Andy’s 15kg weight loss shows you can work two full-time jobs and still get results

“I feel way more confident about myself and I finally understand how to train myself in the gym.”

Andy didn’t let working two full-time jobs stop him from getting in shape.

Having suffered a shoulder injury that required him to take six months off work, he noticed the weight piling on and knew he needed some expert guidance to fix it.

Since teaming up with U.P. he’s learned how to use gym equipment properly, his nutrition is more structured, and he’s juggled his little free time to fit in his step count every day – all leading to this incredible 15kg weight loss in just 18 weeks.

He’s now a lot more confident when going to the gym and has learned to not be so hard on himself if he has a bad day.

In this Q&A with his trainer, Andy talks about time management and the difference a 60-minute session in the gym makes to his mental and physical health…

What was your main motivation for joining U.P.?

I had a shoulder injury that meant I’d had to take six months off work, and in that period, I put on quite a bit of weight that I wasn’t happy with. I’d been looking at the website for Ultimate Performance for a while. I used the gym anyway, but I didn’t really know what I was doing so I was looking for help and guidance.

You work two full-time jobs. How did you find managing your long working hours with the training and everything we ask of you outside of the gym?

I found weight tracking and step counting every day a massive help with staying motivated as it gives you a clear goal of where you’re going. I struggled a bit fitting in the steps every day as having two jobs can be tricky but completing the necessary steps is a massive help to recover from the gym and helps me mentally too. Getting outside is a massive mental health boost for me. I think it shows though that realistically anybody can do it because I’ve worked two jobs and still managed a decent step count most days.

I’ve been doing the two jobs for just over 12 years together, which has obviously put a massive strain on me with regard to my free time and personal life. But I think coming here and seeing what you can achieve in an hour’s session shows you that an hour out of that time doesn’t hurt.

You’ve definitely shown how much you can achieve, regardless of time constraints. How different do you feel now compared to when you started your transformation?

I feel way more confident in using the gym and in myself as well, both physically and mentally. I don’t feel out of place in the gym anymore, especially if someone’s using a piece of equipment that I use, I’m confident enough to ask them how many sets they have left.

How have you taken the lessons you’ve learned at U.P. and applied them to everyday life?

I’ve had a few social events throughout my transformation and days where I’ve gone to the rugby, and I might have had some beers or something a bit ‘naughty’ to eat, but you can counterbalance those with the week. I’ve learned that I can be stricter on some days and let myself go on others. I can pick it back up if I stick to the plan again afterwards.

Did you have much experience with weightlifting prior to joining U.P.?

I wasn’t weightlifting at all before. I’d always shy away from the weights because I always felt I would injure myself. I don’t think my posture was necessarily right and that was hindering me more. Learning from my trainer how to position myself has helped massively.

Can you think of three learnings that will help you maintain everything you have achieved so far?

For me, the gym plan is massive. I know what I’m doing in the gym now and how to target specific muscle groups. And then also the food. I don’t think I was eating properly before. I wouldn’t really have breakfast; I’d just pick at stuff but now I know I can meal prep for a couple of days and that’s saved me a lot of time. And then finally, the step count. Some days I’ve struggled but when I’m on duty it’s pretty easy to get the steps in. My day shifts are 10.5 hours and night shifts are 13.5 hours so it’s just doing what I can in that spare time.

And lastly, how do you feel about your results?

I’m happy with what I’ve achieved. I’m always that person who thinks there’s room for improvement, but I’d like to thank my trainer because he’s been amazing for me. He has massively helped me, and not just with the gym. He’s been very supportive for me.

Andy is proof that no matter how little time you have in your schedule, results are possible for anyone. Get in touch with Ultimate Performance today to find out how we can help you realise your goals!

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