A HUGE congratulations to our client of the month Nigel Perera. Do you think being over 50 means you can’t get in the best shape of your life? Think again.
This month’s Physique Academy Client of the Month proves age is no excuse. After years of failed diets and inconsistent plans, he joined the Academy in January 2024, but the real game-changer came in August when he committed fully to the process. The result? Over 32kg (five stone!) lost in just nine months, dropping from 104kg to 72kg! His lightest weight since his teenage years. Now, at 50 years old, he’s stronger, leaner, and more confident than ever, trading XL tops for size Small and 38-inch trousers for 30s. His transformation is more than physical, it’s mental, structured, and life changing.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever done a programme that actually works, I think because of the expertise behind it, and the coaching to actually get me to that goal”.
Nigel was paired up with coach Tyler, and the pair became an unstoppable force. Education, accountability, support and communication were vital to these incredible results.
For anyone still making excuses… here’s living proof that it’s never too late to take control and rewrite your story.
When did you join the Physique Academy?
I joined in Jan 2024, but honestly, I didn’t really get stuck in properly until the end of July 2024. So, from August onwards, that’s when I locked in, started following the programme the way it was meant to be done. That’s when everything started to shift. So, from there I lost over 30kg in the next nine months, at an average of just under a kilo a week.
Why did you join Physique Academy?
I kept seeing these before-and-afters on Instagram… just normal blokes getting into ridiculous shape… and I thought, alright, that’s what I want. I’d tried everything over the years - every diet, every plan - but I’d either stick to the training and mess up the food, or the other way around. So, when I saw Physique Academy, I just knew I needed something different - disciplined, accountable and all-encompassing, not just the basics but an everything-in-one programme. Tyler was exactly that - he’s an absolute expert in weightlifting, nutrition and overall fitness, and he has helped me immensely by being on-hand and in my corner the whole time.
What have you achieved both physically and personally since joining the academy?
Well physically… I’ve dropped 32kg. From 104kg down to 72kg. Which for UK oldies is over five stone, hehe. I haven’t seen this weight since I was a teenager and I’m 50 now. But it’s not just the weight, it’s how I feel. Strong, lean, clear-headed. I’ve built proper discipline, proper structure. I know what I’m doing now and I’m not winging it, so I know how to not get back into old habits.
What is your ultimate fitness goal?
It’s actually to just stay here. Keep this weight, stay in shape, stay sharp. I don’t need to be massive or shredded, I just want to be fit, feel good, train well, enjoy life. I’ve got new clothes now (I went from XL to S in tops; 38-inch trousers to 30) and I want to keep wearing ’em. That’s the goal.
In what other areas of your life has Physique Academy helped you improve?
By doing this I actually know I can do anything now. I was really a huge bloke for so long, and now I feel like a different person and can achieve anything. Energy’s up, focus is better, I’ve got more patience, more drive, just more of everything. It’s mad how sorting your body out knocks onto everything else. You just feel more in control.
Would you recommend Physique Academy?
Yes, 100 percent. It’s the first time I’ve ever done a programme that actually works, I think because of the expertise behind it, and the coaching to actually get me to that goal. Tyler’s been brilliant… he checks my form when I send gym videos, he adjusts my diet to suit what I like eating, not just what’s ‘ideal’ on paper. It’s proper coaching. Personal, accountable, structured, and do-able.
What gets you motivated to complete the programme to the best of your ability?
Progress, mainly. When I started to see results, I just wanted more of it. And knowing I’ve got to check in with Tyler every week… knowing he’s going to actually look through the numbers and respond to my questions and challenges… it makes me want to hold up my end of the bargain.
Is there something fitness-related you can do now you couldn’t do before joining Physique Academy?
Yes… lifting heavy. That’s been massive for me. I never really trained hard enough before… I thought I was, but I wasn’t. Tyler helped me understand how to train close to failure, properly push myself. He explained rate of perceived exertion in a way that actually made sense… like, if you’ve got more in the tank, you’re not done yet. That mindset alone has changed everything. Also, I can do pull-ups - I was always so heavy I couldn’t even manage one pull-up before; now I can knock out a few at a time.
How important is a routine for you?
I mean, once you’re in it, it’s easy. Actually, the key for me is to always think in terms of weeks, not days. If I mess up one day, well, tomorrow I can make up for it. I always wanted to win the week, rather than let an off day kick me outta the routine.
What has been your highlight of working with Physique Academy?
Probably hitting the sub-80kg goal. That felt big. And Tyler made me realise I could go lower, and build muscle from a much leaner base, so I kept going and lost another 8kg from there. Every kg lower was a new highlight, and then the six-pack abs came in for the first time ever, so that was the perfect icing on the cake haha.
What’s next on your fitness journey?
Maintenance. Holding this weight, keeping the strength up, enjoying the process. I want this to be my new normal. Not chasing anything extreme, just living well, training consistently, eating in a way that makes sense. Simple really. Just keep them 30-inch trousers fitting.
