Photo: 2012 Olympic Rings on The Mound, Edinburgh; Derek Green
Like millions of people around the world, I’m currently tuning into television and online broadcasts to see athletes produce amazing performances in their chosen sports at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
For the United Kingdom, I enjoyed watching history being made twice in one evening. Jack Laugher and Chris Mears won Britain’s first ever Olympic gold medal for diving, in the 3 metre synchronised springboard event. Then Max Whitlock* won a bronze in the Men’s Individual All Round Gymnastics final, something that hasn't been achieved in 108 years.
It was clear to see that all these gentlemen were in peak physical condition as they participated in their competitions. Four years of dedicated hard work and training, since the last Olympics, has paid off and now they are all medal-holders.
This made me reflect on where I was, when London 2012 was on. In all honesty, I was in a completely different place to where I am now. Inactive, over-weight, stressed, unhappy and jealous of guys, like Jack, Chris and Max, because of the great physiques they had.
One of the legacy aims of the London Olympics was to encourage the UK population to become more active in sport. In fact the BBC's Sport Department adopted “Get inspired” as its strapline, that four years later, is still used across all their channels.
Although it took me another two years before I kickstarted my personal body transformation programme with Luke Bremner Fitness, just flipping through my previous blogposts it is amazing to see how far I’ve come in such a relatively short space of time.
Often television commentators and pundits will talk about the “sacrifices” athletes make in order to achieve their goal. The same can be said about any of us who have decided that it’s time to get into shape. Favourite, and often extremely unhealthy, foods are consigned to the dustbin. The consumption of alcohol is a rare treat rather than a regular occurrence. Suddenly an awareness of protein, carbohydrates and fat intake percentages become important factors of daily life. As does sleep. And exercise.
But that’s the perculiar thing. Back in 2014 it did feel as though I was making sacrifices in order to change my body. However after two years, what was once strange and unfamiliar, has now become the norm. I love returning home, after trips away, so I can take control of my diet and eat clean again.
As for my body, it’s gradually transforming. There’s no questioning that I’m fitter at the age of 51, then I've ever been. Sometimes I’m amazed at just how flexible I’ve become, and astonished at the amount of weight I’m capable of lifting. Catching the attention of the guys from “Briefs” last week – the handsome Australian male boylesque troupe – who were wandering around town promoting their Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, was certainly a boost for the old ego. Especially as I’ve been an admirer of theirs for several years.
Now the body jealousy I had during London 2012 has vanished. As the Games of the XXXI Olympiad take place in Rio, I’m thrilled with how my fitness levels and physique are progressing. But what excites me most is not knowing what I’ll be capable of achieving in the gym, by the time the Olympics are held in Tokyo in 2020.
I'm confident that I'll report back and let you know how I get on.
Although it took me another two years before I kickstarted my personal body transformation programme with Luke Bremner Fitness, just flipping through my previous blogposts it is amazing to see how far I’ve come in such a relatively short space of time.
Often television commentators and pundits will talk about the “sacrifices” athletes make in order to achieve their goal. The same can be said about any of us who have decided that it’s time to get into shape. Favourite, and often extremely unhealthy, foods are consigned to the dustbin. The consumption of alcohol is a rare treat rather than a regular occurrence. Suddenly an awareness of protein, carbohydrates and fat intake percentages become important factors of daily life. As does sleep. And exercise.
But that’s the perculiar thing. Back in 2014 it did feel as though I was making sacrifices in order to change my body. However after two years, what was once strange and unfamiliar, has now become the norm. I love returning home, after trips away, so I can take control of my diet and eat clean again.
As for my body, it’s gradually transforming. There’s no questioning that I’m fitter at the age of 51, then I've ever been. Sometimes I’m amazed at just how flexible I’ve become, and astonished at the amount of weight I’m capable of lifting. Catching the attention of the guys from “Briefs” last week – the handsome Australian male boylesque troupe – who were wandering around town promoting their Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, was certainly a boost for the old ego. Especially as I’ve been an admirer of theirs for several years.
Now the body jealousy I had during London 2012 has vanished. As the Games of the XXXI Olympiad take place in Rio, I’m thrilled with how my fitness levels and physique are progressing. But what excites me most is not knowing what I’ll be capable of achieving in the gym, by the time the Olympics are held in Tokyo in 2020.
I'm confident that I'll report back and let you know how I get on.
*Since writing this post Max Whitlock has won individual gold medals for both Men's Floor and Pommel Horse disciplines.
