Are YOU out of shape? YOU have a HUGE advantage here...

metalpalace

This is no joke and no exaggeration. Don’t underestimate the HUGE advantage the physically “unfit” and “utterly out of shape” people have as we often do and quit over. Quitting over that is like quitting over a facade, or a word, or a concept that isn’t even real. IF your level of fitness is low then you have a factual and much overlooked advantage IF you start and see through a great fitness program.

The lower your initial level of fitness is the greater capacity or rate of improvements you can experience. For example, I am a VERY fit individual. I will never again be able to “transform” myself physically in a short period of time unless I just let myself go and start all over again. But then again I’d be the dumbest person on earth if I did that. I could do another round of P90X or even another program just as challenging as P90X, I could bring all of my focus and intensity to the program like I always do, I could consistently “Bring it” to every work out and I will still not see anything drastically different in 90 days. I would certainly get stronger than I already am, even healthier, all around BETTER than I was before I started but these improvements will NEVER be great enough to be considered a physical transformation like my first 90 days of P90X was.

What I’m trying to get across to those of you just starting out, or contemplating starting a great fitness program is to not be discouraged by your appearance or your low level of fitness. Instead, see yourself for the potential that you really have and the opportunity that really exists. YOU have an unprecedented potential and opportunity here to see drastic changes in your body in a relatively shorter period of time than the more physically fit among us.

If you are involved in or just about to involve yourself in a GREAT fitness program then TRUST the program and see it through faithfully. True, genetics is very individualized and plays a role here BUT the physiological adaptive responses to exercise that take place in the body which produces results are the SAME for all of us, period. That one FACT alone completely obliterates any “I’m too out of shape to begin working out” excuse one may have. In other words, if I can get into stellar shape then so can you and it doesn’t matter if you’re starting out fat or skinny or easily winded or weak.

If you already have a great program then get to work! If not, get in touch with me so that I can help you.

Tom

P.S. Don't forget to take before and after pictures! These will give you something visually measurable to feel good about. It will also serve to fuel your motivation which you will need to keep going. By the way, your BEFORE pictures are extremely time sensitive. Once your body begins changing you will not be able to go back in time to take those critical pictures. Get out the camera and tape measure and begin photographing and measuring! Then do it again in a few months and feel good in what you have accomplished

AwMyLoLo

Great post... and I see you are offering your advice to anyone that wants it? Would it be okay for me to send you a PM with my current stats and fitness levels/goals and ask for your advice?

CasperO

It's true - look at my profile pics. Losing the first 5 pounds? I skipped lunch and went to the bathroom,,, :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I've been fighting for a month to lose the last 11 pounds. You'll see big gains when you first start out - I remember dropping 3 pounds a week for months on end. Diet and exercise,,, that'll do it. When you get closer to the finish line it gets harder. Now I'm not complaining, I enjoy my program and my body and my life, and I'm enjoying the journey,,, but man this last few pounds is kicking my butt!

it's a journey, something you're doing just for you. Enjoy it.

((Oh ya',,, he's right, take lotsa pictures )).

metalpalace

awmy - go for it

Casper - forget about your body weight your focus should be on body composition. A healthy composition for men is a body fat between 14% and 17%. For women between 21% and 24%. If the changes have stopped you aren't changing your regimen enough. It only takes between 2 and 3 weeks for the body to adapt to a routine. Change it up more frequently and maybe even more drastically.

CasperO

I'm at 16% by skin-fold, so I'm kinda trying to get down to 11 or 12%. Not really that worried about it. As you said, I'm more interested in body composition.

I added some freeweight work a month ago, upped the calories some with a little emphasis on protein. I'm still changing, getting stronger, gaining endurance, pants getting looser. I'm just not losing pounds right now. I think I'm still losing fat. I'm doing fine. :bigsmile:

MTGirl

Very nice post Metal! Thanks for the encouragement and info.

April0815

Casper- I think you should change your before pic to the one that you are wearing the brown shirt. It really shows the difference. Good Job.

barbarella

Yes, good one Mr. Metal! :flowerforyou:
Thanks for your informative posts........

I lost 7 lbs. last year, got motivated again after winter, lost 23 this year. :bigsmile:

Holding steady........ been up & down the same 2 lbs. for almost 4 wks. :grumble:
30 lbs. came off pretty slick....... 19 more isn't moving as fast. :grumble: :noway:

Like Casper, I'm enjoying & adjusting to the different body.... and clothing sizes!