Important!: Weight Loss Motivational Thread!!!

[tubachris85x]

I remember awhile ago, like when I first joined here, that a member put something like this together and it really worked out. Unfortunatly, I wasn't a part of that thread...so I am now making this

I think one of the hardest things about getting into shape, whether it be weight loss or building muscle, it has to be finding a good motivation.

For myself, I want to go into the National Guard..however, despite being another motivation for me, it's not my strongest motivation (For other reasons)

I have to say that my biggest motivation right now, is to do a particular costume, that of an anime character. I've never ever in my life wanted to do an anime themed costume (I have nothing against those that do!) But this one just stuck out with me and I have it dead set in my mind that I'm going to get in shape, work out and get as close as possible to this character's body form as much as possible

As of right now, at 6'6" tall and WAS 309lbs roughly 3 weeks ago, I am now at 281lbs+-

I want to see post from people that are in the process and those that have wanted to start, to hopefully motivate you guys to get to where you want to be, instead of just admiring it like I used to (and still do) and not doing anything, like I was, wasting my time before

Post your motivations!

-TC

[never_ending_fett]

Last summer was my 10 year high school reunion and I started loosing to look good for that as well as actually be able to wear my Fett when I finally finish it. I started loosing June 24th 08 and was 329lbs at 5'10"ish. I am following a low carb diet, basically Atkins, but not strictly Atkins. I didn't even start exercising until a month or so later, at which point I was down about 20lbs. I virtually stopped exercising starting in November but am starting again as the weight loss has slowed over the winter. Planning on doing some rollerblading, swimming, and hitting the weights. I'd like to do a round of P90X at some point too, scheduling the time to do it each day is the big challenge there. Anyways, i'm currently down 80+lbs since starting in June.

If you are interested in really getting motivated you should check out a site called sparkpeople.com I'm a member there but have been on a sort of break from it as I got burned out on it since I was spending too much time there. If you do join up there look me up, I'm pada1schlicher there.

[slave1pilot]

I was 211 , 5'10 at New Years when I started eating "better"
I am now down to 195
Not as impressive as you guys, but I'm ok with it
I hope to drop another 10
Maybe if I actually started exercising

My motivation?
My "very Noticable Gut" while wearing the Boba Costume.

[Foxbatkllr]

A couple of years ago I went from 213 to 160, which is where I'm at now. No more weight to lose, except a tiny bit around my stomach but that's temporary. It will go away as soon as I get back into working out on a regular basis.

[Replicant Shadow]

Foxbat's progress has been awesome. I lost close to 65lbs from December 2006 to July 2008. From Jan 2008 to July, I implemented the P90X regiment that everyone has been utilizing at the Spartan Warrior 300DC forums, and it was a major life changer. I am in the middle of if again as we speak, and it's mainly toning at this point. Like Fox, I am shedding off the last of that body fat at the stomach, and love handle areas.

[escho34]

5'6" and 215 two months ago (not so good...) and now by just not over eating/watching my portion sizes and running b/w 1-1.5 miles a day, I'm at 196. It takes me about 12 or so minutes to run 1.5 miles plus I play ice hockey twice a week so that helps too...

Looking better in the Fett has been my motivation plus I get married 3 weeks from today! I'm hoping to drop some more by the wedding.

Good luck everyone, it's a pain in the butt but worth it...

[never_ending_fett]

Great work everyone!

Congrats on the upcoming wedding escho!

[Replicant Shadow]

My main motivation initialy was in fact to fit into my original Clonesix, and to look the part. Now I am going hard core for my new Sci-Fire build. My goal is to fit the costume precisley to my new toned physique. It will be as accurate as possible, though I hope to achieve more of a thin side, close to the Animated look, and have full range of movement. In fact, this costume will be the heaviest I have ever worn as a result too. So, I am strength-building for endurance as well.

[TLobe00]

My motivation "started" because I was finishing my Jango costume and since I am the same height as Temuera I wanted to get his build too... I then realized that my body just felt better and seeing muscle develop kept me motivated to keep going

Along with weight lifting my diet has changed, in part from the extra protein needed... I eat better and am burning fat and building muscle!

I started on Jan 2nd 2009 and my vitals were 5'6" - 185Lbs, now I am 175Lbs (more muscle) and I squatted 380Lbs this morning! I highly recommend to anyone wanting to build muscle to check out bodybuilding.com, they have some incredible resources for workouts and supplements.

[Lufo1138]

squatting 380 lbs is awesome dude! Nicely done. My best remains 355. I, too, recommend bodybuilding.com. Great resource. I also recommend a good low carb diet called TNT by Adam Campbell started on the Men's Health forums for those who want to trim down fast. Also, if you are like me, and need a system that lays out a long-term, well organized exercise plan that shows you what to do and how and when to do it with no guessing or poking around with different schemes all the time, I recommend the book (and the forum for) The New Rules of Lifting. It is a modular system that can last for years if not the rest of your life. I have had tremendous success with it. It is fantastic.

I think having a motivation like wanting to fit into a certain costume is one of the strongest motivators there is. Much stronger than, 'I want to look good at the beach' or 'I want to be healthy' because it is usually very specific, and the drive and obsession of the costuming gets shifted into the weight loss goal because it has become part of the costume itself. This has to do more with obsessive behavior than discipline, but it is a starting point to shifting towards a discipline. Just keep adjusting goals over time to build the discipline so it becomes a thing in itself over time, until you don't need the thought of the costume to get to the gym or eat right.

[TehEl1te]

Excellent work guys!!! The dedication you guys have is excellent. That is what it takes!!! Keep it up!

El1te

[TLobe00]

Thanks Lufo

I have found that diet can be about 80% of weight loss/muscle build... If you don't have a good diet, you waste your workouts at the gym and you might as well stay home, lol.

I'll have to check those recipes and see how they turn out.

[TehEl1te]

You're right TLobe00, Alltho I wouldn't say it's a total waste at the gym... but 50% of a healthy body is a healthy diet, the other 50% is a healthy lifestyle (excercise)... Eat those greens and run!

El1te

[Lufo1138]

Thanks Lufo

I have found that diet can be about 80% of weight loss/muscle build...

Very true (for anyone over 17 years old). This is why I like the TNT diet because it is about the TIMING of nutrition along with the workouts and begins to get you to understand, its not just about WHAT you eat, but also WHEN you eat it. Can have a big effect.

The biggest first step as far as nutrition, and this is hard for most people in the US because it is such a staple now in our food, is to cut out anything from your diet that has High Fructose Corn Syrup. It is evil and will destroy your metabolism over time.

[TehEl1te]

and watch your carbs before bed! If you are hardcore about it, cut out carbs before bed because if you eat, lets say ramen for example... which is pure carbs lol, you'll sleep on that and it all turns to fat. no good!

El1te

[never_ending_fett]

TNT looks pretty interesting. When I get myself back into lifting I might look at transitioning into that. It sounds very similar to what I'm doing now anyways. When I was working out I was doing a big extra portion of protein in the hour or so after the workout, though not necessarily Whey or the other (starts with a 'C'...). It should be a smooth transition and a good restart to loosing weight.

[Rc-2064]

Thats cool. What anime character do you want to do?

[99centTaco]

I'm not tiring to make others feel bad but I'm actually tiring to gain it! I was 5'6" in HS at 121 lbs.....today I'm 5'8" at 121lbs....I haven't gain an ounce since. I eat like crazy! I eat whole cheesy pizzas, burgers, chili cheese fries, milk shakes! everything you can think of! In 2000 I joined the army resv. Drill Sgt. said, "Oh, well beef you up alright!" I got muscle, and nice and cut, but my weight did not change. A trainer at a gym tried giving me some protein shakes but that still did nothing. He gave up on me after a month.

[TehEl1te]

I'm in the same boat taco... I can gain a little weight but it's not easy.. I can sit around and eat junkfood all day and I won't gain weight... just ugly skin hahaha. I was gonna suggest protein but you already said that doesn't work... I dunno brother. The best I can suggest is protein protein protein, maybe eat more red meats and hit the gym? I'm 6'3" at 170lbs, pretty happy with that... I'm sure it'll go down to 165 or so in time...

El1te

[Replicant Shadow]

I'm not tiring to make others feel bad but I'm actually tiring to gain it! I was 5'6" in HS at 121 lbs.....today I'm 5'8" at 121lbs....I haven't gain an ounce since. I eat like crazy! I eat whole cheesy pizzas, burgers, chili cheese fries, milk shakes! everything you can think of! In 2000 I joined the army resv. Drill Sgt. said, "Oh, well beef you up alright!" I got muscle, and nice and cut, but my weight did not change. A trainer at a gym tried giving me some protein shakes but that still did nothing. He gave up on me after a month.

dude, at 19 years old I was 5' 10" and wieghed a buck fifty-five. I could eat what ever I wanted, drink booze like an Irishman, and I would never gain.

Till I hit 28 then it all went to hell. At 35 I weighed in at around 230lbs, probaly shrunk a half an inch too. It will catch up to you, trust me. Kick up the excerize and stay away from the bad stuff. Don't try to gain LOL!

[Rc-2064]

I'm not tiring to make others feel bad but I'm actually tiring to gain it! I was 5'6" in HS at 121 lbs.....today I'm 5'8" at 121lbs....I haven't gain an ounce since. I eat like crazy! I eat whole cheesy pizzas, burgers, chili cheese fries, milk shakes! everything you can think of! In 2000 I joined the army resv. Drill Sgt. said, "Oh, well beef you up alright!" I got muscle, and nice and cut, but my weight did not change. A trainer at a gym tried giving me some protein shakes but that still did nothing. He gave up on me after a month.

Well you have a really good metabolism. I'm pretty much the same as well. 5'8 145-50. I eat and eat and eat and cant put on weight to save my life. I was told that the more meals you eat a day actually speeds up your metabolism to break the food down faster. So in essence thats why I can't put on wieght. Our bodies just laugh at our feeble attempts to put wieght on as it breaks the food down.

[tubachris85x]

Thats cool. What anime character do you want to do?

Briareos from Appleseed Ex Machina

Here's a good reason to get in shape

[Timmer]

What do you guys recommend for foods? I'm looking to lose weight, not really bulk up though.

For instance, what varieties of food do you typically have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ?

Or, if it's easier to answer, what do you AVOID ?

I want to find a plan I can actually follow.

I find the paleolithic ( or caveman ) diet interesting. The idea is that you consume only foods that you could eat without any processing. Good foods would be any animal you could catch, most vegetables and fruits. Bad foods would be any grains ( because primitive people had no knowledge of processing it to make it edible ) potatoes and legumes ( which need to be cooked to be edible ). Dairy would be out as well. The reason being that after you're done with mother's milk, you would not have a source for it. ( Primitive man didn't milk cows ) Modern doctors actually agree with this philosophy, everything beneficial about dairy can be found in other food sources. no processed sugar either.

It seems really strict , but you figure primitive man survived like this for a very long time. The only problem was that they had no medical technology to help them survive to an old age.

[TehEl1te]

Well, vegetables are the best. Celery, carrots, salad... all those eat em up. Avoid red meat if you can, fish and chicken are good. You need your protein tho so nuts, or peanut butter are a good source for that. I don't see why you cant drink milk... Cut the sweets and cut your carbs before bed. Those carbs will turn into fat if you sleep on them. Not good. Fruit is good. You can look at a cereal box and see what you need for a 2000calorie diet... or if you are more active the 2500calorie diet.

Edit: oh yeah, and Cardio helps a lot too!

El1te

[Rc-2064]

Briareos from Appleseed Ex Machina

Here's a good reason to get in shape

Dude thats wicked! Are you making the armor or buying it. That helmet is awesome so is the armor. Let me know! Now I think I'm hooked. LOL

[Foxbatkllr]

W
I find the paleolithic ( or caveman ) diet interesting. The idea is that you consume only foods that you could eat without any processing. Good foods would be any animal you could catch, most vegetables and fruits. Bad foods would be any grains ( because primitive people had no knowledge of processing it to make it edible ) potatoes and legumes ( which need to be cooked to be edible ). Dairy would be out as well. The reason being that after you're done with mother's milk, you would not have a source for it. ( Primitive man didn't milk cows ) Modern doctors actually agree with this philosophy, everything beneficial about dairy can be found in other food sources. no processed sugar either.

It seems really strict , but you figure primitive man survived like this for a very long time. The only problem was that they had no medical technology to help them survive to an old age.

Primitive man probably suffered from mal-nourishment. I agree about staying away from processed foods in general...however stuff like steel cut oats, unbleached whole wheat, and sweet potatoes can be very helpful to a diet.

If for nothing else, you will need to eat some carbs or else you will go crazy and be stupid. No joke...lack of carbs makes you function not so well. You can get some of those carbs from vegetables, but adding in some whole wheat, steel cut oats, or sweet potatoes can also go a long way to keeping you sane. My wife trained for a bikini competition and she cut carbs so much she started forgetting very simple things. The other girls who were doing it with her had the same issues.

[TehEl1te]

That is the costume that I am working to get fit for... haha... long ways to go right? A proper diet and good excercise is what I need. Foxbat is right about the carbs too! Whole weat break, oats, all that is good for you. You need it. Peanutbutter sandwhich on whole wheat bread with some celery and carrots and a glass of orange juice. Excellent!

El1te

[Timmer]

Thanks TehEl1te.

[Lufo1138]

there is really no good reason to cut carbs out completely. If you take a look at TNT, it is probably the most reasonable low carb diet I have seen, keeping a healthy amount of carbs available to choose from.

A very general rule, barring a particular diet like low-fat or low-carb, is to always pair macro nutrients in meals so that a meal is either all protein+carb, or all protein+fat, but never carb+fat. Carb+fat is the real problem, not carbs by themselves. the reason for this is simple. Protein is not a metabolism nutrient. It is a building block of the body. Carbs are a metabolism nutrient, but so is fat. The metabolic pathways for these two macronutrients to be used for energy in the body are completely different and separate from each other and generally the body never uses both metabolic pathways at the same time. It's one or the other. The body prefers carbs for metabolism (though it is more efficient with fat), so when carbs and fat go down together, its a recipe for fat gain since the fat cannot be metabolized.

Now, since 90% of carb+fat foods are highly processed foods anyway
(nuts and whole dairy being the biggest natural food exceptions), you are already eating better to cut this out (yes, beer is a major offender of the carb+fat rule, sorry guys).

Another general rule is to consume any carbs earlier in the day rather than later and around your exercise time window (1-2 hours before and/or after) and stick to protein+fat for meals later in the day.

Again, these are just very general guidelines but a lot of the latest nutritional schemes are going in this direction based on the latest research.

[tubachris85x]

Dude thats wicked! Are you making the armor or buying it. That helmet is awesome so is the armor. Let me know! Now I think I'm hooked. LOL

Well, actually, in the movie, that is his body...He lost 75% of his original body "during WWIII." So he's a cyborg, but still has what was left of his original body in there. He stands about 7ft (as a cyborg)

There is a member here that actually made a really nice Briareos mask of which I plan on getting a kit in the future. My original costume idea was to do a version of him where he's at a party, just wearing a tux:



But I'm really thinking about sculpting out all the chest/arm muscle segments and casting them in latex...and after that, attach it all to a black underarmor shirt. From that, I can use it as the base for any other version costume from there..such as the tactical version. I highly recomend you watch the movies. There are two: Appleseed, and applseed Ex Machina. The one above is from Ex Machina.

Of course, I won't be sculpting that until I lose the weight and build the muscle.

-TC

[Boomer Fett]

My motivation is my family and wanting to be around for a while. There is my job, when you fight every day for a living you need that edge. My true motivation is my wife. When I was training for my very first marathon she did two 20 mile training runs with me on a mountain bike. Its not totally impressive until you realize that she was 8 months PREGNANT! Not to mention that whaen you marry a hot chick you have to stay a little in shape.

[NovallTalon]

Last year I dropped around 60lbs. The girlfriend finally moved up with me after she got her degree and I put 25lbs back on. Now I'm 7lbs down from that, and working hard to get in shape by the time SDCC rolls around. 5 days a week I hit the gym, 2 cardio days, 2 strength days, and 1 mixed. Because I spend so much time beating out metal armor in the shop, that helps keep me off my duff

[escho34]

My motivation is my family and wanting to be around for a while. There is my job, when you fight every day for a living you need that edge. My true motivation is my wife. When I was training for my very first marathon she did two 20 mile training runs with me on a mountain bike. Its not totally impressive until you realize that she was 8 months PREGNANT! Not to mention that whaen you marry a hot chick you have to stay a little in shape.

I can relate except I'm on the other end...Lauren runs marathons (fulls and 1/2's all the time). I usually ride my bike with her too. If we go to the trail I usually do double of what she does, sometimes meaning I bike 40 miles in a few hours. I have a reconstructed knee so tbh, I never thought I'd ever be able to run again. I play ice hockey twice a week and am a goalie, I also run about 1.5 miles a/day (M-S) which is all my knee can handle.

It usually holds up pretty well though. This past Saturday I did a troop and it was the 1st time my knee felt it in a long time. I laid low most of the day and played hockey last night. It's feeling better but still a bit weird. I should be fine though. The only thing that sucks is that I would ride my bike way more but I feel like I get so much of a better cardio workout running 1.5 miles daily rather than biking 20 miles/day and it takes way less time! The big down side being that it works my knee and in turn my opposite hip.

Kudos to your wife man. Having a training partner is great to keep the motivation and morale up. Lauren runs 5k's with me sometimes to support me in return...

[tubachris85x]

Down to 277 and still going!

[Rc-2064]

Down to 277 and still going!

Awesome bro!

[TehEl1te]

Good Chris!!! Keep it up bro!!!! My motivation is to become better at Muay Thai... So much conditioning! hah

El1te

[tubachris85x]

Good Chris!!! Keep it up bro!!!! My motivation is to become better at Muay Thai... So much conditioning! hah

El1te

Oh yea? Thats great! I took about 4 years of GoJu...it's a mix of Philipino, Korean and Japanese martial arts. It's actually one of the forms used in that movie, "The Karate kid."

I'll tell you, I still haven't forgotten any of those kata's!

[never_ending_fett]

Good Chris!!! Keep it up bro!!!! My motivation is to become better at Muay Thai... So much conditioning! hah

El1te

Do you just do Muay Thai or are you into MMA at all? I've been tossing around taking up MMA for fun, to help loose weight, and maybe to compete. Muay Thai and BJJ would be the first 2 arts I would concentrate on.

[TehEl1te]

That's awesome Chris!!! i'm gonna have to research that a little!

never_ending_fett, As of now I just study Muay Thai and am going to be training in Khaay Muay Sit-Kangmongkorn in Pittsburgh this summer. I've always loved the brutal art and enjoy using that. One of my best bros has been taking BJJ for maybe 4 or 5 years now? he shows me a little stuff here and there. MMA would be pretty awesome to get into and yes, Muay Thai and BJJ are the two most commonly used arts for it because they are regarded as the best striking and grappling arts. MMA will be a great workout man... people don't realize how tiring a 2 minute grappling session really is or how strong you can get through constant conditioning and kicking in Muay Thai. Pretty fun stuff!!!

El1te

[tubachris85x]

Here's an idea to lose weight, spend a few days rucking in the forest!!!

:ugh: I'm so sore :wtc:

A helicopter never sounded so good coming to pick you up!!!!!!!11

[FoxPrimus101]

Yeah man I'm about 235'ish give or take a few pounds and I'm really trying to get in shape too. I suppose if my costumes ready by Comic-Con and I'm still chubby I could get one of those spandex girdle things lol