By Gary Chappell

THIS is the story of my personal transformation. It is important, I believe, to have an understanding of my journey in this field, together with my experiences. Especially if you are considering working with me to achieve your own goals.

First of all, they say a picture paints a thousand words. So:

Starting Point: Losing Weight for My Wedding

The picture on the left is around the time of my wedding in 2016. I had wanted to lose some weight ahead of the big day.

I had probably lost all kinds of body weight; fat, muscle, water, finding out what worked and what didn’t, making mistakes and learning from them.

But I had caught the bug again. You see, I had wanted to look like a bodybuilder for as long as I can remember. I read all the bodybuilding magazines and bought all the books I could find on the subject. Things were different back then; there was no internet and so information was scarce.

I stopped training when I become a journalist and did nothing bodybuilding or nutrition wise for roughly 15 years; from age 25 to 40. But as I say, that push to lose some weight for wedding ignited the spark within.

By October 2016, I had started working out with weights in a spare room at home.

By early 2018, I had joined a gym.

I won my first two bodybuilding competitions in March and May 2019 aged 41.

From Competitor to Champion

By September 2024, I had competed almost 20 times, winning Masters titles such as NABBA Mr England, NABBA Mr UK, several regional competitions with the PCA and IBFA and, most recently, BPA Masters All Stars and British Championships.

I have worked with two coaches in that time, learning all sorts of different methods, and have now coached myself for more than 14 competitions.

In addition, I have coached myself to a British title and NABBA Mr England.

So that, in a nutshell, is my story. You do not have to have an interest in bodybuilding to work with me. You do not need to have any ambitions to compete. You might just want to lose a little fat. To understand how to eat a bit healthier.

But if part of my story resonates with you and you would like to change the way you look, be it…

Losing body fat
Gaining muscle
Getting in shape for a wedding, holiday
Guidance on how to improve eating habits
Bodybuilding off-seasons
Competition prep

Apply for a one-off diet plan here
Or enquire about ongoing coaching here

Or email: info@dietplanman.com to discuss your goals.

If you struggle with consistency, you can also read my guide on why people overeat