"Prepare to get cleaned, my boy…"

Not the friendliest greeting you could hope for, but then that is what I have come to expect during my time at Transfit. John is only half-joking I fear because I know that I am in for a rough time as my training continues to grow in its intensity.

With my second assessment closing in, I need to up my game considerably to show some form of improvement, and there is also the not-so small matter of a boxing bout on the horizon as well (but more on that later).

Since the highs of my assessment I am struggling to get into it. The weight is not dropping off as quickly and my motivation is at an all-time low. It seems I have reached a plateau. The solution is simple — more workouts, for longer.

After Monday's group, John signs me up for an extra group workout on Thursday and then a two-hour session on Friday to cap the week off. Strangely, I am quite happy with the prospect of doing more. I know, who would have thought?

Boxing clever

Wednesday's one-on-one session proves to be a nightmare. With just over two months before I step into the boxing ring, we have decided to train accordingly. That means lots of abs, loads of cardio and John dropping a medicine ball onto my gut, while I perform crunches, followed by him punching me while I swivel my torso…

Weren’t expecting the last couple were you?

You see the use of the medicine ball and ruthless punching from my trainer, combined with the non-stop running, jumping, sit-ups and push-ups, is to ensure that I am conditioned for what is bound to happen once I step into the ring. John advises me to concentrate on breathing normally while I go through the exercises as well, which is easier said than done, when you have a medicine ball or two large fists thundering into your stomach and ribs.

I soldier on, fighting down my lunch (John is quick to remind me that eating 45 minutes before a workout is dof, and I cannot disagree…), but ultimately it is too much for me as I suffer a sense of humour failure on the treadmill. The one-on-one comes to an end with me trying to keep my chicken sandwich down, while simultaneously staying on the treadmill — good times.

Making Transfit history

As Friday rolls around I am acutely aware that I (along with a number of other brave souls) am soon to attempt to finish a two-hour session with the Transfit trainers. No small feat, and considering the guys have been talking it up all week, it is clear they are relishing the opportunity of breaking somebody… anybody.

Roland and Tom (names changed to protect real identities from future scorn) manage to talk non-stop for the entire two hours, while the rest of us try to hold in the laughter. I find myself in awe of how they can breathe, talk and work out at the same time! I humbly doff my hat to you, sirs.

The two-hour session is broken down into hour sections — each with a different set of trainers. While the first one goes down with relative ease, the second definitely takes its toll. I am pleased to say I make it through the duration without any major embarrassment…

The week ends on a more positive note than it started, but with my second assessment on the horizon, the next couple of weeks are going to be mad. I would expect nothing less.

Rob will be tracking his progress in a bi-weekly column so be sure to follow what is certain to be an emotional and amusing journey for our out-of-shape sports pundit right here on iafrica.com.

Any comments — or advice — for Rob? Have you say below!

To contact John Meintjes give him a call on 082 564 8594 or e-mail him at john.transfit@gmail.com

To get in touch with Transfit: e-mail them at info@transfit.co.za / or visit their website.