Before And After Pictures Show What Ten Weeks Of Extreme Fitness Dedication Can Do
Before And After: 3 Guys Trial The Men's Health 10-Week Transformation
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
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Three men have have transformed their beer bellies into six-packs after embarking on the ten-week Men’s Healthfitness transformation.
Jamie Sage, James Fisher and Daniel Masoliver have shed their fat and put on muscle in a bid to feel better about their bodies and kickstart a healthier lifestyle.
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Jamie Sage, 34
Sharing the reason for his lifestyle change, Sage, 34 reveals: “With a seven-month-old boy at home, this was my last chance to get fit before becoming a ‘fat dad’.
"I learnt that if you’re a new dad, or even an old one, it’s not too late. But you will need help.”
Squeezing in training sessions with personal trainer James Hardy, while also juggling a busy working life and looking after his newborn son, Sage lost 12cm from his waist – more than one cm per week of training.
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James Fisher, 25
Like many health-conscious men, Fisher, 25, was already a keen gym member but had found himself in a rut. “I looked after myself, but wasn’t seeing the results,” he reveals.
“I wanted to find out if I could be more than just your regular gym-goer, so I turned to Rich Tidmarsh at Reach Fitness.
"I was amazed by what I could achieve, with just a few tweaks to my food and exercise habits. 10 weeks really isn’t too much to give.”
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Daniel Masoliver, 29
Daniel Masoliver, 29, was a “skinny fat” cardio convert who had never lifted weights before in his life and carried a stubborn roll of fat around his belly.
“My trainer James Conci-Mitchell put me on a weightlifting plan so simple I was sceptical it would work,” he says. “But it did, and then some.”
Masoliver not only put on 4kg of muscle, but halved his body fat, significantly reducing his risk of heart disease.
Of course, the transformation wasn’t without sacrifice: “Nights out with friends were necessarily dry – in every sense of the word,” says Masoliver. “But visible abs feel like just reward for all my social sacrifices.”
As obesity and heart disease rates among British men reach record high levels, Masoliver, Sage and Fisher knew that it was more important than ever to make lifestyles choices that ensure their long-term health.
And it's safe to say the three men, who all work at Men's Health, have come a long way over the past couple of months.
Men’s Health editor Toby Wiseman adds: “The physical results that the challengers have achieved is proof that truly anyone, with the right attitude, can make massive positive changes to their physiques in just 10 weeks.”
“While their transformations have been impressive, the real challenge comes now in taking on the lessons they’ve learned to maintain their newly healthy lifestyles.
"The 10-week mark doesn’t signal the end of their challenge, but heralds the start of a healthy, sustainable new outlook.”
Check out the full before and after photos and discover how to transform your own body in just 10 weeks in the Men’s Health June issue on sale Friday 1 May.
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7 Surprising Health Benefits Of Exercise
Lower your blood pressure(01 of07)
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"There seem to be acute benefits from cardiovascular training that occur for 24-48 hours after each moderate exercise session," says Randi S. Lite, Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Exercise Science Program at Simmons College. "These include a reduction in resting blood pressure, particularly for those who have high blood pressure."How does this happen? As we age, our blood vessels become stiffer, which raises blood pressure, says Rani Whitfield, M.D., a family physician and American Heart Association spokesperson. "The hormones released during exercise make blood vessels more compliant, similar to what happens with blood pressure medications," says Dr. Whitfield. "You won't feel a difference, but your doctor will—and [he'll] start to smile." (credit:Shutterstock)
Regulate your blood sugar(02 of07)
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When we exercise, our body first draws on blood sugar (a.k.a. glucose) for fuel. And insulin is the hormone we produce that regulates the amount of glucose in our blood stream. Exercising naturally regulates blood sugar, because it "immediately improves your body's ability to use the insulin you're already making," says Dr. Whitfield. "Diabetics often have to adjust the medications they're taking when they get fit," he adds. Relying on less medication to control diabetes is a huge benefit. (credit:Shutterstock)
Lift more weight, more easily(03 of07)
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Your muscles may not look any different after a few weeks of weight training, but they've actually become smarter and more efficient. "One of the first adaptations to occur is neuromuscular coordination," says Lite. "Even before your muscles get larger from the strength training, you will be able to lift more weight with less strain. This is due to the nervous system getting better at figuring out exactly which muscle fibers need to be working to lift a given amount of weight." (credit:Shutterstock)
Feel like a million bucks(04 of07)
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Studies have shown that almost all exercise, whether it's walking, yoga, or even gardening, decreases depression and boosts self-esteem. "Although most studies tend to look at the effects of exercise over longer periods (12 weeks or longer), patients often report feeling more energetic and having better sleep early on in an exercise program," says Janelle W. Coughlin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. "Often times, they feel a boost in confidence and motivation, as well."How does it work? Physiologically, exercise increases blood circulation to the brain and influences your body's response to stress, says Dr. Coughlin. But exercise also delivers a one-two punch of benefits from an emotional perspective. "People may feel better when they exercise, because it's distracting, because they are engaging in social interactions, because they are developing self-confidence, or because they feel like they are managing their health," she says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Revs up your metabolism(05 of07)
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In a matter of minutes, exercise boosts your metabolism. And you have hardworking neurochemicals to thank for it. "Just the fact that your heart rate goes up and your circulation is forced to go faster tells the brain that something important is happening, and it starts producing neurochemicals," says Rebecca Jaffe, M.D., a family physician who's on the board of directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians. The same neurochemicals that boots your mood are also responsible for improving your metabolism, and their effects can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, she says. "You have to continue the exercise to have sustaining benefits," says Dr. Jaffe. (credit:Shutterstock)
Have less arthritis pain(06 of07)
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In as little as two weeks, exercise can relieve pain in your joints. Really! Arthritis weakens the shock-absorbing cartilage between your joints and your bones. Strengthening the muscles around knees and shoulders eases stress on the joint itself. "Exercising in a pool for 30 minutes, three times a week can bring an improvement in arthritis pain after two weeks," says Dr. Jaffe. (credit:Shutterstock)
Quit smoking more easily(07 of07)
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Looking to quit a dirty habit like smoking, alcohol, or drug use? Multiple studies have shown that exercise helps you kick alcohol dependency by boosting your mood, decreasing depressive feelings, and offering you an improved coping method. While other studies showed that cigarette cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms decreased rapidly during exercise and remained reduced for up to 50 minutes after. (credit:Shutterstock)