BBR Success Story - Russell Hansen
One of the original Bodies by Ryan weapons, Russell Hansen joined way back when classes were so small Ryan often delivered unexpected personal training (the horror!), classes consisted of mostly body weight exercises and our beloved Forrest was just a wee pup. Fast forward over five years, which included a relocation overseas, a life-threatening meet and greet with a pine tree while snowboarding in Serbia, and losing a lot of mobility and conditioning - Russell saw Rhino’s mug on Instagram and knew exactly what he needed to do. We chatted to Russell about the beginning, the middle and his most recent crushing of the BBR 8-week challenge…
Rhino tells me you're an original... tell us when you first started with BBR, how you found Ryan and what the gym was like back then?
I joined BBR when Ryan was just starting out. My wife did one session with Ryan, said it was great and that I should come down and have go. The Claremont HITT gym didn’t have much in the way of weights or equipment. Just Ryan (and Forrest) revving everyone up and holding everyone to account. There were a few times that I would turn up and be the only person in the class, nowhere to hide when Ryan is standing right alongside you for the entire session! I loved the intensity and became part of the BBR cult.
What kind of results did you have back then?
Big shock to the system as I had never really been to a gym before and certainly never part of a “challenge” following a strict food plan. The food plans were pretty basic but I learnt a lot and formed new habits that stayed with me ever since. My long mac is now a long black and I can’t bring myself to drink coffee with milk.
Why did you stop training with BBR?
I only left BBR when my family and I made a decision to relocate overseas for three years.
Tell us about the accident... what happened?
While living overseas, skiing and snow boarding became one of our favourite family holidays. While snowboarding in Serbia last year I had an argument with a pine tree, broke my wrist and impacted my lower back. The result was a bulged disc at L5S1 causing severe sciatica down my left leg.
What were the ongoing injuries and how have you managed them?
The sciatica was driving my crazy, I couldn’t run or do any exercise, and was struggling with simple movement like tying my shoe laces. Even sitting in the car was difficult. I had back surgery (disectomy) in November 2021 and took five months to recover.
Why did you decide to return to BBR?
When I saw the 8 week challenge starting in May I knew that was the push I needed to get back to the gym and lose some weight, strengthen my core/back and regain some form/fitness. Oh, and Ryan’s motivational spiels on socials helped!
Tell us about the changes you've noticed here? How different is BBR in 2022?
The growth of BBR is obvious, lots of new members and the new Jolimont gym. There are other changes that happen over time, like the improved programming and session planning. Ryan has also built a great team, the BBR trainers are the true difference between other gyms and BBR. I enjoy training with all the trainers, they personalise the training and the sessions are polished and efficient.
Now the fun part... tell us what results you achieved and how you achieved them?
The 8 week challenge gave me a sense of purpose and I have to admit I am slightly addicted to the BBR cult again. I had a good idea on what to expect coming in to the 8 week challenge and I was hoping that I could still see good results after my back injury. There is obviously a commitment of time and effort, I was doing 6 - 8 sessions a week with a lot of early mornings. On top of the hard work is always the old “Stick to the plan” and the results will come #sttp
- Total weight loss = 6kgs (90.1kg to 84.1kg)
- Fat loss – 8.2kgs
- Muscle gain – 2.2kgs
How do you feel now on the other side, uninjured body, healthy, lean etc? What's it like to be Russell Hansen post-BBR challenge?
I feel 100%, however the real results for me were not apparent until I went for my dexa scan at the end of the 8-week challenge. My body composition had changed dramatically and was now aligned and in symmetry. I highly recommend a dexa scan to anyone coming into a new challenge.
I have forgotten that I ever had a back injury and now planning on another challenge later in the year.
Fast Five
Fave BBR station: Burpees in the HITT class
Least fave: Chin ups
Favourite Perth cafe and your order there: Shorehouse is my local and I love breakfast down there. Can recommend the Bloody Marys
Fave treat meal: Burgers – Any burger & chips
Fave holiday destination: Nihiwatu, Sumba Indonesia
