I need abs...anyone up for a challenge?

**ironmike250** · 03-15-2007, 07:31 AM

Here's a quick background:

In 1990 at age 15, I did my first NPC show and finished 2nd in the men's heavyweight class. I competed for a few years and did fairly well.

Much later in life, I ballooned up to around 360lbs. Fat as hell! I got back down to around 200 for a few years, but had no muscle on my frame. Then a couple years ago, I got back into the gym and got on some good gear. Christmas time last year, I was 280lbs. and looked pretty good, but I still carried quite a bit of fat.

I almost cut off a finger, and I haven't been in the gym for about 8 months, and my body shows it! I have a fat belly, and really want to get a six pack...or as close as I can get.

I am starting to get back into the swing of things. I am doing some jump rope work and starting to do sprints. I feel so outside the loop right now, but I really want to get back into it.

Anyone feel like helping the fat guy with suggestions?

Thanks as always!

Mike

**TR'05** · 03-15-2007, 08:32 AM

Get the diet in check, bro. Post it with macros included and it will be critiqued.

Keep up with the cardio. I found AM fasted cardio w/in my target heart rate zone worked best for me.

**mavsluva** · 03-15-2007, 09:07 AM

First and foremost, resist your temptation for Chipolte. (Just kidding, but I saw you post this in another thread regarding how your wife is a manager at one of their stores!)

In all seriousness, you need to adapt to the fitness lifestyle. You're either striving to become fit, or you're not. There's no in between. One of the more common behaviors is that people tend to use exercise as an excuse to eat unhealthy because they feel that the exercise will offset their eating habits. It might work for a week or two, but not long term.

Try not to overdue things over the next few months as you might become quickly discouraged. I'm sure it took quite a while to pack on that extra weight/fat, so you need to realize that it may take quite a while to shed it. You can start today by making better choices in the kitchen and by being dilligent with your exercise schedule. And don't ever forget:

"Your desire to change must be greater than you desire to stay the same." - Mavsluva

Good luck!

**vlad_xp** · 03-15-2007, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by mavsluva

And don't ever forget:

"Your desire to change must be greater than you desire to stay the same." - Mavsluva

This has made me wanna pick up some weight.. and put it down... and repeat for a while...

**Mealticket** · 03-15-2007, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by mavsluva

First and foremost, resist your temptation for Chipolte. (Just kidding, but I saw you post this in another thread regarding how your wife is a manager at one of their stores!)

In all seriousness, you need to adapt to the fitness lifestyle. You're either striving to become fit, or you're not. There's no in between. One of the more common behaviors is that people tend to use exercise as an excuse to eat unhealthy because they feel that the exercise will offset their eating habits. It might work for a week or two, but not long term.

Try not to overdue things over the next few months as you might become quickly discouraged. I'm sure it took quite a while to pack on that extra weight/fat, so you need to realize that it may take quite a while to shed it. You can start today by making better choices in the kitchen and by being dilligent with your exercise schedule. And don't ever forget:

"Your desire to change must be greater than you desire to stay the same." - Mavsluva

Good luck!

Well said

**ironmike250** · 03-15-2007, 03:11 PM

You couldn't be more right about Chipotle! But OMG is that stuff addictive! LOL

As far as the diet goes, should I go into this as if I were preparing to do another show? I remember how I used to eat when I was competitive, but I guess I'm looking for some re-enforcement.

Thanks as always!

**mavsluva** · 03-15-2007, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by ironmike250

You couldn't be more right about Chipotle! But OMG is that stuff addictive! LOL

As far as the diet goes, should I go into this as if I were preparing to do another show? I remember how I used to eat when I was competitive, but I guess I'm looking for some re-enforcement.

Thanks as always!

Nah, just make better food choices starting today. It's better to conquer the baby pool before attempting to swim in the ocean!

I'd encourage you to write out a diet plan so that the forum can make recommendations. This diet should includes oats, chicken, lean red meats, EFA's, green veggies, brown rice, sweet potatoes, some whey protein here and there if you like, and lots of water. Since you've competed in the past, you know as well as anyone that it's not always what you eat, it's when you eat it!

It's all about dedication, motivation, and determination at this point. Work hard and don't be afraid to reward yourself on OCCASSION (notice how I stressed the word "occassion"). This is life, so we're supposed to enjoy it, right?

I look foward to hearing/seeing your progress.

Mavsluva

**timtim** · 03-15-2007, 06:12 PM

"Your desire to change must be greater than you desire to stay the same." - Mavsluva

i am in no way a fan of swole cat but that was his quote from like 2004. i remember when he posted it and everyone wet their pants over it.

**mavsluva** · 03-15-2007, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by timtim

i am in no way a fan of swole cat but that was his quote from like 2004. i remember when he posted it and everyone wet their pants over it.

I'd be more than willing to call myself out if I did in fact copy his quote. However, I've never had any interaction with Swolecat on this board, nor was I aware that he had a similar quote. My bad.?.?

I guess I just got "owned" due to my lack of knowledge and awareness.

New quote, "There's more to fear in overcoming an internal warfare within yourself than there is an external affair." - Mavsluva

**ironmike250** · 03-15-2007, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by mavsluva

Nah, just make better food choices starting today. It's better to conquer the baby pool before attempting to swim in the ocean!

I'd encourage you to write out a diet plan so that the forum can make recommendations. This diet should includes oats, chicken, lean red meats, EFA's, green veggies, brown rice, sweet potatoes, some whey protein here and there if you like, and lots of water. Since you've competed in the past, you know as well as anyone that it's not always what you eat, it's when you eat it!

It's all about dedication, motivation, and determination at this point. Work hard and don't be afraid to reward yourself on OCCASSION (notice how I stressed the word "occassion"). This is life, so we're supposed to enjoy it, right?

I look foward to hearing/seeing your progress.

Mavsluva

I appreciate the advice bro! I could use you as a personal trainer! LOL Your words are very inspirational. I think I'm gonna go run now.