moecrusader07 submitted:
Height: 6'0"
Age: 27
Top Right: January 2015 (approx. 245lbs)
Top Left: February 2016 (current, 185lbs)
The first progress photo below was taken April 22nd, 2015 after my first work out. It is followed by monthly (roughly) progress photos culminating with the final one which is again current (mid-February 2016).
Background (long):
Growing up, I was very obese. At the age of 16, I weighed 350lbs with 45% body fat (according to a BodPod reading). I remember having my waist measurement taken at Men’s Warehouse for my cousins wedding at age 15. It was 52" and I remember that being extremely depressing. Even at my size, I was actually always a good athlete and fast for as big as I was. I was a starter on a well-known high school power in football. However, deep-down I just wasn’t happy. Extremely randomly (I was actually on a family vacation in Disney), I started Atkins (now more generally recognized as Keto) and when I got home would just run on the treadmill for about 30 minutes five or so days a week if I am remembering correctly.
After about a months time I weighed myself, I was down 35 or so pounds. Needless to say, this was highly encouraging and I began about my research into nutrition and discovered weight lifting as well. I changed my diet up to something we call “clean” eating. I never counted calories or macros back then I just ate often and healthy. By the end of my journey (that time around), I’d lost roughly 150lbs by the time I was 18 years old.
Unfortunately, I lost my way from the age of 20 or so onward. What started as partying too much on the weekends in college eventually led to heavy heroin addiction. At one point, I was even essentially homeless for a few months. Finally, in January of last year (2015), I said enough is enough. I cannot explain it as anything other than something just clicked and I KNEW I didn’t want that life any longer.
After I had cleaned myself up for a few months, I knew I was going to need something to strive for and I fell back on something I knew which was nutrition and fitness. Since I had a decent base of knowledge from previous experience I began eating healthy again to start. I didn’t have my license due to that prior lifestyle and poor choices and limited space so no room for a home gym. I was determined though, so I bought a pull-up bar, some resistance bands, and found a full-body calisthenics routine which I performed three times a week. Eventually, I added in running 5-6 days a week anywhere from 2-4 miles.
I just stuck with it and results ensued. Now, I’ve been at a gym again for about a month and a half and am loving lifting again. I could go into much more but I feel like that is enough for now.
I am very open about my experiences. I know some people are apprehensive or scared to share such a past but it does not bother me. I know that I am no longer that person I was and if my story can help motivate even one person struggling with anything be it weight, addiction, anything at all it is worth it.
moecrusader07.tumblr.com
I am fairly new to Tumblr, but anyone is welcome to visit, follow, or ask questions.
MotiveWeight http://ift.tt/24jMlVM
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