Everybody has heard about The Biggest Loser, a weight loss contest where the “winner” is the person who loses the most weight. Fitness enthusiasts are also no doubt familiar with 12-week body transformation contests, such as the phenomenally successful Body For Life challenge. Now, two fitness experts from different continents say they’ve got the next big thing in fitness and body transformation competitions: Real Time Accountability. Best-selling author and fat loss expert Tom Venuto and Australian Fitness blogger Adam Waters say a photo a day will keep the body fat away. Today, Tom and Adam have just released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list, prize package information and contest details for the historic first competition – entry deadline Thursday, April 30th… competition starts May 4th at www.RTP-SYSTEM.com….
RTP BODY TRANSFORMATION CONTEST FAQ</font size>
Q: What is the RTP transformation contest?
The RTP Transformation Contest is the world’s first real time body transformation contest where you will follow the RTP approach to nutrition and training accountability with the objective of transforming your physique in 84 days. Contestants are known as “shredders.” The best body transformation wins.
Q: What does RTP mean?
RTP is an acronym for Real Time Physique. That means you will blog your progress every day (in “real time.”) It’s NOT just a before and after photo competition (2 photos). Every day is an after picture (84 photos in 84 days!)
Q: What does the accountability part entail?
Think of it as positive pressure. Accountability means you set goals and make commitments. Then you’re held to those commitments by your fellow shredders. You’re also held accountable by journaling your nutrition, training, progress numbers and photo on a blog using the RTP accountability system, which is a type of compliance checklist. We realize no one is perfect, so there’s a scoring system, and your objective is 90% or greater compliance.
Q: Do I really have to take a picture every day? With my shirt off????
Yes! Men: shorts. Women shorts and sports top. Or wear swimsuits.
Q: Swimsuits? Ok, now I’m scared. What are the accountability standards?
You should be motivated, not scared. But honestly, this contest is not for everyone. You really have to put yourself on the line for this. If you’re not willing to make a total commitment to see this 12 week mission through to the end then you should not sign up for this contest. But the commitment required is exactly why the RTP challenge is so powerful.
Here are the standards for the real time accountability system:
1) Complete 84 day Transformation: Follow and implement the RTP System manual for an 84-day period starting on or before US EST 11:59:59 Monday May 4, 2009.
2) Transformation Documentation: Your progress must be documented inside the ShredderSphere private community according to the 3 principles of RTP Accountability: Daily pictures, daily journaling and real time accountability blogging.
3) Time Frame: You will be judged over a consecutive 84-Day period. This will be one RTP “Mission.” Finish date is 11:59:59 PM, Sunday July 26, 2009.
4) Accountability Compliance: To be eligible for the grand prize, you must complete the 84 day transformation, documented with an accountability compliance score of 90%.
5) How Your Daily Accountability Score (DAS) Is Calculated:
Visit www.RTP-SYSTEM.com and go to the FAQ page for more details aboutthe compliance point system (sample accountability chart below).
Q: Do I have to purchase or take any supplements?
No! We don’t sell supplements. But you can use supplements if you want to. (Natural supplements only – we believe in a drug-free approach).
Q: I’m already on a diet I like, do I have to follow your nutrition program?
Each individual customizes their own meal plan within a set of results-based parameters from the RTP program. There are no set menus you have to follow; you are encouraged to customize your plan to suit your food tastes, caloric requirements and physique goals.
People have unique nutrition requirements so there’s no way we could make one diet mandatory for everyone. (For example, there are vegetarians successfully using the RTP system).
Whatever nutrition program you commit to, you will be judged on your compliance to your chosen program.
Q: I already own your Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle (BFFM) ebook, Tom. Do I really have to buy this RTP program to enter?
Yes. You will NEED those RTP manual modules. Although the nutrition module is a condensation of BFFM (so there’s no conflict with BFFM), the other modules contain specific action steps in relation to mindset, motivation, goal-setting, accountability and an 84-day workout program. You’ll also get detailed instructions on how to use the accountability compliance checklist, including the blog, photos and other accountability tools. The system is not dry or overly scientific. It’s written from the personal and emotional perspective of a man (Adam) who failed for 6 years before finally figuring out how to make it stick via positive pressure through personal and public accountability.
Q: Who is eligible or not eligible?
You can enter from any country in the world, as long as fitness competitions with cash prizes and awards are legal in your country, province, state or city. (there are some state restrictions and this contest is “void where prohibited”).
Visit: www.RTP-SYSTEM.com and refer to the terms and conditions before you enroll in the contest.
Q: How do I win?
Finish your 84 day “shred mission” with a minimum cumulative compliance score of 90%. This gets you in the finals. The finalists will be narrowed to a shortlist of best body transformations, based on relative improvement. Relative means that it’s not the leanest person who wins, but the person who makes the most improvement. That means that regardless of where you’re starting from today, you have an equal opportunity to win.
Physical transformation is 75% of the final score. Your inspirational story, as documented on your blog, is 25% of the score. A judging panel consisting of myself, Adam and Carlos DeJesus (training advisor) will narrow down the candidates into a shortlist and then all the Shreddersphere members will vote via “blind” poll over a 24- hour period to determine the male and female winners.
Q: What are the prizes?
The “Winner’s Event” Itinerary on August 8, 2009 includes the following:
- Round trip airfare to New York City from your place of residence (up to a maximum of US $1500).
- 2 nights accommodation at the luxurious W Hotel Hoboken with views overlooking the Manhattan skyline
- 1 Training Session with Tom Venuto and Adam Waters in New Jersey on August 8, 2009.
- 1 Professional Photo Shoot with Tom Venuto and Adam Waters on August 8, 2009.
- 1 Dinner in New York City with Tom Venuto and Adam Waters on August 8, 2009.
- 1 Ticket to a Broadway Show with Tom Venuto and Adam Waters on August 8, 2009.
- $500 spending money.
- Transport to each location on “Event Day” (August 8, 2009) will be provided by Tom Venuto’s “Burn The Fat Mobile.”
- 1 “T
ime Lapse” Video documenting your 84 days transformation custom produced by Adam Waters. - Your “Success Story” will be featured in RTP Transformation System 2.0 Digital Package due for release in late 2009.
Q: What Broadway show will we see?
Shredders will vote on that after the contest starts. Tom and Adam will get the best seats money can buy (off Broadway is an option too – New York has shows downtown like Stomp and Blue Man Group).
Q: What’s for dinner?
Anything you want. But a couple things we know for sure: One, it will be in one of New York City’s finest restaurants. Two, it will be a REWARD MEAL! Wine, desserts, whatever your big heart and (soon to be) little stomach desires. Of course if you want more broccoli and egg whites, be my guest!
Q: Burn The Fat-Mobile? Sounds cool. What kind of car do you have Tom?
A white car. Don’t worry, you will be riding in style… And the black leather seats give you a massage…. (I’m serious! And the massager has 4 different speed settings!) Batman would approve. In fact, it has lots of gadgets. James Bond, eat your heart out.
Q: How do I enter?
Go to: www.RTP-SYSTEM.com
Purchase the RTP system (a manual with 7 modules with complete instructions on how to make your transformation. You will receive access to the shreddersphere and further instructions after you enroll.
Q: What is the entry deadline?
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 at midnight Pacific Standard Time
Q: When do I start my transformation?
We all start shredding on Monday, May 4th, 2009
Q: What if I have more questions?
Go to www.rtp-system.com and visit the help desk. Or post questions in the blog comment section below.
Q: Tom, why are you doing this? And how come you don’t just have your own Burn The Fat contest?
I’ve wanted to host a transformation contest for years, but didn’t want to copy cat programs like Body For Life, which arguably deserves the credit for the ingenious idea of the 12 week fitness challenge. So, I’ve been waiting to do something unique.
When I heard about Adam Water’s concept for a real time physique (RTP) contest, I realized that this was an original concept. A real time accountability contest had never been done before, so we joined forces to co-promote it.
Besides, I have a lazy streak in me and terrible organizational skills. So I made Adam do all the hard work, LOL! In a sense, this IS a Burn The Fat contest. I wrote the forward for Adam’s program manual and served as the advisor for the nutrition module.
One last thing. This is the first ever RTP competition. Will there be another? Based on the unbelievable response we’ve had so far, we think it would make a great annual event.
But wouldn’t it be cool to be a part of the FIRST one? You may want to do this just to transform your body. But what if you win? Think about this. Some of the Body For Life Challenge winners from the late 1990’s are still well known in the fitness industry to this day. Many of them became fitness professionals or fitness celebrities.
We believe this is the next big thing in 12 week fitness competitions. And that means, it’s your chance to get in on the ground floor;of a new movement; a new community. The fitness world needs a successor to Body For Life. We also want to show the world that there’s an alternative to being a “big loser.” You can be a winner. You can be a shredder.
I hope you become a part of this historic, inaugural event. It will never be repeated again here in my own home town.
Sincerely,
Tom Venuto
NJ / New York City area
PS. 84 photos for 84 days = 1 “time lapse” video = the worlds most viewed You Tube video for “weight loss” (4,103, 525 views and counting)
It would be nice if the after photo didn’t also include a fake tan. It sort of skews the results since it allows the contours of any muscle to stand out visually.
Hi Barry. Tans are legal in this contest. Altering of photos (like you see in many supplement company and weight loss program ads) are NOT.Adam’s transformation photos have not been altered or retouched in any way.tomPS Bodybuilders and figure/fitness competitors get real and brush/rub-on tan for all competitions. They would not dream of going onstage or doing a photo shoot without it
I´m psyched about this contest and eager to start seeing both mine and other people´s improvement as well.I know that this will definitely be a landmark in our lives and that if we are serious about it, there will be no turning back.This challenge rocks!
If both my husband and I want to participate in the contest does this mean we BOTH have to buy the program? I am excited about this but in many ways if we are not both doing it there will be possible sabotage but doubling the cost to be honest for our household is a concern. Currently we are both “acceptable” but I want to go from acceptable to fantastic. I know it may seem silly but…
Will this contest provide me with adequate nutrition if I am training for and competing in triathlons this summer?
Hi Shanna, thank you for your question. If both you and your husband want to participate in the Challenge you only need to purchase one copy of the RTP System. I will personally set up two accounts in the ShredderSphere private forum for you, one for you and one for your husband. Perhaps we’ll see you soon!Cheers,Adam Waters
Question,If someone purchased the challenge program back in Dec. 2008, but can still participate for this current competition, how do you know that the photos are not starting from Dec and then the last one they give you is in July? Is there a way that you are monitoring daily photos from the people who purchased the program back in December? I’m very excited about the competition, but just want to make sure the contest is fair. I’m purchasing the contest outline today….. Hope to see you in New York… Game on! Actually its not about the prize for me , this is more about the challenge and becoming all I can be!Per your rule details…..Time Frame: You will be judged over a consecutive 84-Day period in the time period between December 1, 2008 (includes people who purchased the RTP Transformation System prior to the announcement of the Contest) and US PST 11:59:59 PM, Sunday July 26, 2009
Hi Joe, the RTP nutrition program empowers you to create your own meal plan customized to your caloric requirements, specific goals and food tastes all within a set of results-based parameters based on Burn The Fat principles.The RTP nutrition program is specifically designed for individuals conducting a relatively intense training program (generally weights and cardio) so it may work for you while you are in training for a triathlon.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi all:Had a surgery last year…..started to gain weight. Wife died and everything in the house was misplaced because of these events. Turned 60 years old in January. Felt weight gaining continuously but kept ignorning the scale. After reading about the challenge decided to look for the scale. I found it last night and saw a 20 lb gain in weight. Looked for and found the digital camera and took some pictures. Talk about a wake up call. Wow, realized Adams comptetition was a gift at this time in my life. Simple put after reading Adams and Toms emails there is one clear message, it’s time. You know that sense, when you know, you know?Thanks guys,Jim Hughes
Joe – re: triathalonstake a look at THIS transformation:arkady hagopian is also a triathaletewil they recognize you in your new bodyamazing!tom v.
Hi Chistina, thank you for your question. Each participant in the RTP Challenge is required to document their progress in real time inside the ShredderSphere private forum via an “Internal Blogging” System which provides ironclad proof that their transformation occurred in the time period specified. This is due to the sophisticated “date and time stamping” features of the forum and blog software, the membership join date, and the data on when their photos were uploaded.The reason why the “eligibility period” stretches back to December 2008 is because this is when some people received a “preview copy.” There are only two people who started the course before official public release on March 10, 2009 who are eligible for this Contest prize.If you have any further questions Christina please don’t hesitate to ask.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Tom/Adam,Is it required to implement the RTP exercise program 100% as documented in the module? I have been following the BFFM system for many years and I feel like a big part of my success has been the ability to tailor my workouts to what works for me. For example, I’m not a big fan of HIT. I prefer steady state cardio.
christopher – adam will probably chime in, but no. you dont have to follow RTPs nutrition or training 100% – as I mentioned in my post above about nutrition, with people having different needs (ie, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, diff tastes, etc) all progams must be customizedThis challenge isnt about you following MY program or ADAMs program per se, its about you making a committment to take daily actions and then agreeing to be accountable for the promises you made to yourself, via journaling/blog and photos.Hope to see you in the shreddersphere, and maybe in NYC!tom
Could you tell me why residents of Arizona can’t do the contest?
Hi Tom/Adam,I am 75-100 lbs overweight. Will this program work for me? I know that I can’t loose that much weight in 84 days. What do I do?
My daughter may want to do this with me. Do we need to purchase two copies of the manual?
I bought BFFM last year and did really well but then I got injured and that was just the excuse to start binging again so ended up putting all the weight I lost and more back on. I have been telling myself for weeks and weeks that I have to sort myself out. I opened my email today and this is just what I need, I have been a yo yo dieter for years and really need something like this to sort me out. Cant wait to start
Suppose you have a person who is already fit with only about 5-8% bodyfat to lose to be ripped, and although this program is very attractive to this person and knows it will help her reach her personal goals, she thinks the prizes are pretty sweet too… But what are the chances of a person who doesn’t have a dramatic change to make, to win? ;)
Hi,I’m an endurance runner who needs to lose fat in preparation for a long race in August. I’m thinking of adding this program to my existing training, which consists only of running. I think the overall fitness would be a huge plus. But would the extra running workouts in any way DQ me from the contest?
My life partner and I would like to join the contest together. I saw a post from Shanna and she was told she could purchase one program and both she and her husband could enter. Was that just for her or could I do that too?Also, we don’t (won’t) go to a gym, but we have a NordicTrack elliptical, a recumbent bike and dumbbells. Will we be able to get in shape with these?Thank you so much for the encouragement of your story.Frieda in Florida
I am interested in entering this contest but do not want my private photo’s and weight information available to anyone who googles me. How do I keep this private – available to just people who are participating? I really need an answer to this before I can enter. Thanks!
Yes indeed, a photo a day keeps the fat away. Taking photos was the single biggest hurdle I shredded last December when I took Adam’s RTP challenges… As soon as I started posting pictures daily, the accountability in the RTP “Sphere” was most excellent. As Tom recently wrote about accountabiliy, it was my self-accountabiliy that sky rocketed my progress because you will look forward to taking your pictures, you will have a huge sense of pride and accomplishment to compel you to raise the bar in many areas of life, namely proper meals and maximum intensity workouts.
Ok! Yes, I saw there was 1 person 50+. Well, I’m 62 and over the last + 2 years lost over 150 Lbs. However, I recently moved from Hawaii, where I could work out daily to Eastern Idaho and make a few (never to be repeated mistakes) and gained 25 Lbs. over the Winter. I’m going to correct this and think your 12 week program could be it for me.Question: will I loose too much of the weight and have some of the loose skin I had before? I know you can’t fix my previous problems, I just don’t want to make them worse.
Hey Tom/Adam,I am a personal trainer from Adelaide, Australia and I would like to somehow get involved and get this to my clients. Is the best way just to give them the links to your site(s)?Have had a chance to have a really good look on your site Adam which is pretty amazing and good on you for getting this out there. As I mentioned in a comment in another post here on BFFM Blog, it’s damn good to see what you guys are up to.Regards, Clayton
Hi Christopher, as Tom mentioned above the main thrust of this Contest is creating “positive pressure” via real time accountability. While it is encouraged that each participant follow the RTP training and nutrition program (to ensure congruency and transprancy) please bear in mind that the training program is flexible in regards to cardio training and you have access to a 750-strong exercise image database inside the ShredderSphere private forum to intelligently interchange exercises to suit your individual needs and circumstances.The RTP nutrition program is based on Burn The Fat principles, which means you create your own meal plan customized to your caloric requirements, goals and food tastes within a set of results-based parameters.If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Dawn, There are many people inside the ShredderSphere private community that are starting from similar situations, and you will receive a ton of support from them. If you desire to increase the “positive pressure” via real time accountability to give yourself a motivational push to hit your goals the RTP System may be for you.Cheers,Adam
Hi Sandy, if you would like to do this Challenge with your daughter you only need to purchase one copy of RTP. I will personally approve your daughter’s membership in the ShredderSphere for you once you provide your User details.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Tiffany, as Tom discussed above the person who makes the greatest “relative” improvement over the time period will be eligible for the “Shortlist” finals. The term “relative” comes into play as Tom, Carlos DeJesus and myself are fully aware that cutting from low to very low bodyfat is in many ways more difficult cutting from high to moderate. These factors will be taken into consideration during the shortlist judging.The bottom line is that all Contestants who make a “full-blooded” physique transformation over the 84 days will be eligible for the finals. I trust this helps you Tiffany.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Marcia, the extra running workouts that you decide to incorporate into the program will not disqualify you from the Contest. While there are recommendations made in the program to prevent plateaus associated with over-training and “burnout” each individual is free to decide the amount of training that is suitable to their current condition, goals and experience.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Frieda, thank you for your question. I will make a formal announcement later on, but I will say now that any person who purchases the RTP System and would like to have a blood relative/partner participate in the Challenge with them one additional ShredderSphere membership will be provided free of charge. If/When you sign up I will personally approve your blood relative/partner once you provide your user name.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Eloise, the ShredderSphere (where your real time transformation is documented) is a secure, private area that is not accessible by Google or any member of the general public. On the positive side, as this is a member’s only area you can receive support and real time accountability from your fellow Members who have may be in a similar situation to you.If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask.Cheers,Adam Waters
Hi Adam/Tom -I’m going to purchase the RTP system today and, just like Shanna mentioned above, both my husband and I would like to enter the contest. How can I assure that you set up accounts for both of us even though we’re only buying one copy? THANKS!
Hi Adam,I know the deadline to enter the contest is before midnight tonight. I will be purchasing RTP when I get home from work (6pm PT), but I’m wondering if there will be enough time to complete all the steps necessary to get entered into the contest. Thoughts???Scott
Hi Scott, from the Contest Entry deadline on 11:59 Pm US PST you will have four full days to do the “pre-work” in the first 6 Modules. While this is a compressed time period, if you are intending to take massive action as you will definitely be able to complete these in time before the start day on Monday May, 4 2009.Cheers,Adam Waters
Well darn, I was about to order the program today and get ready this weekend. But it’s too late?!?!Please help?Thanks so much,Gina
Now that I saw the other RTP video I regret just a little bit that I didn’t take pictures every day or at least every week since I began my own “transformation” :D. The photo series on the video is amazing! When I started I was reluctant to make any more photos of myself, and now I wish I could see the process because it seems so incredible.
Hi! Tom, I was just searching around about this when I discovered your blog post. I’m simply visiting to say that I truly liked seeing this post, it is really well written. The favorite part of my in this post was the RTP contest…
I just saw this and realize it is from 2009. It is Jan 2015 now…are you going to be doing another contest? I looked at your website but can’t tell from it if there is another one coming up or not?
Thanks!
Jill we’ve been doing fitness challenges every year since 2009 — they are held at the burn the fat inner circle http://www.burnthefatinnercircle.com and we now have a contest calendar posted on the site with all the events listed in order.