Owning and running a busy personal training studio with my wife Anne saw me giving the right advice concerning nutrition and training to dozens of clients but unable to practice what I preach.

With working hours stretching from 6:00am right through to 9:30pm most days left me with little time to actually participate in any training for myself, let alone having time to make nutritious healthy meals. Running with clients was becoming increasingly difficult due to my weight gain caused by eating badly, trying to juggle a business as well as help look after a three-year old child. The last straw came when a client mentioned to me that I was getting a little tubby around the waist, so I thought - that's it.

My wife devised a great training strategy involving two weeks of strength followed by two weeks of hypertrophy then two weeks of circuit training, repeating this over the twelve weeks.

Training is only half of it so an easy to follow eating plan (see attached) was put into place. I didn't want to be one of those guys that just ate grilled chicken breasts with steamed rice and broccoli every night. I needed to have some variety, otherwise, I knew that I wouldn't be able to get through the first week, let alone a lifetime!! I made sure that I had at least one cheat meal per week so that I could still go out for dinner with friends and not stress about it.

Once again, it was a case of practising what I preach.

4 weeks into the program Anne, my wife, business partner and other trainer had a relapse of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This started to set me back for the remainder of the challenge. With her being unable to train her own clients I then had the added pressures of taking over her clients as well as managing all of the household and business duties. To say that this put me under the pump was an understatement. However, I did not let this major obstacle allow me to lose focus on my goal.

So 12 weeks later, I am over 10 kilos lighter and healthier. I find myself running faster, having more energy for my family and business and at 41 years of age I would have to say that I am in the best shape of my life. I have also learned that life will always throw you challenges along the way, the key is to stay focused, be organised and never, EVER give up!

I know that I can maintain this eating and training regime for the rest of my life, not just 12 weeks. This is a complete lifestyle change for me.

I would like to thank my wonderful wife Anne for her support and guidance, Megaburn bars for their great tasting and healthy protein bars as well as Aussie Bodies for there perfect protein powders.