Training in the real world: UP Fitness launch LiveUP for men

We spoke to Chris Arpino, who's been following the online programme for twelve weeks, to find out how it's working out for him.

What motivated you to start the LiveUP online program and how were you feeling about yourself before you began?

I decided to join LiveUP because I broke my back in 2008 and was determined to get in the best shape of my life, despite this setback.

I'd been training for five years but had been blinded by false information from YouTube gurus. I'd made very little progress with fat loss and muscle gain.

I have always had huge respect for the UP way, especially after one of my friends did the 1:1 online coaching with amazing results.

What goals did you want to achieve on your LiveUP program?

I wanted muscle gain and to get a genuine set of abs.

How did you hope the program would make you feel in the long-term, and do you think you have come some way towards reaching that?

I wanted to feel confident, and long-term I wanted to learn the tools to maintain and improve. After only twelve weeks I feel like a different man and I have learnt so much already.

Talk about your training in the past. If you've been frustrated with a lack of results, how did this make you feel and what do you think changed with LiveUP?

I have been training in gyms since I was seventeen. Like most people, I had certain body parts that responded well right away, which kept me motivated and inspired. But as time progressed, my improvements stalled, no matter what changes I made.

LiveUP has changed everything. My training is focused and well thought-out, the nutrition finally makes sense, but more than that, it has been made easy and sustainable.

What was your health and lifestyle like before you started and how did this change after doing LiveUP?

My health and lifestyle before LiveUP was still good by normal standards. I ate a healthy diet and did regular exercise, hardly ever drank alcohol and never smoked. Since joining LiveUP my cardiovascular health has improved greatly, while endurance and strength are increasing with each week.

I also discovered that I was massively under-eating before and was completely in the dark when it came to carbs and fats and how to use them

Do you feel that LiveUP has shown you a new way of living and training that will change your life in the long-term? If so, how?

The black hole that was nutrition has now been made so simple and easy to sustain. I don't stress over every gram of carbs, fats and proteins, and I've learnt to not over complicate things.

I've now got the ability to eyeball foods and get it right without feeling like I'm suffering on a calorie-restricted diet. I've learnt how to put a training program together that works, without following the usual bro splits everyone else does. The knowledge I have gained will stay with me for life.

What was your diet like before you started your transformation with LiveUP, and how did it impact your body? (Were you lethargic, depressed, lacking in energy, struggling with sleep, sex drive or motivation?)

My diet was generally okay, but I was under-eating for fear of getting more fat. This resulted in a slower metabolism, lethargy and bad mood swings. I would often slip up and buy a doughnut or cookie on the way home from work just because I was always so hungry.

Weekends were my major downfall. I would eat out or get fast food from Friday night through to Sunday night.

Can you outline your standard diet before you started the program? How did your diet and lifestyle change when you began your transformation with UP?

I'd have a big bowl of cereal, a protein shake and two lattes for breakfast. Then home-made chicken fajitas or something similar for lunch.

I'd have meat or fish for dinner, with salad and pasta or mash. Then another bowl of cereal or toast with peanut butter before bed.

Since starting LiveUP, I eat four to five regular meals through the day. My carbs are timed around training and bed. My coach Elliott manipulates my fats as needed each week and I try to get 150-200g of protein with every meal, as well as loads of greens, salad, and veg.

What effect did this have on your health, performance, lifestyle and energy inside and outside the gym?

I feel healthy, and less bloated and heavy. My performance has increased and continues to do so. I am happier, more confident and that keeps me extra motivated.

What effects did it have on you mentally and emotionally?

Increased confidence, libido, energy, drive and focus. It's easier to get up early and be productive. My work and home life has become more efficient. I also fall asleep much faster and easier, which has always been a big problem for me.

What overall results did you achieve following your LiveUP program? (Weight loss, fat loss, clothes sizes, strength gains etc.)

I'm only halfway through but I've currently lost around 17lbs of fat and water weight. I've lost over three inches off my waist, while gaining muscle and strength each week.

What were the biggest benefits you experienced from doing the LiveUP program?

Fat loss has been my favourite experience. I look forward each morning to looking in the mirror and seeing my abs getting better, week by week.

What were the three most important things you learned during your LiveUP program and what really worked for you in helping you make your transformation?

Accountability – taking responsibility for what I'm doing.

Sticking to the plan and being consistent – making sure I get my steps and cardio in, and give 100% during my weights sessions.

Not stressing about the little things regarding diet and nutrition – the ability to simplify and separate food groups and make informed decisions about what to eat and when.

How did the LiveUP program training compare to previous training you've done?

It does not compare. It surpasses everything else.

How useful was the LiveUP forum Facebook group for support and advice on your program, and how did you find the coaches and other clients around the world on the LiveUP forums? Did you feel connected with them and did they help you during the good and bad times?

I'd say it was essential. The community is great – there's zero negativity. If someone has a bad day or week, everyone offers support not criticism. Experience is shared openly and it is a great form of motivation as you get to know the members more, week by week.

What would you say to anyone thinking of starting with UP who may be a little apprehensive or scared?

When you consider the small price you pay, and the unrivalled experience you get, it's a no-brainer.

If you can be accountable for yourself and follow the plan, you will change your life for the better. You'll learn lessons that you can take advantage of for life.