the author Nick Nilsson seemed to be so impressed with my progress in such a short period of time he put me on his Metabolic Surge sales page!

I sent him these pictures by email to let him know how I was going.

It was also a way to try and give back because Nick had helped me immensely by not only writing the book that got me these results but also answering questions for me regarding my personal trainer certification.

Nick Nilsson...One Of The Good Guys

Yes, I can vouch for Nick Nilsson. He is one of the "good guys."

Not only that, he lives and breathes what he preaches, just take a look at Nick to the left for proof.

Nick literally "wrote the book" on rapid fat loss through an integrated program of weight training, cardio and nutrition.

Nick Nilsson changed my life forever.

When I am 82 years old reminiscing on my life I will remember Nick Nilsson as the guy who helped turn my life around 50 years earlier.

Now I am going to give you a chance to do the same. I will give you a direct link to buy Nick's Metabolic Surge program along with an added incentive.

Let me explain...over the course of the last 75 days I have gained a lot of knowledge about how Nick's program works. Here is the bottom line. You can use my hard-earned experience to fast-track your results. In fact nothing would make me happier than for you to surpass me!

RTP/Surge Bonus Pack Combo

Day 179 Update: If you order Metabolic Surge through this blog you will also get my new Maximize Surge: Bonus Pack to help make maximum gains in minimum time. Read on for exact details.




After 136 days of real world experience (see Mission 1 & 2) using the Metabolic Surge fat loss training program AND 100 hours of content building, designing and testing (with real people) I am pleased to announce that my Maximize Surge: Membership Course is now ready for prime time!

Maximize Surge is designed for people who want maximum results in minimum time for their physique transformation goals. This is the official RTP companion course to Metabolic Surge by Nick Nilsson (the fat loss training system I successfully used throughout Mission 1 and 2).

Maximize Surge consists of 3 major components:

1) The First 36 Days: Fast Start Guide
Details: Downloadable PDF (77 Pages)



The core of your Maximize Surge bonus pack is a real-time account of my first 36 days on Surge called The First 36 Days (the core of Surge is three 12 days cycles equalling 36 days).

What you'll find here is the absolute truth of what it really takes in the early stages to get off to a flying start on your physique transformation journey. I held nothing back, this is the complete uncensored, unedited account of those first 36 days.

2) Metabolic Surge Exercise Guide
Details: Downloadable PDF (25 Pages)



The second component is the Surge Exercise Guide. This eBook contains color photos and exercise descriptions of all major bodypart exercises I personally used on Surge throughout Mission 1 & 2.

To be exact there are 58 different exercises listed in this guide covering 8 body parts: chest, back, quadriceps, hamstrings, shoulders, biceps, triceps and calves.

N.B. I made this because Surge does not have exercise photos in the official book.

N.B. There are also many more "surprise" bonuses that you get once you sign up. You will get instant access to The First 36 Days and the Surge Exercise Guide. The additional bonuses are delivered through email notification, so as not to overwhelm you at the beginning.


Direct Order Link: Metabolic Surge: Rapid Fat Loss




How To Get Your RTP/SURGE Bonus Pack

Important: In order to receive instant access to Maximize Surge please follow these 2 steps

Step 1) Order Metabolic Surge from this link and copy your ClickBank Order Number in your confirmation email from Nick.

Step 2) Then enter your ClickBank Order Number after clicking on the Bonus Delivery Page in the special box below.

To get instant access your Maximize Surge: Membership Course immediately after ordering Metabolic Surge, go right to my Bonus Delivery page. Enter your ClickBank Receipt number (from your order confirmation email) to verify your purchase, and you will get access to your bonuses immediately via password and email notification.

Important: While I would love to guarantee results for you I just can't do that with a clear conscience. The truth is that the results you get will be directly proportional to the effort you put in. Don't let that down hearten you, like I said before, with enough directed effort and focus you can surpass me.

Well, there you go. I have finally revealed to you my fat loss training mentor. What you do now is up to you. I have to get some sleep now as I have Day 76 of Surge to prepare for!

Peace,
AJ

P.S. If you are in any doubt as to the power of Metabolic Surge check out this time-lapse video of Mission 1 and Mission 2 combined. I followed the Surge training system exclusively for the whole 136 days.

136 Days In 12 Seconds:
Time Lapse Body Transformation

Exactly as the title says. I took a picture every day for 136 days between Nov 8, 2006 and March 24, 2007 and then put them back to back in a high speed montage. Each 24 hour period is represented by a picture of 0.3 seconds in length.

Buckle your seat belt!

Day 74: Great News! I'm Fixed...and So Is My Computer!

Day 68 of 84

Status: Round 8: Phase 1: Day 3

G'day,

I apologize for yesterday's short post. While I didn't have a great day it could have been much worse. My day started off good with HIIT cardio and abs in the morning. I am now pushing the outer limits of my endurance level with cardio, I'm definitely in uncharted waters, far surpassing anything I achieved in my 'glory days' six years ago.

My ab workouts are also becoming far more intense due to the increased strength in my abdominal region and lower back. I have perfected a new workout that is a cross between a 'lay down' and a 'hip up'. Of course I am still following David Grisaffi's "Six-Pack In Six-Weeks" eBook as well. If you want to learn more about his eBook check out "Adam's Bible of Fitness Mentors" in the sidebar.

Ok, now onto the rest of my day. When I got home from my workout my laptop decided not to play ball. It insisted on a firmware update without loading into the login screen. However, on the 4th attempt I was able to get in and boot from my external hard drive. That was a sigh of relief because EVERYTHING I have created and collected over the last 5 years is on my computer. I mean everything, all my images, documents, applications, mail, etc.

My laptop is a PowerBook G4, and recently it has been running a little ordinary with the occasional freeze and weird command. This is because it is running very low on HD space. In fact, I have been saving my pennies for a new desktop computer for the last 6 months, ever since Apple switched to Intel.

Well, today I decided to follow my own advice and take "massive action" and get a new computer already! So I did, I got myself a new iMac 24 inch desktop. This machine is a work of art, however I haven't really been able to do much yet because I am still in the process of transferring my old files over. I'll give you an unbiased review when I get that done.

For my own amusement I have placed "before & after" pictures of my computer workspace below.

Later that afternoon my day took another turn for the worse.

I had some "bad salmon" in the afternoon and paid the price for it later that night when I attended a ¥4,500 ($40) a head dinner.

I was feeling so bad that I only had one salad and some lean protein. By the time I got home my stomach was in knots and dealing me very sharp jabbing pains for over 3 hours.

My stomach eventually settled down by midnight. By the time I woke up this morning I was feeling back to my best.

So much so that I went to the gym again this morning to fulfill my pre-determined workout of HIIT cardio and ab training. So, all's well now.


Before I sign off I also want to say thank you to the many people who sent me emails asking how I was. I really appreciate your concern.

Here are Day 74 pics for January 21, 2007.

Peace, AJ

P.S. Tomorrow I promise I will finally reveal the amazing story of how I discovered my fat loss training program, as well as the guy behind it.