Male Transformation Of The Week - Mike Neumann Dropped 45 Pounds And 17% Body Fat!

Vital Stats

Name: Mike Neumann
Email: allouteffort@comcast.net
BodySpace: allouteffort

Before: January 2, 2009
Age: 33
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 251 lbs
Bodyfat: 24%

After: May 2, 2009
Age: 33
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 206 lbs
Bodyfat: 7%

Why I Got Started

I've been training nonstop since the age of 14. I even did a few bodybuilding shows as a teenager. Although I haven't competed in a bodybuilding show for 13 years I continued to train like a machine never taking off more than a week at a time.

I often thought about doing a show again, but it never seemed as if the time was right. I have been stronger than average but into my late 20s and early 30s my physique was never a pleasant sight to look at with my shirt off. This year I decided to make a change for three reasons:

1. I was set to get married on June 20th so I wanted to look my best for the big day.

1. I left my job on the railroad to be a personal trainer full time and I knew I'd maintain a higher clientele if I looked the part.

1. I was just plain and simple tired of being fat!

I started this diet and training routine on January 2, 2009 and set my sights on the NGA Heart of America on May 2, 2009.

How I Did It

The biggest deal for me was finding the ideal diet that would be simple to stick with. In the past I've always done the high protein, moderate carb, low fat, low sugar diet and the results were subpar so I threw that idea out the window.

I decided to try a high fat, high protein, low carb diet and it worked well for me. I maintained muscle, my strength kept going up every week and I had few cravings throughout the 17 weeks! I believe I found what works for me and will continue to use this very diet for future shows.

In The End:

After dieting for 17 weeks I competed in my first show in 13 years. I took 1st place in the Novice Heavyweight division at the 2009 NGA Heart of America in Peoria, Ill. It felt good bein on stage again and the fire has once again been lit.

My wedding took place on June 20th and a good turnout it was. My personal training business is up and running with more than 30 clients and we are expecting a baby girl on October 18, so 2009 is a year to remember for me.

Suggestions For Others

Read some of the mind articles on Bodybuilding.com. I believe the most important part to achieving what you set your sights on is creating the right mindset. First you must make your mind up that you really want to go after something.

Most importantly, you must make a true decision that nothing is going to stand in your way. Everybody "would like" to lose 20 pounds. Sure, who wouldn't? But are you willing to not have a piece of birthday cake at your nephew's birthday party?

Are you willing to not go out drinking after just running into old friends? Are you going to pass up the free food and drinks at your friends wedding? Are you going to prepare your meals ahead of time and stay on track with your workouts when you are out of town for a few days?

The point is there will always be a reason for not staying on track with your diet and training but you must overcome these obstacles to achieve your goals of losing weight. Nothing worth doing is easy.