Is it too late fro me?

[gregorylaurie]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

[Jasonk282]

never too late. I was addicted to pain killers and vodka 7 years ago...

eat less, move more.

read about proper nutrition in the nutrition forum, get on a simple program like Fierce 5 and remember...no one in the gym gives a fuk what you look like.

[Plateauplower]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Its never too late. You just need to decide if you would like to put the necessary effort into changing your eating habits and exercising to see your sons grow up. There are a lot of resources on here. It is simple, but not easy and requires commitemnt and dedication. Read the new to 035 Sticky by Ironwill2008 at the top of the page. that has some links to good resources for starting out.

[shaneinga]

It is never to late man.

Get a calorie tracking app for your phone and learn to count calories. Myfitnesspal works very well for this.

Learn to count calories. Get a food scale. Weigh your food so you understand portion sizes.

As long as your Dr. gives you the ok, go and hit the elliptical for at least 30 minutes a day. Once you get accustomed to showing up to the gym to do something you will become more comfortable with it. Elliptical is great because it is very low impact and it is a great way to burn some calories.

If you want a good lifting plan, Allpro is a great plan for people with a lot to lose.

Right now I would jump in with calorie counting and some serious gym time and get to know your elliptical machine by first name. Get moving, drop some weight, and get a hold on my life from a health standpoint immediately.

What you don't do is quit, and you for damn sure need to drop whatever excuses you have for not doing it. Those have got you to where you are today.

Go get after it man, you have 2 kids who need their dad around for many years to come.

[Jtbny]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Within this forum there are countless stories of people who were in a similar situation as yours. Off the top of my head, and a couple of the best transformations around, are HighIso and Bo_Flecks The difference between them and you is that they stopped feeling sorry for thier situation, motivated themselves, and got started.

What will your story be?

[DuracellBunny]

Discuss exercise with either your family doctor or, if you have one, the diabetes specialist (lost of medical practices have nurse practitioners who specialise in diabetes these days) handling you. Diabetes and exercise have a 2 way relationship and there will be some trial and error to start with.

[Cass40]

I agree that you might want to find others here that are/ were in same situation than you are. I can't think of anyone at the moment except for this guy http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=160565211...although he was a lot heavier than you are.

[blue9steel]

It's not too late! You've already made the hard decision to get started. Now all you have to do is get a little knowledge and don't give up. You didn't get into this situation overnight and it's not going to be fixed overnight either, but you can definitely get there. Look at the bright side, when you're done you'll have awesome calves and everyone will be jealous.

[mtpockets]

Is it too late fro me?

Check your pulse, are you dead?

If the answer is YES, it's too late

If the answer is NO, then proceed

[AbuDina]

I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change.

Greg, it may sound harsh but you only have two choices:

1) Get busy dying and carry on living the way you are
2) Get busy living and do something about it.

I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them.

I know EXACTLY what you mean! But at 37 you are still young FFS! Who said 37 is old?! Seriously, go tell that to Ernest the 77 year old Irishman who can bench press 236lb!!!!! YOu are still young and have plenty of time ahead of you but the sooner you start the better. The problem with Youtube is you're watching progress that took months/years compacted into a 5 minute video. All the genuine ones put in a lot of time and effort to get to where they are. If they can do it, so can you. Ask yourself this: What makes them better than you?! NOTHING! that's what I keep telling myself and it's what keeps me motivated. You can do the same bro.

I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself.

Stop playing mind games with yourself bro. You don't need to find anything you haven't lost. Just DO IT!

I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form.

I empathise but you are where you are and you've decided to do something about it which is a massive achievement in itself. Sod everyone else at the gym! Easier said than done, but everyone was a newbie and I guarantee you there will be other newbies in and around the gym at the same time as you. Your size, your form will change with consistency and you know this already so just do it bro.

Just feel like giving up is better.

Yea.... it sure does feel good for the duration it takes you to get out of the gym and back home but then what? Will you still be feeling good?!

I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right?

Well easy is sweet but to bust your backside to get something is even sweeter IMHO.

Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Then you've come to the right place. You know, about 2 months ago I was in the gym @ 6.45AM doing cardio on the elliptical. My knees and nick were aching bad. I felt like poop , I wanted to quit there and then. Man.... I was seconds away from pulling the plug but something stopped me (god damn it dem little voices in my head again lol) and I carried out. I never looked back since and I have made what I consider, tremendous progress in 2 months.

Bro, if I can do it then so can you!

All the best and keep us updated. Would love to hear about your progress.

[Watsonm5]

It is never to late man.

Get a calorie tracking app for your phone and learn to count calories. Myfitnesspal works very well for this.

Learn to count calories. Get a food scale. Weigh your food so you understand portion sizes.

As long as your Dr. gives you the ok, go and hit the elliptical for at least 30 minutes a day. Once you get accustomed to showing up to the gym to do something you will become more comfortable with it. Elliptical is great because it is very low impact and it is a great way to burn some calories.

If you want a good lifting plan, Allpro is a great plan for people with a lot to lose.

Right now I would jump in with calorie counting and some serious gym time and get to know your elliptical machine by first name. Get moving, drop some weight, and get a hold on my life from a health standpoint immediately.

What you don't do is quit, and you for damn sure need to drop whatever excuses you have for not doing it. Those have got you to where you are today.

Go get after it man, you have 2 kids who need their dad around for many years to come.

This is great advice! My 2 cents is get your mind completely wrapped around the idea taking the first step. Next is COMPLETELY change your diet and eat the correct foods in moderation. Next is to start out by walking every day just to get used to it. Get a new baseline with this. Work your way up slowly. T25 video is a great start after this. My wife and did this and it works. Anything at this point will work. You certainly can do it but starting is the most difficult task. You need to make it happen. Think of yourself. Think of kids. If that isn't enough motivation then I don't what else is. Get going! You can do this!

[Redfish225]

It's never too late.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ttest+guy+misc

This guys story is amazing.

[gregorylaurie]

It is never to late man.

Get a calorie tracking app for your phone and learn to count calories. Myfitnesspal works very well for this.

Learn to count calories. Get a food scale. Weigh your food so you understand portion sizes.

As long as your Dr. gives you the ok, go and hit the elliptical for at least 30 minutes a day. Once you get accustomed to showing up to the gym to do something you will become more comfortable with it. Elliptical is great because it is very low impact and it is a great way to burn some calories.

If you want a good lifting plan, Allpro is a great plan for people with a lot to lose.

Right now I would jump in with calorie counting and some serious gym time and get to know your elliptical machine by first name. Get moving, drop some weight, and get a hold on my life from a health standpoint immediately.

What you don't do is quit, and you for damn sure need to drop whatever excuses you have for not doing it. Those have got you to where you are today.

Go get after it man, you have 2 kids who need their dad around for many years to come.

Thank you!

[gregorylaurie]

Thank you everyone!

[JusTryingToTone]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Too late for you to learn to spell?.... probably yes (only messing)

some great advice above about your health though..... good luck

[BuffMother]

It's never too late! Get after it and don't ever worry about others judging you at the gym-- everyone there only has respect for you!
You've got some great advice from the peeps here-- use it!!

[ElrondHubbard]

I agree that you might want to find others here that are/ were in same situation than you are. I can't think of anyone at the moment except for this guy http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=160565211...although he was a lot heavier than you are.

It's never too late.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ttest+guy+misc

This guys story is amazing.

^^^ +20 on these.

And if it's videos you want to see, here's the story of Jesse Shand (the guy referred to in the two links above):

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jess...nking-man.html

It literally brought tears to my eyes.

[bri88col]

Check out transformation of http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/oldsuperman/..his story should give you hope

[DocHoss]

Most certainly NOT too late!

Look up BigOrin's bodyspace. He's not yet where he wants to be, but has made HUGE progress. Over time, slow and steady really adds up!

[Narts]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

It's never too late. Work with your healthcare professionals, and take your time.

[alex2363]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Its about going to gym lifting and eating proper macros along with consistent workouts.

[Georgeoz]

Take this from an 80 year old.

It will only be too late if you don;t have a go.(Tha's an Australian expression, meaning, roughly, make a real effort).

Doing that is not easy, but getting sick and feeling poorly isn't, either.

Work out a program, based on good advice, eat properly. Soon you will find you can up the ante, you will look better by losing fat around your face and taking care with general grooming. Then you will find you get more sex and you do it better. That is surely reward enough?

[DCSpartan]

Talk to a doctor.

I would focus on diet and walking until you get your weight below 300. You probably arent ready for a regular program, but soon will be.

Best of luck.

[BergMuscle]

Check your pulse, are you dead?

If the answer is YES, it's too late

If the answer is NO, then proceed

This^^

Let go of the negative self-images and be aware that at least you are going to the gym. And start enjoying how your muscles feel after being worked. That got me through re-starting serious lifting.

[rodoruin]

I'm 38 and came off the couch about 5 months ago- the day you set foot in the gym you stopped saying it was too late. I get self-conscious too about some of the lighter stuff I lift, skinny arms etc but I purposely wear clothes that show off my body parts that I want to work and it pushes me to work harder. Find whatever works for you- I sometimes wear a hat when I work out so I can stay in my zone mentally and not get distracted by everything around me. Find a way, set a small goal, reach it, then the next one becomes easier. In a year you'll wondered why you even asked the question.

PS I had high blood pressure, butter for blood in my veins, etc. My doctor told me he'd put heart stents in people younger than me. I had had enough. You can do it.

[Jdizzlean]

You can do it, all you have to do is start. 2 years ago i was 400#, I've gotten all the way down to 327 before. I'm currently on a mission to hit 250 if i can. Just take it slow and steady and you'll get there, but it takes time.

Start small and add on as you go. Never feel bad about what you look like in the gym, feel bad for the suckers out there that won't step in the front door. Modify excercises into something you can accomplish until you can do the "normal" version. I still can't do a single real push up to save my life, but i do inclines or do them on my knees and i've been working on that for quite awhile.


Most important:

Don't EVER compare yourself to anyone other than yourself from the day before.

Have some faith in yourself, that's all it takes.

[mcbourque]

^^^ +20 on these.

And if it's videos you want to see, here's the story of Jesse Shand (the guy referred to in the two links above):

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jess...nking-man.html

It literally brought tears to my eyes.

Yes to this ^^^ - like a lot here said - this guy's story is amazing.

Look at it the other way: what will happen if you do nothing? What will happen in 1-2-3 years if you keep your current lifestyle?

You have 2 sons. That, there is your responsibility to do something about your health.
You just can't afford NOT to do it!

If you need motivation, just look at your boys. Carry a pic with you at all time and look at it when you feel like quitting.

Good luck

[Mark1T]

OP, just getting active can work wonders. Brisk walking daily is an easy and excellent way to start. Make a commitment. Get up early before the family, and walk comfortably briskly for 30 to 45 minutes. Then, you will have time to take care of your family. Study on diet. Start a journal here and there are many people who can suggest an exercise program and help.

Losing weight can help beat diabetes. You can do it.

[Tracoleman99]

I am 37 years old, 6 foot, and I weigh 370 lbs. I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I have 2 boys 5 and 7 and I feel like I have one foot in the grave. I was fairly active growing up and very active in my early 20's and since....not so much. I'm at a point now in my life that I feel like it's too late to try to change. I've watched a ton of videos on Youtube but everything I have come across are these amazing strong young individuals and it's hard to see myself in them. I admire the resilience from these individuals and am trying to find it in myself. I have a gym membership and started to go this week and every time I walk in I'm embarrassed about my size and my lack of proper form. Just feel like giving up is better. I know it's easier but nothing that is easy is worth having right? Anyway....just hope to find some motivation because I'm having a hard time finding it in myself.

Two years ago I weighed 232 lbs. I was in constant pain, depressed and felt like my life was out of control. I ate ice cream for dinner, followed by more ice cream or cookies. My life was out of control. I started my journey towards fitness on January 1, 2014. Sounds cliche, a New Year's Resolution...but this one stuck. I have a family history of diabetes and addiction, so I knew I had to do something. For the first seven months, I fought with myself. I had to overcome a dozen obstacles and let a bunch of them set me back. It was horrible, but I kept saying to myself, "You can't give up. You have to figure this out. You have to do something. No turning back." It was a broken record in my head.

For you, the key is mental rehearsing. What will you tell yourself? Don't be discouraged!!! I go to the gym now and I look at myself, at my form, at what I am doing in the gym. I was self-conscious when I was 232 lbs., I'll be honest. But once I overcame that, I realized that people who are fit are too busy working out to look at me while I'm working out.

Nutrition is the number one factor that will make a difference for you. The workout will help improve your metabolism and increase muscle mass, but you have to get a handle on the nutrition. There are some awesome articles on this website about how to lose weight and beginning guides to working out. Check them out. I've read dozens of them and have learned a little from each one. I write about my own personal journey on my blog.

Be encouraged!!! Don't give up!!!!!

[gbnpc]

Your #1 motivation should be that 5 & 7 year old you speak of. They need you to be with them for a very long time and need you to be healthy in order to do that. Do worry what other people in the gym might be thinking. at least you are trying to make improvements in your life by actually going to the gym as opposed to not. Most of the time they are there to look at themselves! Its def not too late for you, but will require some time and effort on your part. But remember those kids. Do a bit of research right here on bb.com regarding diet/nutrition and beggining training programs or check if your gym has personal trainers you can consult with to help get you started.