Do you have what it takes to look this good? Do you have a goal?
How do you intend to celebrate after all the hard work you put into your exercise and dieting program?
Would you like to do a fitness photography session?
Today I did an interview with Personal Trainer Leonard van Santen about how he got into shape for his fitness photography session that we did just before Xmas.
How long did you take to get ready for your photography session?
6 weeks altogether, the first 2 weeks was moderate dieting and the last 4 weeks heavy dieting.
What calories did you consume in your diet and what was your exercise regime?
I started around 3100 calories then I cut down to 2600 calories for the remaining 4 weeks.
The whole way through I was doing weight training, 4 days on 4 days off, on my one day off I would do a big cardio session like sled or farmer carriers for around 35 mins, and followed by a 20 min walk.
I then started to do more cardio on my weight days as well, I did a fair bit of walking in the park.
A few days out from your photography session you had a spray tan, would you recommend that to others?
Depends, on what kind of shape you’re in. If you are over 10% body fat you won’t be lean enough to see your abs. So yes, under 10% go ahead with it. Abs look way better with a spray tan. It also makes you look bigger. That is why all the body builders get spray tans before competitions.
I had my spray tan a few days before the shoot because I couldn’t get an appointment the day before, I would recommend doing as close to photo shoot as possible.
On the day of the photo shoot, what did you do and eat?
The whole week leading up to the shoot, I did zero carbs, just protein and some veggies. Thursday, Friday I increased my carbs and cut my fats and drank as much water as I could possibly consume. On Friday, the day before the shoot, I cut my water intake at 11am, only sipped sparingly to stop being dehydrated. I needed to get dryer.
On the day of the shoot, I had protein, fats and sugary carbs, eggs with peanut butter, banana and not much water. I also did a weight session just before the shoot.
Are you happy with the results?
Yes, very happy
What would you do differently?
Perhaps I would cut down on calories more on the first 2 weeks of the programme to make myself leaner. I was looking lean but I could have been leaner.
I know you are a personal trainer, do you think most people can achieve what you have done without a personal trainer? Do you think someone can be motivated enough to not have to use a personal trainer?
If you really do your research very thoroughly, then yes you could do yourself.
Most people would need the help of a good personal trainer, not an average one, yes you need some sort of assistance, especially knowing when to cut your intake of calories, what week to eat carbs or not to eat carbs etc, managing your water intake etc, you could do it, but if you want to make the most of your time and optimize your results then your best off getting a trainer.
If you want to follow Leonard on training tips you can find him on Instagram @leonardvansanten
Coach at Ultimate Performance Sydney Snapchat: leochefey Email at: leonard.van.santen@upfitness.com
What you will need for a fitness photography session:
Keep working out at the Gym.
Wax, shave if you wish.
Get a spray tan just before session
Wear clean new undies.
Bring a plain T-Shirt, shirt and jeans.
If you have ideas for other themes I would love to hear them and we can collaborate and come up with extraordinary images.
$150 Male Photography Offer
Available for the rest of this Winter 2017 you get the chance to have your fitness photography session plus one digital image for only $150, be quick to book, ring now on 9341 7027
To see more images of Honeydew Photography please look at our website and for all our boudoir and glamour shots check out here. and my Pinterest page, mind you, some of those images in Pinterest are for ideas, and are not mine.