My body's transformation

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=135365691



I began my journey to fitness on June 9th 2010, when I went out for a run at 3am. I was restless, having consumed over $10 worth of McDonald's earlier that night. Having not run in months, I was winded. When I awoke later that morning - I decided to try and lose some weight and improve my running. I weighed myself on my scale and the next day I took my first progress photos. I then registered to use my university's gym. I told my friend I was going to try and lose weight and he supported me by giving me a 2lb case of Optimum Nutrition Whey and a copy of "The Abs Diet" by David Zinczenko for my birthday (June 12th).

I began by simply running on the treadmill or using the exercise bike. Light cardio in my view now - but it was hell at the time. I went to the gym everyday and hardly ever allowed myself to cheat on my diet.

When September rolled around the gym was packed as all the students returned from break. While I had been in a packed gym before (I had a brief membership at 24hourfitness a few years back), I had grown accustomed to an empty gym. It slowly forced me to try new equipment and different exercises. I increased my time in the gym to an hour a day (still every day). I slowly reduced my reliance on cardio and began to do more and more lifting exercises - though they were all machines.

This schedule continued until November when I created a routine. It didnt have required exercises, or a planned number of sets. It was simply 'pull day' , 'core day' , 'push day' , 'leg day' - 'repeat'. I followed this plan for months.

In February I applied for a job in my gym. Out of 100+ applicants, 20 students were interviewed. I stated my love for my gym, how it changed my life, and how I want to make it a better place.

On March 10th I reached my lowest weight - 153.6lbs. The picture for March was taken on that date. From there I went on spring break and began to allow myself cheat meals. When I returned I began using free weights much more often and began to full abandon machines. When I returned from Spring break, one day while working out, the gym manager told me he needed to speak to me when I was done working out. When I went in his office I was told I got the job. I now work for my gym.

In april I began doing squats. I had basically removed all machines (save for leg exercises, adjustable pulleys, and a few select core machines I like) from my routine. I had a strict set of exercises that I did.

In May I perfected my routine by lowering the number of exercises, raising the weight used, and aiming for 8 reps and 3 sets. I was having a lot of cheat meals in may (semesters end - parties start). I gained a lot of strength in this time by comparison.

Now my plan is to finally bulk. Ive always eaten a caloric deficit. I am going to eat 2600 calories a day, and do 20 minutes of cardio at least 4 times a week. I will be doing an actual routine now - one similar to Starting Strength.








This was my first photo. Taken June 10th, 2010 at 243.6lb.


One of my greatest regrets is not having a photo for July 2010. However, this photo is from August 9th, 2010 at 219.6lbs


September 10th, 2010 at 210.8lbs


October 10th, 2010 at 192.2lbs - my first time below 200 pounds in a few years.


November 9th, 2010 at 185.2lbs


December 9th, 2010 at 174.6lbs


January 9th, 2011 at 162.6lbs



February 10th, 2011 at 158.2lbs


March 10th, 2011 at 153.6lbs - 92lbs lost in 275 days - My lowest weight


April 12th, 2011 at 157.2lbs


May 12th, 2011 at about 160lbs


ONE YEAR June 9th, 2011 at 161.0lbs



My physical change has led to equal changes in my social and mental health. I am a much happier person, having suffered from chronic depression for years, and I am much more outgoing. This was never a diet - it was a lifestyle change.