What is a program-review worth if the reviewer hasn't even used the program?

If you read through all the reviews on the Shapeshifter program over the internet, you'll find, as I did, a lot of nicely composed, professionally presented articles that clearly explain how the program works, and what its unique features are. There's much praise given to Adam Steer and Ryan Murdoch as the developers; to the design and presentation of the program; and to the quality of the material - the training methods and nutrition guide.

Many of the reviews are from other respected professionals in the fitness branch, so the endorsements come with the stamp of authority. But what do they "really" tell you about the program? I didn't find one reviewer who had followed the program themselves - not one that could base their review on personal experience and results - not one that did any more than highlight what the promotional text of the Shapeshifter site has already made clear. Not one that could really discuss the true value of the program.

Can you recommend a product to others if you haven't used it yourself ?... Should you?

Imagine being expected to buy a car based on positive reviews of it's color, its design and the technical quality of the individual parts of the engine. That wouldn't be enough - you'd still want to know how it goes... or if it goes. Imagine if none of the reviewers could tell you that, because they'd never driven it.....


Welcome to part 3 of my Shapeshifter review - "The Reality"  

This part is the missing-link from all the other reviews. The "Reality" takes place, not on this page, but on the pages of my "PROGRAM DIARY" .  That diary is a log of my whole experience following the Shapeshifter 6-Week Body-Redesign Program.

This is the pure, personal, tried and tested account of my physical transformation... my Shapeshifting adventure.

And it was an adventure - a journey that I logged every step of the way. And like a journey, I've been confronted by a whole range of obstacles and discoveries. Sharing this with you, should help you to step into my shoes and imagine taking the journey yourself... experiencing the same adventure... reaping the same rewards.

I don't expect you to read the whole diary (though it's no longer than a 40-page book), but I can advise you to at least read the "Week Evaluation" chapters. I kept this log as much for myself as for the benefit of others. It helped me to stay focussed and committed; to unearth my negative and positive character-traits; and to recognize where and how I fell foul to my old behavioral habits, where I succumbed to doubt (and fear), where and how I was able to motivate myself to continue and reach my goal. 
If you do follow the program yourself, then reading how I experienced each individual day could help you deal with the same obstacles much easier... knowing that someone else has reached the same point before you, and that you can get through it as they did.

It is important too, to keep your own journal - you'll learn a lot about yourself in the process, and you can put that "self-knowledge" to great use in everything you do.

I had planned to include more photos and videos in my program-diary, but I found this took up too much of my time, and took my focus away from what was important - putting my time and energy into following the program. I did manage two videos though, showing my "unhandy" attempts at the exercises in the beginning. They serve as proof that I was anything but composed and capable. I'd never trained before this, and it shows. They were somewhat painful for me to watch at first, but now I can enjoy a good laugh at myself.

The photos are also few... and the most important "first photo" - my "before photo" - also required some courage to post up for all to see. There I was, looking every ounce my 53 years. I can't believe I let myself get to that stage. If it wasn't for the fact that I could disguise my physique well under smart clothes, I may have done something about it years ago.

It's painful and embarrassing to face yourself in the mirror, or in a photo like this, and really let it sink in just how much you've abused your body - to see the effects and the proof that you haven't bothered to take care of it... haven't respected it.
We can learn to live with it, and to accept it... and we're very adept at making excuses in our defence. But if we are truthful with ourselves, it really isn't acceptable. We can do something about it, and we're only trying to fool ourselves when we don't admit this.

If you aren't happy with your body, and know it's your fault, then you have two choices:
- You can hide away, cover yourself up, put it out of your mind, pretend it isn't important, stay away from cameras and mirrors and beaches and swimming-pools, develop a winning personality to make up for it, and comfort yourself with unhealthy snacks and an inactive lifestyle.
- Or you can say - "Enough!" - and start giving your body the attention and respect it deserves.

I found my own photo so repulsive that I couldn't fool myself any longer... and I said - "ENOUGH!"

My "Program Diary" is a journey I took my body on for 6 weeks - giving it the nutrition, mobility and training it desperately needed. I pasted my photo next to another that served as my "ideal", my goal (see it at the top of this page). I took the step out of my comfort-zone, out of my deceit, out of my silent misery - and looked forward excitedly to the reward that awaited me at the end.

And BOY!... am I enjoying that reward now!  I urge you to do the same.


                                                        Access my "Program Diary" here.

                   
                                        One more final part of my review to go - the Final Evaluation:

                                                  Shapeshifter Review Part 4 - The Truth 



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