Getting back into shape

[Speedo1986]

I have been a member here for quite a while and have definitely enjoyed all the conversations, good and bad. I don’t post much but do get inspired by a great many of you. I have seen some guys post fitness goals and challenges in the past and finally decided to use this forum to help keep me honest. I have relaxed on my fitness with the addition of two kids in the past year and a half. I feel that I owe to my wife, kids and myself to stay in the best shape I can. So my plan is to post regularly in this topic.

I have gone to the gym a couple times for lap swimming, a new addition to my workout routine. I used to run but I get to bored running and stop pushing myself. I enjoy lifting weights as my primary form of fitness. I have started watching what I am eating but not killing myself. Life is too short to deny oneself some indulgences.

I am 5’9” and currently weigh 180lb.

[Latestarter]

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[Bullseye]

Thanks for your post, 86!

Hopefully you will enjoy swimming as part of your workout and it will motivate you. If you can combine swimming and running inot a regular routine you may be surprised how fast you can get into the shape you want. You are off to a great start. Keep us up to date on your progress.

[rmf]

Good for you. Keeping a 'personal image log' of your progress is the best way to stay motivated. While posting will give others the opportunity to reinforce your progress by no means should you feel the need to do so if you are not comfortable. Expect some lulls and maybe slow periods but you just have to stick with it because it is all worth it!! I think a lot of us can relate about the rut you get into post marriage & kids and how easy it is to get lazy and use that excuse to let yourself go but it's never to late. I can relate, like many, but with a little motivation you can be successful. While I don't think I was ever overweight - I wasn't exactly great shape post kids either. The results might not be quick (it took me about 2 yrs to really make the changes permanent without any 'bounce' in weight or routine) but I am now the same size waist, weight and physical fitness in my late 40's as I was in my early 20's.

Good luck and keep posting your progress photos when you can.

[ReservedEnthusiast]

Dang, dude, you’re not looking so bad already! I can’t wait to see what you look like when you reach your goal

[Speedo1986]

Update

[ChicagoDan]

Great progress, keep it up

[MISpeedo]

Congratulations; Looking good. Keep up the good work!

[SEASPEEDO]

Congrats!

[NJFrenchy]

Congratulations. I think you look like you’re in better shape than most Americans already. It sounds like you’re making all the right decisions. It’s good to take a day off, and also to not beat yourself up if you backslide. I gained some weight (30 lbs heavier than I am now) when I studied for my masters degree. I lost it in much the same way you are.

[losingandbuilding]

Dude, you look great! Keep up the good work!

[Speedoaddict]

Wish you lived near me in the uk.
You could get me into shape. Lol
I need a gym buddy to keep me motivated and drag my arse to the gym.
I have a full length mirror but it is in widescreen. Lol.

[wetman1961]

I think you are doing great, you looked to be in good shape to start with and your definition is definitely improving - and you wear those blue trunks well! I think your philosophy of taking reasonable steps to build/maintain your well-being without going over the top is a good one to follow.

I too have been making steps to improve my health and well-being, and taking up regular swimming again is part of that (the 25-minute walk each way to and from the pool doesn't hurt either). With my build I am never going to be sylph-like, but the steps I have taken have enabled me to lose 12 kilos in weight over the past 18 months, and I feel healthier and fitter which encourages me to carry on. So if you don't mind, I am going to use you as inspiration.

[Silkysmooth]

Looking really good.