I'm Getting my Groove Back

[jdrgator]

It's been over a decade since I worked in the health industry (as a trainer and health club manager in the NY/NJ area). Since then, I've basically stopped working out (consistently, at least) and have gained over 100 lbs. In 1997, I was at a stable 185; in 2001, about 210 (all of it muscle weight gained) but by last week, I was 307, but none of it was muscle weight!!!! Anyway, I wanted to share with you all since many of you have inspired me (whether you realize it or not).

I've now joined a new gym and signed up for a 10-week intensive weight loss program. The gym bills itself as a "health institute," run by an actual medical doctor. The program is pretty comprehensive, and quite expensive (800 quid for 10 weeks), but helps people focus on exercise AND diet. The program utilizes group-based lifting & cardio classes (six classes to choose from on Tu,Tr, Sa) and two hours a week of educational classes every Wednesday evening (tonight it's about protein), plus weekly one-on-one nutritional counseling and some personal training consultation. Though people are also encouraged to train on their own at least once or twice more a week. I am doing three more days a week (i.e. I just jumped back to what I know). It's also nice because the gym is right in my neighborhood.

I don't mean to sound arrogant (b/c I am not), but in many ways, the program is not for me given my fifteen years in the field. However, it has nonetheless been great motivation. I've consulted with the nutritionist and trainer, and taking the mixed lifting/cardio classes actually inspires and focuses me on my goals, even if they are slowly walking people through the weightlifting portion (I hang in the back by myself in order to sneak in more sets).

I think the organization (i.e. classes) and having multiple trainers and staff for each class pushing people to lift hard, and having them actually run the cardio classes (I alternate b/t the elliptical and stair master) has been terrific, at least from a psychological perspective.

They also did some initial blood tests on me. My sugar and blood pressure were both great, as was my LDL cholestorol. However, my HDL was low, which isn't good. This is the second time in 4 years they've found this. So while I am definitely overweight and need to get down, my vitals are pretty good (plus, I'll be going to the doctor in a few weeks for a full examination).

I've already lost a few lbs over the past 10 days, although I won't weigh myself until the end. My diet is back to "normal," i.e. I upped my protein, infused it with good/better carbs, watching the cal input closely (anywhere from 2k-2.4k cals a day). Like Dreamliner, I am no sugar-phobe, so I don't cut it out, but I did cut it down quite a bit.

The goal is to lose 100 lbs by next May (or sooner) and about 40-50 by the end of the year (or better yet, get to about 10-12% body fat). It's been a while, way too long in fact, and I really had let myself go (obviously!!!). But I am quickly getting my groove back, one that is pleasantly very, very familiar. I've lost 50 lbs before so i know I can do it, but it's a matter of sticking with it.

[BossaGator]

Congrats & good luck! I look forward to hearing about your progress.

[gatorman_07732]

Great news jdr, remember consistency consistency consistency. I recently starting riding my bike to work to get in my daily exercise. I am determined to get south of 200lbs. I was as high as 235 and my wife started getting on my chit. Those old bodybuilding days have come back to haunt me.

[jdrgator]

Thanks bossa!

Gman, yes. It was the consistency that left me after I started grad school, and proceeded to get worse once I took my first position.

But like you, my wife has been getting on me for five years. She bought me PX90 (which I like) but I failed to keep at it. Tried a personal trainer at Golds (a place I used to manage!!!) as well. Nothing was working.I was just too out of it. But this sparked something, which is that deep seeded determination to get back down. Indeed, I am embarrassed by my obesity, especially in that I have to stand in front of people a few times a week....

[Dreamliner]

jdr, you can do it! And I look forward to reporting to my trainees that I have a friend who lost 100 pounds on a sugar diet.

[LeafUF]

Good luck

[Dreamliner]

Originally Posted by jdrgator

Thanks bossa!

Gman, yes. It was the consistency that left me after I started grad school, and proceeded to get worse once I took my first position.

But like you, my wife has been getting on me for five years. She bought me PX90 (which I like) but I failed to keep at it. Tried a personal trainer at Golds (a place I used to manage!!!) as well. Nothing was working.I was just too out of it. But this sparked something, which is that deep seeded determination to get back down. Indeed, I am embarrassed by my obesity, especially in that I have to stand in front of people a few times a week....

Please take a 'before pic' and measurements. You may be embarrassed now. But you'll be proud to show off the striking contrast months from now. You'll make a mark on your community too.

Also, to widen the impact you could have, I'll be happy to feature the 'new jdr' on my blog when you reach your goals.

[your_perfect_enemy]

Good luck jdr.

This board really is a good source of inspiration/information. Even if you don't follow or agree with all of the advice, just bouncing ideas around and hearing how other people (even ones you've never met in person) are doing really is motivating.

[gatorman_07732]

Originally Posted by jdrgator

Thanks bossa!

Gman, yes. It was the consistency that left me after I started grad school, and proceeded to get worse once I took my first position.

But like you, my wife has been getting on me for five years. She bought me PX90 (which I like) but I failed to keep at it. Tried a personal trainer at Golds (a place I used to manage!!!) as well. Nothing was working.I was just too out of it. But this sparked something, which is that deep seeded determination to get back down. Indeed, I am embarrassed by my obesity, especially in that I have to stand in front of people a few times a week....

Go with it brother, this stuff is 100% mental. I wish you much success.
If we get on that golf course we'll walk the 18 holes

[jdrgator]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner

Please take a 'before pic' and measurements. You may be embarrassed now. But you'll be proud to show off the striking contrast months from now. You'll make a mark on your community too.

Also, to widen the impact you could have, I'll be happy to feature the 'new jdr' on my blog when you reach your goals.

I did. But I will only send it when I get down!! Thanks. I currently have it sitting in a draw along with pics when I was about 185/190 and lean (and doing an ab pose).

[jdrgator]

First Month: Lost 10.4 lbs.

Feeling great. Able to do much more even with such a small decrease in fat. Energy is high and my diet is strong.

Only checking my weight once a month. If you know your body, you know if your losing, so to speak.

Anyway, so far so good. One of these days, I'll post my before picture, which my wife took when I started this journey. Only about 90 lbs to go or down to 10% bf, whichever comes first!

[gatorman_07732]

awesome start jdr and sounds like a good healthy pace. I never like the idea of people dropping crazy amounts of weight in a short period of time.

[Dreamliner]

Spectacular, jdr!

[StrangeGator]

Originally Posted by jdrgator

First Month: Lost 10.4 lbs.

Feeling great. Able to do much more even with such a small decrease in fat. Energy is high and my diet is strong.

Only checking my weight once a month. If you know your body, you know if your losing, so to speak.

Anyway, so far so good. One of these days, I'll post my before picture, which my wife took when I started this journey. Only about 90 lbs to go or down to 10% bf, whichever comes first!

That's great news. Probably the most weight you'd want to lose in that amount of time. I look forward to hearing more reports.

[deviation]

Congrats and good luck. Keep up with the log and let us know about your progress.

I'm also about to start a log on here. Starting tomorrow. Should be fun.

[jdrgator]

Thanks all for the encouragement and kind words. I am trying to drop my weight in the "right" way that is, just eating well/controlling my cals, and exercising hard 5-6 days a week. I don't starve myself or take any type of unproven weight loss supplements.

Funny thing is, if you watch your cals and eat well every day, you don't have to completely give up everything that tastes great, yet I do severely limit how much fried food I eat in any given week which is very, very little (for instance, two chicken wings yesterday).

I use some supplements (mainly protein) but have stayed away from vitamins since I am really not sure of how effective they really are, which reminds me, I think there needs to be a thread specific to vitamins.

[LeafUF]

Pretty sure we have an old vitamin thread here somewhere.

As for chicken wings I bake mine at home so I can still enjoy one of my favorite foods and cut out some unnecessary calories.

[jdrgator]

Originally Posted by LeafUF

Pretty sure we have an old vitamin thread here somewhere.

As for chicken wings I bake mine at home so I can still enjoy one of my favorite foods and cut out some unnecessary calories.

Probably, I just didn't feel like looking.

[deviation]

If you do take a vitamin supplement, i strongly suggest Orange Triad. Very good multi with good joint support.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/cl...angetriad.html

You can find it at a local vitamin shoppe for like 30 $ or so. Another good one is Anavite from Gaspari.

[LeafUF]

I used to take triad but it is bit over priced. I switched to optimen and jointv which cost less together.