Let me start off by saying that I am not trying to sell anything. If anything, you can consider me doing this pro bono since my understanding is that this product sells itself. If you see my results and are motivated to get in shape you are more than welcome to visit beachbody.com and purchase it from them. My only payoff from whoever reads this is their new found motivation to want to get in shape. So, enough about that.
I am aware that I am what most would consider a late bloomer in terms of acquiring this work out as it has probably been out for close to 2 years. I first caught the advertisement around the end of Winter in 2009 and was immediately drawn to the infomercials. I was very hesitant to get into such a committment for a number of reasons; unfortunately, I used the lamest excuses to not take the plunge.
Any time I see an infomercial advertising anything - and it mentions that all you have to do is make so many easy payments of $xx.95 - I automatically write it off as an attempt at scamming people. That was my first lame excuse. The second lame excuse I came up with was that I already had a gym membership and I was doing better on my own. I thought I was in pretty good condition. Not only is that lame, but I couldn't be further from the truth.
If there is one thing that stings more than an ass whoopin, it's cold hard facts. When you suddenly find yourself surrounded by people telling you that you need to get in shape, it can hurt your ego pretty bad. I'm talking about friends, family, co-workers, etc. Now, I am not saying I became grossly overweight, but there was a marked decrease in my stamina; additionally, I had a noticeably larger appetite and people even pointed out that my personality changed: not for the better. My smoking habit has grown beyond control, and while I may not drink as much, I am still paying for it with all the other negatives.
Being overweight is not the only way to be unhealthy. I have not been happy with myself for quite some time. I am not proud of my appearance, my mentality, my outlook for the future, and my overall health.
To tell you the truth, I really don't know what exactly led me to allow things to get so out of hand, but I do know that now is the time to do something about it. If I don't stop my downward spiral, I may get to a point where there is no chance to recover.
About two weeks ago, I received a positive remark from my mother, who just so happens to be one of my best critics. She noticed that I have slimmed down. One of the areas I promised my girlfriend I would improve on from New Years was my diet. I have definitely minimized how much food I consume. I should have felt great hearing my mother's remarks, but I didn't. I told her that I was nowhere near as healthy as I need to be. She nodded her head in acknowlegdement and then we changed subjects.
I must have arrived home that day with perfect timing because as I stepped in I heard the commercial for the Insanity workout and something just triggered in my mind. It was at that moment I realized it was time for me to do what I should have done two years ago. I went to the beach body website the next day and made the purchase, but not until I made a promise to myself: no matter how difficult this routine may be, I need to complete it. I cannot sell myself short, or my efforts will all be in vain.
Look, I am not claiming to be some special exception: there are plenty of folks out there with the same story, some of you may be reading this right now. I am just an average Joe trying to show everyone that it is indeed possible to improve your lifestyle in more ways than one - and in a short period.
I just received the Insanity workout in the mail yesterday, and I am intimidated even with the way it was packaged! This workout means business. I decided to just get an idea of what I have to look forward to in the first month. It gets pretty damn intense; that's great, considering it's supposed to be that much more challenging in the second half. Well, I have already made the investment and I have made a committment to myself to follow through with what looks to be the greatest physical challenge I have ever experienced to date!
I will say this: I am excited and I am nervous for the same exact reason...this looks hard as HELL! So, in an effort to allow folks to keep up to date with my progress, I will go ahead and post my official before pictures. Again, while I may not look completely unhealthy, I feel it in so many ways. As of today, I weigh 209 lbs.
I have two goals:
1. I drop down to 175-180 lbs as a result of minor muscle loss, in which case I build it back up the right way. This actually might be ideal for me...
2. I drop to 185-190 and maintain most of the muscle up top.
Either way, I am trying to drop at least 20 lbs and I'll be happier if I lose closer to 30. Regardless of the outcome, it will still be an accomplishment. Check out my blog for weekly updates. My progress pics will be posted up every two weeks. Wish me luck folks.
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