NEW YOU Runner Up - Troy Pedretti

On my usual trip to the local milk bar to get the paper I decided to buy an issue of Australian Ironman (Fighting Fat). In the magazine I came across the article by Sue Heintze “Training your body and mind”. The article struck a chord with me, especially one sentence: - “the twelve weeks will pass anyway”.  Of course they would, thirty nine years have passed and I had not achieved all I was capable of.  Thus I joined Ideal Bodies Online and the New You Challenge to see how far I could go and to see how much I could improve myself.  I was sceptical at first as I had already tried another online personal trainer which did not help as I expected. However the advice, plans and support I received has helped me to achieve above and beyond my initial goals.

I have had a condition called psoriasis for about twenty years now; this has impacted on many of my hobbies, interests and every day life leading to bouts of depression and anxiety. The type of psoriasis I have not only causes me to have painful scaly unsightly lesions on my body; it also affects my joints with a form of arthritis. Embarrassment stopped me from joining a gym so an online trainer was a great option for me. After trying all sorts of treatments and remedies to control psoriasis I had found a specialist in Melbourne who recommended diet modifications and stress relief were some of the keys to controlling it, I wanted to make changes but my depression and anxiety made it difficult to maintain motivation and to stay on track.

The eating plan recommended for my psoriasis tied in well with the regime recommended by Ideal Bodies Online.  Throughout the challenge I grew stronger and more determined, time management and organisational skills had to improve (which they did), to fit in weight training and cardio sessions on top of the immense physical labour required in beekeeping.  The cardio and weight training were also difficult at times due to the arthritis and a dislocated kneecap threatened to derail me, I used the success stories of others who had competed in the challenge and my feedback sessions with Sue and Rachel to maintain my motivation to continue to achieve my very best.

As my weight decreased the pain in my knee joints lessened substantially, this made the workouts more enjoyable and I am feeling younger, stronger and fitter than I have in years. My self-esteem has improved; the regular exercise has helped with my depression and anxiety, externally my psoriasis has improved immensely. Everyone who has seen my ‘after’ photos has been blown away with the improvement in my physique and I am ecstatic with the results.

Dealing with Sue and Rachel has been a huge benefit to me, they are such positive individuals you can’t help but be motivated to achieve your best and I am looking forward to achieving greater results internally and externally.

Success Tips

Surround yourself with positive people; don’t let negative people bring you down.

Don’t just set one major goal, set achievable goals everyday

Love yourself

Favourite Recipe

Breakfast is my favourite (love those carbs)

Hibran Wheetbix with low fat natural yoghurt, low fat milk, LSA, and protein whey

Supplements

I used MRM supplements which tasted great, were easy to use and really helped my recovery. The online ordering system was so easy and delivery was always prompt. I have not used supplements before and now that I have, I look great.

A testimonial from Troy:

Hi Sue

After being inspired by an article you wrote and finding your website I decided to give ‘Ideal Bodies Online’ a go. I was a little sceptical at first as I had previously tried another online personal trainer which had not met my expectations. Your program and service went above and beyond my expectations. From the food plan to the weights and cardio program to the amount of input I had from you and Rachel in refining my program was impressive.   

A twenty year psoriasis problem, while not completely gone is 80% improved which is remarkable. I am lighter than I ever thought I could be, more muscular and fitter; the results are outstanding I can not believe the person I see in the mirror, neither can my wife.   The looks on peoples faces when I have shown them my ‘after’ photos has been ‘priceless’ and the number of positive comments I have received has been tremendous. With your guidance and my hard work I have achieved the results I have dreamed of for twenty years. I hope that you can help me with further goals, as I am very well aware your program and advice works well for me and my money is very well spent.

In a word your program is brilliant.

Thanks

Troy

*Troy was also named an Australian Ironman Body Blitz monthly winner - read his article here