James Elton – 45 – Fat Loss Programme
Why I did you choose SW7 Academy and what did you want to achieve?
In my younger years I was a prop and I played for 3 years in the Welsh Premiership.
Upon retiring from rugby and without really acknowledging it, I started to pile on the weight and bad habits started to creep into my lifestyle. From looking through old photos I realised how much weight I had gained and decided I needed to make a change.
I was 23 stone when I first started on the Academy in April 2023 and by the August I was 18 and a half stone.
To give you an idea of where I was to where I am now, When I first started joined the Academy and started getting back into training I was benching 80 KG’s for 4 reps, I am now up to 140kg for 3 reps and my working weight on bench is 120kg for 8 – 10 reps. My deadlift has gone from 100kg to 180kg for reps. My DB bench-press was 16kg and I am now doing 40kg’s, my shoulder press is 42kg and military press is up to 80kg.
"I am 46 next week and I have never been so strong!"
How is SW7 Academy different to what you have done in the past?
Even through my rugby career I was following more of a bodybuilder style split – legs, chest, shoulders, back once a week etc. So following the Academy’s programme it was completely alien and I had never trained like it before. Being honest the first 3 weeks was brutal but my body started to adapt.
My motivation for training while I was playing was so that I wasn’t getting my head rammed up my arse by my opposite number on a Saturday, I knew he would be training and that held me accountable to do the same.
"Fast forward to retiring from rugby, I didn’t have that same motivation and accountability. SW7 Academy then became my motivation and an opportunity to become the best version of myself. The app gave me the focus, structure, and consistency I needed to stay disciplined with my training and not drop off."
When I go to the gym after work I know the session will be difficult and uncomfortable but after I am buzzing and feel so good and that’s what keeps me coming back and pushing myself.
What are the mental and emotional benefits you have experienced?
I am a massive mental health advocate and have suffered with my mental health issues myself and last year was one of the toughest years of my life. SW7 Academy gave me a purpose, it genuinely gave me a purpose. When people around you start noticing the improvements you are making and the weight you are losing it certainly helps with your confidence and self-esteem.
Would you recommend SW7 Academy to a friend?
I already have, I mention it to people all of the time. SW7 Academy works… I have lost 4 stone and a result I have had to buy new shirts and trousers!
I now use SW7 Academy as my opposition, it’s not the tighthead on a Saturday I am up against…now it’s about bettering myself.
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