Having been training with Fitter London from early 2010 I had already seen a great progression in my overall strength and fitness but was still looking for that extra something to get the improvements I really wanted. I've been training for over 10 years and have always struggled to gain size and a considerable increase in strength, mainly thanks to what I thought was my high metabolism. Siting in the region of 70kg in body weight I am by no means a big guy and could consume up to 6000 calories a day, combined with a decent weight training program, was still only able to gain around 2-3kg in muscle mass that would then be lost if my calorie intake dropped. I'd resided to the fact that its just the way I am and was never going to get the strength gain I wanted.
When Keris first introduced me to the BioSignature concept, I was intrigued to see if the principles could be used to help me get the results I wanted. I soon got online to research the origin of the idea and found myself on world renowned strength coach Charles Poliquin's website, who developed the BioSignature method. I lost hours reading blogs and articles, discussing strength and body conditioning concepts that had completely opposing views on fat loss and muscle gain to those of the fitness magazines and personal trainers I had previously spoken to. I was absolutely fascinated and sold on the idea that the concept could help me get the results I wanted.
My initial assessment involved the measuring of my body fat percentage at 12 points around my body that revealed a current measurement of 11.8%. Then followed an in depth analysis of my current diet and lifestyle that was then followed by a strict 2 week diet and supplementation plan with the intention of getting my body fat percentage below 10% and a high intensity, varied training schedule based on the Fitter London classes and one personal training session a week with Matt.
The diet was a paleo based diet, high in protein and removing dairy and carb heavy food with the exception of fruit. I found the first few days a challenge as the craving for sugar set in and my body felt tired as it adapted to a protein based energy source. With the promise of a cheat day after two weeks on the plan, I could eat what ever I wanted. it wasn't a tough decision to stick with it and persevere.
Within 4 days of starting the prescribed plan I was already starting to feel better not only physically but mentally too. I could concentrate for longer at work (something I've always struggled with), my sleep was getting better and my general energy levels through out the day were more consistent without the afternoon slump. I was now able to maintain a higher intensity during workouts and could start to see a marked difference in my body composition. As the two week mark approached and all aspects of my training improving, I was keen to see what my second assessment would reveal and the list of sugary, carb laden foods I was planning on eating on my cheat day was growing and growing!
At the second assessment, my body fat measurements revealed I had dropped 2.2% and was now at 9.6%! I couldn't believe the results and although I had lost body fat, my overall weight was the same meaning I had gained a noticeable amount of lean muscle mass. This is exactly what I had hoped for and although I was now on my promised cheat day, I had no real desire to pig out on sugar and carbs and ruin all the progress I had made. I did make a point of eating fish and chips after completing the first two weeks to see how it made me feel and I have to say, I felt absolutely terrible after wards. All it did was reiterate how good I was now feeling on the low carb diet. I'd also kept a complete, day by day record of everything I had eaten over the last two weeks and on inspection, Keris gave me some pointers on where I could improve/change to get even better results.
These two weeks had given me exactly what was promised when I decided to take on the BioSignature challenge and the next two weeks were set to see even more improvements. What I really liked about the whole concept was the combination of intelligent nutrition and supplementation and a focused training program that was specific to me and adapted to my body's needs as I progressed. Preparation was key to getting the diet bang on and admittedly, it was initially a struggle to prepare enough meat for my meals and to avoid resorting to quick fix meals like sandwiches. It soon became a part of my routine though and I enjoyed the challenge of coming up with carb free meals.
6 weeks after starting the BioSignature process I've seen a dramatic increase in overall strength, ( in the region of 20% for some exercises, something I never though possible in such a short time), my ability to concentrate has improved, my sleep is better and my overall well being has had noticeable improvement. I've also learnt a lot about my body, what works for me food wise and what I can achieve when given the right coaching and direction. Now with the knowledge of how good I can feel, the low carb, high protein diet has become the mainstay of what I eat and with continued support and advise from Keris and Matt, I can't see an end to the personal development I can achieve. If your looking for a way to get in shape by loosing fat quickly and becoming leaner and stronger than you ever have before, BioSignature is for you. With a bit of commitment, perseverance and hard work you can achieve the body and levels of fitness you've always wanted.
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