Scandinavian Health and Performance (SHP) is already well known in Dubai among the more ambitious and athletic when it comes to offering maximum performance and optimum health. However, if your burning goal is to first shed serious pounds and change some pesky eating and lifestyle habits for good before going for gold, then their latest programme, Project Overhaul – set to launch on October 10 – might be just the ticket.
Described as the UAE’s most advanced weight loss programme, the nine-month project aims at those who have at least 15kgs to lose and are in great need of a nutrition and lifestyle overhaul. It will attempt to reverse medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which are prominent diseases in the country, as well as create long-lasting solutions to healthier, happier living.
SHP Founder Ian Houghton stresses though that this is not your average ‘turn up, train and go home’ challenge, and will take full dedication from not just his team, but the registrants themselves too, with no lasting results guaranteed unless all involved are ready and willing to make big changes in exchange for huge gains.
“If we’re going to call this a sustainable weight loss programme then we need to make sure that it’s not one of those quick fixers that demand too much of a drastic change from people,” says Houghton. “So our strategy is going to be about achieving small habitual changes over time, changes that will hopefully be ingrained in participants even after the project is finished.”
The Project Overhaul crew, consisting of trainers, nutritionists and medical professionals, will provide registrants with a detailed exercise and nutritional program including thrice weekly fitness sessions, as well as individual consultations in which the trainers will assess your lifestyle and current conditions to identify any limiting factors and find a bespoke plan to suit your journey. Teams will be divided into ladies versus men.
“Everybody has a unique physiology, metabolism, background and lifestyle, and so to aid us further you will be requested to have your blood physiology analysed by a medical professional every three months during the programme,” he adds.
“This important data helps identify improvements to your ‘inner health’ and gives us further direction for your strategies. By tapping into different elements like digestive or hormonal issues, adrenal fatigue etc., we can figure out exactly what is preventing you from losing weight, and what further steps or supplements need to be introduced.
“I think being able to see the results both externally as well as internally is good, valuable information for us as coaches, as well as the participants of course so that they understand that health is more than just your waist circumference,” adds Houghton.
Indeed there is a significant educational element to Project Overhaul, with each month also offering a seminar on a health and fitness related topic to help participants understand the Why’s and How’s behind sustainable healthy living.
On top of walking away with all this invaluable information and several pounds lighter, a weekend getaway trip for two will be awarded each to the male and female with the best results by project end, plus an award will go to the team with the most steam and spirit.
“We put a lot of thought and detail into the planning of this project. We have a very holistic approach to viewing health and training and are trying to cover all bases with this programme – from a psychological element to dietary treatment if necessary, and more.
“I think the fact that we’re involving multiple practitioners both within our team and outside our team in order to provide the most well-rounded approach for our clients, is probably one of our strongest selling points. And the fact that we’re all very technically strong and keen on enhancing our knowledge at all times allows us to provide very current and new strategies for progress in all fields.”
Houghton concludes: “There will be many moments where your patience and perseverance will be tested. We promise you that we will stand by your side and try to make this a fun and exciting journey, ready to celebrate your highs and help you up during your lows.”
What: SHP’s Project Overhaul weight loss programme
Where: Weekly training sessions at Safa Park and Engine Health and Fitness in Jumeira,
When: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-7:45am
Starts: 10th October; registration deadline – September 28. The programme runs for nine months
Cost: Dh1,995 per month all inclusive. If you refer a friend to join Project Overhaul, once he/she signs up you’ll receive a discount of Dh1,995 on the full project fees.
Contact & info: www.projectoverhaul.com; www.shpdubai.com
