My Transformation - Recent Threads

week 3....ugh

adeleib — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:51:47 GMT

So first two weeks were great!!!! I lost 12 pounds I look and feel great I pushed myself so hard in the gym and ate great too.

Then this week I started week 3. I started with a migraine that was awful, I have never had one before and had to ask if thats what it was...and it was. Also I am about to be "homronal" so I have regained weight and nasty belly bloat, not to mention the ravenous cravings I am getting. They are so terrible but so far I have been able to hold off but I still feel big and crappy. How does anyone deal with the cravings? I have the shakes but honestly I am not a sweets person. I want cheese and crackers, bread ad butter, salty/spicy chips, hot wings...lol. I even thought about changing my cheat day to accomodate but decided I don't want to change whats been working so far. (I suppose triscuits aren't clean carbs :( So any suggestions? I don't want to lose steam but even my energy level is down in my workouts. Could this be a 3 week lull/hump I need to get over or is it all homronal. I am not sure but I don't want to give up. I am looking forward to the fourth week for pictures but now prgress has gone backwards in a matter of days. boo!!

Week 5. So strong.... and then......

bye2babyfat — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:36:19 GMT

I don't know what the heck is going on! I was seeing progress- and then... reverse. For a while my belly disappeared and as of 2 days ago, it has come back! I dont know why! I'm doing my workouts- hitting my 10's, and eating as clean as I always have been.

Well, I got frustrated and just gave in (literally just now) to kettle cooked potato chips (I reasoned they were only made of potatoes and cooked in oil- no trashy stuff) BUT I dipped it in Sour cream. I'm eating cottage cheese to save my guilt (protein to even out the "carbs"?) and I am really hating myself right now. I just don't know why my stomach has returned and i take my 6 week pics on Monday. I want to give up because I feel like I have proven my body refuses to fully change.
What do I do?
I don't want to stop. But I feel like it's pointless to continue.
Help!

12 WEEK TRANSFORMATION WITH PICTURES!!!

lorig2727 — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:07:05 GMT

I finished my tranformation!! This has been the single most important decision in my life! I was riddled with health issues and my life was spiraling out of control.

Starting weight: 125 lbs. Bodyfat 28%

84 days later.......

FINAL STATS: 112 POUNDS BODYFAT 12% INCREASED STRENGTH BY 90% OVER CAME A DEBILITATING HEALTH ISSUE.

CHALLENGE COMPLETE! (with photos) :)

maemouse882 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:31:26 GMT

Hello all!

I did this program for 16 weeks, rather than 12 weeks due to my therapist's advice and...

I'VE LOST 28.5 POUNDS!
I started 193 pounds on February 11th, and ended at 164.5 pounds June 12th :)

I've lost about 3 inches from my weight. I started a size 14 womens pants, and now am about a 12, maybe a 10! (haven't been shopping in awhile lol, but my new clothes are loose already!)

I just wanted to say that going into this program, I was only about 50% sure that is was going to work, only about 50% sure that I was going to be able to follow the program exactly and keep to it. Here I am now, surprising myself, when I thought that nothing would work, that I was just stuck this way. I've surprised myself, and as much as I want to say that it was this program that did these results, I know that in order for BFL to work, YOU HAVE TO WORK. I did, and I don't know if I've ever been this proud of myself in any point of my life.

There are darker days, slower days, but I know now that I can do what I set my mind too. This is my body, the priceless machine that I drive, and it's up to me to take care of it. I have never felt healthier in my life, nor have I been this weight since middle school!

Thank you BFL forum for being an invaluable source of inspiration for me! It was because of you all that I know I could do this, because you all have done it, or were in the same boat too. I'll be starting my second challenge in a few weeks with my boyfriend, once we move across the country and are settled, but I know that I hit a point in my life, a crossroads, that I will never turn back. This is my body for life :)

Six week progress (stats & pics)

Sleepless08 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 16:27:33 GMT

Here I made it...half way through my first 12 weeks! I plan to keep going beyond that...but just for timeline purposes. I'm sorry the pics aren't the same size, but you can spot the differences still (I hope!). When I finish I'll stop being lazy and resize the saved images to be the same dimensions.

SW: 164
Bust: 38.5
Waist: 31
Belly: 38.25
Hips: 41.9
Thigh: 26.25
Calf: 15.2
Arm: 12.65

Today: 150.8
Bust: 37.75
Waist: 28.5
Belly: 35.25
Hips: 39.5
Thigh: 25.25
Calf: 14.6
Arm: 12.25

STICK WITH IT! IT WORKS!

Wicked Awesome Sisters are Half Way There!!

WickedAwesomeSisters — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:19:03 GMT

Well, the sisters are half way through the challenge!!! It has been so fun to do this together, and we agree that we have both needed each other to stay on track! We are proud to say that neither of us have missed a work out. 6 straight weeks of exercise!! Can't remember the last time either of us did that! The eating has been tough this week. Any recommendations on how to curve the appetite when it's "that time of month"???

More and more we are realizing how much we have to do this FOR LIFE....not for 12 weeks. Thanks for all the fun support and we will check in again in 3 weeks!

Side by Side Shots of People Who Stick With It - Look!

KatieJ — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:34:49 GMT

I'm not sure on the rules of posting to another forum - but here's a link to some before and after photos of those who 'stick with it'

Everyone can inspire someone else - you just need to not quit and remember this is a lifestyle change. Enjoy the Side By Side Transformations:

http://bodyforlife-tracker.com/weightloss-topic/72239#1159560

Zippers and scales :)

bye2babyfat — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:09:13 GMT

I am SO excited today! I have a stack of pants that I folded up and shoved to the back of my closet in hopes of selling them because I never thought I would fit into them again. Ever.
This morning I jumped on the scale and saw a number I hadn't seen in 2 years- so........ I took a deep breath and crawled through my closet to the stack of jeans I have and slid them on- I could zip them up!!! (With a little sucking in) but they zipped!! Before- I was lucky to get them around my thighs!!
I can't wait to see what next week brings!

LiL Caity's 12-week Challenge Complete (with pictures, of course)

LiL Caity — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:15:55 GMT

Alright well I have successfully completed 12 weeks of Body-for-Life and I feel awesome!!!!! The picture of me on the bike is from today, the one where I am wearing jeans is 2 weeks before my challenge end. I feel like I would like to be looking a little better, to be honest, but to be fair to myself I did start out with an awful lot of body fat. I haven't taken pictures in my underwear yet, I just feel a little embarrassed. I'm just being real. I still am extremely happy with how far I have come in only 12 weeks.

I lost about 30 pounds of scale weight and have built major muscle and strength. (doing curls with 10lbs was my max, now I can do 20lbs). My cholesterol went from 235 to below 155. My health problems: constant indigestion, fatigue, stress, overall pain and soreness all the time, have cleared up. I still have lower back pain/sciattica issues sometimes but I can live with that. I did my absolute best and that has me feeling better than anything. I am ready for challenge 2 so I can really see what I am capable of!!

Thank you all so much for being a part of my success. I posted picture updates frequently, even though it might seem vain, I just really really appreciated the nice compliments. It kept me going from week to week without cheating on my diet or missing workouts. It wasn't easy to start out at close to 250 pounds, so I seriously am thankful for the support because I don't know how I could have done so well otherwise. I love to give that support back to others, so anyone feel free to friend me or send me messages if you want!

12 Week Stats & Pictures - Thank you BFL!

Jessica - Mighty Max — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:38:54 GMT

Starting Stats:
Weight = 144.4#
Body Fat = 33.9%
Waist = 34.75"

Ending Stats:
Weight = 122.2#
Body Fat = 23.1%
Waist = 31.25"

RIP Mike Harris

DAY 1 of my JOURNEY

Simpdog — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:41:19 GMT

Alright B4L family here are my Day 1 photos. I will be updating my pics every two weeks. Well I have to kick in my cardio and start attacking this bodyfat. My weight this morning was 197lbs not sure where I am as far as Body FAT. Well I have 6 more months here in Afghanistan. Plenty of time to transform this body for good. STAY MOTIVATED EVERYONE!!! KEEP making forward Progress!!! Remember EXTREME MEASURES = EXTREME RESULTS!!!!!!!

Hitting a Plateau... help.

bye2babyfat — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:52:59 GMT

I am on my 2nd week (I thought it was my 3rd week! I lose count!) and have hit a plateau. I took pictures every week and there was a major difference from the beginning to week 1. From week 1 to week 2 there is very minimal difference. I know it's only been 14 days, but - does this usually happen?
Now.... I have cheated SLIGHTLY nearly every day.... a chip here, a small bite from my daughter's cookie there... but I wouldn't think that with how hard I have been working and the 98% clean eating small slips would make a difference. I mean, my diet and lifestyle have totally changed! You would think the pounds would fall right off. I went from eating take out nearly every night and pizza every weekend to chicken, shrimp, rice and cottage cheese meals. I went from thinking doing laundry and cleaning the house were a good work out to lifting weights and running every morning. What is happening now?

Looking for some help and positivity

Lrosswantsarockhardbod — Wed, 29 May 2013 04:10:58 GMT

Hi all,

I am just looking for some advice and possibly some words of encouragement. A couple weeks ago I had to put my challenge on hold because I had mono and was unable to make it to the gym or eat right due to loss of appetite and inability to eat solid foods. I was in the beginning of week 5 and I have had to take a total of 2 almost 3 weeks off. Needless to say I am feeling a little discouraged because I hate the idea that I may have to start all over again and I am scared that these last couple weeks have completely erased all of my hard work. Any advice or help on getting back in there would really be great! Thank you all!

Week 12 Updates: With Photos!

maemouse882 — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:36:26 GMT

I am doing this program for 16 weeks (as recommended by my doctor) but I wanted to post my Week 12 results with photos thus far...

I HAVE LOST 20 POUNDS!!!! :) :) :)

Initial weight: 193 lbs

Week 12 Weight: 173 lbs!!!

This was my initial goal for the 16 weeks, which means I met it early, woot woot! This last month I lost 5.5 pounds, and weirdly enough before hand (especially the night before) I got so down on myself, convinced I hadn't made it, that I hadn't worked hard enough (for whatever reason). But I was wrong, and I know now that deep inside I DID THIS, I MADE IT HAPPEN! Plus, I got a new haircut, and my confidence is soaring :)

Talking with my boyfriend, one of the things he said impressed him the most was not all the weight I have lost, but more of my perseverance and dedication, even when at the beginning of the program I cried and fretted, knowing it wouldn't work. BUT IT DOES WORK! I'm feeling very motivated for this last month!

Day #1....Check =)

dmiller7 — Fri, 31 May 2013 01:44:25 GMT

Well, day #1 is almost done with. I ate healthy, and a lot today, plus I was at the gym for a little over an hour. My goal in this challenge is different than most people. Instead of trying to lose weight, and get into shape, I am trying to gain muscle mass, and become stronger. I am starting out at 112 pounds at age 35 and 5' 6". Yes, you heard me correctly. I am about 9% body fat according to the USN formula. So about 101.92 lbs of lean muscle, and 10.08 pounds of fat.

My ultimate goal is to gain about 40 pounds of lean muscle while trying to keep my overall body fat percentage down. I know that may seem like a very large goal, but I have always dreamed big. I truly believe that whatever we set our minds to, we can, and will achieve that goal.

I can't wait to see what happens in the remaining 83 days. I will keep everyone up to date as we go along. Good luck, and best wishes to everyone else.

Progress pictures??

bye2babyfat — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:30:35 GMT

How do I upload progress pictures?

My first setback

IronBrian — Fri, 31 May 2013 04:40:54 GMT

I've just had my first setback; I've missed three workouts as I had a cold and sore throat and was off work. I also had a couple of days of 'comfort food'.

I felt pretty demoralised, and felt like all my hard work had been wasted. Of course, that's not the case, I've only got to look back at my journal to prove that. I had three lines crossed every day right up to day 56, the end of week 8.

Now I can get back to it today at day 60 with a good intense cardio workout which I know will make me feel a lot better. So I finish three days later on my 12 week challenge; better than quitting now and starting all over again.

New Challenge

Simpdog — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:09:59 GMT

Hello BodyFor life Family,

Its been about a year since I've posted anything here. Which was when I finished my challenge as well as my first competition. I must say that the body for life book along with this website has really motivated me and challenged me to truly change my lifestyle when it comes to fitness. I'm active duty in the military and I've always had to maintain some form of fitness but my nutrition was never really that great and I was not consistent with my workouts. Over the past year I've seen my body go from one extreme to the next. After loosing 20lbs in 3 mos and being in the best shape of my life all it took was for me to loose focus and not keep my nutrition in tact and I looked up and all my hard work and efforts were gone just like that in a matter of about 4 to 5 months. I was truly a learning lesson for me. I was still hitting the gym daily but had one to many cheat days in the week and overall I failed to maintain a healthy diet. I must say that I was amazed at how my body could change so quickly just by not mainting my nutrition everyday. I'm glad it happen because my body taught me what I already knew. Which was that no matter what I do in the gym without proper nutrtion I can never acheive my desired results or maintain them.

I'm currently deployed now to Afghainstan and i've been here for about 3 months and I've maintained a pretty good nurtrion plan with what I have here. I've been training over the last few months to put on a little more size and still stay lean. I will be posting my before PIC on this coming Monday. I will keep track of my journey and post pics every two weeks for the next 6mos that I'm here. I'm trying to truly transform my body in a major way while here and compete about 5 mos after my return. Well I will be post my before numbers on monday and I will appreciate the support from my Body for life Family.

Stay MOTIVATED everyone and remember keep making FORWARD PROGRESS.

STAY TUNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 12-Week Transformation with Pictures!

Dang_Gina — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:57:39 GMT

This was my bio from the first week of the challenge (Week of February 25th)

This is my second go-round, first being back in fall of 2005. I finished the challenge and had awesome results! Since then I've just done my own thing as far as working out goes....took up tennis--MAJOR FAT BURNER, running, SELF Challenge, Jackie Warner Videos, Spinning, Etc.

HOWEVER, I slowly let the weight creep back on the last couple years... Then I got pregnant. At my heaviest weight ever. And I'm not ashamed to say--well, maybe a little--that I *might* have pulled a Jessica Simpson....ha!

My daughter recently turned 4 months and is sleeping 10-12 consecutive hours through the night so it's high time I got back on a program. Especially one like this; one that I know will yield results!

All in all, I've already lost 40-some pounds since my delivery. I have about 25 more to go to my "happy weight".

Before:

And my after bio (week of May 18th)

The second go-round of my BFL journey was a lot of things.....Hard. Awesome. Stressful. Fulfilling. Motivating. Frustrating. Fabulous. That awesome baby I mentioned in week 1? Yeah, those sweet sleeping habits changed mid-challange and salted my game a bit! :-) My morning workouts changed to night workouts and some nights I didn't even sit down until I went to bed. I had a business trip in week 8 that derailed me a bit, and a severe case of burnout in week 12 (the worst time ever!) that didn't leave me finishing as strong as I'd hoped. But I did finish. And my baby is now 7 months and she's still salting my game. :-) I have a feeling it will be that way for the next 18 years, and it's so awesome! :-) I'm taking it easy this week and starting up a modified C2 next Monday.

A couple Stats (in normal people terms, mmk?)

Pounds Lost: 10

Inches Lost....

Waist: 3in Left Thigh: 2in Right Thigh: 2in Hips: 3in

And the after photos.....

If you're just lurking to find more out about BFL I can only tell you to take the leap! It's an amazing program and it works!!!! If you're just starting the challenge my best advice to you is to find a thread you love AND CHECK IN DAILY! I've been in the Cottage Cheese Club since week 1 of my challenge and checked in almost every business day. I've made amazing friends and it kept me going when I wanted to say screw it! Hold yourself accountable. You can do this! :-)

Week 15 (no pics) with advice for starters

threadstone — Wed, 29 May 2013 22:31:23 GMT

BFL Start: 2/13/13 (15 weeks)

Male - Age: 52

Height: 5' 11

Starting weight: 195

Current weight: 180

Target weight: 170

I started BFL on Feb 13 - Ash Wednesday. My goal was to do it for Lent and then do it for an additional 40 days after that but I'm continuing 100+ days into it. Sorry I won't share pics - I'm modest. I've lost 15 lbs in 15 weeks and feel great and look pretty good. I can actually see my abs again. My wife is just a bit shocked by it all. I'm going to look pretty good at the beach July 4th week during week 20.

Some advice ...

-Follow the food advice - but eat more fruit than what BFL says

- I buy cooked rotisserie chicken and use it for lunch. Pick the meat, mix with avocado, apple etc.
- Eat lots of eggs - I eat 3-4 every morning
- Celery is under-rated. It works great with cottage cheese and natural peanut butter.
- Cut out pasta completely (especially no spaghetti with red sauce)
- Cut out bread completely (no sammiches!! Ever!)
- Cut out soda, candy, cookies and all sweets completely.
- Get plain Greek yogurt and mix your own fruit (add honey if sweetness is needed).
- Speaking of honey - try it as your sweetener of choice - it has benefits.
- Drink water all day. Drink a sip after each rep during workouts
- Eat more fruit than what BFL calls for. Eat fruits with a low glycemic load (not to be confused with glycemic index). Don't be intimidated by the "grapefruit has so much sugar" myth ... much of the sugar is fiber based.
- Natural peanut butter on apples is awesome.
- If your wife/husband/partner makes a meal that doesn't fit the plan, don't eat it and tell them why.
Be careful with nuts - I have a tendency to eat a lot at a sitting. Make sure you portion them!!!
Over the 15 weeks, I've only take a "day off" the food plan approx 6-7 times. And then, only for a single meal - never an entire day.

-Follow the work-outs pretty closely - except the HIIT

- Definitely lift weights!! Don't even attempt this program without it.
- I haven't done high intensity interval training - you need to be in adequate shape to do this correctly and I think I'll be there soon. Better to be safe than sorry and the last thing I wanted was a stress injury to slow me down.
- My schedule:
- - Upper body Mon and Wed morning
- - Lower body Tues and Thurs morning
- - Light jog (2.2 - 3.5 miles - 8:20-9:00 pace) Mon, Tues, Wed Evenings and Saturday mornings.
-If you sit at a desk all day long ...
- - Walk for 10-15 minutes twice each day (smokers waste more time than this). Eat an apple or some other portable fruit while you walk and drink a few big gulps of water when you return
- - focus on your posture while sitting - keep your back straight and periodically crunch your abs and hold it for as long as possible
-Do take pictures of yourself (you don't have to share!) front and back. It's a true motivator. I saw results in 6 weeks and it kept me going.

I travel almost weekly for work. The good news is that I've been able to run on the beach. The bad news is you really have to be disciplined with the food - preparing meals in a hotel room that has no kitchen isn't easy.

Yummy meal idea

bye2babyfat — Sun, 26 May 2013 17:15:49 GMT

I was craving popcorn when my husband brought home a good movie. I know corn is on the approved list, so here's what I did. Chocolate Protein powder with ice for a good chocolate shake. Tossed some cinnamon in there too, yum! And popped some kernals on the stove, sprayed with fat free/ no calorie butter flavored Pam and seasoned the popcorn with a bit of garlic salt and pepper. I feel like I'm at the movies. :)

Thought I'd share this for anyone who, like me, likes a weekend treat and is feeling deprived.

I did it! Day 84...with pics =)

akmama08 — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:11:49 GMT

I lost just over 18lbs (stick with it! About 5lbs were just in the last two weeks along when I saw most changes), 3 dress sizes, and my life is completely transformed starting from the inside out. I could honestly care less what the scale says or what size I wear...it's how I FEEL that makes me feel like a million bucks (or should I say $25k?) ;) !!!!!! Will insert my "befores" for those of you who haven't seen them...and today.
I got my pro pics done today, then DH & I went outside and took some right after. These are the ones DH took of me...will have pro ones Tuesday.

Week 3 results...with photos

WickedAwesomeSisters — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:31:25 GMT

Okay, we are three weeks in. One of us has shown tremendous progress, the other not so much. But, we both know that this is healthier than what we were doing before. So we will keep going strong! In the first three weeks, one of us lost 7 inches, the other just over 1. We've lost a total of 13 pounds combined, and we are LOVING doing this together! It's so nice to see the ripple effect of our family and friends eating healthier. Anyway, here our pictures, for better or worse!

WEEK 1 WEEK 3

Thanks for checking out our post, we will post again in 3 weeks!

-Wicked Awesome Sisters!!

Over night!

bye2babyfat — Thu, 23 May 2013 05:35:10 GMT

Yesterday morning I woke up and weighed myself (curiosity) and was 3 pounds lighter! I have been avoiding the scale because I was getting frustrated with the results on it. I also was able to zip up my skinny-me jeans! Hopefully pictures later on today!

This is proof that if you just stick with it and follow the program (I had to make lots of changes to my routine so that it was BFL approved, lol) you will see amazing results! My husband was inspired and is toying with the idea of trying it too. :)

Results

IntrinsicMotivation — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:39:00 GMT

I'm holding out on posting my before and after pictures until June 8th (Day 84), I can tell you, day one photos and day 60 photos tell a whole lot! I've lost about 16lbs, gained muscle, and look strong. I ran a 10k trail scramble on Sat and these are my results...

799 total finishers - I came in at 184

335 were women - my gender finish place was 38

Age 20-29 Female there were 111 - I came in 10th

My pace was 8.33min mile - through mud, river, rain, and falling twice, I kicked ASS! I'm so happy!

The scale....

bye2babyfat — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:03:55 GMT

I am seeing results... but the number on the scale keeps climbing. Especially after doing weights. When will the numbers on the scale show my weight loss? I'm just curious how and when this works...

Free Day Guilt

bye2babyfat — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:57:10 GMT

I know it's advised that we take a free day. Yesterday I took one , but I feel like I was too nervous to enjoy it. I have seen great results and I'm only in my third week now and I was afraid that if I stopped eating right and working out (even for a day!), then everything would reverse., or I would lose my progress and regain my weight. I didnt go crazy by any means- I did still eat every 2 hours, but for dinner I ate pizza and then had 4 cookies before bed, and chips. Almost 1/4 a bag. It wasn't a "Free for all buffet day" or anything, but I still feel guilty for breaking the diet and am nervous about my progress and next weeks free day. Does anyone else go through this? How do you get over the mind set that it's ok to "indulge" for one day and keep yourself in line?

Week 5 Illness

Lrosswantsarockhardbod — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:07:27 GMT

Hi fellow body-for-lifers,

Last Monday (May 13), I tested positive for mono. I had been dealing with minor symptoms for about two weeks but was still able to stay on top of my challenge. However, last week I was too sick to work out and couldn't stay on my eating plan because I could only eat soup, no solid food. I'm pretty bummed because I was doing so well and then week 5 I had to ignore my challenge. I am hoping to get back to working out tomorrow and I am back on my eating plan today. I'm hoping that I'm not pushing myself back into it too soon because I am still easily fatigued but I am not one to rest when I've been told to rest. A week of rest is enough right? Anyway I'm wondering if this week off will really affect my progress. Any help you all can provide would be great. Thank you!

Progress from day one to week 9, front and back

LiL Caity — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:26:24 GMT

I put this picture together to show how my body has changed from doing the program and giving it my best! You can click on it to see it bigger.

I have kept records of everything I have eaten and everything I have done in the gym since day one. I am almost done with week 10. I think I would like to wait until week 12 to post pictures again. I know people like to look at the progress pictures of everybody, so I hope this helps give you motivation! I have never worn a bikini before. I croche'd myself this top to wear in my final pics, and it is already too big! Good thing I didn't go out and buy one :-D And I dyed my hair so it looks nice. I kind of let it go for a while lol

I SEE CHANGES!

bye2babyfat — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:51:09 GMT

All of my hard work has paid off! I finally see changes! The "roundness" is thinning down! I have literally been trying to work very hard so I sweat every workout session and I have been going crazy over eating clean! Finally I see the pay off and I am so happy! Just the motivation I was looking for to keep me going! Now I dont know if I want to take a free day! Maybe just a free meal...? :)

<<HIGH FIVES HERE!>>

Hopefully will post pics later! :)

Injury in the early going...

Houligan — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:08:28 GMT

Hi,

My first post for some advise.

I started my challenge on April 8, 2013. On the last weight training day for week 4, which was Friday May 3, 2013, I finished the training took my shoes off, stripped to throw my workout clothes in the wash. (I work out at home) Took off in a hurry to run upstairs to get a shower and prep my meal. When in passing I kicked my workout equipment breaking one toe and a bone in my foot, go figure!!!

It took 10 days to get the swelling completely out of my foot and only did my upper body weight training this past Wednesday (May 15) and lower body today. I am having difficulty getting my cardio in for now and will see if I can do any of it next week.

I have been great up until this point not missing any workouts, keeping meals and meal plans going and actually seeing some great results, taking pictures every week.

I am still going to continue with the program but wanted to know if I should still follow through with the contest / challenge as I at this point have 10 weeks now instead of 12? depending what can be done in the next week. The plan is to keep doing what I can for now and am aggravated at the bone head move that created this in the first place. Legs are the largest muscles on our bodies and burn the most energy for creating a lean body. Not being able to use them effectively at this point is somewhat of a challenge in itself but am determined to complete the first 12 weeks and beyond.

Cheers!

Houligan

Committing myself

bye2babyfat — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:54:34 GMT

I need to stop "messing up" everyday, knowing fully well what I am doing. I sneak in bites here and there and wonder why I'm not seeing any results (even though, yes, it is only my second week). I stopped walking every day and started alternating my workouts to better fit BFL. Time to buckle down. I see the before and after pictures of everyone on here and I want those results too. I've done it before with BFL, I can do this again.

I took my "2 week photos", though I know you really aren't supposed to, I just wanted to see- and there wasn't any difference. Not noticable anyways... But I know there would be a difference.... had I not started BFL. An expanding difference. :)

Anyways,here I go, committing myself to try harder!

good luck to everyone today!

Halfway there but could use some advice!

MicheleP — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:08:47 GMT

I am in week 6 and have definitely seen results. However, I am getting concerned that I won't get the full results that I am working for. I am following the program very closely. I've only missed one workout and I'm doing well with the eating. My main concern area is my core. I'm worried that I'm not doing enough ab exercises on the program. I am a mother of four children - my youngest is one year old and the pregnancy really did a number on my abs! I've been reading about the previous champions and it sounds like some of them did additional workouts, which I do not. I follow the program as I don't have much time for extra workouts. Do you think Extra workouts are a must?

Additionally, I am not taking supplements. I take a multi-vitamin, but that is all. I am a runner and an athlete, so I have no problem completing the workouts, but I must admit that I don't drink enough water (is it really a big deal?!). I do change my workouts daily and they are a real challenge.

Any thoughts are appreciated! :)

michele

Week 6: Discouraged.

flygirl51 — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:48:26 GMT

Hi All. I am feeling somewhat discouraged. Halfway through and I've only lost a few pounds, and an inch each on both hips and waist. I know it's progress, but there is that inclination to feel as though "It's not working." I've been trying to cling to the notion of the 8 week miracle, but I really thought I'd see bigger changes by now.

Perhaps someone will have some encouragement for me. I won't quit, but I do feel my confidence slipping, and that usually leads to missing workouts and getting lax with the diet.

I have not missed a work out, even on week 4 when my back went out. I continued on with less intensity, and then bumped it back up the next week, when I was feeling better. My food intake has been correct, I think. Usually under 1200 calories a day, with balanced protein and carbs, fat grams under 30. One day per week, I jump the caloric intake up to 1400-1500, just to shake things up a bit.

A little about me: I am 51, and have about 30 pounds to lose from the day I started. I know things slow down when you're older. I've not had any thyroid tests, but I suppose that could be an issue.

I do have difficulty drinking all the water. Most days, I can only manage to drink 8 rather than the recommended 10.

My biggest frustration is seeing people on other programs, such as WW or Atkins boasting 10-15 lbs lost by this time. I'm here working my butt off, and not losing much of anything.

Any helpful encouragement? Please?

Weight gain during 1st week?

bye2babyfat — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:58:06 GMT

I know it's probably muscle, but I have gained about 4 or 5 pounds since I began and I want to scream! I have been really sore from lunges, sit ups, running, etc... so my guess is that this is just muscle weight.... but I'm not sure! I have been eating very clean, so- I'm confused. If this is muscle gain, how long before I start to see the direction change on the scale?? Any advice?

Thanks!

"The Iron" - Henry Rollins, Worth the 5 mins to read

maleficent39 — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:11:58 GMT

http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/strength-articles/iron-henry-rollins

Going to have to copy and paste, won't let me insert hyperlink

transformation week 1 and week 6

Charlieb82 — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:50:03 GMT

Finished week 6 and feeling fine.

IronBrian — Sun, 12 May 2013 09:56:04 GMT

I've just been for my last week 6 workout and feeling great. I'm really looking forward to the last 6 weeks, I feel convinced I'm going to make some really exponential gains in size, strength and fat loss over the next 6 weeks. Pilates twice a week is helping (I hope) with my symmetry and cores strength as well. Hope somebody gets some motivation from this post, because I have! ;o)

Week 6 and weighing more!

IronBrian — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:50:51 GMT

Hi all

I'm in week 6 of my transformation, but after an initial drop of around 10lbs, I actually weigh 3/4lbs more this week than last week! I haven't missed a training session, I've had my 6 small clean meals a day. The one thing I've not done by the book is have my 'bad' day, but I have allowed myself one or two meals a week which border on the unhealthy.

I'm not actually sure of my body fat % when I started, but my wife tells me I've 'lost weight'. I can't believe I've built more muscle than I've lost fat, so Tuesday night I went for a 5k easy run and was going to do that in the evenings on my weights days.

Any thoughts?

Anyone train for half marathon

runnergirl007 — Wed, 08 May 2013 22:47:11 GMT

Hi, I've been on BFL for 2 years now.I know that 20 min HIIT cardio is the recommendation but I decided to sign up for a half marathon for next year. Anyone follow BFL and train for long races? I'm just wondering if there are people who have been successful in their results and also incorporating long runs? Thx!

Challenge 1 Complete w/ photos - Bring on C2!

DavidF41 — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:02:36 GMT

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and support - especially my Team Gladiator family!

Completed my first 12 week challenge. I am pleased with results so far but in no way am I satisfied.

There is still some work to do so I cannot wait to get going on C2!

My results: Week 0 Week 12

Weight: 212 194 (lost 18 lbs)

BF%: 24% 18% (-6%)

Chest: 44 1/2 43

Abd 39 1/2 35 1/2

Biceps R16/L 15 1/4 R16/L15 3/4 (gained 1/2 on left and none on left - interesting)

Thigh: 24 23

Calves: 15 1/2 16

JUST OVER A YEAR!!!!!!!... WITH PICS!!!!!!!!!

bcollins2012 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:53:37 GMT

Well here it is, just over one year and I wanted to share my before and after pictures. It has been a wonderful journey so far, and I still have the same drive as when I began.

For those out there that are just beginning please remember that this is a journey. For most the first 84 days is a jumpstart to a new lifestyle. You are going to have quite a few speed bumps along the way. Please do not let them derail you along the way. Brush them aside, keep moving, have a positive support group around you, and never forget WHY you started this journey. This one-worded question is where all of this began and you only know the answer. Whenever you lose focus or motivation, always bring yourself back to the very first time you asked this. Whatever the reason you have, is great enough for you to keep going. DON'T FORGET THAT!!

Good luck to all in 2012 and beyond!!!!!

Challenge 1 completed with pics!

Salad4Supper — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:15:06 GMT

Hi all,

I just completed my first BFL challenge a day ago and I must say it's been quite a journey. I'm excited that this day has finally arrived, and that I followed the program to the "T". I thought I would've had a little better results in the end, but I'm still impressed with what I have now through all the hard work. Here are some of my stats:

Before: After:

Weight: 231 lbs Weight: 208.5 lbs

Body fat %: 25.4 Body fat %: 18.5

Waist: 42" Waist: 32.4"

Belly: 44.1" Belly: 37.8"

Chest: 41.7" Chest: 42.1"

Bicep: 15.6" Bicep: 15.1" (smaller? I guess less fat)

Before:

After:

I look forward to starting C2 next week! Good luck to everyone else!

Week One Progress.

bobbyhicks496 — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:49:37 GMT

Hey guys,

Week one. Please tell me which one you think is better. I'm going to keep which one is before and which is after a secret.

I'm not smarter than Bill Phillips: A Realisation

MrCynical — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 05:46:29 GMT

I have come to this conclusion this weekend. EVERY single time I decide to go "off plan" or "take a break" or "improve the plan" I fail.

When I commit to it, 24/7 I do well, I do well for 6 weeks or so, and then there will be a holiday and I will turn that into a week off, or I will read an article about cutting carbs and give that a go run out of energy, give up.

Maybe I will try a new set of exercises...hurt self, give up.

Thinking back, this is why I failed out the last couple of times I tried as well. Oh I might blame it on depression, on work, on temptation but I have done it and it can be done, I just have to stop pretending my super smart, clever, hardcore weight loss plan will work...cos it doesn't

So the key things I need to remember for next 12 weeks

Cook and prep food - so much cheaper and healthier and less temptation from cafe
Gym as soon as I get home from work on a weekday and early on weekends - gets it out of the way
Log here everyday, I found this really kept me honest last time, and when I went off "log" I went off plan as well

See you all tomorrow!

FINALLY!!!

IntrinsicMotivation — Thu, 02 May 2013 11:33:06 GMT

Starting weight 152lbs - Height 5 feet 2 inches.

Day 47 into challenge - 134lbs!

I have waited so long to be below 140lbs. I must have stepped on and off the scale 5 times to be sure it was not wrong.

Feeling so inspired!

Will post pictures on June 8th (my final day of challenge 1)!

Week one: thoughts

dasllama — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:56:30 GMT

I tend to do things better if I just do them, so I didn't really plan my challenge. I just went to the gym and joined one night, then went to the store and bought some food and supplements and started the next morning ( Ive done the program before so I already sort of knew what I was in for/needed to do). So I just got up in the morning and started my challenge. The first few workouts were tough, Im not gonna lie. I had to bargain with myself to get out of bed and go workout. But I did it, and I am glad I did. I already notice small differences in my body. In fairness, I am quite a bit overweight so its not surprising. But I do look firmer, and my face looks a bit thinner, even coworkers commented on this. At any rate, there wasnt a huge change in measurements, but according to the scale I did lose 5lbs. It may just be water weight, but its nice to see some sort of change from my efforts. They might be small but they are the motivation I need to keep going. Not sure if anyone really reads these, or cares. But I want to have somewhere to put this, and to hold my self accountable so I dont just excuse away missed workouts and meals.

Twenty years in reverse...time lapse in 12 weeks

ChefMax — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:47:01 GMT

It is amazing to watch the same extra 30 pounds come off in the exact opposite progression of how they slowly packed on over the years....2 weeks left to my challenge, and all that is left is the 6-8 pounds of spare tire flab, the first thing my skinny frame put on when I got to college and gained the freshman 15....

Cant wait to watch it finally go....after all these years.

Challenge complete with pics.....

RAF_Ric — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:14:19 GMT

Hi all,

After a hard 12 weeks battling through the challenge, illness and some terrible weather, I have finished my first BFL challenge.

At the start I weighed 98Kg and now still 95Kg so not a great loss on that front, but think I have put muscle on so that hopefully accounts for that. Especially my legs, which I have no photo's for. Will try do some soon.

I generally feel so much better in health, fitness and overall happiness. Being able to get in to some older clothes again is great and this is just the start of my transformation from fat beer drinking oath to fitter, slimmer Ric.

I think honestly the results could have been better as I had problems controlling the portion size and only really in the last few weeks got it under control. I think the combination of the really poor weather here and an endless battles with man flu made the change in diet very difficult. Now I feel I have that under control and not over eating the changes the last few weeks have been better.

Got a holiday in a month to Valencia in Spain so still have time to shed some more.

Whilst doing this I thought about the weight loss in ways of an onion.... bear with me... Take a layer off an onion and it still looks the same but take 10 or 12 layers off and will look a lot smaller, that's how I thought about my progress. 1 week the change may not be noticeable but after 12 they are.

My strength has increased but more noticeably my fitness is good. By the end of the challenge I was starting the cardio at level I was finding very difficult to finish at the start of the challenge.

Anyway here are the pics, assembled before and after.

Still work to do but happy with the start.

Rich

BFL Packet

j_gilmer1979 — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:27:46 GMT

Does anyone know how to do this online or does it have to be sent by mail? I can't find anything about it on the website.

Hitting a wall - Week 7

usjma1 — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:09:52 GMT

Today I start my 7th week. I have had success in the program losing 27 lbs and my shape is no longer oblong. However the last 1 1/2 weeks it does not seem like my body is responding as well as it did. I am pushing myself to the 10's as well as following the nutrition food list. Any suggestions on how to kick start things up again?

Any advice for an over 50 female challenger?

gogranny — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:47:29 GMT

Im 53 and taking the challenge for the second time. I am finishing my 3rd week and determined to complete the challenge this time around. Working out is no problem, but I can not stick to my meal plan. I have to get past the "eating it all because it tastes good" mentality. Especially when Im surrounded by grandkids. Im trying so hard to stay on track, but I need help!

Females over 200lbs

rodecham — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:03:18 GMT

Are there any females over 200lbs in the challenge? I looked at the past champs and no e seemed to have as much weight to lose as I do. I started at 215 at 5 ft 4.

Half Way Through 1st Challenge (pics)

LiL Caity — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:05:38 GMT

OKKKKKAY took me a while because the picture upload option is broken....wont let you browse your computer and upload a pic (fyi moderators)

Anyway, thanks Bikini_Bound for reminding me why I posted pix before. I truly want people to be inspired by what I have been able to accomplish by doing this program. I have a very twisted view of myself, I guess its called "body dysmorphia". So believe me, I am not fishing for compliments. I just want people to know they aren't stuck, wherever they are. All I ever wanted was to be seen as a fellow human being before I was seen as a fat person. The bigger I got, the more impossible that felt. I did not think I could do something like this. But now, I believe that anything is possible.

Can't decide if I'm discouraged, or what?

IntrinsicMotivation — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:57:33 GMT

I've been following the program perfectly. I took my 4 weeks photos which showed minor differences, and I've gained 3lbs after losing 10. I realize, after reading all the threads that this is expected because of muscle building, but Oh man, I am so discouraged! I'm taking in about 1850 calories a day and considering cutting it down to 1500. I just don't want to look skinny. At my gym there are a variety of women who lift, but look so disproportionate. I like my curves, just want a more condensed, solid version! Any suggestions, or words of encouragement?

Week 8 Update: Photos!

maemouse882 — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:26:32 GMT

So this is my Week 8 Results... Have lost 14.5 pounds!!! woooo! I've gone from size 14 to size 12 I've noticed.

About an inch lost in bust, waist & hips each! I'm super excited! I'm doing the program for another 8 weeks, so I hope this excitement carries me through! I've been having my doubts but it's nice to know that this is working!!!

Doctor said that I've probably gained about 3 to 4 pounds of muscle weight, so I could actually have closer to 20 pounds lost :) yayyyy

PS- Sorry for grumpy face in new picture, not a morning person!

Shoulder Symmetry

IronBrian — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:42:40 GMT

Hi all

One problem I have which I hope the programme will help me with is that my shoulders are out of wack. My left shoulder sits further forward in its socket than my right, which then obviously impacts the symmetry of both my shoulders and my pecs. I certainly wasn't born this way, and only noticed it about 15 years ago.

I have previously broken my collar bone and trained for weights for years in my early twenties with pretty poor form I suspect. I wonder if that is what has caused it. Looking at some people's pics, I'm hoping the programme may help even me out, and I've started doing Pilates (again) as I also have 2 prolapsed discs (courtesy of the IronMan triathlon, hence the handle!).

Any similiar experience out there please guys?

Uploading Pics

j_gilmer1979 — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:52:56 GMT

Anyone know how to post pics from an iPhone?

End of week 4 Progress pics

abrunnergirl — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:03:33 GMT

Didn't think I was making much progress until I reviewed my progress pictures! I am definetly getting some definition which is exciting!

4 Week Pics--Hope you're not offended!

Back2BFL — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:46:44 GMT

Okay, I figured out how to get them on here. I do see some small improvements. Hoping to see more at week 8!

Uploading Pics

Back2BFL — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:11:41 GMT

How are you guys getting your pics in this paragraph instead of being a separate attachment?

I'm melting! 3rd week pics

LiL Caity — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:42:24 GMT

21 days in a row, never missing a day at the gym and giving it my all, eating 6 meals a day with a portion of protein and a clean whole food carb.......need I say more? This body don't lie.

And one more of me sucking it in, for good measure (and because its funny!)

Kind of pissed off

misterd17 — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 11:39:18 GMT

Hello, I just finished my 7th week and feel great!!! I started off weighing around 268-270 now I'm at 250 ,but I just weighed myself at the end of the 7th week and I didn't lose any weight the last week.I worked out and ate the right way without any cheating at all (except a little on my off day Sunday) So I kinda feel a little pissed off and disappointed................but I gotta keep trying I guess

Scale moved in wrong direction....a little bummed....

Elley — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:39:28 GMT

.....I know, I know....pay no attention to the scale; throw it off the cliff; five pounds of fat vs. five pounds of muscle.....I'm well versed in all that. You'd think I'd listen to my own preaching!

Just started week nine, and was discourage when, of the 10 pounds I've dropped so far (I know, right? I'll complain about anything!), three crept back on. I have sat here literally all afternoon, scanning posts, looking for reassureance that the 8 and 9 week transformation I've heard about will happen to me, too! It was not encouraging to see the numbers on the scale go up rather than down at this stage of the Challenge. Fat is supposed to be melting by now!

I'm not giving up, however. I checked my measurements and they are dropping nicely. All my jeans are getting baggy and I have new size fours and sixes just waiting for me in my closet. I know that I've worked out with remarkable consistence, having missed only one workout in the last nine weeks. While scanning posts and feeling sorry for myself, I read so many words of help and enlightenment written by all of you! Instead of curling up on the couch with a bowl of buttered popcorn while licking my wounds, I received renewed strength and determination instead.

Clearly, transformations are happening. I simply need to use the proper tools to gauge, and I'm realizing the scale isn't one of them. (Boy, for something I don't even like very much, I sure seem to place a lot of trust in it. Scale, schmale, I say!)

So everyone, even when you're feeling discouraged, please keep posting. Sometimes you need support; sometimes you will help someone else with your stories along the way.

Well, here's off to an awesome Week 9! My goal is to simply love feeling as good as I've been feeling the past several weeks, and to stay focused on the prize. Which will not be a new scale, BTW.

All my best,

Elley

Day 29

fit4life — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:17:05 GMT

Hello Bfler's. Hope you are all having a great day. Hard to believe week 4 is done. I'm glad I started this challenge when I did. The scheduled eating has become a very natural part of my day. I'm keeping a good supply of chicken...protein pancakes....chicken burgers in the freezer and my wife always has a good supply of veggies in the fridge so that all helps. Will be in the gym later today for my LB workout. I'm starting to get a bit more accustomed to this website. Will check in tomorrow.

fit4life

Does anyone else HATE free days?

dnsbubba — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:57:38 GMT

I'm in my 8th week, and I've already grown to loathe them. I feel listless, my mood kinda swings all over, and it makes me feel like I'm sabotaging my progress. I understand the reasoning behind them, but I really don't like eating like that anymore. Any advice?

Day 18 - Down 10lbs and pants are loose!

IntrinsicMotivation — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:58:39 GMT

You know that feeling of dread after you do laundry and your pants are tight, so you maneuver until they loosen up just a little bit? I didn't have to go through that. I have lost 10lbs in 18 days (grant it, it's probably mostly water weight), but my pants were not tight after the wash! In 12 days, I will take my 2nd picture since the start of BFL, and I'm actually excited to see the difference!

On a strange note, has anyone else had dreams of binge eating? I've had them for two nights in a row. Woke-up freaked out and exercised harder at the gym!

Day 84... the results are in!

jrmcnaircpt — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:41:03 GMT

Hey guys. Thank you all for the support and advice. Finally made it to day 84. Went to the doctor this weekend for physical and blood work. BP dropped from 130/90 to 105/70! Pulse rate down to 58bpm! Cholesterol had to be sent to lab should get results mid-week.

Weight: 206lbs down to 187lbs = -19lbs

BF%: 19% down to 12% = -7%

So motivated for week 13!

The whole competition has been a blast, but the funnest part may be the complete vanity of the before and after pics:

Day 80... almost there... Any other New Year's starters?

jrmcnaircpt — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:45:30 GMT

Can't seem to find many people that started on 1/1/13. If you did, you're on day 80! Pat yourself on the back and look forward to your two-week break starting next Tuesday.

What programs are you guys using for side-by-side before and after images in 1 file? Can't wait to see my 12 week pics!

HOLY FREAKING CHOLESTEROL!!!!!

jrmcnaircpt — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:31 GMT

OK folks, alot of people have asked about the BFL impact on cholesterol... and that was one of the biggest factors in my decision to start BFL.

Just got off the phone with the doc. AT 30 years old and with a terrible family history of heart disease, my total cholesterol prior to BFL was 269, today:

159!!!!!

My triglcerides prior to the challenge were in the danger zone (can't find the paperwork, but I believe they were 139)... today: 45!!!

There isn't a large enough font or enough exclamation points to show how PUMPED I am right now!!! Thank you BFL!

So... You feel bad about your cheat day?

j_gilmer1979 — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:02:14 GMT

Have a look at this video and you'll feel better about it.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLIuld1RFCA

NO more Excuses!

MaryH — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 21:06:56 GMT

Today is Ash Wed. For those that follow the different rules of Lent how about joining me and give up excuses for Lent. If you don't follow Lent you are still welcome to join

Think about all the things we can get done if we just do that one little thing.

If you don't feel like working out ...do it anyway..no excuses allowed.

If you want to justify why it's ok to have that french fry...don't have it...no more excuses

Don't like the way that healthy veg tastes? eat it anyway...no more excuses!

Lets get those counters cleared off, dishes washed, those clothes sitting in the laundry room that need to be put away...do it! NO more excuses!

Get that floor mopped, fill out those papers, get the last of the needed papers to file your taxes, no more excuses

Lets get those things laying around the house resulting in endless clutter put in boxes and sell them on Craig's list or ebay or even donate them to a local charity...no more excuses

what if you go to church but haven't had time to go on a long time...it's time to return to your faith...NO more excuses!

Are you in a bad toxic relationship....it's time to do something about it...seek out help...go to cancelling....do whatever you have to to fix things or get out of the toxic relationship...if you are married...and you are not being hit...fix the relationship...if you are married and being hit...GET OUT...it's time to leave! NO more excuses!

If you are not married and you are in a bad relationship...GET OUT! You deserve better! No more excuses!

Love yourself...no matter what! No more excuses!

Be the person you have always wanted to be! NO more excuses!

Try it between now and Easter...see how No more excuses can change your life!

Join me on this Lenten journey to find a better way of doing things and removing all excuses.

I CAN do this and YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

Ladies--do your thighs get bigger??

Back2BFL — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:22:32 GMT

Okay, so I know in my brain that, yes, our muscles retain water and when we first start working out, especially weight training, our muscles are holding onto this water......which, might make us a bit bigger until it's all flushed out. I just want to hear from other ladies if this does happen to you! I hate when I'm on a roll with working out (only completed week 1 BFL, but had been doing weights the previous 2 weeks also) and have my jeans tighter in the thighs! Ugh! I know they'll get smaller eventually......I think......I just want to know if anyone else feels my pain! Or has had this happen and remembers when you finally got smaller!

My transformation in 12 weeks...I feel great!!

bakers589 — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:51:47 GMT

Here are the before & after photos & stats..Before = Dec 5, 2012 & After = Feb 25, 2013 (12 weeks)

BODY FAT % Before = 30.2
BODY FAT % Aftter = 19.6 for a loss od 10.6%

FAT MASS Before = 60.7 lbs
FAT MASS After = 36.5 lbs for a loss of 24 lbs of FAT!

FAT FREE MASS Before = 140.5 lbs
FAT FREE MASS After = 149.2 lbs for a gain of 8.6 lbs of MUSCLE!

Body Weight Before = 201.2
Body Weight After = 185.6 lbs for a loss of 15.6 lbs

I am very pleased with these results and see me keepin it goin! It's amazing what you can do in 12 short weeks when you put your mind to it...Take Care & Stay Safe, Craig B...:):)

4 Weeks in, and....

dnsbubba — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 23:58:45 GMT

...17 pounds lighter!! I couldn't believe it when I weighed myself this morning. Most of my clothes are looser, and people are starting to really notice. I have never been this pumped about keeping an exercise/diet program going.

I started at 265.2, with my goal at 190. 58 to go, and I can't wait!

Thank you BFL!!

Not hiding any more.

flygirl51 — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:47:50 GMT

I'm in week 7, and finally, FINALLY starting to see some body changes. I am not close to where I want to be yet, and I have accepted the fact that I will need to go beyond the 12 weeks to achieve my goals. I have health problems, and I am over 50, so this has been a little slower than I wanted, but I am persevering. But I wanted to share a little victory that surprised me and made me happy.

Over the weekend, I attended a conference for my business, and one for my husbands business. I felt confident in how I looked. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I could say that? Try 10 years. I've been hiding in my house and at my place of business, NOT doing many of the things I should, like attending seminars, luncheons, networking workshops, Chamber events, client events, art openings, social events, etc., you get the idea. Why? Because I hated the way I look.

I feel as if, after 7 weeks, I am peeking out of a closed door. And I can't wait until I can open the door completely! I am wondering how many of you have done the same, hiding. It's not living, it's existing, and BFL is the key to opening up that door.

1/28/13 Check In- Week 6- Half way there!

j_gilmer1979 — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:14:13 GMT

It's week 6, and this challenge is 1/2 way complete! I can tell a huge difference in my body, and can't wait to see how I'll look on week 12. I'm gaining strength and muscle size way faster than I have with any other program. I attribute this to the diet and the amount of rest between hitting the same muscle groups with weights again. So far I've lost 19.2lbs, but have no way of measuring how much muscle I have gained. If I keep this up I'll exceed my goal by about 3 pounds.

How's my teammate(s) doing?

week 1 results (a little but a lot to me!) with pics!

LiL Caity — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:37:55 GMT

Okay so I know its only week one but I KNEW I was going to look better! I have never felt so amazing in my life. This is my first challenge ever and I've been wanting to do it for a decade. I am brand new on the forum so none of yall really know me yet. You seem to know each other. I figure I could introduce myself here with some pics of last week to this week. I don't get a newspaper but it occurred to me today that the NYtimes front page is online everyday. They archive those, it is the most legit proof I could come up with. So I just printed it out from my computer. I wish so bad I thought to do it last week!!! I honestly did not expect any change this soon.

I thought it might help other people also just getting started if I detailed what I did this week and what my physical state was leading up to now. Some people don't get results till later even thought they are pushing hard, maybe because they had an active lifestyle already or went from eating less to more etc. With me I think it is just the other way around, where I am shrinking right away because of how I was living prior to starting. My body was telling me to move but I was pretty much sitting A LOT. Its so easy to slip and take it a little lighter in the beginning because people usually say they didn't get results that quick....So why push super hard if I wont see nothing anyway? Well I've had enough regrets already to last a lifetime, and if I didn't start off doing my absolute 100% best then I'd start with a regret already. So THIS is why its awesome to go nuts as soon as you can!

Okay I know its not insane and I'm pretty fluffy....but its something and I feel like Marilyn Monroe. I do not own a scale. I don't like to torture myself with that flush of emotional pain in my gut when I see the numbers. That can't be good for weight loss anyway, cortisol or something right? So I just felt that my pants were slightly loose and I was excited to take my picture today. My plan from the beginning was/is to take one every Sunday. It made me feel "positive stress" during the week, I wanted to see if ANY change, however insignificant, was possible .

I've read the book extensively over and over. I've wanted to do this so badly but I was not physically able to until now because of issues with substance abuse and an eating disorder. In Fall 2012 I got completely checked over by my doctor, all kinds of blood work and everything cuz I was insanely sick and sore and tired all the time....my liver was enlarged. I went dry from alcohol 3 years ago, but briefly relapsed in May n went on for 3 months drinking. I had also been abusing my RX medication to starve and maintain my weight cuz I always legitimately felt too ill to exercise and it made everything worse......I guess I hit bottom with the horrible ways I tried to stay thin in the sickness of alcoholism and drug abuse. I had felt sick and tired all the time since I was probably 18, but last fall at 25yrs old I couldn't take it anymore. I just started trying to eat like a "normal" person would. I felt like I was dying and I knew the 1st step was dealing with the food. It was really hard to stop drinking again, especially with the increasing weight. My body was my torture chamber, alcohol alleviated that somewhat. It took months of just being completely clean and sober, eating normally, for the literal feeling of constant hangover to wear off.

In February I was like,"oh my God I don't feel awful all the time! I am not hungry all the time! I don't feel sick every time I eat!" But when you go from intense starving to major binge over and over for years, and you start to suddenly eat normal, you gain some dang weight. I knew it would happen but I didn't care. For the 1st time I just wanted to feel healthy more than I wanted to look thinner. Normal for me was that I could not even walk my dog out the front door of my apartment without feeling faint, dizzy and winded. So still checking in with the doctor, that's important big time. And even though I'm heavier than I've ever been, 5'10" at 240, I am the happiest I've ever been with myself because I am loving myself from the inside out. I know the outer change will come later because of what I'm doing.

The week b4 last we had a major snowstorm in Kansas City. I started shoveling the snow because I'm a Florida native and never seen anything like it. It was intense, but I enjoyed it a lot. It was weird because I could never do intense labor in the past without feeling shakes all over my body n my heart would pound like I was about to die. I felt a little shaky shoveling the snow so I took breaks and ate something. It was a little easier. I cleared somewhat of a walk path for my neighbors n made a polar bear out of snow (I'm artistic so it was exciting to do that). I was like OMG I can get in shape now!!! I feel like crying because I'm so grateful just to be able to exert physical energy feel good. Its so new to me.

I was pumped because I knew I could do Body-for-Life now. I pulled the book out and read it again, slowly and carefully, cover to cover. I printed out all the daily worksheets for exercise(18 of each) and then flipped them over and printed the eating for like worksheet so I could make a notebook where the left page is diet and the right page is exercise. I wrote in depth about my goals and how I physically felt. I have never cooked meat before. SO I learned how to bake lean chicken breast and salmon (<3youtube) and made a bunch of it with lots of different raw fruits and vegetables available so I could throw together those 5-6 meals. Its all clean food, no butter, salt, oil or whatever else ruins healthy food. I at least knew that from living with my hardcore vegan brother and my super healthy parents.

On Sunday, I planned out my routine for UPWO on Monday. I cut out the exercise guide and taped it together so I could easily follow along at my apartment gym. I have no prior experience doing these target training exercises with dumbbells. I tried the circuit machines at the Y years ago....but dude the free weights are killer thriller compared to that. I just put the exercise guide in my notebook and wrote down what I was doing on the minute rest between sets. 5lbs was hard, I was physically weak but dang I just felt so strong. And I actually did feel my muscles kick in and get stronger on the higher intensity levels, just like it says in the book. It was only a slight increase in strength, but hey I never felt that before! I did it on an empty stomach, it felt great since I had been eating normally leading up to it. Then when I started eating my meals, I mean it was like WHOA I can do more than I seriously thought I could in the first week. I just wear a watch and look at the time, eat a small meal of lean protein (chicken breast/fish) with one portion of whole food carbs every 2-3 hours or so. I leave my notebook on the counter and write it in there. ALSO in my notebook, I printed out my favorite before picture and wrote my goals on it so I can look at it everyday while maintaining some privacy. It makes me feel weird to post that on the mirror or something.

Day 3 I was losing momentum. I was SOO ungodly sore, tired, grumpy. But sure enough when I ate my 1st meal after the workout I felt a million times better. I felt so excited, I keep waiting to feel horrible like I want to quit but it ain't happenin. But I was feeling a little bummed because I had nobody to talk about it with who is also doing it or has done it. My husband is super supportive, but I will just talk his ear off. And I am waiting to tell my folks because I want to surprise them. They are way into this stuff and it'd blow their minds if I did the challenge, they seen how I lived and I'm sure they wouldn't think I could keep it a secret. I learned about the BFL book because of them. So then I was like oh duh there is probably an online forum. So I just joined on in right at the beginning of my first challenge!

PS "LiL" Caity is not an ironic joke about my size. Thats what my Bffs call me because I am a gentle giant. I am pretty tall at my most fit weight ever was 155lbs. Now I'm almost 100lbs heavier but its all good, still LiL Caity. Still waters run deep!

Week 4- With Photos!

maemouse882 — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:56:44 GMT

I have finished my 4th Week on BFL! I knew I was feeling a difference...my abs feel tighter, looking at my legs, they look slimmer.

But it's nice to see the results when you step on the scale!
2/11-- weighed in 190
3/9- weighed in 184 (I weighed myself early due to wanting to avoid menstrual cycle weight gain which would skew results)

6 POUNDS! woooo that feels good :)
My doctor recommended I do this program for 16 instead of 12 weeks, so I have 12 more to go, and am excited.

I'm still very nervous that I'm not going to lose the 20 pounds I want to, but this so far success is a good reminder that I'm doing well. I am achieving. I AM GOING TO WORK EVEN HARDER NOW! :) :) :)

I live on a college campus, and as a Resident Adviser I do not have a kitchen or access to another kitchen. I rely mainly on cafeterias, my mini fridge, and vary altered fast food.

3rd week in......and today my body feels stronger.....wow

karensgreatbody — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:00:55 GMT

Have yet to loose much weight though......Think I need help with the eating portion of this program....still dealing with craving...uggg!....and portion control!...could use some advice.

thx karh

Week 5- anyone else?

Stacy815 — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:45:13 GMT

I'm interested in knowing how others are doing/ feeling in their week 5.
I started at about 143 lbs (I'm 5'9). I wear/ wore a size 8-10 in jeans.

So far, (and I have never measured myself or anything), I have A pair of pants that is noticeably looser, but for the most part, everything feels the same. I get compliments on my arms once in a while (from my hubby) and I am usually sore. I'm finding it mentally harder to stay on track and I'm wanting to cheat more and more.
I still don't have any energy, which worries me, because I hear that weeks six and seven usually drain you.
The only supplement I use is whey protein (2- 3x a day).
I usually just eat chkn ***, lean ground turkey burgers and a little whole wheat bread, yogurt, and sometimes NY choice cut steak.
Mentally I just wonder if I will see any difference at all within the next few weeks, apparently the big changes start around 8 weeks for women. We shall see in a few weeks,
How is everyone else doing in week 5?

Day 84 (or 91 lol) WITH PICS!! (Sorry it took so long!)

1fitmama — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:28:05 GMT

***DISCLAMER: ALL my pics (even my after pics) are taken first thing in the morning ... this is with NO makeup and before I even ran a brush through my hair!!** Hey you do what you can when you are home with 2 little kidos lol ;-)

Special thanks to Jessica for all your encouragement and for answering all my questions no matter how silly they seemed and for the very generous gift you sent to me!! I couldn't have done this without you!! Also a special thanks to my wonderful mother who watched my kudos while I went to the gym each morning and never once complained!! I LOVE YOU!

Ok soooo I can NOT believe I made it!! I don't think I have ever completed something like this for MYSELF EVER!! I feel wonderful and truly LOVE myself for the first time! I always hated when people who lost weight would say "More than losing the weight I love the way I feel" I always thought that was a load of bull. BUT you know what it is soooooo true, it's one of those things you will never understand until you get there!! Sort of like never understanding a parents love for his/her children until you become a parent yourself!

I hope these pics more than anything motivate at least one person to start and or finish his/her own challenge so that they can feel as complete as I do!! Halfway through my challenge even though I was getting good results I didn't know if I could continue to do this for life, but now I know I can and I wouldn't want to live any other way. I feel so incredible inside and can't wait to set new goals and continue on with my own challenges!!

Stats:
Wk1:

Weight: 118
Waist: 33
Hips: 35.5
Thigh: L - 20 R - 20
Body fat: 20.8 (using and online calculator)

Wk12:

Weight: 106
Waist: 26.5
Hips: 31.75
Thigh: L - 17 R - 17.5
Body fat: 15.1 (using the same online calculator)

This should make a person walk away!

Cameo — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:28:52 GMT

I'm putting this out there because I'm baffled to what is going on.Now, for the the last 7 weeks, and the previous 6 weeks before,(total 13 weeks!) the scale hasn't moved. Normally, I would shrug it off and rely on other methods of detecting weight loss such as photos and how my clothes fit. After the sixth week, I switched up my cardio to old reliable, jogging - running. This has never let me down when I needed to drop the pounds. It has't made a dent in my weight, which has really surprised me considering the intensity level. I've heard of plateus, but this has gone far beyond anything I've dealt with before. Now, I have concluded that all the calories
i'm burning are through exercise, because currently I am not working, so the calories of everyday going to work are not happening as well. I'm considering a major meal shakeup. But one thing is for sure. I can't see me continueing on this path when the results have stopped completely. Results are what motivates us and keeps us going. I was told to ease up on the weights and increase my cardio in order to obtain the results I'm looking for. Do you agree?

Travel Advice?

smswise — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:57:40 GMT

Hello all,

Looking for some experience BFLers around here who may have some advice on traveling. I'll be driving about 8 hours on Friday, and staying in a hotel for the weekend before driving back home Monday. Friday is supposed to be UB, and Monday is LB, but I'm thinking of moving LB to Sunday instead.

The hotel I'm staying at has a basic gym, so I'm sure I'll have to get a little creative with the workouts. My question is this- what did you do to make sure that you didn't break your cycle while on a trip? I thrive on a tight schedule, so this program has been great for me with each scheduled workout and mealtime already set up. I'll be with a small group, so I don't want to be an inconvenience to them or be rude and only get water while we're out (if we go to eat somewhere).

I guess any input out there would be great. Thanks everyone!

smswise

Help me in overcoming an all or nothing attitude.

Riccar — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 02:40:00 GMT

I'm hoping you pro's out there might have some advice on how I can adjust my thinking. I've done bfl 3 times (in the past 2 years), and I've completing each of them with precision. The PROBLEM is that when I'm not on the program, or on 'free day'....I seem to make up for all the good I've done by gorging all day long or eating bad between challenges. In my head on free day I'm thinking I need to try and fill the void I'm going to have the following week instead of listening to my body. My goal this time is to find balance. I ended up taking a free day last Thursday while we were on vacation, the hunger and stress of the trip seemed unbearable, and I've been good about not beating myself up too bad about it and moving on, but I still really want to have free day tomorrow. Ugh.

Second question. I've heard that being a woman that my arms CAN'T get big. I'm finding that to be untrue for me. They are indeed getting bulkier. I'm happy with the muscle mass, but don't want to increase the size of my biceps. Will sticking to bfl get my body to a 'fitness' level? Will I eventually lose my mommy tummy after having 3 kiddos? Thanks for answering my weird questions.

If this helps I'm 33, 5'8 and wear a size 8 pants. Not sure how much I weigh since I havn't weighed myself in 7 months. Probably in the low 150ish range.

Plastic Surgery?

Riccar — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:31:21 GMT

Was wondering what the opinion is out there about the mommy tummy and if it can be lost with diet and exercise alone (the bfl after pics are amazing). I had a plastic surgeon tell me a few years ago that the only way I'd be able to get completely rid of my post baby mommy tummy would be to give him $7500 and get a full tummy tuck. I've had 3 kiddos, but don't feel like my stomach is too far off from being flat. What do you think?

No Week 8 Miracle Yet ... =(

Tri-Tri-Again — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:36:22 GMT

I am not doubting the program, I just don't know what the heck is going on with my body. I am at the end of week 8 and I still see no difference. My clothes almost still feel the same. I am eating between 1400-1600 cals a day, eyeballing my food for portion sizes, staying away from processed foods, eating lots of veggies (with no oil / added fats), eating six small/normal meals throughout the day, balancing carbs/fats/protein, only enjoying the one free day, sticking to the exercise program 100%, drinking 100 oz water a day, logging all meals and exercise, and hoping.

I work out at home so I don't have the benefits that the gym brings (lots of different ways to exercise) and I am limited with my weights (but i use the heaviest i have). I do feel a little stronger in my legs/arms, but I am not seeing any difference. I have stayed away from the scale - i measure and weigh tomorrow, but i don't expect any results. I honeslty don't think I am doing anything wrong - except that I am not lifting super heavy weights. I am sore the next day or two, so i know i am making an impact inside.

I am not giving up. I know SOMETHING has to be going on inside. I plan on doing another challenge after this one ... and keep going until I get where I am going.

Did anyone have a similar problem? I have read the ladies' journal about the week 8/9 miracles and still have my fingers crossed.

Stages of body transformation?

rm_and_m — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:10:01 GMT

I'm just 3 weeks into my 1st run here. I started doing some cardio classes before I began BFL therefore I've been exercising for about 2 months.

I'm noticing my legs are getting stronger and firmer. I've also noticed some of the fat on my back just above my butt is starting to go away. Everything seems to be slowing shrinking and getting stronger.... except my belly. In fact, it feels as though my belly is sticking out just a bit more than before. Does this sound like a normal part of the body transforming? I appreciate any input you might have.

Scale Body Fat Accuracy

j_gilmer1979 — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:02:31 GMT

Anyone know how accurate the bodyfat reading on scales typically is? Mine seems to swing up and down even when I know I'm losing fat.

Did any of your relationships change with your body transformation?

ElleBlue — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:29:43 GMT

Did any of your relationships change with your body transformation? If so, were the changes for the better or are some relationships strained? Most of the changes in my relationships were for the better, but there always was a change in each relationship.

I've been feeling more positive, due to the weight loss and the encouragement I'm feeling everyday to keep going. I already lost 35 lbs and I want to lose 25 or 30 lbs more. It's fun to go shopping with friends and not be self conscious about how I look in the clothes. On my free days, I can eat guilt free. Before BFL, I was a chronic dieter, with no free day and little results.

On the downside, some of my food choices seem to clash with what everyone else wants to eat. I find I'm turning down invitations to dinner and drinks if it's not my free day (the temptation is too much). No one has gotten jealous of my progress yet, thankfully. I heard that can be a real problem.

8 weeks -15lbs TBM -7lbs LBM... NOT GOOD!

jrmcnaircpt — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:00:30 GMT

Hey guys, I'm just completing week 8. I feel stronger, and I'm seeing VERY modest improvements in my progress pictures. BUT, I took body fat measurements and something must be wrong with my diet. REALLY DISCOURAGED! I've lost about 15lbs over the course of 8 weeks, but nearly half of my weight loss has been lean body mass! I started at 18% bodyfat, down to 16% bodyfat. Lean Body Mass is so hard to gain, losing 7lbs is like getting kicked in the gut! I have been following the BFL diet and workout by the book! My cheat days are fairly modest, and my workouts are great!

My goals were to lose body fat and maintain or increase LBM. That's not the results I'm seeing. Should I make any changes? Or stick with the same plan for the final 4 weeks?

I've been intaking about 1800 calories/day. 40/40/20. That's roughly 1g of protein and 1g of carb per pound of body weight. I'm thinking I should increase my total calories and cycle my carbs (rotating from 175g, 150g, 100g, 50g, 125g, 175g every 6 days). If you intake 1 serving of protein and 1 serving of carb 6x per day as suggested by BFL and you're measuring your portions, how do you ever get above 1800 calories??

Any thoughts? Anyone else experiencing this?

Venting - 8 bleeping weeks NO CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tri-Tri-Again — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:31:21 GMT

I'm venting ... there is no feedback anyone can give me right now because I am doing everything i can. I work out from home and don't have the luxury of a gym, so i know i am not lifting the freaking amount that i need to, but I struggle on the last sets. I am NOT slacking off. I HATE MY BODY. I am eating right every freaking day. I am not eating processed foods, I am eating baked everything until i turn into a chicken or slice of fish. I am eating so many veggies (no fats/oils) I am getting sick of them. I just don't know what is wrong with me. I am not on any meds. I am perfectly healthy. I am so tired of struggling and working so hard to see nothing. When will I get a break. I don't know what to do. No weight change, NO body fat change, NO inches lost NOTHING ...... I don't know what to do anymore

HELP!

Rachael414 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:47:24 GMT

I am a 28 year old female and weigh 128 lbs. I typically weigh 120 lbs but this fall gained some wait so I decided to do BFL and started on 1/14. I am in the middle of week 5 and very discouraged. I have not missed a workout and work out hard! My diet is pretty much spot on as well. I do notice I have a little more muscle but have not lost any fat and my clothes fit the same. I am getting discouraged, any advice?

One year of BFL later...

Randomguy53 — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:07:17 GMT

Here's me a year ago on December 18, 2011:

Here's me this past weekend:

I've dropped from 307 pounds to 208. I've been around the 210 level since late October. I showed the pictures of me with the shirt on to some friends and one of them commented that it looked like someone over inflated me and that it was that I got my PSI back to a normal level. Even though I'm 32, I feel like I'm in my early 20's again. I sleep better than I have in years, my lower back pain is gone (when I started I could only do cardio on a bike because my back couldn't handle the whole running thing) and I feel like I'm able to do my job better. I hope over the next year I continue to build more muscle and be stronger.

Justacetoday Accountability Log

justacetoday — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:16:32 GMT

I have seen several of these logs posted and hope it will keep me accountable too. Started the Challenge today, three words....so....very....tired. This is the heaviest and most out of shape I have ever been...:(

Goals:

1) lose 35 lbs of scale weight

2) fit into a size 16 comfortably (drop 6 sizes)

3) able to run a 5k without stopping (am working through the personal running trainer program with my daughter 3x/week)

Week1Day1- Starting weight 252 lbs/size 22 womens

*ran-walked 1 mile (Week1/Day1-personal running trainer)

*LBWO- hits some 10s, have to adjust weights in several exercises next time to hit all 10s

Meals-

10am #1-protein shake

12pm #2-pouch of water packed tuna, cherry tomatoes, 1 apple

3pm #3-4 HB egg whites/1 yolk, 1 orange

5pm #4-protein shake

6:30pm #5- protein shake

8:30pm #6- roast chicken, green beans, small sweet potato

Water- 1 gallon plus 1 32 oz water bottle

Need to make sure I'm getting the correct amounts of protein and carbs at each meal, try to space meals out correctly.

On to tomorrow- 83 days to go!

Body fat not budging much - extra cardio?

tpup — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:55:25 GMT

Have any of you successful BFL'ers added a bit of extra cardio? I'm a 45 yr old female. On week 7 of BFL. Did BFL in 2006 and got down to about 25% body fat. Started this challenge at 30% body fat but stuck at 28% now for a few weeks. I push the strength and cardio workouts HARD. My 9's are true 9's in cardio, as are my 10's. I am small boned and genetically, my family's fat% is high, however I was always the skinnier one mostly because I am way more active than the rest of my family. My eating is 90% on target. I don't go overly crazy on free day but I do indulge some to help reset my metabolism. I dream of hitting even 25% body fat. I know I have great muscle under the fat. I have been tempted to up the cardio - even to just add a day of a longer run (I do want to run more 5k's this spring/summer). In the past working with a very successful trainer in the area, she felt I needed ALOT more cardio than BFL recommends. More intervals and sessions running more like 45 mins. vs. 20 or 30. I had success doing this (again, getting to about 26% body fat). Am I just "too old" to get below?? I am PAST menopause if that makes any difference - still get some hot flashes but haven't had a period in over 2 yrs - my doc says I had it easy, and my Mom had early menopause too...(sorry if TMI but I know hormones can cause women to hold onto fat at this age) I ride my horses a few times per week but in winter it's down to about once a week. It is exercise and I don't just putz around. I jump and train and a good one hour session in the arena can burn 300+ cals. So I know that will help when the weather warms up. On cardio days I do end my HIIT with a 5 minute cool down walk or stationary bike. My HR stays moves from high to about 120's before I stop. My clothes are looser at week 7, scale is down about 5 lbs. I may just need to give it more time and maybe I'll turn a corner for BF reduction soon but it's frustrating. Any advice? When the weather warms up I will add in some walks (some neighbor ladies and I walk a few mornings a week). Would love to hear from some women who were "stuck" with BF reduction and successfully dropped into low 20's (or lower). Thanks so much!

Marks's Body for Life DAY 84 Challenge 1 complete!!!

TheHeavy — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 17:15:12 GMT

December 28 2011, I decided to make a change:

Then on April 02, I officially entered the Body for Life Challenge:

June 24: My first challenge is complete!!!

This next one shows off my abs a little more. Super bummed they didn't show up more. Guess that will be one of my goals for the next challenge.

The next one is just for fun.

So, that's it for my first challenge. I went from 275 lbs. in December to 238 lbs. on Day one of my challenge and finished at 205 lbs. for a total weight loss of 70 lbs in 6 months. My BFL totoal weight loss was 33 lbs. My body fat was at 25.09 % on BFL day one and I finished with 13.9 % body fat.

Thank you to everyone who supported me and encouraged this process. It was amazing and I can't weight to post in another 84 days (or so).

Good luck to everyone else out there who's pushing themselves through this incredible process. Body for Life Rocks!!!

No Glutes work allowed for 3 days....ideas?

MaryH — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:57:36 GMT

So today I had to get my hormone implant that I get to keep my hormones level.

Only thing is now for three days I can't do any workout that will involve the glutes. I would really really like to get in cardo without having to go to the gym and using the arm cycles.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thank you!

Learn from my mistakes!

junibird — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:43:53 GMT

Hey All-

I completed my first BFL challenge in December of 2010. Well, in the last few weeks of my challenge, I decided that I needed to cut carbs, up my cardio and strip some calories because things "just weren't happening fast enough!". I think this put me in a bit of a starvation mode and when that pumpkin pie circled around the holiday table during my planned two weeks of active rest, I probably don't have to tell you who ate more than her fair share!

This set off a binge that lasted and lasted and lasted. I didn't lose a ton of weight on my challenge (didn't have much to lose to begin with) but my muscle definition, complexion, energy levels and general life outlook really soared when I was following things by the book. I felt more confident than I had in years and so HAPPY! I was excited to wear new clothes and really amazed at how the human body can change through weight training, cardio and proper diet. The impatience I felt and my obsession with the "8 week miracle" (that I thought meant something close to waking up one morning to find out that I had magically turned into Cindy Crawford) really derailed me. It's been almost 10 weeks since I finished the challenge and I weigh more now than I did before I started. I'm tired, cranky and bloated---UGH! What happpened?

I am writing this post to tell you that what happened was that I thought I knew better. I thought that I needed results faster. I thought maybe I was a special case and that the wise words of everyone who discouraged going off course somehow wouldn't apply to me. Now, don't get me wrong, everyone's body is their own and we are free to make our own choices. I just need to publically declare on this forum that I miss the way I felt, I learned my lesson, and frankly, I'm trying to humbly accept that this program truly does work (just sometimes not as fast as I wanted it to). The reward of following the principals---outlined so simply in BFL, will bring so much clarity and happiness along with the physical changes. I just have to do it---and in a way that I can sustain! Sorry if this sounds like a rant, I honestly am writing it more for myself than anyone---just hoping by being public I may save someone else this disapointment in the future.

Please please understand that changes happen at a different pace for everyone. If you are truly following the plan, you will get where you want to go if you just don't give up. When you take some time off, don't drop off completely, it may derail you. And be very careful with the ways you modify the plan.

There was a quote in the BFL champions book that I think of constantly these days----Q. What's the worst part of the program? A. Not doing BFL!

I can attest to this---sincerely! Today, I come back and will slowly and steadily walk away from my life without BFL. Good luck to all of you and be strong----you won't regret it!

Thanks for listening,

A Bipolar Cynics Log

MrCynical — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:58:06 GMT

I'm back. Bbefore Xmas I hit my 8 week mark and was going strong. Took a few days off for the holidays, no biggie, then depression hit. Big time. I was already a bit up and down, and but I just lost it. Drove away friends, made poor choices which is the manic side, and basically fell off the wagon.

I would liketo say that I am better now, but I know I'm not. But I have a year long plan to get better, to nip this palava in the bud once and for all.

One thing that really worked for me, was my daily log here. Kept me honest and on track. I want to keep dong that, but with pictures this time, and maybe a little more venting.

A lot more venting.

For one, 7" androidtablet pales in comparison to typing on an ipaad. This post took forever!