I was just wondering...it seems as if everyone here is already fit, and/or has a great start. Are there any members who are just starting out? I am, but I feel a bit intimidated when everyone is mostly discussing things that they have already implemented...like, 'Oh well I'm in really good shape I just needs to tone my tummy...' I wanted to hear from people who found this sight inspiring and are trying to get started, anyone fit that description?

Thanks

See my post! http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=78

I am starting on Monday! Diet plan ready! Workout plan ready! Going out of town tomorrow! doh! Nice excuse, I know.

...I feel a bit intimidated when everyone is mostly discussing things that they have already implemented....

Don't be intimidated. Folks who have had results are just proud and hope that their experience can help motivate/educate others.

We're all here to help each other out so that whatever level you're on in your own personal fitness, you can achieve your personal goals.

*cue sappy music* ;)

Today is my Day One.
I'm starting my workout today after I get off work. I'm tired of being pale and flabby. I don't actually have a diet plan. I just promised myself that I would eat better. More veggies less sugar type plan. So no, acappy, you are not alone. I'm a beginner too. We all had to start sometime.

I was just wondering...it seems as if everyone here is already fit, and/or has a great start. Are there any members who are just starting out? I am, but I feel a bit intimidated when everyone is mostly discussing things that they have already implemented...like, 'Oh well I'm in really good shape I just needs to tone my tummy...' I wanted to hear from people who found this sight inspiring and are trying to get started, anyone fit that description?

Thanks

Hi, I'm just at the very beginning at this, just as you. Nothing of my body is in order, and i have to get a fix about all of me, not only my tummy...
i read about John Stone in the news paper here in Norway (amazing he has reached all the way over here!) and he really gave me a big kick in the behind. i have had a "dream2 of reaching a goal of better self esteem, better looks, fitting nice clothes, good health... for SO long, and seeing his pictures and reading his story really opened my eyes and told me it IS possible. even for me. I want to loose 15 kilos (times 4 or so, I think, to get pounds) so I have a far way to go.
we will make it!!
Xray

It's a bit like going to the gym where everyone is already looking like superman eh? hehe

I started on the 13th, currently 188lb, 24% body fat. Way not already fit :)

Instead of feeling intimidated, look at those people who have already done it like you would have as a child...

"one day i'm going to be like that!"

I'm restarting after a few months off. I'm in ok shape, but I need to cut down on my weight (190). So I've sworn off all drinks but water, no more sugary desserts, and will exercise at home every night. My goal is 160 lbs by June. I think I can do it- I played football in high school, and since then have alternated between procrastination and determination. I've just not been able to keep it up- mostly because I see no results (I tend to stall around 180 lbs).

To everyone here, good luck, whatever your goals may be.

On that note, btw, is the real allure of John's story- he's not pitching any miracle products, and he's not some pro bodybuilder telling everyone how to exercise- he's just a normal working guy that worked hard and had great results (and I tip my cap to him and his determination).

I'm just starting out too. I decided after I happened upon John's page that I wanted to get in better shape. I'm not overweight (I though I might be a little, but I'm well within my BMI). But I never exercize, have little endurance, and a low metabolism. Before I saw this site, I thought about starting yoga. I'm going to do that, and some cardio work too, I think.

I'm starting out by reading as much as I can, which I have over the last week or so. I think it's a little harder for me, because most of the sites I've seen are for men. So I've had to do more research.

I just started keeping a very precise log of what I intake. I discovered a lot. I thought I ate pretty healthily, except maybe too many carbs. Wrond. I've kept slim because I eat almost no calories! I'm 5'1 and 110 and have been consuming about 1100 calories MAX a day! Oops. That's way too low... and explains by low energy.

So I'm starting out too, acappy. I suggest research, research, research. Then self monitor before jumping in.

I am also re-starting, so you are definitely not alone ;)

ooh, hello Mrs John Stone :)

hello Jingo :)
Now I've committed myself here on the board I HAVE to start ;) LOL

It seems like we aren't the only ones in the same boat, which is reassuring.

I'm on my semi-day 3, meaning I started Monday supposed to be doing my aerobics today but immediatly leave work and drive madly out a Latin class and then drive madly to the airport to pick up my wife.

Depending on what happens in class I will be sneaking out early to hit the gym on the way to the airport. Hence the semi-day.

Mind you my wife and I were supposed to work out in the morning, but an emergency call from her work (resulting in my driving madly to the airport instead of the gym) put the kibosh on that.

I've been following John's progress for awhile now, and like most of you started my own transformation. It's been a little over 5 months, and I reached a decent look (far from my goal). Anyway, the truth is, at least 80% of us will not see the same results as John has, due to lack of motivation and bodytypes. Because I'm a 19 year old guy, I can't stick with the same diet, count the calories, workout every single day, and most of all, not party hard.
So if you're like me, replace all sodas with water, use light mayo instead of butter, and don't eat a lot of junk food. That's how I started. When I felt a little better about myself, I dragged my ass to the gym and started lifting 3 times a week, with a lot, and I mean a lot, of cardio (whenever I had time). Back then three things motivated me. 1) My girlfriend 2) Volleyball (I play for school) and 3) Health Issues. After I broke up with my girl, became decent in volleyball, and overall healthy, I had nothing to lift for anymore. Than I started taking photos every week. As I was seeing the progress, I visualized the next "stage" in the gym, which helped me push myself even harder. What I found out was that taking pictures was one of the most important mental aspects of bodybuilding, without it there is no way you'll see any progress (in the mirror).

I would recommend you read a book called "Body for Life". Everyone I've came in contact with said it expended their knowledge on weight loss/fitness.

I'm attaching pictures of myself. Hopfully along with John's results they will motivate some of you...

I started the 19th of January!

Great results GorA!
I'm also starting out, I started exactly one week and one day ago, on Jan. 14th. I was one of many people who got to it through Fark. I've almost constantly been on some kind of diet or another, and never had the motivation to stick with it. The most I've lost was 10 pounds in 2 months, with no significant change in body fat, around 3% drop. So since I wasn't seeing results, I quit. John's page really inspired and motivated me, and gave me the proof that this is possible. With hard work and dedication, patience and knowledge, I could also do this! Because of my ignorance I was making things waaay harder on myself than they should have been, and making some serious mistakes like just eating 3 times a day and my philosophy was the less calories the better. I sometimes ate around 600 cals a day. Now of course, I've been constantly reading and am still at it. I've found things are a lot easier and I actually love working out. I've dropped around 5 pounds since I started and gone down 2% body fat!

Thanks WierdBeard!
I had the same mentality a year ago; eat less = lose more. Now that I'm on the right path, hopfully I'll get a 4-pack by the summer.

I guess I don't have to tell you that loosing 1-2 lbs a week is the right way to mentain muscle mass... You did a lot of reading on bb.com right? :)

I might also add this. My dad lost 57 lbs in 3 months with just dieting. What he did was so called "crush diet". He basically ate 3 times a day, composing of a Chunky's Steak 'n' Potatoe Soup, cottage cheese, and turkey ham sandwich. He stopped drinking beer when watching sports, totally eliminated sweets (ice cream, candy), and ended up in the hospital hehe, not a good way to losing weight.

I re-started last week. I swtiched from atkins to a balanced diet and alot more excercise.

I'm aware I'm losing too much muscle mass, the hardest part for me is definately the nutrition. I'm still trying to keep my daily cal intake up, but I'm still coming up short (1300 average a day). I'm having trouble upping my calories while maintaining my protein intake and reducing my carb intake. At least on paper, when I make a 1800 calorie nutrition plan, the fat content is through the roof, and if not that, either the carbs or the proteins are too much. Still working at it though, it's quite the juggling act. ;)

Hi GorA.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't seem to have darkened as you have trimmed. I assumed that to post pics here, you had to include 20mins per day on the sun-beds.

You really must do better........

Andrew.

I started the 19th of January!

I also started on the 19th.

Hi GorA.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't seem to have darkened as you have trimmed. I assumed that to post pics here, you had to include 20mins per day on the sun-beds.

You really must do better........

Andrew.

What?! You mean you don't automatically get a tan from working out? I'm shocked! ::runs to tanning bed aka. cancer box::

No, you aren't alone. :)

I haven't even started yet, I plan to start on Feb. 1st, maybe earlier.

I also started on the 19th.

So did I, and I have losta exactly 0.01% of my weight, I imagined I would loose much more in the beginning. Well, we see. It ain't easy being a math/statsticis freak when results are these few and these low.

I'll hang in another month to see if anything gets funnier. At this momemnt Johns avi-movie about the progress over a year is my only motivation.

So did I, and I have losta exactly 0.01% of my weight, I imagined I would loose much more in the beginning. Well, we see. It ain't easy being a math/statsticis freak when results are these few and these low.

I'll hang in another month to see if anything gets funnier. At this momemnt Johns avi-movie about the progress over a year is my only motivation.

Don't give up too quickly, it takes awhile to see any major improvements. :gl:

I'm starting this coming Monday. Grossly overweight (in my eyes, though I don't look as bad as I feel), unhealthy, and unhappy with my appearance. This site was a major eye-opener on how it can be done. I think this time I can really accomplish my goals, as long as I stick to it Of course, I've been gorging on everything in the kitchen this week to get rid of all the unhealthy shit, so next week is gonna suck eating healthy stuff all the time :D . Looking forward to seeing everybody's progress and making some of my own. I'd like to weigh 200 pounds by July, though that might be a bit of a stretch (currently 250). I've broken myself into a regular program of exercise over the past 2 weeks, so I think that I'm ready to go...

I started on 14th Jan. It wasn't actually this site that got me started, I just decided it was time to do something about my look/health. I'm 5'11 and starting out at 220lbs and 30% BF. I came accross John's site a couple of days later and it's given me huge hope as my starting pics and stats look almost identical to John's.

As bodybuilding is a great fat burner, I'm doing this with high weights (to have something to show once the fat goes) 3 times a week together with cardio work, and cardio on its own 2 times a week with weekends off. As well as this, I've cut out fatty foods and sugar.

It annoys me that every summer when I go to friends houses for BBQ's etc, they can take their shirts off but I'm too embarrassed. So I'm hoping that, by June time, I'll feel confident enough to let others see my body (I even get embarrassed in front of my wife).

Good luck to everyone and may you all achieve your goals.
:gl:

Hi GorA.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you don't seem to have darkened as you have trimmed. I assumed that to post pics here, you had to include 20mins per day on the sun-beds.

You really must do better........

Andrew.

Hi.
To answer your question, I did not get any darker. The only difference is that I take pics at different time of the day. The reason being is I leave home at 6 AM, and am back after 6 PM everyday. The first picture was taken in September, so it didn't get dark untill like 9PM. The second is from the past week when I didn't work, and therefore was home early. The third picture is from this week while flexing. It was taken at 6:30PM with a room-lamp and camera-flash on. That's why there is a difference. ;)

yeah i got off the atkins too, i felt like junk.it was working, but i wanted to be healthy not not feel wasted just going back to running

-se-

I just started last month. I've been doing alot of powerlifting over the last few years so all I really cared about is putting on mass. But I injured myself last summer and since I'm starting to get a little older (I'm not saying I am or feel old!) I felt it was a wake up call to go into another direction. It's time to see what is growing under all of that fat!!

I started on the 13th! (See my "psychological response" post in the nutrition forum as to why I'm starting anew today).

When I was 22 and had lots of free time and a relatively high metabolism I cheated by going to the gym 5 days a week and riding the Lifecycle for an hour then lifting weights for another 30 mins- did that every day! I didn't change a thing about my diet- worked great! Took about three months for me to get it really good looking shape, then I kept it for about 3 months before finding some excuse to stop. I never looked that good before and certainly not since.

Now I realize that it ain't gonna work like that this time, I need better nutrition to go along with my working out. This time I'm gonna do it right! Luckily my husband has kicked into gear too - having someone to set goals with and to support you helps a lot.

Here is my story... I came across John's site on Monday, Jan 12th. It was like someone hit me in the back of the head with a brick and said... "WAKE UP!". Like some others here I am not grossly over weight but I do have more body fat than I should and I am not nearly as healthy or fit as I could be. I had a very non-active lifestyle - work, come home and get on the computer for hours, sleep, then start over. My wife has always been asking me to take better care of myself but I would always just blow it off. Seeing John's transformation has opened my eyes. Starting on the 12th I effectively change my life. I cut out ALL soda (I use to drink 2 - 3 glasses of Pepsi everyday!), cut out most sugar (switched to Splenda), and drinking 2 liters of water daily. I use to eat all kinds of sugary snack foods and candy - no more. I weighed 186 when I first started my diet change and now, 11 days later I weigh 178. I started my cardio work yesterday. Now I have to work on arranging a well balanced diet.

I have a newbie question: Does it matter if you wait until you bring your body fat down before starting weight training or should I begin weights along with my cardio now?

I took a couple of "before" camera shots last night so hopefully I will be posting my "before & after" shots sometime.

Thanks to everyone here for keeping me motivated through your posts! Keep up the good work everyone! :db:

"I have a newbie question: Does it matter if you wait until you bring your body fat down before starting weight training or should I begin weights along with my cardio now?"

The short answer - yes! Working with weights will raise your metabolism and help you lose the fat, you're less likely to lose muscle while bringing down your bodyfat, and most importantly, you'll feel better once you get started. Even with moderate weights, you'll see a big improvement in muscle tone while getting lean. Take a look at the picture of John at the same weight in his before/fat-loss/bulking picture and you'll see why it's so important to start lifting weights now.

I'd try to give a more complete answer, but there are so many knowledgable people here that I'm sure someone else can add more. :gl:

Thanks everyone...guess I'm not alone.
I started on January 5th and it's been difficult...I just absolutely love my carbs and I don't burn nearly enough of them. I've been gaining weight for the past 3 years and I'm just so mad at myself for getting to this point where it's going to be a lot of really hard work. But I think that looking in the mirror is going to be good motivation for a while. How do you stay positive? If I eat a bigger meal than I should have I get all upset at myself, and then it's like well if I could just tell myself something to make me stay focused I wouldn't do that and have to feel bad later.
I've been doing cardio almost every night and I just bought a heart rate monitor last night, so I'm excited to go exercise tonight.

I have just begun as well. I was taking in around 3000 calories a day, and not exercising. I was horrible! I started tracking everything I ate on the 7th, and have dropped a few lbs already! I feel great, and everyone says they see the difference already. I feel awesome about my progress, and am loving my new lifestyle! Congrats to all who are starting out, and to those who have come a long way as well!
J

I just started out also and happened upon John's site just before the tsunami of webhits. He was kind enough to reply with some extra motivation. I'm about the same height but weigh less with have a similar physio-type and had a past pattern about as he described. I've been working out for about 6weeks and whereas I see no change my fiance tells me she is starting to notice already. Don't let it intimidate just go for it and good luck.

I was just wondering...it seems as if everyone here is already fit, and/or has a great start. Are there any members who are just starting out? I am, but I feel a bit intimidated when everyone is mostly discussing things that they have already implemented...like, 'Oh well I'm in really good shape I just needs to tone my tummy...' I wanted to hear from people who found this sight inspiring and are trying to get started, anyone fit that description?

Thanks

I too started about 1 week ago. I haven't really cracked down fully on my diet yet but I've gone to the gym and worked out everyday the past week. Now comes the tough part.....eating healthy. :(

I "officially" start on the 29th. I have been spending the last couple of days making meal plans and exercise rountines out (I need it written down before hand to adhere, so I plan it out). I'm going to get my bike sometime early next week so I can begin my cardio routine right away, and I have already started eating a lot better than I ever did and working with dumbells. It's nice to see there are a lot of other people just starting, too, and some that have had some remarkable results. I just hope that I can reach my goal (I plan to stick with it, I just have that whole "Man, I'm not looking great after three days" mentality.) Good luck to everyone else.

Hey all,
I originally posted this on the ladies forum, but I want anyone's opinion, not just the ladies'. :D
My goals are fairly lofty, but hopefully attainable. I hope to lose 50 lbs of fat while gaining as much muscle as possible. Think Linda Hamilton in T2 or, better yet, Gabrielle on Zena. I think visible muscles on women are sexy - I know many women don't think so though.
I'm 34, 185 lb, 5' 6" so you know I have way too much junk in my trunk. I was skinny my whole childhood and very athletic. With softball pitching forever, throwing discus and shotput, and playing marching baritone in junior high and high school I had a very muscular upper body (slender legs, what can I say). I weighed a lean 144 lbs when I went to college, but it's slowly gone down hill from there. I'd love to get back to that. I've tried numerous diets over the years, but it's the same old story.
My biggest problem is my diet (and my ass :rolleyes: ). I know to lose weight I need to eat only about 1600 calories, but I have a hard time picturing what that looks like or planning out how to do that. I have no patience for trying to count up every little calorie. What I need is just a diet plan I can blindly follow which contains the right number of calories in the right proportions. (Boy, if that's not asking a lot...) Anyone know of any such thing out there that doesn't contain a lot of complicated recipes?
I've planned out an exercise schedule for myself that is basically John's. Will it work the same way for women? Maybe you guys could tell me what you think?
Monday - treadmill 30-45 min.
Tuesday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: back and biceps
Wednesday - treadmill 30-45 min. Abs.
Thursday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: quads, calves, hamstrings
Friday - treadmill 30-45 min.
Saturday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: pecs, delts, triceps
Sunday - treadmill 30-45 min. Abs.
1600 cal/day (somehow figuring out how to do that)
water 1 gallon/day
Will this get me where I want to go?

Maybe you guys could tell me what you think?
Monday - treadmill 30-45 min.
Tuesday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: back and biceps
Wednesday - treadmill 30-45 min. Abs.
Thursday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: quads, calves, hamstrings
Friday - treadmill 30-45 min.
Saturday - treadmill 15-20 min. weights: pecs, delts, triceps
Sunday - treadmill 30-45 min. Abs.
1600 cal/day (somehow figuring out how to do that)
water 1 gallon/day
Will this get me where I want to go?

Hi,
Don't start your workout with 30-45 mins of cardio, that will burn all your energy. First, stretch for 5 mins to get the blood flowing, than hit the weights, and after that do cardio. I would split the workouts into 3 categories. 1) Legs 2) Chest/Triceps 3) Back/Biceps Than on a day of cardio add shoulders and abs. Just make sure you give your muscles time to regenerate, and have a protein shake after workouts.

You'll be amazed how easy it is to get under 1600 calories if you cut out cola and fast food (assuming you eat normally during the day). Fast food is just calories in a bag- you have no say over what size portion you get or what's in your order- even though you have the "choice" of entree, every entree is fundamentally bad for you in some way ;) Tons of fat, sodium and carbs lurk in every meal. For instance, a BBQ chicken sandwich and a side salad at Carl's Jr has 500 calories, but it also has 69g of cholesterol and 1300mg of sodium (RDA limit of 500mg a day). Keep out of those places, drink water and you'll see the calories (and the pounds) drop

I was at Atkins before. It works very well but I feel a little bit healthier doing this diet because it's a little easier to maintain. Plus in order for muscles to grow, you need carbs...it's vital to the process.

It's just all about dedication. And seeing quick results. Losing 6 lbs. within the first week helps you mentally.

I think I have a high metabolism....it was just covered before my eating whole bags of chips and drinking endless sodas...!

I started out on the 19th and have been recording my calories and doing a high-endurance cardio and also weight regimen as well. I've always been overweight, I'm six 3 and 300. I realize I'm always going to be a large frame guy, but its my goal to get down to 220. I started from nowhere and while I know the basic frameworks of how to lose weight, eath healthy blah blah blah. john really gave me the insight and instruction that a normal everyday guy can develop a good workout routine without having to go to bally's or see a doctor or get a weight trainer or buy all these books. best of luck to everyone, cuz that's what it's all about, is self improvement. who cares if the other guys and gals are fitter, good for them. progress is the name of the game for me

-Scott

i started working out about 4 weeks ago, but not as consistant as i should be. my roomate is my workout partner so that helps motivate me to go. diet is something we are both working on so hopefully in a few more months we can post some results :)

I have know Lisa and John for almost 3 years -- They are wonderful people. I look at John and just think WOW! I have such a hard time with motivation -- but I think it has finally come to me. Right now I am 5'9" 216.4 and 30% body fat. I hope with this post I will actually start doing something about it. This will be an exciting journy.

Fujo! :claphigh: hey you, I am glad you posted :tu:

I started october, I've done a good bit of work, I've got a long way to go, In the past 4 odd months I've learned so much aswell, so it's not just a physical change.

Good to see you here and fired up, Fujo!

:gl:

My deal is ones of ups and downs. I will workout and eat good for about 5 months get my body to the point that my pants are loose and I feel good about it. Then for some reason I stop my routine and turn into a blob again. After this site and reading though the forum I will never throw it all away again. I made a spreadsheet and took the first pictures today. I guess I want to finally go past the point of just being able to stay in the same pant size. Good luck to all the other ones just starting out again like me!!

Like a number of people here I have started my program on January 19th. I haven't found it hard to stick with at all. I am on a 40-40-20 PCF ratio and consume 1500 calories a day. I find most of the time I have to eat even though I am not hungry. This is much more protein then I am used to coming from a more vegetarian background. I eat chicken and fish daily with a whey protein shake in the morning.

On my start date I was 192 lbs w/ 23% BF. One week from that date (today as I post this), I am 186.5 w/ 21% BF. I have lost 5 lbs of fat and .5 of muscle/water during the week. I am VERY happy with these results but don't expect this level to continue due to the radical change in my diet since I started (mainly the protein intake).

I workout every day at about 5:00AM before work. This is the hardest part of sticking to my program. I hate mornings with a passion but have commited myself to workouts at this hour. I work at 7:00AM and feel that I have much more energy throughout the day if I workout in the morning.

I do cardio every other day and curcuit training the other days. I take Sunday off as a rest and recoup day. I plan on having the same dedication to my nutrition and exercises that John does. His results are really motivating and enough for me to realize that my state of mind is the only thing that will hold me back.

Thanks for the boost in motivation John,

Xtropy

I started roughly three weeks ago weighing in at 305lbs with a goal to get to 200lbs. For me the hardest part was quiting going out to eat, way too much temptation there. Now that I have curbed that not only am I eating better and loosing weight, but my bank account is going up! One thing I've found helpful is to set goals and rewards for yourself. When I started my wife and I layed out a reward plan based on every 10lbs I lost and then there are two big rewards, one for halfway the other for completion. Its these that make get out of bed at 6am to get to the gym when its 30 degrees out.

BTW - I'm now at 289lbs