Get Beasty: How-to lose weight the right way with the Beasty Challenge

This logo was designed by Javier Hernandez, personal trainer and creator of The Beasty Challenge.

Have you tried to lose weight recently? Did you get the results you wanted? We try diets, gyms, vitamins, and protein shakes, but sometimes they do n’t work. Well, here is something you might not have tried: combining solutions to fit your personal needs with inexpensive professional guidance in a competitive atmosphere.

Once a year, independent personal trainer Javier Hernandez of Tempe holds a Beasty Competition. Following his slogan to “get beasty,” Hernandez offers participants the opportunity to lose weight and gain muscle through the motivation of competition and a cash prize for the winner.

The first step, he says, is deciding on a time frame. Hernandez likes to keep it close to 12 weeks.

Next, find others who want to compete. You can look for anyone, any shape, size, or age.

If individuals work with others they are more likely to be motivated, says Hernandez.

Third , be confident. Assure others that you’re competing with them. They aren’t alone in their endeavor . You all have a common goal to win the competition and pocket some extra cash while doing something for yourself.

Then, pay the “buy-in” price. This amount gets you a personalized meal plan, a group to work with to reach your goal, optional training with Hernandez, and of course, it gets you one step closer to the prize money.

Also, every day, each contestant follows his or her personalized meal plan. You are required to eat every two hours.

Meat, like fish, red meat and chicken, can only be consumed in 6 ounce portions. Marinades are discouraged, but contestants can use any spices or rubs that they enjoy.

Any green vegetables are encouraged for participants to eat. Broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, and even salads with light vinegar dressings are all acceptable .

Participants are also encouraged to use their imaginations. Experiment with the foods’ preparation; this will decrease the probability of getting bored with your meal plan.

Unfortunately, in the Beasty Competition, participants have to cut carbohydrates, starch, and dairy products from their diet completely. Fruits that are high in sugar, such as grapes, bananas and strawberries are also discouraged but not forbidden.

“Changing my regular eating habits” is the hardest thing that Nick Link, 30, a contestant of the Beasty Challenge, says he’s had to accomplish.

Contestants are encouraged to exercise at least three days during each week of the competition. C ardio exercises can increase your metabolism, says Hernandez.

During each of his competitions, Hernandez photographs contestants to log their improvement .

“You see yourself every day, so you never notice the changes without them,” says Hernandez of the photos.
What motivates people to “go beasty”?    

For Link, it was turning 30 and realizing he wasn’t healthy enough to be actively involved in the lives of his 2-year-old twins.
           
Daniel Hartmann, an independent personal fitness trainer at Hardcore Fitness in Scottsdale says, “I want to feel good, be strong and perform everyday tasks more easily and more efficiently while lowering any risk of injury and maintaining my current lifestyle as long as I can .”  

When people come in asking him for advice on how to lose weight, Hartmann says, “It’s a lifestyle change and requires commitment and dedication… Weight loss can be a slow, painful process, but if you want it bad enough, you will reap the rewards of all your hard work.”
Additionally, Hernandez offers an optional celebration at the end of the competition for all of the participants.

“As long as they are really putting effort in, no one really loses,” says Hernandez .

“I would definitely consider participating in the Beasty Challenge again… even if I didn’t achieve my goals the first time,” says Link. He also adds that he would recommend the program to others because it’s “strict, hard, and takes a lot of time, but it’s worth it.”

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