A prominent luxury lifestyle journalist, Adam Bloodworth, Deputy Life&Style Editor at City AM, has commenced a 100-day fitness challenge to address his health concerns, despite his profession requiring him to regularly consume rich, high-calorie meals. Bloodworth, who reviews high-end restaurants and attends champagne events as part of his job, was diagnosed as technically obese in his mid-thirties, prompting him to seek a solution that accommodates his demanding work life.
Bloodworth's role frequently involves dining at Michelin-starred establishments and new luxury openings, a routine he describes as both a privilege and a challenge to his health. Having previously dismissed weight concerns in his twenties, the reality of his health status led him to seek professional help. He has partnered with Virgin Active to undertake a structured fitness programme, which began with an initial consultation to establish his goals and a daily calorie target.
His regime includes two weekly personal training sessions with Sam Bannell, a 26-year-old trainer from Essex, and one weekly weightlifting class at Virgin Active. Bannell has set Bloodworth a daily calorie intake of 2,200, a significant reduction from his previous average of nearly 3,000 calories per day. Bloodworth, who stands at six feet two inches, admits to initial anxiety about gym environments and the concept of a 'calorie deficit'.
Despite his initial apprehension, Bloodworth has found the early stages of the programme surprisingly manageable. He describes the weightlifting sessions as straightforward, with trainer Sam adapting his technique and providing support. Bloodworth, who began comfort eating as a teenager, contrasts his lifestyle with Bannell's early start to fitness, but notes a non-judgemental atmosphere and a shared understanding of the challenges posed by alcohol consumption.
The journalist has adopted an 'all-or-nothing' mindset towards his calorie deficit, finding the challenge of eating less a compelling motivator. He has even resorted to raw carrots for dinner on occasion, prioritising the goal over cravings. Colleagues have offered 'food hacks' to help him feel satiated on fewer calories, though Bloodworth acknowledges the potential for this intense focus to become an unhealthy obsession.