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Coaching Interviews:
John Craig Fennell

John Craig Fennell is a 35 year old Landscape Architect who had been exercising for 4 years prior to working with our team, going from a very scrawny 127 lbs to a still scrawny 145lbs. After working with us for less than a year, he’s up an additional 22lbs – to 167lbs and he isn’t so scrawny any longer. Hear what he has to say about our body transformation program below.

Fennell Before

Fennell After

Dr Berardi:
Thanks for doing this interview, Fennell. Question – I know you did gain some weight on your own back in the day. Did you ever use a personal trainer or nutrition coach to accomplish this?

Fennell:
When I started, I didn't know how to lift a dumbbell. As a part of the sign-up agreement with the gym I use, I got 2 sessions with a personal trainer. They were helpful, but ultimately, the training sessions that the gym offered didn't have the level of specificity or comprehensiveness that I thought they should.

Dr Berardi:
What kind of results did you get?

Fennell:
I got average results. They were limited though. Diet recommendations were very limited and not based on my specific needs. So I actually went out and started reading your articles on the web. That’s what led me to coaching with you.

Dr Berardi:
So what convinced you to take the plunge?

Fennell:
After following your articles for a year or so, I felt that your scientifically based approach made the most sense for me. I knew that a cookie-cutter approach was not going to build the lean muscle mass and strength that I was after – especially since I was not the typical mesomorph or ectomorph – who gains easily. I definitely started with you as a skinny ectomorph.

To be honest, your early struggles with gaining muscle mass interested me. You, yourself, are evidence that an ectomorph (well, I guess “former ectomorph” now) can gain mass – if he has the right nutritional and lifting program tools.

Knowing that you and your team would take the time to really investigate my particular metabolic idiosyncrasies gave me great confidence that you would be able to provide me with the kind of nutritional program that would allow me to gain as much lean muscle mass as possible in a healthy, sustainable way.

Dr Berardi:
Be honest, did you have any reservations before you started working with us? If so, what were they?

Fennell:
Reservations? Sure! Where are we eating? Seriously – I had a few reservations before starting with your program.

“Would I be able to stick to the program” was the first one. That worry was quelled as soon as the results started coming in. Also – once you start eating the way you guys prescribe, there is no room for cravings and junk food. There's a lot of good food to be eaten!

Another reservation was – can I afford all this food? The answer was an easy “yes”. It takes a few trips to the grocery store to discover that you spend a lot of money on processed foods. Your program doesn’t recommend any processed foods. Yes, you'll be buying more (a LOT MORE) fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, but you won't be buying all that “middle of the grocery store” stuff that costs a bunch, and isn't good for you anyway. You want to improve your body composition? Improve what you put in your body.

Dr Berardi:
What about the distance-based nature of the program? Did you have a hard time getting your head around that? What made up your mind?

Fennell:
Distance based programs can be risky. You guys got around this through your comprehensive biweekly information gathering forms, coupled with 24 hour email access to your coach. Whenever I have a question, it is quickly addressed – whether it be about nutrition, or the lifting program. I've even had questions about injuries, and their impact on the program. Whenever I hit a bump in the road, we pow-wow on it, and come up with a new course of action. Would it be better to work with Dr Berardi or one of his coaches one on one – sure! Am I moving to Toronto to do so, uh – no. I honestly feel lucky to be able to consult with these guys over the internet. I think it's the most convenient, and effective way for us to communicate.

I definitely look forward to the days that the new programs make it to my inbox.

What ultimately made up my mind was the fact that this is a unique opportunity to work with the best in the business. How cool is that?

Dr Berardi:
While following the body transformation program, what did you like best?

Fennell:
The thing I like best about the program is that it takes all the guess-work out of eating to improve body composition. On one hand it's very specific, but on the other, there is a lot of flexibility – since you provide extensive lists of appropriate food types. There's something for everyone in there – and a lot of variety.

Dr Berardi:
Did you find the program hard to follow? Why or why not?

Fennell:
Once you get into the swing of the program, it becomes easy. Your co-workers may look at you a little funny in the beginning – and complain about the smell of tuna at 10:30 in the morning (that's MY protein choice there), but they'll get used to it. Once the results start manifesting themselves, your co-workers might get a little jealous though.

I find myself feeling at my best when I am able to eat all my meals as the program suggests. That, in and of itself is a reason to keep following the program.

What can be challenging is when you are traveling, or at events where there are no good food choices. Yet the team provides resources to get around these situations as well. My friends know now that if we're gonna hang out for the afternoon watching football, that I'll come over with 2 or 3 pre-made meals to scarf down. It's a life style change that's pretty easy to get used to once you give it a try.

Dr Berardi:
What were your physical stats before starting the program?

Fennell:
Height 5'8”, weight 145, BF- 10%,
Chest: 39
Waist 30.75
Thigh 21
Neck 14.5
biceps 13.5
Calf:15
Forearms: 11.5

Dr Berardi:
How about now?

Fennell:
Height 5’8”, weight 167 at 12% BF
Chest: 40.5
waist 31
Thigh 22.5
Neck 15
biceps 14.5
Calf 15.25
Forearms 11.75

Dr Berardi:
What other improvements have you seen while working with us?

Fennell:
I literally FEEL better eating and lifting as you guys recommend. The added muscle mass has also made me feel better about my physical self, which adds to my self confidence.

Dr Berardi:
Have people noticed your body changing? How have they responded?

Fennell:
Good LORD yes! It's especially fun to go to events and see friends that I haven't seen for years. At one of my band's gigs, an old friend who I used to “gig with” did an opening set for us. He started his set by saying “yep, I used to play in a band with Fennell way back in the day. Since that time, I've gotten fat, and Fennell's gotten jacked.”

Dr Berardi:
What are the top 10 things you learned while following our program?

Fennell: A top ten list, eh. - no particular order

1. The 7 habits of eating for optimum body composition.

2. With lifting, it's all about intensity.

3. You're probably not eating enough good food.

4. Food that's good for you can taste good

5. You guys truly care for you clients

6. You must constantly monitor and adjust your nutritional and lifting program to achieve the best results.

7. Listen to what your body tells you.

8. Don't underestimate the severity of an injury – seek professional help

9. Don't go overboard with number 8.

10. You can ALWAYS do something to improve your program.

Dr Berardi:
Describe your total coaching experience to date.

Fennell:
My coaching experience has been tremendous. The support and guidance that you have given has enabled me to make gains that I did not think were possible. I'm looking forward to our continued collaboration.

Dr Berardi:
If someone was hesitant about working with us, what advice would you give them?

Fennell:
If someone was hesitant about working with Science Link, then I'd have to know more about what they're hesitant about:

“Will it work?” Yes, it's their job, they're the pros.

“Can I stick with the program?” That's up to you.

“Can I eat all that food” Yep. You'd be surprised.

“Can I afford it?” Only you can answer that.

“Can I start later?” As long as you want the results to come later.

“Can I get the same thing from another program?” Nope.

“Can't I just work with a personal trainer at the gym?” How many trainers at your local gym have studied and worked on significant scientific research in Exercise and Nutritional Biochemistry at the PhD level? You just can't get this level of practical knowledge in this subject matter just anywhere.

Dr Berardi:
Any parting words?

Fennell:
I just want to take this opportunity to thank you guys again for all your time and effort. You've made a big difference in my life.