This isn't one of those “Lose 10 lbs in a week” scams. This is a true story of how I was able to lose weight, cut fat, and transform my body. It was a gradual process. Three years ago, I was 215 pounds, and now I am down to about 175 (I hover between 175-180, I am 6'6”). I don't know what used to be, but my body fat is now down to 10%.
The most surprising thing? I didn't have to try all that hard. Getting in shape isn't about spending one day at the gym, stair-stepping to exhaustion. It takes commitment and long-term effort. However, once you get in a routine of exercising and eating a fairly healthy and well-balanced meal, it becomes second nature. The hardest part about working out is those first few weeks. Once you get used to going, I guarantee you will not only get used to it, but you will enjoy going to the gym.
If you are planning on getting in shape, know why you are doing it. For me, I wanted to feel healthier and be more satisfied with my appearance. However, I did it for me, though - not for anyone else. Maybe it works for some people to want to get in shape for a high school reunion, a wedding, beach season - whatever. For whatever reason, you should be inspired to improve your fitness level; don't feel pressured into it.
My diet gradually changed for the better over the course of my weight loss. Some people's diets are so horrendous they need a complete diet overhaul, and some just need tweaks here and there. Regardless of what your diet is like, I found it helpful to read blogs and online information about health and fitness. Researching can be extremely helpful, but only if applied. Sitting and surfing the Internet for tips for weight loss isn't going to get you in any better shape on its own. Become knowledgeable about how to live a healthy lifestyle, but then get up, get out there, and act it out!
One of my favorite fitness blogs is Thatsfit.com - they have posts on a wealth of different topics.
Improve your knowledge on both exercise and nutrition, because both are key for losing weight. You may be able to use weight by only changing your diet, or only exercising, but with both of them you will see the most dramatic results.
Don't fool yourself into thinking anything will be easy. There is NO miracle pill or drug that will make you lose weight. Get thin quick products work even less well than get rich quick schemes. It takes time to change your lifestyle, but don't give up. It often takes several months or more before noticing any big changes, but the key is to stick with it. It is important to set goals, but don't rush them, and never be satisfied. That is to say, appreciate your body for what it is - a truly amazing thing, but you should always be inspired to improve it. Slow but constant improvement will yield results, no matter what it is we are talking about.
I am still continuing to improve my fitness level, and it is something that has become an important part of my life. I work out 3-6 times a week, and doing exercises such as biking, jogging, hiking, yoga, swimming, weightlifting, and basketball. Don't be afraid to try something new, mixing up what it is you are doing is a great way to keep working out fresh and interesting.
If you have any stories, tips, or comments, I'd be glad to hear!
