“It will be hard, but in the end it will be worth it” – Paul’s story

Paul learned the hard way that working out regularly doesn’t always guarantee results and that sometimes, you just hit a plateau. When he joined the Transformation Challenge, he discovered just how crucial a structured plan is, and how much of a difference nutrition and consistency can make in reaching his fitness goals. Here’s his story:

“Before starting the Transformation Challenge, my relationship with fitness was mixed. I actually had been working out quite regularly outside, but I didn’t progress because I didn’t really have a system. My overall lifestyle was actually quite decent – my diet was okay, sleep could definitely be longer, and stress levels were quite high!

Going into the challenge, my goals were to gain muscle mass, improve my posture, and have more energy. Bonus: a six-pack. What I was really looking forward to over the next four months was having a proper system and the motivation that comes from being part of a group. I wanted consistency, something I had been missing.

I felt good overall heading into the Transformation Challenge, but I knew the diet part was indeed going to be the hardest.”

“Halfway through the challenge, exercise had really become a habit. It no longer felt like something I had to do, but something I wanted to do and looked forward to!

Recently, I got sick, and my biggest worry was that I wouldn’t be able to work out properly. I really wanted to achieve good results, but I also missed the habit and the amazing feeling after a workout.

The biggest changes so far at the halfway point? I could already see some results. My posture had improved, my back pain was gone, and I even received a few compliments. It felt great! Getting into the routine, especially the nutrition part, was tough at first, but now it was part of my day, and I actually liked the structure.

Motivation was very high, though I was definitely upset about being sick with some stupid virus. I was looking forward to the finish line but committed to keeping at it, even if more modestly, and to avoiding alcohol except maybe on very special occasions.”

“Looking back, I was always interested in fitness, but my life had different phases – sometimes more active, sometimes not at all. I never really reached a point where I was truly happy with my shape.

This has definitely changed with the Transformation Challenge. Even halfway through, I started to see results, and others noticed too.

I wouldn’t say my relationship with fitness has changed drastically, but I’ve started to appreciate the importance of a more systematic approach and of nutrition.

I started paying closer attention to macros and adjusted my nutrition plan to fit my fitness goals. For example, I was focused on protein, but I learned carbs are actually important for muscle growth. It’s about the right balance.”

“Did I reach my goal? Yes, and no. My goal was to get from 71 to 75 kg without adding body fat. I am at 68 kg now, but I'm still happy with how I look.

What I definitely gained was more discipline and structure, and this is something that will help me long term. I also realized that many things, like eating junk food and drinking alcohol, are social constructs. And once you break free from those, it becomes easier, and you don’t want to go back.”

“After the Transformation Challenge, I definitely want to keep working out and add even more structure to my routine. I plan to work out daily for 30 minutes during the week, using a split workout schedule. I also want to maintain a simple, healthy diet and continue challenging myself not to drink alcohol.

That was one unexpected benefit I discovered was my intention not to drink alcohol moving forward. I didn’t anticipate that at the beginning of the Challenge.”

“It will be hard, but in the end it will be worth it, and it will be rewarding. That's why it's called a challenge.”