Twelve years ago, I was in pretty good shape at 200 pounds (6'3? tall) and running triathlons. Since then, I let life get in the way of my health and fitness, eventually reaching 275 pounds (I gained 25 pounds with EACH of my first three kids).
After many failed efforts to get back in shape, I entered a weight loss contest at my gym about a month before TC 9 started. While I was making decent progress on my own, I had ?been there? before?losing 20 or so pounds on my own, keep it off a short time, then gradually the weight started creeping back on.
I came across TT while doing some random fitness-related web surfing a couple of weeks before the start of this contest. Probably a half dozen times, I had the ?order? page pulled up and almost hit the buy button. Finally, a week before the start of the contest, I pulled the trigger?and haven't looked back.
When I purchased the TT program, I thought I was getting some neat workouts. What I've come to find is that I've tapped into a way of life?an exercise program that is very manageable from a time perspective, very flexible, hard (what looks deceptively easy on paper is incredibly hard when you do it right), yet very fun.
While I hadn't been doing much in the way of long slow boring cardio, it was more because of a time limitation, not based on the understanding that it wasn't the best way to lose fat and get fit. Now I know first hand that short, intense weight workouts and intervals rule!!
The nutrition advice provided in the program and in the discussion boards has been very enlightening as well (and realistic), and the support on the discussion boards has been very encouraging.
What I did ? I started with Phase 1 of the 6 month bodyweight manual. I am still a bit uneasy doing a lot of bodyweight exercises at the gym, so was able to do most of the workouts at home, then hit the gym for my intervals (stationary bike, stair climber, and treadmill).
Weeks 5 and 6 I used Dumbbell Depletion?while I'll likely switch back to a bodyweight program for the remainder of the contest as I want to really focus on shredding the fat, I loved that workout as well.
Nutrition wise, I learned that you can't outwork a bad diet!! For the first half of the contest, I worked to eat clean and did Eat Stop Eat one or two times a week. ESE really helped to offset my lack of nutrition knowledge. About a week ago, I actually started entering my nutrition in FitDay, which I'm now hooked on. My nutrition promises to be much better in the second half of the contest.
I threw out some pretty high goals for this contest?shockingly enough, I am already honing in on them all only six weeks in. I wanted to lose 10% of my bodyweight, or 25 lbs?I have already lost 20. I wanted to lose 3-4 inches off my belly?I've lost 4.
I wanted to pass the Navy physical readiness test and I'm almost there (may already be there but I haven't tried the run trial yet due to a nagging calf strain). More importantly, I feel better in general and am more comfortable in my own skin (and clothes).
The numbers on Oct 17:
Age: 42
Height: 6'3?
Weight: 230 (-20 lbs!!!)
Chest: 45? (-2.5?)
Belly: 42? (-4?)
Hips: 43? (-2?)
BMI: 28.74 (-2.5)
Navy BF%: 26.4% (-4.2%)
YMCA BF%: 24.79% (-4.0%)
In looking at my before and after photos, it is very evident that I still
have a ways to go. However, for the first time in a very long time, I don't
even wonder if I'll get there or if I'll keep it off?I know I will.
I can't thank Craig enough for the programs and the contest. It has not only
provided the inspiration and encouragement to change, but the roadmap.
Thanks Craig!!
Terry
