Happy New Year! I hope 2024 has gotten off to a fantastic start for you, complete with all the enthusiasm that a new year can bring! For many of us, a new year is a fresh beginning and an opportunity to make some much needed changes. Whether it’s balancing your budget or balancing the scale, this is a great time to seize the day, set some goals, and reshape your lifestyle!

In the spirit of change, I’m going to jump into yet another diet and fitness regimen, giving you an up-close-and-personal look at the ins and outs of a promising plan that claims to help you shed body fat and gain lean muscle. As always, you’ll get my honest opinions both as a dietitian and as a regular ole’ human being.

Ready to dive in with me? This month I will be committing to Magnus Lygdback’s Start Strong 2024 Challenge. A trainer and lifestyle coach, Lygdback has made a name for himself training celebrities and helping them transform their bodies for the superhero and heroine roles they play on the big screen. Not planning on walking the red carpet anytime soon? He’s got you covered, too! He is serious about healthy eating, balanced nutrition, and training regimens that build strong and lean physiques, no matter your walk of life.

Why the Magnus Method?

So why did I choose the Start Strong 2024 Challenge? I first came across Lygdback on Youtube and appreciated his no nonsense approach to nutrition and fitness. I’ve yet to get a whiff of gimmicky B.S. and he values enjoying life! While his cutting plans certainly look challenging, he balances these days with meals that allow for indulgent favorites. He also emphasizes the importance of cooking delicious meals that are loaded with flavor and are fun to eat.

As far as the workouts go, I know I’ll be in for some serious sweat sessions! Magnus puts significant emphasis on strength training, but includes interval training and super sets for cardiovascular benefits as well. I have no doubt that I will both feel and see differences after completing these workouts.

What’s the cost?

Depending on the level of support you’re looking for, the Start Strong 2024 Challenge could be free or cost you up to $14.99 per month. Magnus has created some super helpful free content on his Youtube channel, including a look into his nutrition plan as well as sample workouts. If, however, you were wanting greater access to his catalog of workouts, more demonstration videos, his supportive community, and private Facebook group, these perks are all available on his app. Month by month, the app will cost you $14.99 following a free 7-day trial. An annual membership with the app is $99. Subscribers join the Challenge for no extra cost.

Aside from the app, Magnus states that a gym membership is required for most of his workouts. His training regimens incorporate everything from treadmills and bikes to squat racks and cable machines. So could you get away with doing the Challenge without a gym membership? I intend to find out! Though I do not currently have a gym membership, we’ve got a pretty good weight room in our basement plus plenty of space for me to get in some interval training. I know I’ll have to come up with substitutes for some of the exercises, so we’ll just see how much of a barrier that ends up being.

Icing on the Cake

What’s a challenge without a little cash prize? By subscribing to the app and officially joining the Challenge, you can enter to win some seriously fabulous prizes! Lygdback will be awarding loot for the best transformation as well as for top engagement. The Transformation Grand Prize winner will snag $1000 in cash, a set of Magnus Method bands, and a 30 minute Zoom call with Magnus himself. The Engagement Grand Prize winner will win 4 months of personalized 1:1 nutrition coaching, a set of Magnus Method bands, and–again–a 30 minute Zoom call with Magnus.

So what are my goals?

Though a dietitian, I am certainly not immune to ageing and the upward creep of the scale. And now that I’m in my 40’s, I have definitely noticed changes in my energy levels and where my body likes to store fat (helloooo muffin top!). More than ever, I want to stay committed to my health and fitness. With four busy boys at home, I need to be in tip top shape just to keep up with them! Though I don’t have a specific number of pounds I’d like to lose, I *do* know that I want to lose body fat and if possible, gain lean mass at the same time. I plan to take measurements along the way and will keep you posted!

The Low Down

Each week, I’ll share with you my experiences during the Start Strong 2024 Challenge. From the food plan to the daily workouts, you’ll get all the juicy details–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Each step of the way, I’ll be dishing out:

• My meal plans (breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners)
• New recipes (both faves and flops!)
• Workout progress (both wows and woes!)
• My personal results

By the end, you’ll be able to decide whether the Magnus Method might be the right method for you!

Bottom Line

As a dietitian, I know better than most just how valuable support and accountability is. Could I design my own eating and workout plan and get results? You bet. But I love learning from others, getting fresh ideas, and being challenged to step out of my comfort zone. I look forward to getting inspired by the online community and letting someone else be the brains for once. Ha!

Here’s to a wonderful new year and all the opportunities it brings! What are your goals for 2024? Share them below!

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Looking for more diet reviews? Check out my previous posts here!