Mike

Male

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Information Technology Consulting

Home Gym

Nov, 2008

After bouncing between 280-300 for years I shot to 321 lbs. in 2008. I was at a 50in. waist and XXXL shirts were all that I could wear. I tried wear my shirts un-tucked everywhere I went, basically I am still surprised that I did not have a heart attack. I have tried dieting and working out a few times losing 20-50lbs. But, eventually I would miss a few days or a week due to injury or work and that would be all it would take and I would go back to the way I was before and gain it back with interest. In March of 2009 I took a job out of the country and set a goal of getting in shape while being away deciding to use the removal of myself from the comfy confines of my home as a catalyst for change.

I don't really love working out to be honest. I love the "results" I am seeing from the daily work but I do not love the actual work to get to where you want to be. Every day is a struggle to eat right and get to the gym. Sitting in the warm house while it is (currently) negative 10 degrees outside is tempting. That is why motivation and visualization is such a key factor for me. I know that if I want to look like I want to then I have to get my butt to the gym because if I don't I have an all to familiar reminder of what complacency looks like.

Staying motivated is different for all of us. For me it is about results. How see myself changing and become thinner, fitter, and more muscular is the best motivation in the world. When I can feel my stomach getting smaller instead of rolling over it stays up, my love handles not touching my upper back, the increased size, definition, and density of my muscles. These are the greatest motivators in the world, but these things come slowly and can take weeks to see, feel, or notice changes and if I set my motivation and discipline by them I will and have quit in the past. So i need to be cognizant of the visible factors but also the invisible ones. Some of the most important ones can not be measured in a mirror, on a scale, or even in the eyes of the beholder. They are not getting winded walking up the stairs, getting out of bed in the morning and being able to sit up without having to use your arms for support. Having increased energy, better performance in everything you do from sports, martial arts, to walking and breathing easier. These are all massively motivating to me. To look at where I was 321lbs. and realize that I am now closing in on under 200 lbs. This is like walking into a gym and realizing that I use to have (2+) 60 lb. weight plates strapped onto my body somewhere....... Perhaps on of the best motivators I have are the $1000's in clothing that I have from as far back as 1996. Having been forced to store away as I gradually got more and more overweight. I have many era's of clothing that got packed away as I packed on the pounds. Each time I have gone down in weight and body fat I was able to go farther back in time (almost like time traveling) and wear something that I have not been able to fit into for years. This is so motivating that when I am thinking about relapsing or eating that bag of chips I go to my bedroom and start trying on clothes. I look in the mirror and feel around the waist to see just how far I have truly come and this bolsters not only my confidence but my determination and discipline. Don't many of us want to be able to roll back the clocks to be younger, look fitter, and feel better. We can accomplish many of those things by being in shape, feeling better, looking & feeling younger, living longer, increased quality of life, more romantic options, and generally a more fulfilling existence........... This can all be yours for the low low price of time and discipline.

Very few yet, I will keep you posted.