Those of you who know me, and my training philosophy, will know that the whole ’10 week challenge’ body transformation thing is about as far removed from what I practise as it is possible to be.

I don’t claim to be a ‘diet guy’ or to be the one to turn to when prepping for photo shoots. I train my clients and athletes to get stronger, perform better, move more efficiently, avoid and recover from injury.

However, this time last year I took on a project for Womens Health Magazine that was exactly that.  Take a 20 something journalist still slightly living the student lifestyle, and see what we can do with her in a 10 week training cycle.   We didn’t do anything mind blowing – we worked on her alignment and mobility, then once her movements were cleaned up she trained to get stronger in some basic lifts whilst cutting out the junk from her diet.   She trained hard,  lifting 4 days per week with an active recovery low intensity ‘fuel burning’ session thrown in.  The diet was sensible, 90% ‘clean’ leaving room for a few treats and cheats.

The reason I am re visiting this subject now is that I have been updating a training program this morning for a colleague of this 20 something journalist.  Some 12 months on from the original project.  The program is again focussing on movement quality over quantity, and improving athleticism and performance.   It is not about quick fixes, fad diets and ‘transformations’.

Training for improved performance gives specific, measurable results and sustainable benefits to quality of life.  There is a reason why 12 months on we’re still going…..

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