So last september something finally clicked in my head. It wasn't a single turning point event, but I knew I wanted to change and was looking forward to the challenge - I started to view my body as a piece of clay which I had the power to sculpt however I wish.

I started in Sept at 19 years old, 271lb and atleast 35% BF and am now 209lb 25% BF. This took a whole lifestyle change, one I'm absolutely enjoying right now. My eatings healthy - I've been seeing a nutritionist and although I mostly educate myself on food, it's been really good to have that accountability and just a professional to chat to.

Excercise has probably changed my lifestyle the most. Almost, and I honestly mean very close to always, I did some form of excercise every day. Weights, running(c25k) and rowing have probably been my favourites and I now try to challenge myself daily. My mates helped me out a lot by bringing me out to play tennis and golf. My life revolves around excercise now, and I don't see it as a bad thing - I figure as a uni student, these are the days where I have the most time to dedicate myself to fitness.

My next step is to hit 18% by june @ 198lb. People have actually told me to my face that this is unrealistic (real life people)... doctor even tried to convince me to settle for where I am now.. I look at them thinking "What the FRICK? didn't you see what I just did in 6 months?!?". How people could actually doubt my dedication at this stage is just beyond me. But trust me it'll happen, there's no way in hell I'm just gonna stop now

I've linked some pics below- I really regret not taking shirtless shots back in September. If anyone has ANY questions please ask away. If anyone wants to add me as a contact for some 2-way motivation I'd really appreciate it, especially if you have similar goals. I look forward to adding to this update again in June.

Pics
#1- Sept, 271lb 35+% BF (really bad photo, I'll try find a better one but you get the idea)
#2- Dec, 240lb, 31% BF
#3,4- March, 209lb, 25%BF

Great job, Zeb! And just take people telling you to quit as a complement on how well you've done. A lot of people just don't understand the levels of fitness some of us would like to achieve and would be quite happy with what you've done, which is spectacular!

Way to take the bull by the horns now, Zeb. You're giving yourself the best gift there is, so keep up the great progress.

And of course, enjoy.

Awesome job, Zeb! Keep up the good work!

Thanks so much for your kind words
I just uploaded another before and after pic.. I really can't find any shots with my whole body in it, even with baggy clothes

Oh and don't ask about the long hair LOL *face-palm*

Great job Zeb!!! Awesome work!! Keep it up and you will be able to reach your goals. Then you can go back to those people who doubted you and you won't even have to say anything, they'll just see how awesome you've done.

35% BF @ 271 lbs, LBM = 176.15
25% BF @ 209 lbs, LBM = 156.75

While you lost 60 lbs, 1/3 of it was muscle! Please make sure that you are eating enough protein (and total calories) to support your LBM. At this rate of muscle loss you will be 23% BF at 198 lbs.

Losing weight isn't easy, and congrats for your accomplishment so far! Focus on eating smarter so that you'll reach your goal. Losing 11 lbs of fat is easy enough, but it's easier to lose muscle!

Yeah admittedly I didn't do the maths behind it, 35% was a guess at best but I'm sure it was higher back in september. I'd be very suprised if I lost 1/3 of my muscle as I've been lifting and eating the whole time to cling onto it. Definately expect to have lost a few LBM thought. Thanks for pointing it out though, I'm gonna have a look over my files tonight

Good going Zeb!

As far as taking your body fat % lower, go for it! It's you who have to live with you and I see no reason not to be the best you can be if you want that!

Keep lifting!

Hey guys

It's been about 3 months, I thought I'd post a few more pics up. For 3 months work it's been very slow and slight change, I was hoping to be down at 18%BF but am still sitting at about 22%. It's been steady progress however, with remarkably little effort on my behalf so I'm not complaining That said I am going to up the intensity to speed up my results over the next 3 months.












(I remember being happy when these shorts fit back in Feb)

As always comments appreciated, Thanks

Fantastic work Zeb! What is your weight down to now?

Thanks Rach I'm at about 92 kg now so... 202lb. I want to get to about 85kg (187lb) and see how things look

Do you have a final goal for your BF%?

http://www.traineo.com/img/smilies/lol.gif

Not so much, I guess ab territory would be nice but at the moment I'd be really happy to have a flat stomach - so maybe something like 15% by my scales

For some reason i store bodyfat like a chick... i've got massive legs and arse lol. But i think running should sort that out, its helped so far

congrats!!!!!!!!!!!! awesome progress , im really happy for you!

Well since my last post I finally managed to get into the 80's (89.9kg) so I thought I might share my next step. The past week I've been really getting into self development books and improving myself in all aspects of my life, even if its just doing something little each week.

In line with that I'm going to begin a 6 week challenge of losing another 6kg. I'm focusing heavily on my diet and keeping it completely clean. From the past 10 months I've learnt the importance of making a lifestyle change and know that I'll never be able to eat 100% clean 100% of the time and enjoy a social lifestyle. I suppose the danger of a short burst goal such as this is that one can put a bit too much emphasis on the social lifestyle after the 6 weeks are up and go overboard with the junk food. However, the past 3/4 months have shown me that i still maintain or lose weight in my enjoyable lifestyle, because I focus on eating in moderation. My target is to hit 84kg @ 15% body fat, which by my calculations will be a 6kg fat loss with LBM maintained.

I'm writing this down here to keep me accountable.. but hey, if anyones keen to join me on a 6 week goal,we're starting this monday (21/07)

My goal is to drop to 18% body fat, I'm at 22% right now. I think this could be accomplished in 6 weeks for me. I think I would have to lose 12 more lbs, but that isn't unreasonable. I'm in!

I would love to lose 15 to 20 lbs over the next 6 weeks. I just bought a bike and will be biking 5-10 miles per day.

Zeb- I also wanted to say, congrats man. Your transformation is absolutely amazing. Great work. You should be proud.

Thanks Rob that means a lot to me.

5-10 miles sounds killer! is that to and from work?

It is 2.5 miles to the gym. So there and back would be 5 miles. Probably will just do my weight training at the gym then ride back.

Keep it up Zeb, amazing progress way to stick with it

great job! ^_~

Hey man I just read your post. Congrats man you are truly and inspiration and I hope I can one day follow in your footsteps!

Keep up the good work and let us know your achievements along the way...
CONGRATULATIONS!! You're an inspiration to a lot of people...

truly an inspiration. I am actually at your starting weight back in sept 07

Thanks so much for the kind words guys, I don't think I've ever been called an inspiration before but it's truly great to hear

I'll post some updates in another month or two, I'm now coming up to my 1 year anniversary of having joined traineo and changing my life. Sitting at about 19%BF @ 90kg.