Big Jim

I have this picture hanging up in my office at work. It was taken in about 1999. I weighed in at about 225 lbs and had a 38" waist. I wasn't working out, I was eating badly and I was depressed. In yesterday's post I talked about how I came "back out" and I guess this is more on the story of getting into shape physically.

I realized in the summer of 2000 that I needed to change a lot of things in my life and getting back into shape was one of those areas. I read the Body For Life book and came up with my own version. I worked out six days a week, about an hour with weights, did about 100 crunches every day and did at least 30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine.

I really watched what I ate and read the label on everything I bought. I mostly paid attention to the fat/saturated fat content and the sugar level. I also cut out all soda and drank mostly water. I also ate very little in the evenings. I gave myself one day a week off from the diet and the gym. Soon the craving for sweets left and on my day off I only wanted healthy foods.

Finally by Thanksgiving I started noticing that my pants were getting to big and I was able to fit into a size 34! And by the next spring I was in a size 32! In total I dropped 55 lbs. I was also a lot happier and at the same time I was working on my spiritual side. I was finally at peace with myself and with God.

It's been maintenance ever since. I don't spend as much time in the gym as I used to, I still try to make it there six days a week though. And at one point in the last 2 years I was too thin, I was below 170. I admit I've been eating badly the last six months or so and have to get back into eating right. I've allowed myself to cheat on way too many things way too often. But losing those 10 to 15 pounds is more difficult since I'm older now. UGH!!

So, if anyone is finding gym time difficult I understand. If I could give anyone advice it would be to stick with it. Be consistent, when you don't feel like going is when you need to get your ass there! Remind me of that too if you'd like... lol.