Starting is Always Painful

The key to starting is total commitment. Like Caesar, you must cross the Rubicon. There is no hesitation, no turning back, just one defiant step of commitment to wage war that will rage or simmer, but will never cease until you reach your objective. The tricky part is taking that first step. Here are my suggestions to help you.

1) Think of three negatives of your current health. (take your time with each of these)
2) Think of three positives if you reclaim your health and fitness.
3) Imagine how painful it will be to continue your current path.
4) Imagine how wonderful it will be to have great success.
5) Tell encouraging friends and family your plans so they can hold you accountable.
6) Remind yourself that the first two weeks are the hardest and then commit to the program for two weeks.


Here is my plan:
1) Alternating days of upper and lower body calisthenics followed by one day of rest.
2) Overlap alternating days with moderate cardiovascular conditioning of various types.
3) Clean eating; no sweets. Focus on increasing whole foods and quality protein.
4) Start simple and gradually introduce effective lifestyle changes.

Here are my starting markers:
Starting Weight: 216 lbs.
Body fat percentage: 28% (I doubt it, but we’re interested in repeatability more than accuracy.)
Abdominal skin fold: 35mm (I’m using simple plastic calipers and again, I just need repeatability.)
Waist: 42''
1.5 mile: 13:41
Starting Pictures: