/mike

After some ups and downs of varying severity I’m finally starting to actually see a difference in both my outlook as well as my appearance, both of which I’m very proud of. My food choices as well as my general motivation towards taking the time to visit the gym each morning are becoming habit and I’m glad. Here’s where I’m sitting after 58 days of using Body for Life.

Eating

What I had always thought would be my biggest hurdle is now becoming a solid strength. I suppose part of the draw and success of this particular program is that you are to follow the program for something like 80 days, making it a habit. When I started this journey I didn’t even think of it that way but now I can see that’s exactly what it is.

Sure, I’ve deviated from the meal plan a few times and indulged in some sweets after meals when I wasn’t suppose to but the point is that instead of having six pieces of chocolate or an half a bag, family size, of chips, now I’m having one piece of chocolate or a handful of chips.

I’ve also found, and others can attest to this, that when I miss one of my six daily meals I’m pretty bummed about it. At times it can’t be helped but because of the portion sizes of my meals I look forward to each and every one of them. When I miss one, you can believe that I’m on top of my eating schedule the next day.

Weight Training

In the last update on my health I went on about how much I missed lifting weights and boy is that true. I love to feel that burn when I’m on my last set and my arms or legs are shaking uncontrollably, trying to finish the final repetition.

Sure, two days later when it’s a little tougher to walk down the stairs it isn’t so fun but when I start looking over the progress I’ve made in what I used to be able to lift—pathetically low—against what I can lift now—at least average ;^)—I smile.

Charting my Progress

I’ve decided that instead of keeping a running list of each update I’ll just list my first measurements and the latest measurements for comparison. After both sets of measurements I’ll have links to previous updates if you’re interested in following along.

Oh yeah, I’m still taking pictures every two weeks but I’m going to save those until I’ve got a bit of a tan and some more definition, I’m self-conscious that way. Now, on with the show.

My first measurements (November 2006):

• Neck: 15.5″
• Chest: 39.5″
• Bicep (relaxed): 11.5″
• Stomach: 37.25″
• Waist: 36″
• Thigh: 20.25″
• Calves: 14.5″
• Body fat %: 20.6

Measurements after 58 days of Body for Life (March 2007):

• Neck: 14.75″—0.75″ loss
• Chest: 39″—0.5″ Loss
• Bicep (relaxed): 12″—0.5″ gain
• Stomach: 35″—2.25″ loss
• Waist: 37″—1″ loss
• Thigh: 22″—1.75″ gain
• Calves: 14.25″—0.25″ loss
• Body fat %: 14.28—6.32% loss

Previous updates

Health update after 30 days