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| AGE 17 HEIGHT 5'10" WEIGHT 210 lbs BODY FAT 27% |
AGE 17 HEIGHT 5'10" WEIGHT 165 lbs BODY FAT 9% |
I was used to being overweight. The jokes, the teasing, it was all normal. In fact, I tended to make the jokes about myself so other people wouldn't. Luckily, I started to grow up. As I matured, I realized there was something I could do about it.
My dad was into working out, so I began tagging along with him to learn what I could. I started reading whatever I could from reputable sources about the best ways to lift and workout. Eventually, I managed to amass a decent amount of muscle.
However, I still wasn't eating right and was overweight. Finally, I decided enough was enough and that I was going to be in shape for the summer after my senior year of high school. I started in early March, and by the time summer arrived, I was in better shape than ever.
It really affected those around me. People started asking me for advice on lifting and nutrition. It was nice to be respected and I was more than happy to help anyone who asked for help.
My life is substantially different today. I'm infinitely more confident, happier, and healthier than ever before.
The biggest measure I took was changing my diet. I ate like crap previously and knew it wasn't going to cut it, so I started cutting out junk, stopped skipping breakfast, opted for egg whites and fruit on most days, and eliminated late-night snacking.
I also ate lots of grilled and boiled chicken to up my protein intake without taking in unnecessary fats or calories. I started eating brown rice for energy and nutrients. My diet was overhauled.
I added a one-mile run to the end of my workouts and 45 minutes on the elliptical to burn extra calories. There were days I considered quitting, but I looked at it logically. I knew if I quit, I would be happy for a few minutes and unhappy for much longer. It simply wasn't worth it.
As I got further in and started seeing real progress, I became less temped to cheat or quit. My inspiration stemmed from the desire to be happier, healthier, and more confident by achieving a physique I desired.
The diet was the hardest part for me. It was hard to stay on a strict diet for so long, but it was worth it in the end.
I plan to stay in shape and add muscle slowly. One day, I hope to become a certified personal trainer for a side job. Helping others is something I enjoy.
- You have to start somewhere.
- Trust the system; it will work if you commit.
- Don't let one slip-up ruin many days of hard work.
- If you do happen to slip or cheat, don't give up.
- Don't count on magical supplements to do work for you; you must do the work yourself.
- It's worth it in the end, no matter how hard it is to get there.
- Learn as much as you can.
- Make a routine that you can realistically stick to for a long period.
Bodybuilding.com's articles are extremely helpful. They offer background and specific insight into almost every facet of supplementation and training. The reviews offered by Bodybuilding.com on every supplement imaginable pointed me in the right direction.