The CEO of a gym has lost 29 pounds of fat in just over a year by following the methodology put in place by the coaches he employs in order to set a good example for other members.
Simon Philis, 39, is the Managing Director of REUNION Training, a group of fitness studios that focus on nutrition education and group classes with a twist – or home workouts if you don’t live not close enough to travel in person.
The successful Sydney businessman is surrounded by members who pursue their own health journeys and he wanted to set a good example for them by participating in the very training he preaches.
“I joined REUNION at the end of 2019. My very close friend and juggernaut in the fitness industry, Luke Istomin (co-founder of F45) asked me if I was interested in joining his new fitness revolution that is changing the gives, ”Simon told Daily Mail. Australia.
Simon Philis, 39, is the CEO of REUNION Training, a group of fitness studios that focus on nutrition education and group classes with a twist – or home workouts if you don’t live not close enough to visit in person (photo before left and now right)
The successful businessman, who lives in Sydney, is surrounded by members who are on their own health journey and he wanted to set a good example for them by participating in the very training he preaches.
“I was in love with the concept because before I was someone who loved bodybuilding and had never personally seen the value of HIIT group classes to myself.
“As a guy I wanted to have more muscle, rather than being lean, so Luke’s concept of a true hybrid strength and conditioning model of training really suited and appealed to me.
“I felt that as the CEO of the company it would have been remiss of me to continue to look so unfit – that’s a terrible example to set for my colleagues and our members, so Luke m ‘challenged to start with just a few months, relax, and then build momentum.’
Starting his journey at 92kg in August 2020, Simon had to find motivation even as NSW entered Covid lockdowns and training restrictions were in place.
Simon trained six days a week mixing his strength workouts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, conditioning on Tuesday and Thursday and a full fit fest on Saturday.
“I was able to train as many times a week in the studio as I wanted, and when that was not possible, whether due to professional or social commitments, or even the lockdown, I was able to use our offer online as well as outdoors. training, ”he said.
“No excuses, basically. I lost 22 pounds in 14 months and gained 7 pounds of muscle. That’s a whopping 29 pounds of fat loss. ‘
Simon worked out six days a week mixing his strength workouts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, conditioning on Tuesday and Thursday and a “fitness party” on Saturday.
“What is essential, I have not suffered any injuries during this time – and this is due to the well-trained coaches who focus on performing the movements correctly,” he said.
Simon started off with a 15% calorie deficit and slowly built in maintenance – the calories you eat so you don’t lose or gain weight – then a period of surplus before another deficit.
“Macrosplits were explained to me as a way to ensure the right amount of energy, while causing fat loss, muscle gain and hormonal balance at different stages. This balance was essential, ”he said.
“My specific eating routine included what many refer to as intermittent fasting, although the truth is I didn’t follow it as a manager – I’m just not hungry in the morning and I don’t like to eat the little one. breakfast.
“I eat normally after working out in the 12:15 sessions, opting for a full wrap of healthy grilled chicken with avocado, leafy greens, tomato and because I like it, cheese.
Simon started off with a 15% calorie deficit and gradually built in maintenance – the calories you eat so you don’t lose or gain weight – then a period of surplus before another deficit.
“If the day was more intense in cardio, I could have pasta with lean meat sauce, and periodically a vegetarian or vegan option, as I tend to enjoy these meals as well.
“I always have a protein shake after training, especially since it’s convenient.
“Getting your protein is so vital, and I usually have a hard time getting enough of it, so it’s a great way to get it easily. “
Dinners were usually lean chicken or fish with carbs like brown rice and potatoes on the side.
“I made my own pizza, saving about 40-45% of the calories by making it myself but without needing to use things like cauliflower bases,” he said.
Simon feels confident, lighter, sleeps better and can no longer find any excuse to keep his shirt on the beach
“I would even make my own fried chicken – my air fryer was a divine gift! Anything you can control or monitor will help. I followed the calories for a while, until I felt I understood which foods were right on my eye. Then I took it more easily.
And the results speak for themselves.
Simon feels confident, lighter, sleeps better and can no longer find any excuse to keep his shirt on the beach.
“I didn’t think that at my age it would be possible to transform like this. It really uplifts me. I wish everyone to feel this, ”he said.
