Stats: Loss of 3.4kg and 58.4cm (My pants were tight before the challenge)

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I’ve always been fairly active and had a relatively healthy diet (or so I thought).

After having children (1 singleton and twins) I had stacked on some weight, so decided to go to Weight Watchers.  I lost weight and then, at the age of 40, I signed up for my first fun run and took up jogging.

Things were going along quite well – up until I got sick and was diagnosed with Glandular Fever.  Because I had glandular fever for over 8 months my liver began to fail and I was constantly fatigued and felt like I had the flu all the time.  Worst of all, I stacked on all the weight that I had lost, plus a little bit more.  I tried to keep exercising but I had no energy – so it was a vicious cycle.

Over weight and not exercising… NOT my problem!

A friend started to deal with an online personal trainer, so I decided to give him a go.  Unfortunately, after 3 months, I had only lost a little weight and I felt like I was just wasting my money.  I think he was used to dealing with overweight people who didn’t exercise.  This wasn’t my problem and he offered little advice to help.

I noticed a friend of mine – Debbie Block – had made some amazing transformations.  She looked amazing and I wondered what she had been doing.  I also thought there was NO WAY I could do what she was doing – she was so toned and muscular – I was too old and unfit to even try it right?

I wasn’t interested in competing but I really wanted to lose weight and tone up

But, my curiosity got the better of me so I asked her what she had been doing and she told me that she had an eating and exercise plan from Sarah O’Connor.  I wasn’t interested in competing but I really wanted to lose weight and tone up – and I wondered if Sarah could help me.  Debbie assured me that Sarah could help – so I sent an email to find out!

Sarah organised a time to call me – I told her all about my past, what had happened to my liver, my non-existent metabolism and how frustrated I was – because all of a sudden I’d gone from being fit and slim – to a lumpy, tired and defeated person who felt like the battle with my weight and health was a uphill climb!!

I signed up… one day before my birthday and two weeks before Christmas and New Years!

Sarah said she would help so I signed up for the 8 week challenge.  I was apprehensive because it was the 14th of December, one day before my birthday and two weeks before Christmas and New Years!! But, I did it anyway – and it was the best decision of my life!

The first four weeks were pretty tough – I had cravings and a lot of bad habits to eliminate!

And, eating 6 meals a day was a real challenge!!  To lose weight you have to eat lettuce all day right?  NO!! Sarah told me to trust her and the process, so I did!

I noticed that the measurements were going down…

I chose my birthday as my first cheat meal, Christmas Day for another and New Year’s for another (and it was more than 2 hours!!).  My weight fluctuated and I didn’t lose much at all – but I noticed that the measurements were going down.  I was FINALLY toning up – and losing weight in areas that I’d never been able to lose it before – arms, thighs and glutes!

Preparing my food 3 days in advance has saved me time and money!!  There is no chance of me grabbing junk food anymore because my food is ready to go!

I started to lose weight…

Slowly but surely, with lots of guidance and encouragement from Sarah, I started to lose weight – and the last 4 weeks I lost weight every week – and, best of all, I lost lots of centimetres!  My pants were looser, I didn’t have to jump up and down to get my pants over my hips – I was getting RESULTS!!  Other people were starting to notice and commenting on how good I was looking.

I feel great!

Best of all I FEEL great – the great food has made my insides feel clean; the intake of 2-3 litres of water has improved my complexion.

I still like to have my cheat meal – but don’t feel deprived the other days of the week.  And, I’m finding that making the healthier choice is so much easier because I actually prefer the taste!

I am 46 years old and I think I’ve finally found the secret to success!  I am confident that I will reach my goal weight – but I have learnt that it’s not about the scales any more – it’s more about how I feel and how I look!

… this system does work!!

For anyone who is serious about making a change in their life for the better – this system does work!!  There are no pills or potions – it’s all about eating the right food at the right time and incorporating some exercise and weights to help tone.

It’s not easy – but it’s something that is achievable and can be maintained for the rest of my life!

And, my life will be longer because I am fuelling my body with goodness.

Thank you Sarah!!

There aren’t enough words to describe how much I appreciate what you have done for me.

Teena White

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I’ve always enjoyed going to the gym, I love lifting weights and I’m addicted to that feeling you get after smashing a great cardio session.

My food plan that’s tailored exactly to my (fussy) eating is amazing. I really enjoy eating food from it instead of eating it because it’s healthy and I want results or because I have to.  It’s a real lifestyle change.

In saying this, you cannot reach your goals until you believe you can achieve them. Having you there to support, encourage, guide and motivate me through these 12 weeks has been a blessing and I couldn’t have done this without you. It’s such a mind game but seeing these changes has motivated me to keep going through the silly season and strive towards achieving my goals.

Thank you. Xx

Danni Biar​

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Danni Quinlivan says…

This competition prep experience has been one of the most fulfilling and life changing experiences I have had to date. I am beyond thankful to Sarah O’Connor.  I will never go anywhere else for coaching or nutrition.  Sarah’s own success is a testament to Sarah’s professionalism and capability in the field of fitness, sport, nutrition and competing.

Since competing, I feel like I walk taller, am stronger mentally, emotionally and physically, am more confident, make better choices (food and non-food related) and am all round happier.

Anyone can go to the gym and eat ‘clean’ but it takes a very specialised person, with in-depth-knowledge, to be able to successfully coach someone to get ready for a body building stage.

I’m a 29 year old accountant who sits down all day, had a terrible diet and a serious sweet tooth, yet Sarah transformed me into a 2nd place IFBB Bikini division winner.

There is no way I could have done this one my own and I owe it all to Sarah.

Sarah’s own success is a testament to Sarah’s professionalism and capability in the field of fitness, sport, nutrition and competing.

Even though I didn’t have any local TEAM OC competitors (in Perth, Western Australia) I still felt very much a part of Sarah’s team.  Sarah was always only a phone call or email away and she was always there for me.   Sarah’s information and eXpert Info material is thorough and extremely helpful.  A critical component of the service she provides.  These are great.

The smaller things – like the weekly count down emails – were also a nice touch in the personalised service.  The YouTube motivation videos where also an A+ resource.  It helped me to source my own motivational videos as well.  I would regularly listen to them at work with a head set on just to zone out.

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I first started with Sarah about 12 months ago. I found out about her through social media. I got in contact with her and straight away I found her to be such a lovely person.

We talked about goals

We talked about goals and what I was aiming for. I signed up for a 12 Week Challenge to lose some weight and tone up. With Sarah’s help I started training and went on a nutrition plan.  As the 12 weeks went by I received emails every week from her… some had expert info about nutrition or training and others were an accountability survey.

The expert info was awesome.  It gave that personal touch and also helped to explain and teach methods for training, eating and your overall well being. Each week I sent back the survey and within a couple of days Sarah would be in touch answering any questions I had and giving words of encouragement to help keep me motivated and on the right track.

Knowing Sarah believed in me made all the difference

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Even though some weeks it was hard, to know that she was there and believed in me made all the difference!

At the end of the 12 weeks I wasn’t where I wanted to be. So, I spoke with Sarah.  I was so happy with all the help she had already given me I decided to continue with her for an 8 Week Challenge.  I had a pretty good reason to give it my all in the upcoming 8 weeks as it took me right up until my wedding day!!

It took me right up to my wedding day

Having a serious goal in mind made a big difference.  All Sarah wanted for me on my wedding day was to look my best!! Similar to the 12 Week Challenge, I received an accountability survey every week.  It really helped me to keep on track and I was able to let Sarah know how I was feeling and where I was up to in the whole process!!

Every time I felt like I was struggling or felt down Sarah was there to remind me of how good I could feel and look on my wedding day! She was right.

The hard work was worth it!

When I look back at the photos I can see the hard work that went into those 8 weeks. with all the ups and downs.  It was worth it. I felt beautiful and all I wanted to do was send Sarah a pic so she could see that we made it!!!

After the wedding we stayed in contact.  I was starting to get so used to the training and nutrition that I wanted to keep going, I wanted a new goal. Sarah and I talked again and we decided that I would compete in Season A 2016. Prep began in January.

Sarah tailored programs for me

Being one of Sarah’s competitors is one of the BEST and most AMAZING experiences I have had and I will be forever grateful for having Sarah behind me through the prep. I am from a very small country town.  It has a second hand gym with old weight machines and limited equipment. I went through with Sarah what was available to me and she was able to tailor programs for me in detail.  If there was ever anything I was not able to do with the limited equipment I had available, I would let Sarah know and she would give me an alternative straight away.

Comp day was awesome!

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When it was comp day, I was competing on my own but Sarah was there by the phone the whole time. Throughout the whole day we kept in contact.  After each class I went out in I would talk to her straight away, send photos and have her coach me as the day went on. It was so awesome!

I could not be happier with what Sarah has provided for me. I have learnt so much from her.  To have started with the challenges and then become a part of TeamOC has been so rewarding.  I feel so lucky to not only call Sarah my coach but one of my beautiful friends. We have been able to build an awesome relationship and without all her help with training, knowledge and nutrition I would not be where I am today. I have found a love of life, passion and happiness and I could not be more grateful to Sarah.

Belinda Muller

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Some time back, I set myself a 15 week goal to get up on stage at the INBA Queensland titles in Australia.  I achieved it but in no way was this an easy task.  No partying, so many nights in, food prep, 2 hours of training a day, water loading and depletion.  So much you need to go through, but…

I enjoyed the process … loved it

I have so much respect for athletes that compete in the fitness and bodybuilding industry, now more then ever.  The dedication and the drive you need to achieve this goal has to be intense or you will fail.

During the 15 weeks comp prep, my coach Sarah O’Connor stuck with me and pushed me through to what I look like today.

I found out 7 weeks into it that I was gluten and lactose intolerant and had to change my whole diet and start from scratch.  I am so glad to have had the opportunity to learn about nutrition and training with competing from the very best coaches.

12.5kg down and 13% body fat loss is the best feeling ever

It’s time to learn more about the process!  I am so excited to get back out there with a better rig then before.  Can’t thank Sarah enough xx

Rhys D’silva

September 2015

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Hey Sarah,
What an amazing few months I have had!  So happy to have finished up with a 1st and 2nd place.

Just wanted to say a massive thankyou for your wonderful coaching and support. The diet and training enables you to eat clean and gain strength in a very sustainable and healthy way.  Loved the weekly accountability surveys – they keep you very straight!!!

Thanks so much for answering my many questions in such as timely manner

Even though you are extremely busy yourself you always found time to reply very promptly.

I have gained so much from this whole experience and feel amazing inside and out, plus I have gained so much confidence.

Had a few treats the last couple of days post comp and now am back onto my strict reverse diet protocol.

Thanks for everything.

Feel so privileged to have been coached by Miss Universe!!

You are such an inspiration!!

Thanks again.

Much love,
Lisa xx

Lisa McConnell – 1st Place Bikini First Timer and 2nd Place Bikini Novice

Thankyou Lisa for your beautiful email…

I have loved working with you and am so proud of what you have achieved.
I wanted to give a special shout out to Nat Kitney too for working with you on your posing.
You presented yourself with poise and elegance on stage, Lisa.
Well done
Sarah xx

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I was originally recommended to Sarah by a friend for a healthy sustainable off-season meal plan.  It became very clear early on how committed to her clients Sarah is, and how motivating and caring she is.

Sarah is something special

This actually inspired me to compete again!  I have competed before with other coaches but Sarah is something special.  We kept in contact almost daily, and she provided me with answers to my questions almost immediately throughout the whole prep, as well as posting me her theme wear to borrow!

Sarah was always there for me all hours of the day or night.  She always gave me positive energy that would always lift my spirit if I was doubting myself or questioning my progress.

… so helpful and supportive

I was most impressed with how comprehensive the Peak Week and post-competition reverse dieting and training regime was.  This is where I struggled last time I competed and it was so refreshing to know that Sarah valued this part of the journey so highly and was so helpful and supportive.

With her coaching, Sarah provides weekly expert advice and on-line progress surveys, frequent telephone calls, and is available 24/7.  She was also comp prepping at the same time, and never put her own clients second.

She has become somebody I look up to, and would call a mentor and a friend.  Sarah is inspirational and so supportive.  Sarah and her team work closely to provide the best nutritional and training programs to achieve absolutely the best results no matter what your goals are.

I would recommend Sarah to anybody

The training programs are challenging, but fun, and change every few weeks, which I loved.  I would recommend Sarah to anybody wanting online competition prepping, or even just guidance with training or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Even though my competition season is over, I know Sarah is somebody I will always keep in touch with.  I am feeling the healthiest and happiest I have ever been.

Thanks for being amazing.

Sara Stockham
Adelaide South Australia
ANB SA Muscle & Model Extravaganza
Overall Fitness Model Champion – April 2016

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I was recommended to Sarah by a friend in the gym who had previously competed using Sarah’s comp prep.  I have always dreamed of competing and finally threw away doubts and fears and signed up with Sarah after chatting to her.

Throughout prep I had many questions for Sarah.  I even doubted her advice sometimes but I always listened and she always explained why we took certain approaches.  Everything always made sense and she always put my health first.

Even being online and having Sarah prepping for the competition worked too.

Sarah was always so supportive.

I love all my meals and loved the training program.  It changed every few weeks and was individualised to my needs.  Sarah was honest at each check in and helped me focus on my goal towards stage.  At the competition Sarah was by my side helping and giving me the confidence that I needed!

After comp Sarah made sure to check in with me.  Even after months Sarah still chats and checks in on how my fitness is going.  She is so down to earth and caring, I recommend all who are interested in comp prep to Sarah!

Best experience!

Courtney McConnell

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New Zealand-based client Bonnie Ridley was 7 weeks into a program with me when she sent through this message.

Hey Sarah

I really wanted to say thank you for all your help… particularly how reassuring and understanding you have been. Also, thank you for the time you took explaining the reasoning behind certain things I am eating and why I should, the effects on my body, and also your help with the training I should do. It means a lot.

All the help you have given me since being with you over the last 2 months is crazy and it truly has helped me get back on my feet. After my last comp I really did spiral out of control. I hit such a low point due to a combination of injury meaning I could not train and then relationship factors; I took it all out on myself through food. I had such a negative outlook on food that ranged from secret eating and binge eating to not eating at all.

To be honest, part of me never thought I could get back into shape again.  I got really bad anxiety over the way I looked.  I was even too embarrassed to go to the gym anymore because I was worried people would make fun of the weight I had put on… which sounds so silly when I write it down.

I put my original start up photo next to my 7 week update photo and I can’t believe how much has changed. I’m embarrassed I ever got to the first photo but so motivated to see what I was able to achieve and get my body looking like in 7 weeks thanks to your help. So excited to see what we can bring to stage!

Your nutrition and training plan and guidance has helped so much more than you probably realise. Not just physically, but mentally. So, thank you so much for helping me become comfortable in my own skin again, realising I am capable of bigger and better things and restoring my relationship with food and nutrition.

I have so much admiration and respect for you.

Thanks again. xx

Bonnie

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