2026 Weight Loss Thread

[270quest]

For me the first half of 2026 is all about weight loss. Too many excuses to list but in the end I weighed more this year than any point in my life. Any life/fitness/hunting goal will come 2nd to loosing the weight first.

I wanted to start a thread just to post updates and to hold other accountable for those going through similar large weight loss journeys into 2026.

I have a big number to hit and after years of trying and not being locked - enough is enough. First part of December I was hovering in the 270s (5’11) - my goal is to be at 195, so a 70-75 pound loss.

Knowing I couldn’t afford to go thru the holidays and gain even more weight, I decided to start my weight loss journey a few weeks early. Reached out to a very helpful fellow Rokslider who shared a bunch of tips and steps that he used in a massive weight loss journey and said - Eff it - let’s get going, all in on what ever it takes (supplements, diet, exercise, strength training)

Day 1 weigh in - 12/20/25 - 273 pounds
Today - 12/26 - 264.

My plan is try to post a once a week update on here…

 

[theavgjoe]

congrats on the great start, I'll keep watching this thread and be supportive. The people here will pick you up when you fall if you lean on them. Can't wait to see you your weight next week!!!!

 

[ezwy]

Good plan. I get caught in a yearly cycle. I end up in “recovery mode” where I’ll do one hard thing and it means I can eat what I want. By the time Christmas rolls around I’m eating all the time and doing nothing. Going to start by doing two well-rounded meals per day with a couple healthy snacks. Once I get the extra 20 pounds off doing that plus normal exercises I’ll refine and start a serious fitness program.

 

[splitting_10s]

Good for you for recognizing what you need to do and starting now instead of waiting. Looking forward to hearing you success story!

If you don't mind sharing, how old are you?

Our weight and height are about the same, and I am approaching 40. Left the military in excellent physical condition, and I will also skip the excuses, but was my heaviest a month ago. Came in at 257 this morning.

I have wanted to backpack hunt for years but let my weight hold me back and made more excuses on why I didn't need to put in the work.

What are some of the tips you got that you think will help you the most?

 

[Huntnpack 2]

OP, coincidentally I’m headed the same direction, due to similar circumstances & situation as you.
Having had success at achieving weight loss & fitness goals in the past, as well as setbacks. I know what I need to do. I’m setting my self up to take a run at it again at 69 years of age.
Hard part for me is Commitment, I will need to develop skills in that area, that’ll be my focus !!
I’ve done the diet & exercise before and it’s hard, but where I fail is the discipline to stay focused on maintaining my weight & fitness goals.

For both of us it’s achievable & there are no excuses !!

Let’s Go !!!!

 

[Teaman1]

Like the weekly weigh ins.
As usual for fall, I lost a little weight while getting in better shape and a little stronger.
Then get even heavier than the year prior.
Getting back to it this week.
Starting at 5’8” and 245 pounds.

 

[270quest]

Good for you for recognizing what you need to do and starting now instead of waiting. Looking forward to hearing you success story!

If you don't mind sharing, how old are you?

Our weight and height are about the same, and I am approaching 40. Left the military in excellent physical condition, and I will also skip the excuses, but was my heaviest a month ago. Came in at 257 this morning.

I have wanted to backpack hunt for years but let my weight hold me back and made more excuses on why I didn't need to put in the work.

What are some of the tips you got that you think will help you the most?

I’m 40 - will be 41 in July. In a past life I was a college and minor league baseball athlete that was a very fit and muscular 195-200….

 

[Maverick1]

For me the first half of 2026 is all about weight loss. Too many excuses to list but in the end I weighed more this year than any point in my life. Any life/fitness/hunting goal will come 2nd to loosing the weight first.

I wanted to start a thread just to post updates and to hold other accountable for those going through similar large weight loss journeys into 2026.

I have a big number to hit and after years of trying and not being locked - enough is enough. First part of December I was hovering in the 270s (5’11) - my goal is to be at 195, so a 70-75 pound loss.

Knowing I couldn’t afford to go thru the holidays and gain even more weight, I decided to start my weight loss journey a few weeks early. Reached out to a very helpful fellow Rokslider who shared a bunch of tips and steps that he used in a massive weight loss journey and said - Eff it - let’s get going, all in on what ever it takes (supplements, diet, exercise, strength training)

Day 1 weigh in - 12/20/25 - 273 pounds
Today - 12/26 - 264.

My plan is try to post a once a week update on here…

Shouldn't you change your user name to "195quest"? I mean, subliminally, the username "270quest" sets you up for failure right off the bat, and it is not even 2026 yet.

 

[270quest]

Shouldn't you change your user name to "195quest"? I mean, subliminally, the username "270quest" sets you up for failure right off the bat, and it is not even 2026 yet.

lol - 270quest was my attempt many years ago to hunt all Idaho’s Big Game with a .270….

195quest could work going forward lolol

 

[V2Pnutrition]

Love this thread and the initiative you guys are taking to deal with something that's important to you.
It was during this same time frame that I had my "aha moment" 17 years ago and went on to lose 140lbs.

For those getting ready to go down this path, but want a little help, we'd love to give you guys free access to a nutrition course we've created + some resources from the Live Ready challenge we created with RS sponsor MTNTOUGH- all 100% free if you're a RS member. Zero strings attached.

Just send me a message and we will get you a code to access the course for free + a short Live Ready video and guide we created.

I recognize there's a million different resources at your fingertips now days; different strategies, and methods. If you have one you love and is effective- knock it out. If you're stuck or need some tips, please feel free to reach out to me on here. I'd be glad to help share what I've learned in the years since losing and maintaining my own weight loss.

Mods: please remove if not allowed.

 

[NMNomad]

Hats off to you! I am about 15 months into my weight loss journey. I started at 380lbs. Currently, 267lbs as of a week ago. Doc said my target weight should be right around 230. So, that is the goal. I weigh in every two weeks. Ramping up to give it hell and shed the last 40 lbs. I wish you the absolute best! Get out there and make it happen!

 

[theavgjoe]

Love this thread and the initiative you guys are taking to deal with something that's important to you.
It was during this same time frame that I had my "aha moment" 17 years ago and went on to lose 140lbs.

For those getting ready to go down this path, but want a little help, we'd love to give you guys free access to a nutrition course we've created + some resources from the Live Ready challenge we created with RS sponsor MTNTOUGH- all 100% free if you're a RS member. Zero strings attached.

Just send me a message and we will get you a code to access the course for free + a short Live Ready video and guide we created.

I recognize there's a million different resources at your fingertips now days; different strategies, and methods. If you have one you love and is effective- knock it out. If you're stuck or need some tips, please feel free to reach out to me on here. I'd be glad to help share what I've learned in the years since losing and maintaining my own weight loss.

Mods: please remove if not allowed.

I am a mountaintough subscriber myself and would say these guys give so much more than just exercise programs but a complete change to your life in support for strength, nutrition, mobility, and most important to me spirituality. I feel they teach a selfless way of living that has changed my whole perspective on fitness and life. Iron sharpens Iron, they truly live by this.

 

[theavgjoe]

Hats off to you! I am about 15 months into my weight loss journey. I started at 380lbs. Currently, 267lbs as of a week ago. Doc said my target weight should be right around 230. So, that is the goal. I weigh in every two weeks. Ramping up to give it hell and shed the last 40 lbs. I wish you the absolute best! Get out there and make it happen!

That’s impressive is an understatement for you!!

 

[Jud96]

Good for you man. I need to get my stuff together and lose some weight this year. I’ve always been a big guy at 6’2” and ~290 for most of my adulthood. I got down to ~240 a couple years ago after a year of eating clean, minimal alcohol, and healthier habits. I slowly started gaining again though and “letting myself go”, but I need it lock in and get serious.

I look forward to your journey and success!

 

[LFC911]

I'll join in, 5'-10" 256 lbs 12/28/25 and will update monthly. My goal is 215 lbs by 9/1/26, which is a realistic goal of 5 lbs per month or 41 lbs in 8 months. I am also a Mountain Tough sub and will be using their program to get ready for September!

 

[ProRoad]

at age 61, 5'10" 210. I'm a bit leaner this year due to the rucking required for this years hunts but still have a long way to go. As a lifelong endurance athlete I can tell you my realization this year in returning to backcountry hunting is that I need overall body fitness. I need to continue my rucking and cycling but add more core work and strength routines. Nothing tells you your weaknesses like being alone on the mountain, several miles in. Pinpoint your weaknesses and work on those, 1 day at a time. Now I need to work on what I just preached, lol. Good luck on the fitness journeys guys!

 

[splitting_10s]

Hats off to you! I am about 15 months into my weight loss journey. I started at 380lbs. Currently, 267lbs as of a week ago. Doc said my target weight should be right around 230. So, that is the goal. I weigh in every two weeks. Ramping up to give it hell and shed the last 40 lbs. I wish you the absolute best! Get out there and make it happen!

That is truly amazing, excellent progress! I have no doubt you will make it to 230 in the near future.

I had MTN Tough for a bit but had what felt like an injury in my stomach area. Quit the program and started focusing on strength training, and I have progressed with that and see that being the focus for a while.

I appreciate their deep military discount and like that they focus on more than just the physical fitness, so I may rejoin for the nutrition and mental aspects as well.

 

[pacoalcracker]

It should be about body composition transformation, not just weight loss. You want to end up lighter AND stronger with more muscle mass and less fat. Keep a record of strength gains and take pictures of your body at regular intervals to compare real results. I know it sounds corny, but the scale isn't the be-all end-all. Don't forget about cardio records as well. Cardiovascular improvement is what helps keep you going. Nobody wants to be 50 or more pounds lighter and be a weak walking stick.

I started my program on October 20th, prioritizing getting my strength and muscle mass back after leaving powerlifting almost 7 years ago, after a decade of very heavy lifting until I was 58-1/2. At 65 and 220 at 5'-6" I want to get back to a trimmer me at ~185. I plan on getting there by a lot of strength training, which burns a lot of calories, and 30 minutes of step-mill cardio 4x/week at a fairly fast clip and a protein/carb/fat balanced diet to fit my goals. I'm giving myself until the end of April to accomplish this goal of being 35 pounds lighter, but the emphasis on building my muscle mass and strength nearly to where it was. I think I can get the muscle mass back and most of the strength based on my progress the past 10 weeks. I have done no traditional powerlifting YET, only weight machines and dumbbells so far to get my muscles, tendons, ligaments, nervous system and mind ready for the harder work ahead. That is a decision based on safety, which should be paramount with any program.