Jon

Male

55

California, United States

Manager

Dec, 2006

I bought a weight set for my son. He never used it, so I did. Fooled around with it for a while. I was also doing a lot of cardio to get rid of a small pot belly (just not right for someone as "slim" as me!) I actually went a little too far on the weight loss and I was "slimmer" than I had been in years - not good! I knew I needed to do something different as this obvioulsy was not working for me. But I had never been in a gym and felt very intimidated. I stopped being stupid, and I asked a friend that I knew was a body builder if he would get me a guest pass to check out him gym. I have been there 6x's a week ever since.

I have always been slim (you can not make me say skinny!)and I feel so much better about my body with a little muscle on it, no matter how limited the progress. I have put on almost 20 pounds since my all time low (as of 2/19/07) and I feel very good about that. OK -you know what I really love about it? You have total control (within genetic reality) of what changes you make to your body - I LOVE that! This is very exciting to me to have this control. It makes me want to work harder. When I finish a work out I feel alive and generally good about myself. I start my day with a clear head and feeling strong. I can't say I have made any new close friends at the gym. I am kinda a loner, but most everyone is very cool and friendly - just people trying to live healthy. Oh, and I guess I need to add that my wife seems to like the results :)

I look in the mirror. This is such a perfect form of fitness for someone as narcisitic as me! (jk, I think?) I am still slim, but a little muscle makes a big difference to me and and the way I feel about myself that it makes me want to continue to get stronger and grow. I can visualize myself at 190, 200 lbs and it's a goal I now feel I can attain someday if I work hard. The people on BB.com motivate me. I see success stories everywhere and lots of people reaching their goals and it helps me to let go of the limits that I have placed on myself. I think it might be good to have a workout partner, as the few times I have worked out with my friend I have pushed harder then I do on my own - I can't let him think I am as weak as I rally am - I have to rise above that - my honnor demands it! Yeah, I think a workout partner would be motivating for me.

None... other then putting on some major pounds and that is a major accomplishment for me! I would like to lift heavier then I do now, but I will get there eventualy. I have no plans to do anything other then try to contuinualy improve. I am planning an early and very active retirement and I am going to stay healthy and strong forever - I have things to do!

I don't have washboard abs... I have smorgasbord abs!