Weight : 167 lb -> 137.9 lb (-29.1 lbs)
Body Fat: 23.5% -> 16.3% (-7.2% or equivalent of 16.8 pounds of fat!)
Waist: 33 inches -> 29/30 (-3 to -4 inches)
But the numbers just don't do justice to the way I feel, both physically and mentally. Was truly a life changing experience; not just for 90 days but for many years to come. This is just the beginning.
The diet portion started off difficult. I was never into fruit and veggies so the change was fairly drastic in the beginning. Moving apartments early on (to one with a decent kitchen) made a difference but the key secret ingredient was learning from fellow pcp'er Sam. Not only was his recipes good and relatively simple to prepare, what I learned from him most was finding enjoyment in cooking itself. If you care about what you cook, you'll care about what you put into your body.
Without him and Simon's Ratatouille recipe I would have been on boiled carrots and cauliflower the whole time. This would have made the road to pcp completion that much more bumpy. So big thanks to both.
I shouldn't even be calling it the 'diet' portion since there was no dieting involved; no protein / meal replacement shakes or 7 day maple syrup / lemon crash diets. Just a new way of eating; all natural and unprocessed foods at regular times and the results speak for themselves.
The exercise portion also started off difficult, especially with my banged up knee in a brace from tripping on some stairs. The jump rope in the beginning was also difficult, as were the squats. Even sit ups were tough (nothing to do with my knees - just my lack of fitness). Now days I breeze through the exercises and I'm basically hooked on ropes (I have 3 sets. ha). The efficiency at which the exercise worked its magic is nothing short of extraordinary. I've been a gym member and had done a couple of triathlons in the past but I have never had this level of fitness, and I didn't even have to step outside of my front door!
Everything I do that now that require any physical exertion is now easy; long hikes and swimming sessions etc. Can't wait for the winter season to test my boarding legs. The title "peak condition" is so fitting for this program. Never felt better. Thanks to Sam & Don for making the effort to meet up Saturdays to exercise together. The social aspect made it that much more fun.
Blogging was also a new experience for me. Not only did I find other pcp'ers blogs encouraging (big thanks to ALL there), I stopped being a 'born-again' fitness fanatic to my friends by channeling my excitement and challenges into words. Speaking of friends, have to thank all for their encouragement also. This includes pcp alums. Too many to mention here, you know who you are.
Patrick and Master Chen - a big thank you! Your program, constant emails, video info and encouragement has been instrumental in me completing this program and the way I feel today. It's like someone removes the ads and picked the right bits of 10 year's worth of Men's Health magazines and distilled / socialized them into a 3 month plan. No artificial flavors, preservatives or nonsense. Awesome.
Now the Scary Day 1 photo:
And the not so scary Day 90 ones.
And the obligatory old pants shot.
"If today was the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer was "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something" - Steve Jobs.
A few skips, a couple of stretches and a full PCP b'fast... whatever other challenges life may throw at you, knowing you are doing something healthy and good each morning is not a bad way to start each day.
For those that are thinking of doing pcp. Just DO IT!
For those that are thinking of doing pcp. Just DO IT!
