Can Brad Johnson Rewind His Body?

The AFL Hall of Famer attempted to rediscover the body that took him through 360+ games at the highest level. Photo by Giles Park

BRAD JOHNSON, 38

- Australian Rules Hall of Famer
- 360+ AFL games for Footscray/Western Bulldogs; 6-time All-Australian.
- FOX FOOTY expert providing special comments during live calls as well as delivering insight and analysis on a range of FOX FOOTY entertainment shows.

After retiring from the AFL four years ago, Johnson’s body was beginning to show signs of middle-aged spread.

Although the 38-year-old tipped the scales at a respectable 82.8kg thanks to a consistent running regime and social basketball, he’d lost muscle mass from his battle-hardened playing days.

Johnson at the start of the six-week transformation.

With the help of Torquay-based trainer Richard Kelly, Johnson aimed to put on some size and increase his aerobic engine, through a punishing 6-week program. That meant explosive weight sessions in Kelly’s garage, while upping the intensity of his daily runs.

At the same time sports dietitian Alison Patterson overhauled Johnson’s diet, prescribing oats for breakfast to kickstart his day and protein-rich snacks like tuna on grain crackers to keep his metabolism ticking over. Importantly, Johnson used carbs for fuel rather than feasts.

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Six weeks later Johnson looks ready to lace up his boots and run out onto the MCG. Achieving the holy grail of physical transformation - simultaneous muscle gain and fat loss - he once again boasts a body that can storm packs and weather bumps. His back has become the kind of v-shaped shell of nobly musculature you expect to see on comic book heroes.

Six weeks later, Johnson had pulled of simultaneous fat loss and muscle gain via serious training and smart eating.

“I know my body can handle things again,” Johnson says.

The question is, can yours? To discover the secrets of transformation and get your body beach ready, check out the full story ‘Rewind Your Body’, also featuring former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington and rugby league legend Steve Menzies, in October's issue of Men's Health.

MORE: Check out how Shirvo planned to tackle his transformation here