6 WEEK CHALLENGE

WE INTERVIEWED OUR WINNER BEN BIRNBAUM TO SEE HOW HE GOT SUCH IMPRESSIVE RESULTS…

Ben, you have been a long term ProSport member since we first opened here in Richmond – what keeps you motivated?

Mainly it’s my wife kicking me out of bed and making me train. Oh and those $10 “fines” if you book in but don’t turn up definitely contribute to keeping me motivated. But in all seriousness it’s probably the ProSport trainers, community, and general vibe of the place which makes turning up not feel like a chore, especially compared with other gyms I’ve been a member of.

You averaged 4.6 sessions per week over the 6 week challenge, not a bad effort with a job, a young daughter and another bub almost here  – what are your favourite classes at Prosport?

I’m loving the strength classes at the moment, although there is nothing quite as satisfying as coming out of the altitude chamber dripping with sweat and gasping for oxygen. You definitely feel like you’re getting bang for your buck working out in the chamber.

How much did you have to change lifestyle habits with alcohol, food, sleep and training?

I upped my number of sessions at ProSport and on the days when I couldn’t get there I’d go for a run (which was a bit of a shock to the system) - first couple of weeks I was exhausted, but my body quickly adjusted and I’m feeling really good. Cutting out alcohol cold turkey wasn’t too tough (my heavy drinking days are past me) - but I love all things food, so that was probably the biggest challenge. I completely changed my diet, drastically cut back on the amount I was consuming, and changed the times of day I was eating. I’m now in the process of dialling it all back and being less strict so that I can (hopefully) turn it into sustainable habits.

Did you enjoy doing the challenge?

Definitely! I wanted to quickly get into a bit better shape before our second baby comes along in order to delay the inevitable onset of my dad-bod. Mission accomplished I think.