can almost see my abs again! :-)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Just felt like happily sharing Mundane Pointless news that makes me happy.

I’ve always been a bit more physically active than “average”, I suppose, but the last time I was able to see my abdominal muscles (that I can recall) was either while still in the Army, or maybe a year or two after. IOW, around age 21 - 23.

In short order thereafter, civilian college life combined with lots of beer drinking and a largely sedentary lifestyle (and marriage at age 25) packed on the pounds. In the space of 10 years (ages ~ 22 - 32), I went from 135lbs to close to 175lbs. Some of that was muscle, but most was abdominal fat. (Note that I’m a male, 5’10".)

But now I’m back to almost being able to see my abs.* For the last three years or so (I’m 35), I’ve been exercising pretty devotedly. And since January, I’ve REALLY upped my physical activity levels, working out 3x - 5x/week, and going on long walks with my daughter, at least weekly. And I’ve been watching my diet, trying to keep my daily calorie intake on the low side.

It’s paying off. I’ve trimmed down to 158lbs, and a good deal of that now is pretty solid muscle. My waist, at its widest right around my navel, is down to 36". (My actualy waist, where my pants fit, is 33".)

I’m happy. :slight_smile:

  • Nota bene that in truth, I do NOT think that a visible “six-pack” is a good fitness goal to have; it’s largely meaningless in regards to any real standard of fitness. But since they seem to be the gold social standard of fitness, I might as well be happy 'bout it.
2

Congrats! Wishing you continued success.

3

Way to go!

Keep up the good work.

4

There’s a great story on the Weight Watchers site about a woman who lost more than 200 pounds. After she’d lost a bunch and was feeling pretty good, she found a strange lump on her hip. “Oh no,” she thought, “I’ve come so far and now I’ve got a tumor! It must be CANCER!!!”

She fretted for a while and then finally tearfully confided in her husband. He felt the thing and told her, “Honey, that’s your hip bone.” :smiley:

Congratulations! (I know the feeling. After losing almost 75 pounds, I’ve been reminded that I do in fact have collarbones.)

5

Thanks, y’all! It feels great.

6

I think losing weight is one of the hardest and easiest things at the same time. Making the decision as you have to do it is the hardest part. Then lopping items off the menu becomes easier. You fall off the wagon, just get back on ASAP. Don’t give up. A good digital scale is your friend. Keep a record of the morning weight and use a 3-4 day average to see where you are going. I found that best for me. Adjust your body image to what you want it to be rather than the bigger person you were. Get rid of those oversize clothes or put them out of the way. The scale always rules, but pants getting too tight is an inspiration to buckle down!

7

Good news - keep up the good work. :slight_smile: