Andy Gatenby reveals the secret behind his new physique
Seven years on from retirement, former undefeated professional boxer Andy Gatenby is now in the best shape of his life thanks to a brand-new nutrition plan from Herbalife.
The boxer-turned-actor was undefeated in six pro fights and on the verge of an English featherweight title shot when an eye injury caused him to fail a medical exam, meaning he had to retire from boxing overnight.
Still feeling the need to compete, the Portsmouth puncher reached the finals of popular BBC2 show, ‘Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week’ in 2015, then soon after turned his hand to acting, and has been steadily attracting bigger and better roles in film and TV ever since.
The 34-year-old rising screen star recently played a violent enforcer alongside award-winning British actor Billy Murray in thriller film ‘Nemesis’; then in his next role, he played a villainous gang member in ‘Renegades’, sharing film credits with Hollywood stars Danny Trejo and Lee Majors.
However, it was disappointment at a last-minute rejection that led to his recent lifestyle change, he explained, “I was cast in an action film in November, had my suitcase packed all ready to go, then just as I was leaving to walk out the door someone from production phoned me to say one of the executive producers decided to cut me from the film because I wasn’t ripped enough and that they’ve replaced me.
“It lit a fire in my belly because I thought if these are the roles I want to go for, obviously I need to do something about this because if you’re just a normal actor, it doesn’t matter, but I want to be in action films so, to do that, I need to match the physique.”
Some of Hollywood’s biggest and most successful film stars, such as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, are regularly selected for action roles due to their fitting physiques, their ability to do their own stunts and, of course, their star appeal.
Andy shares a lot in common with the aforementioned actors. Former wrestler “The Rock” and once upon a time Olympic diver Jason Statham both have sporting backgrounds and are known for undertaking their own stunts in films. Andy aspires to the same ideals, so he regularly trains in stunt performing and can also favorably rely on his previous profession as a pugilist.
“I want to be starring in action films,” continued Andy. “So I know I need to be in tip-top shape. So that’s what motivated me, and I got to it straightaway.”
Within a few weeks of being dropped on the spot, Andy took action immediately and has already achieved his goal of attaining a new shape to fit the roles he’s vying for.
“I’ve always trained, I’ve always been in the gym, but my nutrition’s never been all that good, so I got in touch with a friend who’s been using Herbalife for a few years; we train together and he gave me a nutrition plan and now I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since I was boxing.
“When you’re boxing, you’re not always in the healthiest of states, obviously you’re weight-drained for fights a lot; I mean, you’re fit, but not necessarily healthy; but now I’m fit and healthy, and now I’ve got sustained energy.
“When I was boxing and had a fight coming up people would ask me if I was ill because I looked so gaunt, my face was all sucked in, looking like I’m on death’s door! But now I feel good and look good at the same time. I’m 11-and-a-half stone now; when I was boxing, I was 8-stone-13.
“It’s improved my wellness, my sleep, my physique and my energy levels. It’s done everything I want and more.”
Herbalife is a worldwide business that supplies meal replacements, food supplements and sports nutrition products globally. The company claim that over 4 million Herbalife Nutrition shakes are consumed daily.
Despite this success, there’s inevitably opposing opinions to the products that some feel only offer short-term fixes.
“People have something to say about everything, but all I can tell them is that I feel in the best shape of my life,” he responded. “I never jump on the scales. If I get out of bed in the morning and feel good, then I’m happy with everything.”
For Gatenby to have increased over two-stone in weight since his prizefighting days, just how dramatically different must his training regime have changed? “No difference whatsoever,” he answered instantly. “I’m training exactly the same as I ever was, but it’s my nutrition that’s changed and my whole physique has completely changed with it. I’m not doing any heavy weights, just HIIT workouts.
“I always used to be chasing diets and denying myself, but all I’ve done now is cut out sugary drinks, reduced my carbs, and I’m on a full Herbalife plan, but I still drink beer at the weekend and treat myself to a couple of takeaways a week.”
The married father of two young children also has support from his loving wife, he revealed, “Kirsty is absolutely smashing it! She decided to support me and she’s a full dress size down and lost a stone in weight already! She’s well on her way to her target weight and having fun doing it.”
Andy’s ability to turn a negative to a positive has already worked out well for him. The door was firmly shut in his face last year, but he has made necessary changes for the better and now the doors are opening up again.
“I’ve just signed a letter of intent to be in an action film in Berlin, which starts shooting in September,” he revealed. “So I’m looking forward to that, but I’m also looking forward to seeing what else my new shape can accomplish for me.
“I’m waking up in the morning feeling good and bouncing out the front door absolutely buzzing, so I’m excited to see what new roles come my way as a result.”
To find out more, you can message Andy personally at @gatenbygas
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