Akash loved to exercise. He thrived on the post workout high and had toyed with the idea of signing up with RNT for a few years.

He wanted to up the ante on his fitness levels but something held him back. He wasn’t sure he wanted to sign up for a fitness routine that he believed was too “drastic”.

And then while on holiday, he realised that life was indeed too short - too short to not seize the moment and reach peak levels of fitness he’d been chasing for years.

1. What were the series of moments that led to your “trigger” moment to begin your journey with RNT?

While on holiday in Canada with my family, I was working out at the hotel gym when I decided I needed to stop overthinking and sign up to RNT.

Being in nature and enjoying outdoor activities in the fresh air sealed my decision. I realised that I love being physically active; I enjoyed the uplifting sense of freshness after a good workout. I wanted to feel healthy and strong and I knew RNT would help me get to the next level of fitness.

I had been following RNT on social media for many years but something always held me back. I kept thinking, life is too short to do something so drastic.

But suddenly, that switched for me and I felt yes life is too short to not go all in and see what I could be capable off. I realised that the RNT journey would only make me better and healthier.

It was just a short term sacrifice for long term gain, and just like that, I was ready.

2. What were your biggest problems before starting RNT?

I just wasn’t progressing in the gym; I kept hitting plateaus - it was so frustrating.

While I was aware of progressive overload I didn’t know how to put it in practice.

Even my nutrition wasn’t on point.

I was not necessarily unhealthy, but I didn’t know what I was really eating and how to adapt my diet to meet my fitness goals.

3. What has the process been like, and the biggest challenges and obstacles?

Learning how to cook proved to be the most challenging aspect at first, since I had grown accustomed to having meals prepared for me when I returned home.

Another struggle was in managing social situations - but I feel far more confident in approaching these now.

Managing nutrition while I was on holiday was tough to navigate too.

Getting out for walks to hit my 10k steps in the icy Winter months was a big challenge. But looking back, I see now that it made me more resilient. Those long cold walks prepared me to face the challenges I knew I would soon face on the RNT journey.

Going through The Grind really put me through my paces, I was so lethargic and irritable that I had to learn how to manage these feelings.

The experience has taught me a major life lesson: to appreciate life’s fundamentals. The RNT process has helped me simplify my life allowing me to focus on the core building blocks.

4. How has the physical been the vehicle?

My RNT journey unfolded in distinct phases.

After a tough work day I was used to heading home and having hot food prepared and ready for me (I guess I was fairly spoiled that way).

I now cook all my food from start to finish and I enjoy the food I prepare.

I’ve become far more independent and definitely healthier as I know exactly what goes into my stomach.

I also do my own grocery shopping (about time!), so inevitably this has led to better financial budgeting.

It also allowed me to effectively structure and plan out my week.

The therapeutic benefit of walking is something I never appreciated before RNT.

Now, I catch up with so many friends; listen to interesting podcasts and sometimes even enjoy unplugged walks.

The biggest benefit has been that my mum is on a mission to lose 5kg by adopting a few of the RNT principles.

5. What almost kept you from joining?

I was afraid that I would have to give up a lot of the things I love if I signed up to RNT. I love socialising; I enjoy my holidays and indulging in food plays a big role in my life.

Now, I know that I don’t have to give up everything that I love. It’s just about learning how to manage them in appropriate quantities.

There are times when the balance needs to shift but it’s always worth knowing that the process is fluid. Ultimately, you just need to find what works for you at any given point in time.