Body Transformation: He Lost 27% Body Fat!
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AGE 43
HEIGHT 5'4" WEIGHT 185 lbs BODY FAT 35% |
AGE 44
HEIGHT 5'4" WEIGHT 147 lbs BODY FAT 8% |
Why I Decided To Transform
I lived a healthy lifestyle as a teenager. However, the increase in stress, work pressure, bad eating habits, heavy smoking, and age played a negative role on my metabolism. I always wanted to go back to the healthy lifestyle and quit smoking, but it didn't work.
The glaring reason that triggered my motives was my increase in weight. The increase had a negative impact that caused severe back pain. The doctor told me to lose weight. However, he advised no heavy lifting and said to walk only. I also had increased pressure from work and responsibilities. To relieve the pressure I smoked heavily.
These culminated in my unconscious until one day I looked at the mirror and saw an overweight person suffering from a back pain who smokes heavily. That was the moment that triggered my motives.
I decided to go to the gym and discovered it's the healthiest way to relieve pressure, lose fat, build muscle, gain confidence, enhance mood, be more active, look younger, and build a better physique. The best part: I had no more back pain. Bodybuilding helped me to get rid of the back pain, quit smoking, and live a healthy life.
I started at around 35 percent body fat and aimed to lose fat and build muscle. The main goal was to achieve a six pack at the age of 43.

I performed cardio two times a day; HIIT early morning (5 a.m.), followed by weightlifting and cardio in the evening (circuit training, classes, and treadmill). Evening cardio combined with changed eating habits (6-7 meals a day) yielded encouraging results. In November 2011, I started to see my first signs of a six pack. However, the muscles were small as the diet focused on losing fat more than building muscle.
With hard work, consistency, dedication, and trial and error, it took me around seven and a half months (January 2012) to see my six pack.
In January 2012, I reached the lowest body fat percentage (three percent), which was a great achievement. My goal changed to build more muscle without much increase in body fat. My diet changed, and my knowledge increased. I increased my body weight and reached eight percent body fat.
The impact was beyond my expectations. My colleagues at work started to adopt my new lifestyle. Most of them joined the gym, aiming to have a healthier life. I had more confidence, productivity at work increased, and I inspired many people at the gym. Sometimes people stop me at the mall or supermarket to compliment my physique. My life is totally different than it used to be, thanks to bodybuilding.

How I Accomplished My Goals
My learning curve increased ever day. I tested things and adopted trial and error methods first. I did lots of research; it was not easy to filter the information. The nutrition and workouts came from Bodybuilding.com. The accurate information available for free on Bodybuilding.com changed my methods and the results were very positive.
I never thought about quitting even when I reached a plateau. Thanks to Bodybuilding.com, I had articles that showed how to overcome difficulties and adopt a proper diet.
The support of my family was the main source of inspiration. They helped me overcome any difficulties I faced.
Supplements That Helped Me Through The Journey
BSN NO Explode
2 scoops
Dymatize Liquid L-Carnitine 1100
1 serving
Optimum Nutrition CLA
750mg
NOW Omega-3
1 capsule
NOW Glucosamine Chondroitin ES
1 serving
Optimum Nutrition Instantized BCAA 5000 Powder
1 serving
Dymatize ISO-100
2 scoops
Gaspari Size-On (cutting)
2 scoops
SciVation Xtend (cutting)
1 scoop
Gaspari Size-On Max Performance (bulking)
2 scoops
MHP Dark Matter
2 scoops
Muscle Tech Anabolic Halo (Occasionally)
3 scoops
Dymatize ISO-100
2 scoops
Whey Protein
2 scoops
SAN Dr. Feel Good Multivitamins
1 serving
Diet Plan That Guided My Transformation
Dymatize ISO-100
2 scoops
Oatmeal
1 cup
(1 hour after the workout, as I work out early morning)
Hard-Boiled Egg Whites
4
Whole wheat Bread
1 slice
Halloumi Cheese
1 slice
Olive Oil
1 tbsp
Tomato
1 slice
Chicken Breast
8 oz
Brown Rice (Gluten free)
1 cup
Low Fat Meat
12oz
Quinoa
1 cup
Dymatize ISO-100
2 scoops
Salmon
8 oz
Green Vegetables
2 cups
Whey Protein
2 scoops
Sweet Potato
1 piece
Olive Oil
1 tbsp
Training Regimen That Kept Me On Track
Jogging-Treadmill
10 min
Bent Over Barbell Row
3 sets of 8-12 reps
Close-Grip Front Lat Pulldown
3 sets of 8-12 reps
Hyperextensions (Back Extensions)
3 sets of 8-12 reps
Bent Over One-Arm Long Bar Row
3 sets of 8-12 reps
Romanian Deadlift
5 sets of 5 reps
Seated Dumbbell Press
4 sets of 8-10 reps
Seated Side Lateral Raise
4 sets of 8-10 reps
Upright Barbell Row
2 sets of 8-10 reps
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
2 sets of 8-10 reps
Face Pull
2 sets of 8-10 reps
Close-Grip Barbell Bench Press
5 sets of 8 reps
Lying Triceps Press
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Bench Dips
4 sets to failure
Triceps Pushdown
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Standing Dumbbell Triceps Extension
4 sets of 8-12 reps
Bench Dips
4 sets to failure
Superset
Superset
Superset
Jogging-Treadmill
10 min
Barbell Squat
3 sets of 6-10 reps
Leg Extensions
4 sets of 6-10 reps
Standing Calf Raises
3 sets of 6-10 reps
Hanging Leg Raise
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Exercise Ball Crunch
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Jackknife Sit-Up
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Crunch - Hands Overhead
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Oblique Crunches
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Barbell Side Bend
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Russian Twist (on decline)
3 sets of 15-20 reps
Cable Crossover (High)
3 sets of 8-10 reps
Cable Crossover (Low)
3 sets of 8-10 reps
Barbell Bench Press - Medium Grip
5 sets of 5 reps
Decline Barbell Bench Press
3 sets of 6-8 rep
Barbell Incline Bench Press - Medium Grip
3 sets of 6-8 rep
Dumbbell Flyes
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Bench Dips
3 sets of 8-10 reps
Barbell Curl (Wide)
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Barbell Curl (Close-grip)
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Hammer Curls
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Palms-Up Dumbbell Wrist Curl Over A Bench
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Palms-Down Dumbbell Wrist Curl Over A Bench
4 sets of 10-12 reps
Jogging-Treadmill
15 min HIIT
Bicycling, Stationary
20 minutes on low intensity
What Aspect Challenged Me The Most
The diet was the most challenging aspect, especially battling sugar cravings at night. I overcame it by rewarding myself with a full day on Sunday of eating whatever I wanted, especially sweets and ice cream.
My Future Fitness Plans
Continue my journey. Even though I work in management, I aim to work as a personal trainer and compete at the national level. It's nice to work in something that I enjoy.
Suggestions For Aspiring Transformers
Don't let anything demotivate you. Anyone can achieve what they want if they believe in it. You need to convince yourself that nothing can stop you. Consistency and dedication will get you there.
Believe in yourself and educate yourself with the right knowledge and you can reach your goals.
How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals
Bodybuilding.com is without any doubt the best bodybuilding and fitness website. It's the Facebook of bodybuilding and fitness. Anything you want can be found at Bodybuilding.com from A-Z.
Bodybuilding.com played a major role in helping me achieve nutrition targets, workouts, and motivation. I get important information about supplements, nutrition, and workouts for bulking and cutting from Bodybuilding.com.
It's wonderful and accurate articles cover all aspects of fitness and bodybuilding.
You Could Be Our Next Transformation Of The Week
| These amazing teenagers have made changes in their lives that most adults only dream about! | Age is no excuse for these over 40 women & men who have decided to feel and look young again! |
79 Comments
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- Follow This Discussion by:
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'11"
- wt: 152 lbs
Your before and after pictures are only 1 year apart!?!? That's incredible, way to go!
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'3"
- wt: 112 lbs
- bf: 10.0%
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
Fantastic transformation! I am 31 years old and pushing on 40, yet I am within striking distance from the best physique of my life. It's amazing that I have more energy, strength and look better now than when I was 18 years old. Thus, I cannot even imagine how Gilbert must be feeling to walk around ripped as hell. Congratulations man and keep lifting hard!
- Body Stats
- ht: 6'1"
- wt: 198 lbs
- bf: 14.0%
Thanks for your nice words Alvaro.. With Consistency and dedication everyone can achieve the desired physique. I'm like you I feel better now than when I was 18 years old
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
great transformation...try including lunges in your leg work out...second best thing one can do for building the lower body in my opinion. (first thing being squats)
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'11"
- wt: 193 lbs
- bf: 11.0%
Hi Steve
Thanks for the comment. You are right , defenitly Lunges is great , and I includedfrom occasionaly as Im concerned of my lower back (I had problem in my lower back as a result of years of overweight).
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
OK ya got me thinkin seriousle. Yes I am in the process of changing everything. its the motivation I lack.
your transformation is definitely inspirating.
going to soul search and move
THANKX!
- Body Stats
- ht: 6'1"
- wt: 228.3 lbs
- bf: 20.0%
Thanks Rick... I'm so happy when you added me as one of your inspirational list. You are truly inspiring with your honest words. I'm having the confidence that you will reach your goals...
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
Great job! A true inspiration for anyone in their 40's to get into shape. I got to admit though, I'd hate to see your supplement bill.
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'9"
- wt: 175 lbs
Thanks Daniel... You are right , the bill is big :) ..However, compared to my old eating habit of junk food its ok :)
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
3% is that correct? if so i would love to see a pic of you at 3%.
thats like the body of a runner and you did this all in one year?
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'10"
- wt: 235 lbs
- bf: 28.0%
yes I looked like a runner :) If you check out the photo gallery one of the pics reflects the 3%
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'11"
- wt: 179 lbs
- bf: 9.5%
Hi Frankum
Me too, I'm not impressed with my legs. But my goal was to transform my body safely and because of my lower back pain for years, I was careful and this was the challenge to transform a body that suffers from lower back pain with no injury.
The second goal to look at after transformation is "the adjustment" look for the weaker parts and try to achieve the balance . The good thing is slowly I'm able now to increase the load on my lower part. My goal is to achieve the balance within the next 4-6 months Safely.
Even though it will take more time but to stay injury free is my main goal
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
Okay now I respect that decision. I've hurt my back a few times doing squat and straight leg dead lift. Good luck and be true to form!
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'11"
- wt: 179 lbs
- bf: 9.5%
True inspiration! I'm so tired of people using their age as a limitation. Gilbert, you have shown and proven through your hard work and dedication that not only can you do something you set your mind to, but you can far exceed your minds limitations. Your transformation is a benchmark and clearly deserves to be modeled amongst others! So proud of you!
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'7"
- wt: 151 lbs
- bf: 13.0%
Thanks for your nice words... People like you are a true source of motivation and inspiration for all
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
Wow. I mean....wow. Honest to God, professional bodybuilders don't do this kind of volume. You're doing WAY too much. I mean, WAY too much. You need to be doing at the most, a 3rd of what you're doing. Working out 3 days a week at the most.
I think it's great what you've done, but honestly, you're going to hurt yourself with all this volume. It's crazy the amount you do.
Honestly, look into Heavy Duty/High Intensity Training. I promise you'll get a lot more from a lot less. Your motivation & heart is in the right place, but like so many others, you've been sucked into the "more is better" theory.
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'9"
- wt: 246 lbs
- bf: 18.0%
Hi Caliber
Thanks for the advice... Actually, I do change the routine every now and then. Sometimes I rest for 3 consecutive days .I do also HIIT cardio and you are right it proved to be efficient in metabolizing fat cells and protecting muscle gained with less effort and time
The program I followed helped me in transferring my body from 35% body fat to just 8% , I reached 3% .
Now I need to bulk up, so I will increase resting days .So you can say the program is flexible, when cutting I will work out 6 days a week, and for bulking just 4 -5 days (sure with changes in nutrition ).
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
This transformation is amazing man!! Good on you. I am experiencing a very similar set of circumstances. My doc told me that its not good to run for cardio as I was rehab a knee injury. So I have honestly put on about 20 lbs of fat. I plan on following your program to a tee. Any advice on additional diet options?
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'10"
- wt: 180 lbs
- bf: 13.0%
Thanks man...
bcause of te space limit here, I sent you detailed nutrition diet .. Check your inbox....
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
Way to go, Gilbert. Lots of people are proud of you. You are great guy too! Thanks for the encouragement you share with others too. The workouts worked for you and so did your diet. Happy for you. Guess we all have to find a way that works for each of our bodies (and our budgets too)..ha, ha. That takes a lot of discipline and commitment to stay the course. I am at a plateau and wondering what is the best course of action. Trying different things. It worked for you...so, keep on doing what you are doing..and most of all, is that you are enjoying the process.
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'9"
- wt: 169 lbs
- bf: 20.0%
Thanks for your nice words..... You are doing a great job in transforming your body. Keep it up
- Body Stats
- ht: 5'4"
- wt: 143 lbs
- bf: 10.4%
That's an awesome transformation, makes it even more impressive since it was in only a year! Keep trekking through the ranks brother
- Body Stats
- ht: 6'3"
- wt: 213.4 lbs
- bf: 17.0%
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