How Endurance Runner Akash Transformed His Body with Weight Training

At 36, pharmacist Akash was already fitter than most – after almost a decade focused on cycling, swimming and running, he had even been training for a triathlon and Ironman.

But endurance training wasn’t giving him the defined body and muscle he wanted, and previous personal training had lacked the structure and precision to deliver it.

Inspired by his brother’s own transformation at Ultimate Performance, Akash decided to completely change his approach. Over 13 weeks – including Christmas and several weeks of travelling – he dropped 3kg of body fat while increasing his lean body mass by 4kg.

But looking better was only part of the result. Akash says he feels fresher, more confident and more disciplined.

In his words, “It’s almost like you’ve gained a couple of years of your life.”

Here’s how he did it...

What did your fitness routine look like before joining U.P.?

So, basically, I did a lot of endurance exercises. I did a lot of cycling, swimming, running. That was because I’d actually been trying to train for a triathlon and Ironman last year.

And I think over the last stretch of probably about 10 years I’ve just always focused on endurance. As much as it’s great and you do get a kick out of it once you’ve actually participated in it, I thought I’d change it up and go into a muscle building phase to just getting absolutely ripped.

That’s where I decided ‘okay, let’s stop the endurance. And let’s go for something like this!’

Did you think you already had a healthy lifestyle before you started?

I could see that I was following a fairly healthy lifestyle, but there’s also a bit of a misconception. I think that people think that they are doing the right thing.

But actually, once you come with the trainers at U.P. and actually do, and eat the food that you were told to eat, it is actually quite different to what you think is healthy.

Before, I’d start craving foods. And I’d just get onto those foods and I didn’t have that control. After doing this (U.P.) you can really tell what it does. You can see the end results of the sacrifices you make.

What ultimately motivated you to come to U.P.?

I think I’m at the stage in my life where, primarily, I just wanted to get in the best position possible, fitness wise. My brother had done this (U.P. programme) as well, and I could see the transformation in him.

I’d just focused too much on endurance. And that doesn’t get you in the actual shape that you really want to, which means defined muscles. And I thought that at this stage of my life, I can do it. So, I just went for it.

Were you surprised by the results you achieved in 13 weeks at U.P.?

Absolutely. I’d tried so many personal trainers and gyms, like David Lloyd. You sometimes feel that it’s a drudgery process.

It wasn’t as structured. There weren’t the same metrics. When you talk about stimulating the muscle, I wasn’t really getting there. You’re always waiting to see what the end result is.

Here it is phenomenal. You do have to put your heart and soul into it.

You’re definitely more accountable as well. So, you were pushed. And I think it was good because we did it gradually. So, obviously now you know what’s required.

Has it given you a passion for strength training now that you’ve seen the results?

Definitely. Before, I’d go to the gym, and it felt like a bit of a drudgery. I’d always think ‘am I doing the right thing?’

After doing the training here, I can go to the gym feeling confident that I’m doing the right technique. Rather than just going to the gym and trying to lift the heaviest thing you can, which is not the right way to do it.

How do you feel now compared to when you started?

I feel a lot better. I mean, I wasn’t out of shape completely. You feel almost like you’ve gained a couple of years of your life. You feel a bit more fresh. You’re in that shape.

People think it’s just ‘outside’ and it’s just your physique. But, even inside, I actually feel a little bit more cleansed.

Probably because of the diet as well. The cravings. I would just crave and eat and eat. And actually this whole programme has taught me the essence of discipline.

You completed the transformation through Christmas, travelling and awful winter weather. What did that teach you?

Absolutely. Some of the times I look back and reflect – the horrendous weather, just to get out and get those steps in. It’s the discipline. So now that you know you can do those certain things, in other parameters of your life, it shouldn’t really stop you. Which is great.

How did it feel to reach the physique goal you’d set yourself?

Once you’ve reached that goal, you feel that, hang on a second, you can actually do it. You do doubt yourself – is this going in the right direction? Are you capable of doing it?

But obviously the right guidance, etc – it’s proven. And the end result is there.

What would you say to someone considering starting at U.P.?

The results are evident. Just look at the website.

I wasn’t one of those cases where it was going from a complete extreme to the other.

But, even if you are in shape, or if you just want to have a discipline lecture, just do it. Because it’s one of those things that will teach you a lot of good things. Diet, nutrition, discipline, exercise – everything.

So, if you get the chance that you can do it, just step into it, leap into it, just do it!

Ready to turn your life around, like Akash? ENQUIRE NOW

‍

‍