robertlavender’s BodyBlog

2.6.2008

Starting weight 298 lbs

In recognition of lent I gave up soda and fast food. After about a month of this I saw my weight drop from 298 lbs to around 290 lbs.

I wanted more…..

My fiance and myself started venturing out onto the trails around our apartment complex (Avery Ranch / Brushy Creek / Austin) It was nice to get out of the house, but it wasnt doing what I needed. Being at even 290 lbs it is hard to run. Almost 300 lbs crashing down on your knees is not fun.

3.29.2008

My fiance has been a member of Lifetime Fitness. She was paying almost $80 a month for herself and our 5 year old. We recently noticed a Fitness 19 across the street from our apartment complex. We decided to check it out. For $40 a month we both can go as much as we want, and our 5 year old can go to the kids room as much as we need him to.

4.15.2008

So here we are on the 15th of April. Last night I weighed myself and I was sitting at 283.8 lbs. This was after eating of course right before going to bed. Not a great time to weigh. I weighed myself this morning and I saw 283 lbs even show up on the scale.

My fiance has said lately my chest / man boobies have been looking smaller, as well as my stomach. She says she can especially tell a difference when I lay down. My stomach isnt as high.

I had bought a button up shirt about a month ago for an interview. First time really buying a nice dress button up shirt. Had the guy in the store help me. He measured my arms and shoulders, and said this is the size you should wear. Bought it and took it home. Tried it on. I could not button it at all. I was depressed. Upset. Mad. My fiance said, keep it. Let it be your motivation for losing weight. So I did. I went to put it on last night, just to see if I really was losing fat mass up top. I was able to button the top 3 buttons. You can probably imagine how excited this made me.

I am now working out 6 days a week with my fiance.

Mon - Thurs I work my upper body and back
Tues - Fri I work my lower body / legs
Sat - 45 - 60 minutes of cardio

I make sure that I put at least 30 minutes of cardio in each day with my routine. I have learned the importance of a rest day which I take on Sunday. I have also learned the importance of push-ups. Although I do work my abs every day I am at the gym, I make sure that I do 50 - 100 crunches every night, along with at least 25 - 30 push-ups.

I am now sitting at 283 lbs, and I am looking forward to dropping more fat mass, and gaining muscle mass. I see some of the guys that come into the gym and I am completely inspired by their hard work and dedication to their bodies.

I just wanted to share my short but in my eyes extremely worth while journey. I hope this inspires some people just starting out. Baby steps is what it takes. Get your diet in check, get a good weight training / cardio plan in check and watch your body react. I am a firm beleiver that what you put in your body is what you will get out.

WATER!! I cannot stress this enough. I find now my body doesnt yearn for soda. It wants water!! I have learned so much lately about eating. The importance of protien. Good fats, bad fats.

Any advice or just comments are totally wanted and welcomed.

I have to say as well, that my fiance is my biggesst pusher. She beleives in me and will not let me give up. She has fully supported me in this journey, as have I for hers. She has lost 4 lbs so far, and is looking forward to losing more.

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Working your body is like a shower…..if you don’t do it right, your gonna stink!

02.06.2008 - 298 lbs
04.15.2008 - 283 lbs