Ladies and gents, I have had enough of being the fat kid. Enough! So, about a month ago, I enrolled in a gym, got a trainer and have been getting my ass kicked into shape twice a week (until last week, now it's 3 times a week). I started out at 368 pounds. I plan on being half that in twelve months or less.
What's the point?
Other than being sore, I feel fucking great! Weight-wise I have not lost much, about 4 pounds, but I have lost an inch off of my waist, gained almost an inch in the arms and I'm not winded walking up and down stairs anymore.
What amazes me the most is the progression. Week one was fairly light weights, but they felt 10x heavier than what they were. For example: lat pulldowns was set around the 40 - 50# mark, now I start out around 110#. One short month later and the weight is almost back to my high school days (I graduated 18 years ago). My trainer is a body builder and I made the mistake of telling him I wanted that sort of build. He took me seriously, and has been pushing me hard. 10 sets of 10 reps for most exercises with increasing weight. Did 10 sets of 10 on the hip sled on Monday starting at 225# for the first 3 sets, then up to 315# for 2 more sets and finished the last five at 405#. I'm not sure if that's a lot of weight to you young bucks, but to me that seemed like a lot and it felt great knowing that I could do it without giving up. Friday was triceps, chest and upper back. 4 different machines, 10 sets of 10, total of 400 reps. OMG. I'm hurting, but loving it.
This may sound like a completely self serving post, and if so, I apologize. What I want to get across to anyone thinking about getting in shape is this...just fucking do it! Invest in yourself, not just monetarily, but physically and emotionally. It will only help you in the long run.
(tomorrow begins "total body workouts". little nervous, but I've got faith in myself and my trainer)