5 year mark

mike_sargent · 07-25-2008, 07:15 AM

Reading Tropzzz's thread about waist size got me looking at my workout records. By coincidence, today's the fifth anniversary of my starting to exercise. (I didn't start lifting until later.) Results?

lost 20 lbs

4 inches off waist

look better

strength vastly improved

On the other hand:

no increase in LBM <--- frustrating!! (but at least there was no decrease either)

developed diabetes during this period in spite of lifestyle changes

had to pay for new, smaller clothes

I wonder why my strength has gone up without any increase in muscle mass?

Well, back to the gym for the next five years...

Guinness42 · 07-25-2008, 07:22 AM

Congrats on the 5 year mark. That's awesome!!!

It's hard to imagine that you haven't had a change in LBM after hitting it for 5 years, but maybe the diabetes has somthing to do with that.

mike_sargent · 07-25-2008, 06:42 PM

Thanks!

The diabetes may well affect my progress. I am certainly very careful about my caloric intake, so I'm not surprised that I'm not getting bigger -- but I am surprised that I have made so much progress in strength, without any corresponding change in LBM. Well, maybe my estimates of LBM are off. I know I'm making progress based on the weight I can lift!

Iron Barbarian · 07-25-2008, 07:15 PM

Congrats!!

Fifty+ · 07-25-2008, 07:16 PM

Congratulations for sticking with it. I'm sure the diabetes plays into your size factor, but look at it from a different perspective. You could be a lot worse off if you had not changed your life style. You're healthy, strong and better educated about all those aspects. Be proud. Be happy. Enjoy life. It ain't over yet. Keep hammering.

oldfart

joed · 07-25-2008, 09:12 PM

Lifting heavier weights is the best progress. WTG Mike, keep it up for another five, and another...and another.

Bronzebird · 07-26-2008, 09:33 PM

I was wondering if you're doing any squats with free weights. I believe this heavy duty exercise to boost LBM. Keep lifting as big as you can and stay healthy for another five years!
(Rep'd)

mikieson · 07-26-2008, 10:57 PM

Great job OP...I have worked out for 10+ years and have nothing to show for it..yea for me..."why do I keep going?"..

purepower405 · 07-27-2008, 07:12 AM

Congrats

uncleroman · 07-27-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikieson

Great job OP...I have worked out for 10+ years and have nothing to show for it..yea for me..."why do I keep going?"..

if you have nothing to show in 10 years you are doin something very wrong.

o.p good work

Fifty+ · 07-27-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikieson

Great job OP...I have worked out for 10+ years and have nothing to show for it..yea for me..."why do I keep going?"..

It gives you ten years of experience, to start with. What do you think you're doing wrong?

mikieson · 07-27-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fifty+

It gives you ten years of experience, to start with. What do you think you're doing wrong?

eh...dont know. Nothing if you like getting bigger and stronger. Its dropping weight that puzzles me.

I worked in construction for 14 years. I sweat more than any 10 normal people. I would workout later after work. Sweat more and more...But never dropped weight. I would eat normal to big to average. Food bars or cooking at home. Anything...

My diet isnt perfect but your would think sweating the way I do I would never gain an oz of fat...EVER...But, I have alway kept my gut. Its nothing horrible, but I dont feel comfortable without a shirt.

So now Im out of construction and pretty much a stay at home dad that takes the occassional side job. I dont eat near like I did. I sleep in late now as the kids are out of school. I dont lift heavy as Im kind of over all that.

I just want to look nice and athletic thats all. I do about 20-30 minutes of cardio ..."treadmill, workoutbike, heavybag"...

Im not a neutrition nut like some are but I dont eat really bad. I just keep weight on ....PLUS...I dont sleep worth a crap. EVER...I have sperts of depression still..and confussion about life and stuff...I feel stressed A LOT to the point of just screaming and blowing up..

I think I have a problem...