James Loses 7 Inches On His Waist
Hey Scooby, my name is James and I’m a 23 year old full time student and full time employee at a University. I live in sunny San Diego, California, U.S.A. Before picture was taken June 2nd, 2010, at 235 pounds and after was taken April 28, 2013 at 225 pounds. After high school I went from 170 lbs to 235 lbs before I knew it because I was less active. One day I looked at myself in the mirror and wondered what happened. My parents are overweight, my dad and grandfather have atrial fibrillation, and my dad also has many other health conditions. I knew I had to make a change. I saw your Youtube channel and fell in love with your advice. I didn’t know much of anything about proper bodybuilding, except that I loved it, so it was an eye opener to see your advice. I started with your intermediate training program for the first 2 years,working out on my lunch break at work (45 minute workout). In that time I got down to 195 pounds and 7% body fat. I now workout after work so I have a longer workout (60-90 minutes), and have upgraded to your advanced workout plan. I’ve gained muscle, and some fat, because I didn’t like the feeling of being hungry so much. I’m trying to find the best body fat % for me. I utilized your calorie calculator as soon as you put it up, and I had fun with really diving into the micros of my diet. I’ve since gone off measuring everything, except my protein. My waist at the beginning was 37.25 inches, and is now 30 inches.
Bodybuilding and your advice have changed my life. I always fix my own healthy meals. I commute to work every day now, which is 12 miles each way. It takes the same amount of time as it does to drive because of traffic. My cardiovascular system is off the charts, my energy levels are super charged, and I genuinely enjoy biking and weight lifting. It’s a lifestyle change and not just a “diet” or “fad” for me. I’ve learned so much from my journey.
My next goal is to accomplish a century bike ride, find my ideal body fat %, and continue to gain muscle. Accomplishments include losing 7 inches on my waist, 100 pushups nonstop and 10 strict pullups. My biggest obstacle is that I’m a binge eater of deserts. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate, donuts, candy and sweats in general. I recently got a new job which has junk food in front of my face 24/7 and I went from walking 5+ miles a day, to sitting at a computer all day for my job. I’m okay as long as I don’t touch it, but once I try one piece I have a hard time stopping. It can get bad, which is why I stay away from it 100% for the most part. Everybody has obstacles they have to overcome, but it is possible to turn it around and make your life better. It’s just important to find what works for you, which for me is to simply stay away from that type of food.
I’m so thankful for you and your advice. There’s so much bad advice out there. I could have easily gotten swallowed up by some of the other fads out there and ended up hurting myself. To date I’ve never hurt myself lifting weights. You’re doing a true service Scooby. Thank you for all that you do!!
-A loyal follower.
Hey James, way to go! Many people wait till they have serious health problems to make a change but you were very wise to take a proactive approach. I’m no doctor but with your dad and grandfather both having atrial fib, it certainly seems like your new, leaner, more muscular physique will put you in a better position :) Very glad to hear you are thinking about a century ride! Near and dear to my heart!