Huge transformations?

[daddie63]

About 8 years ago the last weight recorded was 360. At 36 hearing I borderline diabetic was my wake up call. I have 3 kids and I needed to be around. Don't laugh, but I started with P90 and dropped 60lbs. It's been a lifestyle change for me and even though I fluctuate a bit, my weight stays around 240-245. It's helped my hunting quite a bit too.

 

[Mmcan]

For me, there is no core exercise equivalent to squatting 5 reps of 400 lbs. I am a defender of heavy squats because I believe that a person at 200 lbs can do 5x500 just fine and would definitely benefit from that strength in the backcountry while still training cardio (4 miles a day). I know that strength and cardio don't really come at the expense of each other until you get to the extremes (100 mile ultra marathoner vs. the biggest of strong men). It is the "heavy gainer" strong man type eating that has to go.

The truth is, when I was 200 and in the marine corps, a heavy squat routine improved my 3 mile run time significantly. It seems counterintuitive but that was the result.

I didn't want to detract from the thread but I wanted to say something about squats as they unnecessarily get a bad rap because a lot of people suck at them because of poor leg strength (we all sit way too much and our hamstrings are shortened because of that) and because they aren't easy (due to a limit in range of motion and/or form/technique).

Flame me if you want but I know a few sub 200 lbs guys that can squat 400 multiple times easily.

Totally agree after reading this book, watching his videos, and learning better form on squats. I don't go as heavy, but it really helps with everything.

http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Strength-3rd-Mark-Rippetoe/dp/0982522738

 

[Firewillie77]

Hey man good luck in your journey. I started at 370 and got down to 160 at one point I have now gone up to 205 but happy where I'm at. I initially lost the weight in 2007 and kept it off since. I lost it by doing a diet called medifast. After I got off that I watched what I ate. I now do crossfit and eat paleo for the most part. If I can help in anyway pleAse let me know.

 

[avodude]

Thanks for bringing that up Mmcan, I have that book and am a fan too. At one time Rippetoe and Crossfit were collaborating but they ended up having a "falling out".

 

[avodude]

That is motivating FireWillie77 and daddie63. I have a buddy that was diagnosed type II diabetic about 2 months ago. He was 475 lbs and has since lost 65 lbs. My hope is that he can eventually get down to 200 something. He has four young boys. It has been quite a wake up call for him.

 

[daddie63]

Good luck to your buddy. I hope he gets it under control too.