From Louise:

I found Coach Rylan’s program about seven months ago in a CNN article.  After reading about his program I purchased the “Go Sleeveless Gold Package” but have never used it because right after my purchase I saw the results a friend got from following a different program.  I purchased it and tried to follow it for three months but instead of losing weight I gained ten pounds.  This other program requires you to do the training while watching the video which did not work for me as my TV is not where my equipment is.  Additionally I could not do the training and go to my fitness center since I could not watch the video there.  My friend had worked out at home along with her husband.

Initially I was avoiding the scale, but when my clothes were getting snugger I eventually decided it was time to see what kind of damage I did. This was when Coach Rylan offered the first Fat Loss Program but I could not apply for it as we were leaving on an extended vacation.   Lucky for me, Coach Rylan decided to offer another program and I knew I had to be included.
I was not skeptical about the program as Coach posted the results of several participants of the first round.  I have been doing resistance training for a number of years so I did not doubt my own ability to participate in strength training.  I normally follow a pretty healthy diet and rarely overindulge.
The numbers show my results which I think are very good, especially considering our six week program ran through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and all they entail.  I am particularly pleased with the inches lost as this translates directly to better fitting clothes.

I would recommend this program to any woman wanting to get into better shape.  The thing I like best about this program is the concise videos which show what needs to be done.  Since they are short I can replay them whenever necessary to assure I am doing the training properly.   This is something that failed me on the other program I tried.  I am impressed with Coach Rylan’s knowledge of what works to whip women’s bodies into shape.  The fitness center I have been training at for years is staffed by several women with full degrees in kinesiology but the personal training that I took there did not deliver much in the way of results.  I got visible results with Coach Rylan’s program.

At this time it is difficult to put a value on the results.  Going forward I want to try the program again myself and then the Workout of The Month Club to see is I can continue down this slippery weight loss slope.

Louise

From Judy:

I found out about Coach Rylan’s Go Sleeveless Program while listening to WHO Radio in Des Moines, Iowa.. I googled it online and read about it a while before purchasing the Go Sleeveless Elite package.

I kept thinking about it and read and saw the results others had with the Fat Loss Program and I decided I wanted that for myself.  I really wasn’t skeptical about it as I felt it would/could work as long as I could/would work it myself..

I didn’t lose as much weight but I can tell the difference in the way my clothes fit.. I can get into the next size now easily.

As I am a little older and have gone through this yoyo for many years… I know I had wreaked havoc with my metabolism.. The one thing I really noticed about the program was that I liked all the food and did not feel the hunger pangs I thought I would.. I did not find that difficult at all.. as long as I stayed away from the junk..

It was really important and a big bonus of the program to know that Coach Rylan would be there each Saturday with the next weeks menu plan and that he was only an email away if any of us had a question.  The workouts were hard but I just did all that I could do..even if some of them were less than perfect form.. Being held accountable by posting each nite was also a plus.

I would recommend this program to anyone of any age.. I am 63 and if I can complete it.. I know anyone can.. It would be very difficult for me to put a dollar value on the program and how I feel… would it be like a million bucks??? … as in ‘I feel like a million bucks”!!!  All I know is I am thankful and grateful that I had this opportunity to participate in this Fat Loss Project..at any price.. .

Thank you, Coach!!!

Judy

From Helen:

This is my 2nd cycle with Coach Rylan’s program.  I have been battling my weight for the past 10 years and losing the same 10 lbs over and over again!

I came in contact with Coach Rylan’s program while surfing the NET for exercise and weight loss tips.  I kept coming back to his advertisement, but never bought anything.  I kept thinking that I could just do it myself.  But, I tend to give myself too many cheat meals, which turn into days! So, when Coach Rylan offered this program for free to try out as guinea pigs, I thought, why not?

I was skeptical because I have never given myself over to anyone else to control my eating and exercise.  I was expecting to lose more weight than I did, but I now realize that it isn’t just about the weight, but more about losing the fat and getting fit.

I lost 3.7kg (8 pounds) and a total of 8 inches in the first round and another 2.95kg (6.5 pounds) and 10 inches in the 2nd round.  I only have a little way to go before I am at my goal weight!  I have committed to staying with the program as a lifestyle.

I was surprised to find that the program is based on sound principles that I had been trying to follow.  The program allowed me to have more structure and gave me accountability.  I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to get fit and lose unwanted fat.

I have no idea what dollar value to place on what I have achieved.  To me it has been invaluable.  I’ve read about having low carb days and low fat days, but I never had the time to sit down and calculate it all out.  With Coach Rylan’s Fat Loss Program, I didn’t have to think or calculate, but just follow what was laid out before me.  To me that seems priceless!  A big thanks for the opportunity to prove to myself that I can change my lifestyle, not just lose weight and then go back to the same-old, same-old and have the weight and FAT return.

Thanks, Coach Rylan!

Helen

From Patricia:

I found Coach Rylan’s program on the internet. I wanted to lose weight, learn to  keep the weight off,  and get my muscles stronger.

On the first program the results were  amazing, so I did not hesitate to take another. On this one the weight loss slowed down, but the inches still came off and my muscles are stronger.

I would recommend this program to anyone. The best thing about the program was learning how to do this at home with minimum equipment. The results have been priceless.

Patricia C

Coach Rylan

From Cynthia:

A friend told me about Coach Rylan’s website.  I will be turning 50 later this month and I am ready to get in shape so that’s what motivated me to take action and do the program.  I wasn’t skeptical about the program, only that I would be doing it over the holidays.  My results were that I feel stronger, lost inches, and lost weight.  I feel I can continue and be successful.  While I wasn’t surprised by  my results, I was very pleased.  The best thing about the program was the accountability.

I would recommend this program to all my friends and family.   I can’t put a dollar value on Coach Rylan’s system because I think it would be worth anything to achieve the results I did, and get the boost in positive attitude that this program provided for me.

Cynthia, 49, Illinois

For those of you new to this blog, or unfamiliar with the Fat Loss Project – here is the gist…

I wanted to see what would happen if I gave a group of volunteers daily instructions for an entire 6 weeks – with the goal of loosing as much fat as possible, while doing it in a safe and healthy way, and without exercising hours a day.

I put together a series of workout programs, instructional videos, and daily emails.

Each morning the participants would open their email and find exact workout instructions, including exact sets and reps, and even a complete daily meal plan.

The goal was to take themselves out of the equation, and hand over their health and fitness responsibilities to me for the full 6 weeks.  I would be their trainer and their nutritionist for the entire program, and they wouldn’t have to do anything but follow step-by-step instructions.

The participants were instructed not to think about anything, just do as they were told, and they would get results.

And while some found it incredibly difficulty not to analyze and over-analyze everything, most found it a welcome departure from the daily turmoil that surrounds making decisions regarding nutrition, exercise, and all things health related.

To add further ‘interesting’ elements to the mix, the Fat Loss Project took place over the 2009 Holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Due to my book being released during the first week of January, and the typical busy season in the fitness industry being January to March, on top of the fact that I’ve been in the process of filming and producing the new Go Sleeveless DVD system, I simply couldn’t find any extra time to get the results up until now.

Over the next few days I will be posting the photos and essays of the participants that successfully completed the Fat Loss Project for you to see.

And while I likley won’t have the time to run a third Fat Loss Project anytime soon, I have been able to incorporate many of the most successful elements of the program into the upcoming Go Sleeveless DVD system.  So for those of you who like what you are about to read, be sure to get on the wait list for the first printing of which will be limited to 100 copies.

Coach Rylan

Carla’s Story

Carla lost 11 pounds, and over 10 inches of fat.  That is including nearly 2 inches from her upper arms, and 4 whole inches from her hips alone.  Well done Carla!

From Carla…

I just finished my second 6-week run with Coach Rylan Duggan’s Fat Loss Project. And that’s right. I did it over the holidays. Insane, perhaps. Was it worth it? You be the judge.

I came across Coach Rylan’s name early last year in the news media’s focus and references to Michele Obama’s well-toned arms, right or wrong as a fashion statement for a First Lady, I have always admired well-toned arms, in fact, I have a picture of Linda Hamilton’s (from her Terminator days) on an old workout journal, so I clicked on the link to Rylan’s blog and checked in every so often to see if this was just sales hype or really a resource that I could trust.

I had subscribed to Rylan’s e-mail notifications. So when the first invitation for 15-20 guinea pigs who wanted to lose 20—30 pounds in 6 weeks – I had to see what that was all about. I had just got my head ready to push for my health one more time, because I was so sad to be stuck in a body that didn’t align with my goals and dreams. All of my own doing, but it wasn’t the ‘me’ I knew was available to engage with the world. And why did I do it a second time? Well I had real success the first 6-week session – I knew I could do it and I wanted to see where another 6-weeks could take me, ESPECIALLY over the holidays. I do best with a strategy in a fluid situation and the holidays and food are VERY fluid. (It’s everywhere!)

Was I skeptical about it? OMG – yes! I found I was very cynical about personal trainers (from a previous experience) – Coach Rylan’s communications (and his demeanor on video) convinced me that not EVERY PT was interested in what they can up sell you, but in helping me get the results. Yes, he has products and services – and a new book – but if I win at my goals, then he gets to be a hero. I like win-wins.

What were your results? The first session resulted in nearly 20 pounds removed from my frame! This time I only pulled off 10 pounds, yet removed some serious inches, especially from my hips! I have more to go, but it has set up my new year for success!

Was I surprised by the results? Yes – and very pleased!

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to reclaim his or her health or thinks that success is for everybody else. Commit to the program, commit to yourself and you WILL see the benefits. Give the program 6-weeks, they fly by, and see your own results.

What was the best thing about the program?  The clearing out of some eating habits, becoming more aware of food and the kinds of nutrition that makes a difference and the role it all plays in my health. I have changed how I fuel myself, looking for a lean protein/steamed veggie as lunch or dinner option and I LOVE Rylan’s hot cereal and the oatmeal with cinnamon/stevia/apples breakfasts. Plus, making the commitment to move my body and see results with muscle tone and improved strength. These 6-week sessions have made making food choices and exercising commitments not always easier, but the vision is clearer!

If I could put a dollar value the results I achieved, what would it be? Wow, always a hard question – because how do you put a price tag on what something is very VALUED like the experience teamed with Coach Rylan’s approach. The information and workouts are convenient and adaptable to your gym or home. I might guess a service like this could be a monthly membership of between $150 – $200 US, depending on how personalized it might be, less for a once or twice a month email/video posts with details and higher price for more detailed access to Coach Rylan’s expertise.

Thanks Coach for helping me navigate the holidays. It is amazing how many folks have come up to me, commented unsolicited on my nearly 30 pounds gone, and have to tell me of the 5-10 pounds they gained over the holidays! I am so grateful to NOT relate with them on that. It was worth it.

This is the Arm Shaper from Dynaflex Pro.

Coach Rylan

I’m all for having huge home-gym set-ups with thousands of dollars of top-tier training equipment at your disposal.  After all, I am a fitness guy, it’s what I do.

Just like I’m sure any tech-geek would love to have a room full of the most expensive and cutting edge supercomputers with the most powerful processors, graphics cards, and Terabytes of memory ready to be exploited.

But do we need it to get the job done?

Without a doubt – NO.

Would it be nice?  Sure.

But for the average person who wants to get a great workout in at home, without having to fork out major cash for expensive and expansive equipment, and without dedicating half of the square footage of your home to workout space – there really are only a few essentials that you need.

They’re cheap.  They’re compact.  And you can easily get a gym-quality workout with these items without stepping out of your front door.

I call them the 4 ‘B’s of fitness equipment.

Can you guess what they are?

UPDATE BELOW:

Nice work everyone!  I was really impressed with the answers.  It actually made me think that I should have changed it to the 5 Bs’.

Anyway, the answer is Bench, Ball, Bells (as in Dumbbells), and Bands.

Bodyweight is indeed one of the essentials, but I don’t consider it ‘equipment’ per se, so that’s why I leave it out.  Brains on the other hand – as strange as it may sound – not really required.

For some programs maybe, but I always strive to take thinking out of the equation with my programs.  You don’t need to sit through an exercise physiology lesson – you just need to be shown what to do, and then go do it.

So lets break this down a little…

Ball - a good stability ball has many uses, and it actually can double up as a bench for nearly all bench exercises.  It’s also fantastic for core strengthening exercises, and I’ve invented a couple brand new – never before seen – arm sculpting exercises that will make an appearance in the new Go Sleeveless DVD system – and these exercises take advantage of the ball to bring you even more arm sculpting and definition than ever before.

Bench - a good sturdy bench is a fantastic companion, and you can find many great models that fold up and slide right under your bed.  A bench offers good stable support for exercises where the movement of a ball is inappropriate.  For example, Step-Ups, Bench Dips, and Bench Knee Tucks are exercises that MUST be done with a bench.  A Bench also offers a great platform for performing assisted push-ups, Incline Presses, and much more.  If you don’t yet have a bench, seriously consider picking one up.

Bands – Bands often get a bad wrap from some trainers because many feel they don’t provide enough resistance to offer much of a challenge to your muscles.  I disagree entirely.  You can get bands that range in tension from very light, to exceedingly heavy.  I personally use a set of bands in my studio called ‘Superbands’ that actually provide up to 100lbs of resistance.  You can pull a truck with this thing!  That’s a challenge!

Bands are simply the single best option for allowing you to perform a huge repertoire of exercises with something that costs little more than 10 bucks, and can be stuffed in your purse and taken with you anywhere.  Hotel workouts, office workouts, exercises on the go – no problem if you’ve got a band.  In fact, in the upcoming DVD, I will be adding in bonus office workouts, hotel workouts, and travel workouts that you do in 5 minutes and all you will need is your band and your body.

Bells - A good set of Dumbbells completes my list of 4 essential pieces of equipment.  Some exercises you just cant do with body-weight, and many band exercises just aren’t the same as their dumbbell counterparts.  But there is very little that you cant do with a set of dumbbells.  I always recommend getting a pair of dumbbells from 5-25 pounds in 5 pound increments for beginners – and you should go as high as one set above what you could currently use for a dumbbell chest press exercises.  Dumbbells or “Free Weights’ beat out machine exercises every time.  They work more muscles, allow more movement, and give you total freedom of range of movement to suit your personal body mechanics.

For less than half the price of just ONE single machine you find in a gym, you could outfit your home workout space with everything listed above, and more, and still have all of your free space available.

Quite simply, there is not an exercise machine in existence that can match what the 4 Bs of Fitness Equipment will provide for you.

Coach Rylan

PS.  In case you were wondering – the upcoming Go Sleeveless DVD set will not require any other specialized equipment other than what you read above.  And as I mentioned before, there will even be bonus workouts that require NO equipment at all.  Workout at home, the office, or on holidays.  Workout in 5 minutes.  Workout with no equipment.  No excuses left.  Go.

Coach Rylan