In all my years of dieting and exercising, I would have never have thought I would end up where I am today. I have always been relatively active and trained 4-5 days a week. I also ate what I thought was a healthy diet. I have tried almost all the diet fads and gimmicks out there -- clean eating, paleo, low carb, IIFYM, just to name a few. But despite all that, I was never able to substantially achieve the performance or appearance I wanted. Two years ago, I made a birthday wish to be the best shape in my life. I had seen RP Strength in the Crossfit and Weightlifting arena for some time and decided to give it a shot. I knew its principles were backed by science, research, and a team of PhDs so it was not just a “diet” or fad. I purchased the RP Fat Loss Template along with the Female Physique Template for my first cut and got great results even though I only loosely followed it for about 8 weeks (due to work, school, and family obligations). I was also working with a weightlifting coach.
When I turned 40 this year, I made a decision to sign up for my first weightlifting competition. My coach convinced me that it would be best if I could cut down and lift in the 64kg (141lbs) class. Being 5’7 and older, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. The last time I weighed 141, I was doing excessive amounts of cardio and eating less than 1200 calories a day. At the same time, I saw the RP app roll out figured it would be a great opportunity to test it out. I had continued to use the Fat Loss Template on and off for general maintenance and health and trusted RP and its products based on my previous experience. I had less than 12 weeks to get to my goal weight so the cut was considered “Very Hard.” The first three weeks were the hardest. The RP app is different from the template. It is more aggressive BUT with the ongoing notifications and easy to access macros in your pocket, it made it easier to follow and adhere to. I continued my weightlifting program and followed my macros almost to a tee, and after a few weeks, I started seeing and feeling a difference. I leaned out, maintained my muscle mass, and got STRONGER! I went from 153lbs / 20% BF to 137.5lbs / 14% BF. I exceeded my weight loss goal, made weight for my meet, and maintained my strength. More importantly, I am in the best shape of my life! It definitely wasn’t easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. RP has changed my life. It has not only made me stronger physically but also mentally, and for that, I thank you.
I also have to send a special shout out to my coach Matt Ramirez at UFC Gym. Without his programming, support, and guidance, I would not have been able to take on the challenge, stick to the plan, or win 1st place in my competition!
