Please share exercise success stories!

_L_A_

I would love to see success stories of people who have changed their physique, health or lifestyle through exercise, either cardio or lifting or anything else!

I'm just starting a new exercise regime and I'm not going to focus on weight, I would like my shape and size to change, but I don't care if that means losing or staying the same, and I would love to see some people who have managed this!

Please share pics with what sort of exercise you have taken up

JulieSHelms

I walked into a gym (Planet Fitness) for the first time ever in my life (on my 50th birthday) 8 weeks ago. My weight loss had plateaued for 7 months even though I continued the same diet that I had previously lost 60lbs with. I figured my metabolism had ground to a halt and the dreaded exercise was the only thing left.

I was worried the gym would be filled with body builders who would see me and say, "Hey, who let the old fat lady in?"

The reality was a pleasant surprise--I really enjoyed exercising after all and no one seemed to even notice my bulky body invading their gym. :-)

In 8 weeks, I have lost 25 lbs...and it could only be the exercise that got that going again.
I am about as newbie as you can get with this, so maybe not the person to ask advice from but here is what I do:
I go to PF 5 days/wk and I swim laps elsewhere 2 days/wk.
At PF, I do one day on the elliptical followed by weight machines, two days I do elliptical following some beginning HIIT, followed by weight machines, and one day I do the circuit.

I included pics--1. Start, 2. after 60 lb loss with no exercise, 3. after 80 loss with exercise. I don't know if you can see the difference between -60 and -80, but there has definitely been a change.

JoshD8705

60lbs to go.

My cardio is just 20 mins a day 6 days a week, and roughly an hour of lifting 6 days a week, and a diet of chicken, tilapia, and ground turkey for the staple meats. Green beans, broccoli and asparagus for my greens. Brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes for addition carbs, and egg whites and protein shakes to top off daily protein.

peaceout_aly

I am a long-time cardio bunny who transitioned to hula hooping and yoga, and in October of last year, started heavy lifting. I previously ate 1,000 calories x day and ran non-stop as a means of fitness. I was always hungry, miserable and dissatisfied with my body. Lifting changed my life. Along with lifting, I completely reevaluated my nutrition as well - I went from 1,000 non-macro meeting calories to 1,400 nutrition packed calories (think tons of protein, low sugar and carbs on leg day). My body composition completely changed to a toned, muscular physique that gains strength weekly and my attitude is much more positive. I am happier with how I look, how I feel, and that radiates in all aspects of life. I still have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but I am way closer than I was a year ago.

_L_A_

peaceout_aly wrote: »

I am a long-time cardio bunny who transitioned to hula hooping and yoga, and in October of last year, started heavy lifting. I previously ate 1,000 calories x day and ran non-stop as a means of fitness. I was always hungry, miserable and dissatisfied with my body. Lifting changed my life. Along with lifting, I completely reevaluated my nutrition as well - I went from 1,000 non-macro meeting calories to 1,400 nutrition packed calories (think tons of protein, low sugar and carbs on leg day). My body composition completely changed to a toned, muscular physique that gains strength weekly and my attitude is much more positive. I am happier with how I look, how I feel, and that radiates in all aspects of life. I still have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but I am way closer than I was a year ago.

This is definitely what I wanted to hear I'm eating around 2000 calories a day, weight training 3 days a week and cardio 2 days a week. Once I've cut down a bit of fat % I want to be doing 4 days weights and 1 day cardio. I wish I could do something like strong lifts 5x5 or new rules but I have rubbish knees and I always end up getting injured doing squats and dead lifts, so I have to stick to upper body free weights and lower body machines like leg press which is safer for my knees

peaceout_aly

Larcher91 wrote: »

peaceout_aly wrote: »

I am a long-time cardio bunny who transitioned to hula hooping and yoga, and in October of last year, started heavy lifting. I previously ate 1,000 calories x day and ran non-stop as a means of fitness. I was always hungry, miserable and dissatisfied with my body. Lifting changed my life. Along with lifting, I completely reevaluated my nutrition as well - I went from 1,000 non-macro meeting calories to 1,400 nutrition packed calories (think tons of protein, low sugar and carbs on leg day). My body composition completely changed to a toned, muscular physique that gains strength weekly and my attitude is much more positive. I am happier with how I look, how I feel, and that radiates in all aspects of life. I still have a long way to go to get where I want to be, but I am way closer than I was a year ago.

This is definitely what I wanted to hear I'm eating around 2000 calories a day, weight training 3 days a week and cardio 2 days a week. Once I've cut down a bit of fat % I want to be doing 4 days weights and 1 day cardio. I wish I could do something like strong lifts 5x5 or new rules but I have rubbish knees and I always end up getting injured doing squats and dead lifts, so I have to stick to upper body free weights and lower body machines like leg press which is safer for my knees

I thought I wouldn't be able to squat or dead lift either! I had reconstructive surgery on my left foot in 2013, will need to get a follow-up surgery this year and have the other foot reconstructed next year, all in addition to having Lupus. I literally thought it would be impossible. But if you start with little to no weight and work up slowly, it can actually help build the muscle (and in my case build balance and strength back into the tendons). Definitely ask a doctor first though!

Arizona_C

Great work JoshD !