Body Transformation: Joseph Chivayo Blew Up Body Fat!

Vital Stats

Name: Joseph Chivayo
Email: jochivs@yahoo.co.uk
BodySpace: JCFitness001

Why I decided to transform

I graduated with a master's degree in hospitality management from Birmingham University in England. After looking for a job for two years, life became frustrating, which reduced my confidence and increased my need for comfort food. Going to the gym became ritual with no meaningful results.

I've always been the chubby kid and came from a family with bulky frames, but I'll admit that I have an exceptional appetite and feel comfortable in the kitchen. My combination of genes and the love for food led to the inevitable.

This journey has been an intriguing, challenging, and worthwhile process filled with ups and downs culminating in peace, joy, and health. I've hit the gym since I was a teenager and accumulated lots of fat along the way. I needed to make significant changes to my relationship with food, so I joined the Cellucor Strong To The Cor Challenge on Bodybuilding.com.

My goal was to lose fat and build muscle. I gradually eliminated carbohydrates from my diet and replaced them with filling foods that supply energy to boost my metabolism.

Going to the gym is more than just training. It's a way to relax. After a workout, I feel much better and more prepared to take on the world. I gradually reduced the weights and maintained proper form with increased repetitions and intensity. I was never a fan of cardio, but during the challenge I included the treadmill, elliptical, bike, and stairmaster, and did at least 10 minutes of cardio before every workout.

After I lost some weight, I started training in the morning on an empty stomach to burn excess calories from the previous day. I also worked out in the evening. It proved effective and I noticed my clothes get bigger and abdominal muscles show. I had never seen my abs, so I knew I was winning.

How I accomplished my goals

At 35 percent body fat, I was at high risk of cardiac-related disease and ailments. I had to become a healthy and exemplary father and husband to lead my family. Some of the comments my wife randomly dropped made me want to prove a point. I know her comments were well meant, but they fueled my fire and motivated me to shed excess weight and live healthy.

The support of family and friends proved critical to ensure I stuck with my goals. I taught myself through the years to never quit. When I set my mind to something, it happens. If you set your heart and mind toward something, you have to go for it. The only person who can stop you from attaining your goals is yourself. Losing weight, building muscle, and living healthy are all part of the personal journey. Only you can make or break that vision.

What aspect challenged me the most

I would've excelled further with more supplementation because my regimen was hard and challenging. When you train hard, your body produces free radicals that can stunt growth and recovery. That makes the need for foods rich in antioxidants crucial.

I got adequate rest between workouts and ate well to ensure constant recovery and muscle growth.

My future fitness plans

My goal is to achieve single-digit body fat and become a personal trainer, which will give me the opportunity to help others transform their lives. I'm good at public speaking and sales, and hope this transformation creates opportunities for brand ambassadors. I also consider writing about fitness and transformations for magazines and publications.

Cool Fact

Joseph is passionate about creating opportunities for youth so they can attain their dreams. He's also actively involved with local charities to fight poverty!

Suggestions for aspiring transformers

One of the hardest things a person can do post-transformation is put the experience into words. I let photos do the talking and urge everyone to try a transformation. When you set your mind and heart to put in the work and make it happen, you will be proud of your accomplishment. It's never too late to become the person you're meant to be.

How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals

Bodybuilding.com provided adequate support through weekly articles on healthy eating plans, social forums, and constant information to ensure users are fully supported. The information on Bodybuilding.com is useful to guide my diet and training.

BodySpace is a useful social forum to share ideas and inspire likeminded folks.

What music pumps you up to exercise

Book

Joseph's book is now available for order in hard copy and e-book format. Check it out!