Getting Strong Now!

For most of my adult life, I’ve been overweight and out of shape. Every now and then I get a bug up my ass to do something about, and I do. It doesn’t last, want to know why? It’s because I’m generally getting in shape for a specific reason due to my chosen profession. In the Air Force, we are expected to maintain a certain standard and have to pass an annual physical fitness test which involves running for 1.5 miles, sit-ups, push-ups, and a measurement of your abdominal circumference. All of these items are tallied up and you have meet a certain minimum. My test happens to take place in October, and almost every year, I decide to take a break. Each year, I tell myself that I’ll only take a week or two off, but that week or two ends up stretching until February or March. During that off time, I typically destroy all the progress I made throughout the previous year and I have to start over from scratch.

Well, fuck that shit.

This year is going to be different. (I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes and saying, yeah right, and I don’t blame you.) This year I’m going to keep up the workout routine and there will be no time off. This year, I’m going to focus on strength training and general fitness throughout the winter months so that when February rolls around, I’m not a big ball of dough. Why? Because I can’t afford to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m getting older and it’s getting harder and harder to bounce back. I know I’m not that old, but a couple of years ago my metabolism decided to give me the finger and walk off.
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This is all fine and dandy, but it brings me to my next problem. I like to eat. I like tasty, tasty foods that taste good in my tummy. It’s a mental thing for sure, and I can do OKAY at eating healthy MOST of the time; however when I fall off the wagon, I fall into a big old pile of cheese, meat, and deep fried goodness. Because of all shenanery, my weight loss has been slow going. Over the past two months, I’ve lost about eight pounds (not too bad, but not where I need to be). So what amI going to do about it? I’m going to invest in a jumpstart program of protein powder and supplements and I’ve narrowed my choices down to two different things.
 
Now you might be rolling your eyes again and saying, what the hell Cody? Just put in the work and make it happen. Good talk, but I think there is something to be said about forking over some hard-earned cash for some product, and I know that I stick to the product program that I’ll lose weight. I’m not looking for a full-time thing, I’m looking for a springboard. The two programs are the Wilderness Athlete 28 Day Challenge, and the Mountain Ops Get in Elk Shape. 

Wilderness Athlete says, “The 28 Day Challenge is about providing people with solid nutrition,” said Mark Paulsen, the Founder of Wilderness Athlete and the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of New Mexico. “Exercising is extremely important when you want to lose weight but eating the proper diet is crucial for Muscle Management. Our 28 Day Challenge promotes a healthy diet by providing supplements and meal replacement products that offer sound nutrition. Combine these products with exercise and people can quickly lose weight.” It’s 200 dollars. Mountain Ops says, “Any weight you put on in the off-season will work against you once you step foot into your hunting unit. Most hunters want to lose weight, and some want to put on muscle or do both. The Elk Shape Combo is designed to aid in your nutritional needs.” It’s 215 dollars.

They are both pretty similar, so I’m wondering if any of you out there in Googlewebs land have tried any of these products or have any experience with them? Either one I choose, I’ll be doing a review and a progress report of how things are going. Mainly I’m looking to jumpstart the weight loss and get into a healthier style of living. I’ve been working out since January this year, but it’s been slow going. I need to get in shape and stay in shape not only for my job but for my own health and to be an example for my two girls. Train hard now so you don't suck when it matters. That's what I need to do.