Portrait of a Hairy Belly (part 2)

Before I complete humiliating myself, I'd just like to say thanks for the kind words. And as everyone can see, I was not lying, I do have a hairy belly. And it is magnificent. Actually, laser hair removal is in my future but first I need to return to a decent shape. Speaking of which here's another photograph from 5 weeks ago:



Once again the hairy belly is on display. Anyway, since then I've been exercising regularly. The regimen is not as intense as a year ago, but it seems to be working. I've lost 5 pounds by doing cardio 4 times a week, weights/resistance 2 times a week, and limiting my fat and caloric intake. (I cannot stress how important the 3 elements are together in order to burn fat and keep it off.) Here's a photograph from a few days ago:



Clearly I'm not close to my goal but I can see a visual difference in my body, the stomach is a bit flatter and there's a semblance of shape. It's only been 5 weeks and while I was hoping for some better results, I am content with the progress.

One of the reasons for posting these photos is of course motivational. Now I have extra motivation to keep up (perhaps even instensify) my workouts so that I can show I'm making progress and that I once was actually in decent shape. As others have mentioned, motivation can be hard to gain and maintain. But it is of the utmost importance because it will get one through the tough early stages where results seem too far away or impossible. Motivation will also get one back on track after the inevitable missteps and obstacles. Anyway, what I'm basically getting at (something I've thrown out there earlier on this blog, I think) is that if anyone out there is also starting or is in the middle of a fat burning regimen, I suggest with start up an informal "getting in shape" club. Now, of course, this doesn't mean posting pictures of yourself every month. (Though I would suggest taking photographs of your body for your own viewing because sometimes your body will change shape but the scale will only show a minimal loss. This is because fat isn't burnt uniformly throughout your body, certain problem areas are quite stubborn in burning fat. And you will probably gain some muscle which will offset the weight loss from the burnt fat.) But it would be nice to post about the progress one is making (or not making) once a month or so. Other members of this informal club could then comment encouragement and motivation, as well as share information on what methods seem to work best for them. There's a lot of information out there on how best to burn fat, it can get confusing. However, everyone is going to be a little different and need slightly tweaked regimens due to their personal characteristics.

Before February of this year, I made a few attempts to get into shape. Unfortunately, I'm a stubborn bonehead and I made a plethora of mistakes. But eventually I got the right information, mainly from a pretty smart, informative fitness expert named Tom Venuto. He runs a few informative websites, I believe they are all connected to his e-book titled "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" or something like that. I didn't pay for the e-book because I was able to glean enough information from his websites and google searches. The information worked for me, until I stopped exercising, of course. However, if anyone out there would like me to post about what type of exercise and diet regimen I am using to get back into shape, please let me know and I'll do so. I was planning to post about it anyway, but I was waiting to return to photograph 1 shape before doing so. To basically prove that the regimen/information works. To summarize, the basic keys are that one needs to do cardio, weights/resistance, AND to watch what they eat (limit calories and fat, while improving protein intake). But it is a bit more complicated than just that. Everyone has a different body shape and type. And it is best to either burn fat or gain muscle but not optimal to try to do both at the same time.

Wow. This post is way too long. But I'm going to post it anyway. My sincerest apologies if you read the entire thing. However thank you and I'll be your best friend. Or do one load of laundry for you. But it has to be colors. Have a good one.