Editor Gary Skentelbery takes the Six Week BPM challenge
FOR more than two decades I have struggled with my weight – in fact one crash diet I did in my early 30s nearly killed me!
The simple fact is every diet and exercise regime I have tried in the past has only ever given me a short term weight loss. As soon as I returned to my normal routines the weight gradually crept back on.
As anyone who has dieted knows too well, it is easier putting it back on than losing it in the first place.
So when I heard about the Six Week BPM challenge at the Park Royal Hotel Leisure Club, which is based on your own heartbeat, I was fascinated to see if I could find a system which would hopefully keep the weight off permanently, without the need of any silly dieting.
I was a little sceptical because the course did involve three sessions in the gym – including circuit training and following a calorie count! I’ve never done circuit training in my life and previous calorie counting has never worked long term for me in the past.
I was also extremely doubtful of what could be achieved in the six week programme which has been devised by personal trainers Josh Screawn (Josh 1) and Josh Sudlow (Josh 2).
Imagine my shock after sitting down with my PT Josh 2 and him setting me a daily calorie goal of 2400 !! That is the average for an adult male. He explained I would need the calories as fuel for the training I would be doing!
My first PT session left me a little short of breath, on my knees – and apparently I was quite vocal. My first circuit training, which filled me with fear, actually turned out to be fun – so much so by the half way stage of the challenge I was keen to do both circuit training sessions at the weekend.
Well to be honest the results have been outstanding. In just six short weeks I shed nearly 20lb in body fat, nearly a stone in overall weight, while improving my hydration and resting pulse, which was 67 bpm when I started and can now be as low as 54 bpm.
The key to my success – stepping up my exercise and most importantly watching those all-important calories – as the one weekend when I had a blast – Josh found out pretty quickly when I got on the scales!
It’s not rocket science, if you put in too many calories and don’t burn them off – you will bulge!
The old saying “you are what you eat” is pretty much spot on for most of us – and even those who are thin on the outside, can be fat on the inside.
What this Challenge has done is focus me on the importance of exercise and more importantly not to exceed my calorie goal. But the most satisfying thing is if you do some moderate exercise a few times a week – you can have a pretty high calorie goal and eat pretty much what you want in moderation.
It is still early days, but even after the challenge I have continued to lose body fat, calorie counting is now second nature – and I have signed up for the second six week challenge In January!
For more details call the Park Royal on 01925 730 000 – but hurry spaces are limited.
