I did it! I finally did it.

I'm not one to gloat, or even brag about my successes, but right now I am in a shape that I never even thought possible.

In November of '08, I joined this website, overweight and feeling horrible about myself. I am a male. I was 5'10" at the time, and weighed in at about 201 lbs with a body fat percentage of 39.9%.

As of today, I weigh 159.6 lbs (which is a little underweight, I will bulk up a little over the summer), with a body fat percentage of 18.1%. My resting heart rate, no joke, is currently 22 beats per minute, after months of intensively running at speeds of 7-8 miles per hour for hours a day.

I put everything I had into dieting and exercise. My body and soul went into getting stronger (which I have, my overall core and upper body strength has improved significantly). Right now, I feel better than I ever have about myself at any time in my life.

I may have been a little extreme about my weight loss. Not once since November have I touched a dessert, or a snack food. I've stuck true to my values of dieting and proper exercise. I just wanted to say that I'm glad to have met all of my goals, and I hope that all of you do the same. If you stick to your guns, eventually, you'll find some success. I've found bundles of wealth in my newfound health and self-confidence.

It's been a long journey, but, finally, I can say that I love myself. Something that I could never do before. I wish nothing but the best luck to all of you in your weight-loss endeavors, and hope you find the success that I have found.

Sincerely,

Nick

Wow, congratulations! You really have worked hard. You're an inspiration.

Congrats and Good Job!!! Great Motivation! ...and it is ok to brag!

Grats. and yes it's ok to brag when you achieve your goals! Can you post some before/after pics? That could be a little more inspiration to us!

Congratulations!  Its a day old necro, but hey, you've earned it.

Secondly, I gotta ask, how are you determining that 159 is a little underweight? I checked based on 5"10 and 158 and that's a bmi of 22.7. 

I'm 5'9 and 160.4, thinking around 145-150 is where I want to be... and with a low bodyfat% at that... could prolly be fine where I am if I had more of the right kind of bulk, but that's part of the process too right? :D

WTG Nick! you just motivated me to have a kick ass workout today. my goal too is to get to around 18%. well actually that's my frist goal... Eventually I want to go between 15 and 10%

Cheers!

congrats on the weightloss!!!!!!!

wow!! congratz....well done u xx

Well done! Oh, and you aren't "bragging"... Your sharing to help inspire others! *lol* :)

Good job, my friend!

I've just gotten used to eating smaller portions over the past 4 weeks, and I can rarely bring myself to exercise. It's great to hear of your success despite your belief that it was impossible. It gives me hope!

Congratulations - I know how good it feels.  And, you brought up a really good point - the key to weight loss success is that you get out of it what you put in to it.  I also lost a great deal of weight in a relatively short period of time (165 pounds in 11 months).  I was at the gym 6 days a week 2/3 hours a day. 

As for BMI - the charts go by average - someone who works out a lot generally has a lower BMI than someone who doesn't.  For example, my BMI on the charts is 23 but when I had it checked by the skin fold test (twice by two different people for accuracy purposes) it was 19.  So it pays to work out - it's how you burn fat and gain muscle.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

BRAVO to you!!!  You deserve it!!

I have lost about 43 pounds since Jan. 09 and only want to lose about 10 more. I have done it by adding exercise and cutting down on sweets, breads, rice, pasta etc... I still allow myself a cheeseburger/hot dog/chinese/chocolate etc. occasionally.  There are times when people really take notice of my weight loss and I just about break my arm trying to pat myself on the back! LOL I don't consider it bragging, I actually LOVE that I have motivated numerous people to make a change in their life also. Good Luck Everybody and remember YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

congrats!!! This are the stories that really make us want to get up and keep going!

This thread has just given me some hope.  Thanks

You are an inspiration to everyone!

I look forward to the day when I can make a post like that!  Right now I've lost 15 pounds and have another 65 to go.  I find just living healthier changes one's mindset!  Good luck with "bulking up a bit".  I assume that you mean by muscle (a bit of weight lifting).

momofpixies -

A skinfold test is used to measure body fat percentage.  BMI is simply a weight to height ratio - two different things.