I have been on the boards now for several months, but thought it might be a good time to tell you my story because I hope that it inspires you.
I competed in 2 natural bodybuilding competitions 6 years ago in what then was the best shape of my life. However, after my wife and I moved to the suburbsof Chicago, my healthy habits seemed to wane especially after we had children (and another on the way next January - yeah!), but I kept working out. Just 8 months ago, my weight had ballooned up to 190 lbs and my bodyfat was roughly 24%. In December of 2006, I decided I was sick of feeling horrible about myself. I had tried dieting several times before in the past 6 years, but vowed this time that I would be very serious. So, I decided I wanted to enter a bodybuilding contest on October 27, 2007.That was my goal.
The first thing I did was hire a trainer a few days a week and the first thing he did was take a picture with my shirt OFF - wow, was this eye opening - you see yourself everyday in the mirror, but until you see a picture of yourself, you do not get the real story! He put me on a bodybuilding diet (I consider all people who lift weights to be bodybuilders!). The next thing we did was take measurements, and to my dismay, my waist size was 41.25"! YIKES! Pant size and actual waist size are two totally different measurements! Anyway, I have stayed on the diet religiously for the past 7-8 months, but I do give myself cheat meals to help with any cravings I may have.
About 3 months ago, I decided to go at it on my own, but do see another trainer occasionally and get some help online from Joe Franco, a great guy! The results I have seen are nothing short of amazing. Currently, I am weighing in at 158 (loss of 32 pounds) but more amazing is that my waist is down to 30" (we are actually measuring next Saturday - hopefully it will be 29"). That is a loss of 11.25" in my waist. My arms have actually stayed the same. I feel the best I EVER have in my life! I am hoping to do quite well in my contest.
While I do not want to toot my horn, I want to tell you that we all lead very busy lives, and through hard work and dedication, we all can see incredible results. We all have families, work and other activities that keep us all busy, but you must make fitness a priority or we won't be here for the REAL important things in life. It is very important to have a support system whether it be a trainer, family member, friend, someone that will feed you positive energy. You do not need negative energy because it hinders progress. We all are on here because we want to better our lives and I was hoping that my story, just like many others on this board may help you keep your focus when the gym may be the last place you want to be that day.
I promise to post pictures to show I am not bs'ing my progress, but me being 41 and not computer savvy, have not been able to learn how to post pics yet. In addition, I want to post my updated pics that I will get taken next weekend. The before and after are two totally different people! The after person is much more confident in all aspects of his life including home, work and religious!
The main thing is, just keep at it, keep working hard and the results will come. I am living proof! I wish you all the best of luck in your physical endeavors!
I wanted to post my pics - just got up the nerve to do so.
These pics just prove what can be done with hard work and perseverence, along with sound diet and proper rest. Most importantly, my support system is wonderful and I owe a ton to my wife!
At some point before my show, I will post my "before" pics, but am pretty embarrased that I let myself get that far out of shape. However, in a relatively short period of time, I have totally transformed my body.
Thr progress keeps coming along! Here are some 7 week out pics - I am actually only 4 weeks out from tomorrow from my contest on October 27th. Looking forward to the show, but REALLY looking forward to the after show party - LOL!
That's amazing! Good luck at the comp....BTW that day of the comp, 10/27/2007 is my 35th birthday!
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For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?', here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!
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Awesome....you ooze dedication, persistence, and a burning desire. I am not weird or anything but you should post some pictures with your clothes on too. Being in that good shape looks cool when you are dressed.
Thanks everyone - nice comments. I am now less than 4 weeks out from my show and here are a few 4 week out pictures with color. Gotta love the fake color!
Anyway, I have worked very hard over the past year, my waist is now down close to 28" and I have kept most of my arm and leg size. I started this thread to show people that EVERYONE can make change with dedication and hard work and consistency of diet. Now, as all weight loss bottles say "results will vary", but I guaranteee you that if you put in the work and you get to understand what works for you, there is no turning back!
BTW, with my shirt on, I look like a normal guy, in shape, but certainly not big. Only 26 days to go - getting excited to get back to a semblance of normalcy because getting ready for these competitions is TOUGH, but well worth it!
You look contest ready now!!! 4.5% bf........sick!!! What is your diet? How are you retaining so much of your muscle and dropping the fat? You have hit the jackpot with your personal trainer. Well done!!!!!
You look contest ready now!!! 4.5% bf........sick!!! What is your diet? How are you retaining so much of your muscle and dropping the fat? You have hit the jackpot with your personal trainer. Well done!!!!!
tropszzz - I am currently carb cycling which has enabled me to actually put on muscle and lose bodyfat at the same time- yes it can be done. However, I will post my diet and routine when the show is over. I will do a before and after with all the information needed to help make others successful!
Hey similar boat to where you were! Am 41 with a house full of kids and reasons/excuses for not taking my health seriously. Am ready to make the commitment to lose that 41" waist and all the body fat that goes with it. Good luck on the 27th.
You look fantastic, keep up the good work and it's so true what you said you need good support systems and this is a good place to be when the gym isn't really where you want to be some days.
Thanks for sharing your story with all of us, it is very inspiring. I wish you all the best with your fitness endeavours. Maree.
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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure..we ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually..who are you not to be? N. Mandela.
You look fantastic, keep up the good work and it's so true what you said you need good support systems and this is a good place to be when the gym isn't really where you want to be some days.
Thanks for sharing your story with all of us, it is very inspiring. I wish you all the best with your fitness endeavours. Maree.
Thanks Everyone!
7 week out pics
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