CEO of a fitness training program loses 29kg of fat in just 14 months following his OWN program - as he reveals exactly what he ate to get lean
- Simon Philis, 39, is the managing director and CEO of REUNION Training
- He started his weight loss journey in August 2020 and lost 29 kilos worth of fat
- It took 14 months of dedication, six-day a week gym sessions and healthy eating
- But Simon was determined to set a good example for his clients and members
The CEO of a gym lost 29 kilos of fat in just over a year following the methodology laid out by the trainers he employs in a bid to set a good example for other members.
Simon Philis, 39, is the managing director of REUNION Training, a group of fitness studios that focuses on nutrition education and group classes with a twist - or at-home workouts if you don't live close enough to visit in person.
The successful Sydney businessman is surrounded by members who are on their own health journeys and he wanted to set a good example for them by participating in the very training he preaches.
'I joined REUNION at the end of 2019. My very close mate and fitness industry juggernaut Luke Istomin (co-founder of F45) had been asking me if I was interested in joining his game-changing new fitness revolution,' Simon told Daily Mail Australia.
Simon Philis, 39, is the managing director of REUNION Training, a group of fitness studios that focuses on nutrition education and group classes with a twist - or at-home workouts if you don't live close enough to visit in person (pictured before left and now on the right)
The successful businessman, who lives in Sydney, is surrounded by members who are on their own health journeys and he wanted to set a good example for them by participating in the very training he preaches
'I was in love with the concept, because previously I was someone who enjoyed weight training and never saw the value in the HIIT group classes for myself personally.
'As a bloke I wanted to have more muscle, rather than be skinny, so Luke's concept of a true hybrid strength and conditioning training model really suited and attracted me.
'I felt as the CEO of the business it would have been remiss of me to continue looking so unfit - it's a terrible example to set for my colleagues and our members, so Luke challenged me to start with just a few months, ease myself in, and then build momentum.'
Starting his journey at 92kg in August 2020 ,Simon had to find motivation even when NSW entered Covid lockdowns and restrictions on training were in place.
Simon trained six days a week mixing up his sessions with strength on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, conditioning on Tuesday and Thursday and an all-in 'fit fest' on Saturday
'I was able to train as many times a week in the studio as I liked, and when that wasn't possible, either due to work or social commitments, or indeed lockdown, I was able to use our online offering as well as outdoor training,' he said.
'No excuses, essentially. I dropped 22 kilos in 14 months and have gained seven kilos of muscle. That's a whopping 29 kilos of fat loss.'
Simon trained six days a week mixing up his sessions with strength on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, conditioning on Tuesday and Thursday and an all-in 'fit fest' on Saturday.
'Crucially I sustained no injuries during this time - and that's due to the well trained coaches who focus on execution of movements correctly,' he said.
Simon started on a 15 per cent calorie deficit, and slowly built into maintenance - the calories you eat to neither lose or gain weight - then a period of surplus before another deficit.
'The macro splits were explained to me as being a means to ensure the right amount of energy, whilst eliciting fat loss, muscle gain, and hormone balance at different stages. That balance was key,' he said.
'My specific food routine included what many refer to as intermittent fasting although the truth is I was not following that as a principal - I simply am not hungry in the mornings and don't like eating breakfast.
'I normally eat after I train in the 12:15pm sessions, opting for a healthy grilled chicken wholemeal wrap with avocado, leafy greens, tomato, and because I love it, cheese.
Simon started on a 15 per cent calorie deficit, and slowly built into maintenance - the calories you eat to neither lose or gain weight - then a period of surplus before another deficit
'If the day was more cardio intensive I might have pasta with a lean meat sauce, and periodically a vegetarian or vegan option as I tend to also enjoy those meals too.
'I always have a protein shake after working out, more so due to the convenience of it.
'Getting your protein is so vital, and I'll usually struggle to eat enough, so this is a great way to get it easily.'
Dinners were usually lean chicken or fish with carbohydrates like brown rice and potato on the side.
'I made my own pizza, saving approximately 40 to 45 per cent of the calories by doing it myself but without needing to use things like cauliflower bases,' he said.
Simon is feeling confident, lighter, is sleeping better and doesn't make an excuse to keep his shirt on at the beach anymore
'I would even do my own fried chicken - my air fryer was a god send! Anything that you can control or monitor will help. I tracked calories for a time, until I felt I understood what foods yielded just by eye. Then I took it more easily.'
And the results speak for themselves.
Simon is feeling confident, lighter, is sleeping better and doesn't make an excuse to keep his shirt on at the beach anymore.
'I didn't think at my age it would be possible to transform like this. It really lifts me up. I wish everyone to feel this way,' he said.
