BBR Success Story!
After a particularly stressful period saw Alan lose 6kg from his slight frame, he knew he needed to make lifestyle changes if he wanted to be a strong and happy dad (and granddad down the track!). Thankfully, he landed at BBR and has absolutely smashed his challenges in 2024 building himself up and gaining around 5kg of muscle, a killer mindset and a love for lifting. Al brings such a fun energy to every session, bouncing in at 5am and introducing himself to his station partners for the day. We can’t wait to see Al raising the roof in 2025 and layering more muscles on his already epic physique!! Here’s Al’s story…
BBR: Please tell us about your health and fitness history prior to BBR...
AG: I have practised yoga as my main form of health and wellbeing for close to 20 years. I hadn’t lifted weights for close to 20 years, but remained fairly healthy with a good diet. In my early twenties and thirties I drank way too much alcohol while living in the UK and South Africa, and only in the past few years have I slowed down with children arriving on the scene around 10 years ago. Prior to BBR (first joined for the challenge in May 2024), I spent a very stressful year moving state twice, Perth to the Sunshine Coast (11 month stint) and then back to Perth in April this year. Moving home five times over this 11 month stint led to me losing 6 kgs of weight, and I was already on the thin side.
BBR: Who or what prompted you to sign up to BBR and why was it the right time for you to join?
AG: I joined BBR to gain muscle and get stronger. Aged 46 and all the science points to ensuring we are strong and have muscle as we move into middle age. I would like to pick up my grandkids when I'm 85+ and feel strong. I had also heard fantastic success stories from people doing the challenges and thought this would be a good short circuit to our crazy family adventure.
BBR: How hard was it in the early days? What challenged you the most?
AG: The amount of food I had to eat for breakfast and adjusting to 5am wake up classes.
BBR: Were there any changes you made that were enjoyable or easy straight away?
AG: 5am wake up is natural now and super easy. Not drinking wasn’t difficult during the challenge. In weeks four and five of the challenge by Thursday, after 4 sessions, the motivation sometimes waned plus the meal prep, but I pushed through, completed the challenge and now continue the program to about 80%.
BBR: How long did it take for you to feel changes?
AG: Around 4-5 weeks.
BBR: Please tell us about the changes you've experienced over your time with BBR…
AG: I gained around 6 kgs of weight and around 4-5 kgs of muscle in 6 weeks. I also moved out of the medium risk for Osteopenia for my age and frame, and feel strong. Training everyday makes it difficult to have a bad day! Every day starts with a smile when you complete your morning session, which is certainly helped by the epic trainers at BBR.
BBR: Do you have any upcoming goals you're working on for 2025 and beyond?
AG: Still considering this but I’m aiming to gain a few more kgs of muscle. Having gone from 68.5 to 76kgs and now 78kgs, I’m looking at staying around 80kgs for the future. Also, I’ve been overseas and after 10 days of no training, all the muscle aches, back twinges and knee issues have all slowly crept back into my life so I am looking to get back into the gym in a couple weeks’ time when I get back! I’m missing the gym!
BBR: Fave exercise or session at BBR?
AG: Tuesdays Sissy Squats
BBR: Least fave?
AG: Bulgarian Madness Thingymijiggy and staying on one station exercise
BBR: Fave BBR plan meal?
AG: Steak and Avo
BR: Fave café and your order there?
AG: Cimbalino Eric street poached eggs and long mac in a mug
BBR: Fave holiday destination?
AG: Bali - Bingin surfing with the boys or the Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua with the family!
