A little over a year ago, I wrote a blog post as a long-overdue update to a previous post sharing my desire to get fit again. Unfortunately, I did not get around to publishing that follow-up post.
Here’s what I said in that May 26, 2016 unpublished private post:
“Last summer, I blogged about my plan to get fit again with calisthenic exercises. I explained that a previous injury had sidetracked my workout efforts.
I intended to start an ambitious workout plan that consisted mainly of push ups and pull ups. In addition, I planned to provide frequent updates regarding my weight loss and fitness progress.
Well, it’s worth noting that while I did commence my calisthenics program, I had to stop after a few days due to a strain in my shoulder and back.
Since then, I have tried dieting at least twice, and I managed to lose weight only to gain it back.
Then I think I sort of gave up on exercise and gave into carbs. The careless consumption of carbohydrates [and junk food] led to more unwanted weight. Stress had a lot to do with it too—but that’s another story outside the scope of this post.
With that said, I am happy to report that I finally made some lasting progress.
In April 2016, I started watching my caloric intake and eating a bit healthier—just a bit. In fact, I’ve lost 13 ½ pounds since then.
I should note, however, that when I tried to start working out again last summer I was 171 lbs and my waist was 39 inches. In April 2016, when I started keeping track of my diet I weighed 181.5 lbs and my waist had ballooned to 42 inches.
I currently weigh 167 lbs and my waist is 38.5–so I’ve reduced my waist by 2.5 inches since last month.
In addition, I recently started working out again, and I don’t feel the straining that I did last time. On a test day, I managed to do 5 sets of 10 push ups rather comfortably. I felt better than I expected. I could have done more repetitions per set, but I was very concerned about injuring myself.
A few days later I was able to do a few sets of crunches. I did 5 sets of 20 repetitions. I noticed, however, that the weight around my midsection prevented me from performing the crunches with the control and form that had always been second nature.
I was huffing and puffing while doing the crunches.
Yeah, things have gotten that bad.
While I am happy about the weight loss and smaller waistline, I must admit that it has taken much longer to lose than I expected. I have always taken pride in being able to gain and lose very quickly. I still have the willpower, but I’ll have to be more patient and take things slowly.
In any event, I wanted to provide an update—although it is long overdue.
Better late than never, right?
I hope to provide another update when I can, so please check back to see if I can transform this tire around my midsection into a granite six pack.”
While I have worked out quite a bit with weights since writing that post in May 2016, I have gained a significant amount of weight.
My weight has soared to over 200 lbs. This time around, however, I was in a “bulking” phase, and I did gain more muscle.
I am currently 188 lbs., but I still have too much belly fat. Way too much!
Now, this is my renewed effort to get fit–and to blog more consistently about my fitness goals, challenges and progress.
I really hope that I’ll be able to stay on track and provide regular updates.
Stay tuned.
