The proof is in the numbers. The second round of 90 DAYS can be deemed a success for the following reasons:

1. I now weigh less than 200 lbs!

2. I lost on average about 1 lb of body fat per week.

3. All of the weight I lost this round was pure fat.

Now for my Overall stats…

Since April 12th, my total body weight has dropped 15 lbs. However, the more important number to note is the amount of pure fat weight I have lost…over 21 lbs! That means that I’ve gained slightly over 6 lbs. of muscle since April.

I am very, very proud of myself. Do I wish that I had lost more fat weight? Of course. But that’s not the point. The point is I stuck with my program and I have the results to back up my progress. And the best part is, I am even more driven to lose these last 13 lbs to get myself to an even 185.

I know that this next round is going to be even tougher. Why? Because I think my body believes that it weighs exactly what I am supposed to weigh. I disagree. While 198 is by no means a bad number, I still have a lot of fat on my body, especially in my midsection. I am really embarrassed by this unsightly bulge and want it gone. It has plagued me my entire life and I don’t want to be ashamed of my gut anymore.

So I am changing things up for 90 DAYS, round 3. There will be a lot more running involved. Cardio will happening at least 5 days a week…weight training 3-4 days a week. My daily calorie budget is going to drop slightly, as will my meat consumption. Alcohol might get banned (a bit extreme, I know, but I am really thinking about it).

And much, much more…I’ll fill you in on all the details in a few days when I return. Until then, keep up the good work everybody! All of our hard work will pay off eventually.

__________

Date: 11.9.09

Total Body Weight: 198.4 lb

Body Fat percentage: 12mm / 14.12%

Fat Weight: 28.0 lb

Lean Body Weight: 170.4 lb

Change in Lean Body Mass: +0.1 lb

Change in Fat Mass: -2.1 lb

Weekly Weight Change: -2.0 lb

Total Weight Change (Round 2): -10.6 lb

Total Body Fat Change (Round 2): -12.1 lb

Total Lean Body Mass Change (Round 2): +1.5 lb

__________

Total Weight Loss since April: -15.0 lb

Total Fat Loss since April: -21.3 lb

Total Muscle Gain since April: +6.3 lb

This is it. DAY 90.1 has finally arrived. I got some quick and dirty cardio in at the gym today. I’m looking forward to seeing what I accomplished over the past 3 1/2 months when I weigh in tomorrow morning.

__________

Date: 11.8.09

Cardio Exercise (0:40)

• Warmup: 10 minute walk to gym
• StairMaster: 25 minutes (373 calories)
• Rowing Machine: 15 minutes (191 calories)
• Cool Down: 10 minute walk home

Total Calories burned: 564 calories

Food Calories consumed: 2,054

Daily Calorie Budget: 2,209

Over/Under: -155 calories

hbow:

So I have been following your blog for months now and I just want to know how you stay motivated. I t hink that its get you have been able to keep up with the working out for 90 for this round. I need to find that same drive. if you have any advice let me know. thanks

First of all, thank you for following me for so long! I wish I could tell you my motivation technique is simple, but it takes a LOT of effort. I’ll do my best to explain…

One of the things that really helps me stay on track is having this blog. Without it, I don’t think I would have been able to get back on the wagon every time I fell off. Having a semi-public profile online makes me feel like there are other people who want to see me succeed, even if that’s not the case. It’s kind of like having my own personal cheer section. No matter how many days of cardio/weight training I skip, or how far over my daily calorie allowance I eat, I know that people like you are interested in seeing me reach my goals. If I can help another person become motivated by staying motivated myself, then that’s just the extra push I need to get my ass to the gym each day.

I follow a ton of weight loss tumblrs for motivation too. Some of my faves are 125, Losing Weight In The City, Ben Does Life, Life does Jed…They are a constant source of energy for me. Seeing how far these individuals have come really helps me stay focused. I know that if there is someone else out there like me that was able to accomplish similar goals, then I can too. Knowing that they have had their share of obstacles and overcame them, really pumps me up.

One of the most important things that you can do to stay motivated is to make sure you have concrete goals. Take a moment to figure out what it is you want to achieve and then write it down. Put your goals in a few places around your apartment (on your desk, taped to the mirror, framed on the wall, etc) so that they are always there to remind you of what you want to achieve. I like to keep my goals on a small index card in my wallet and read them out loud a few times a day. I know it probably seems a little weird to most people, but it really works for me. Make your goals small, realistic, and achievable. I’m never going to look like Brad Pitt, so why beat myself up for something that’s out of my control? I have learned to accept certain aspects about myself that I can’t change. But those things that I can control (what I eat, how often I work out) I try to tackle with enthusiasm rather than disdain. It makes it easier when I know that I am in control of the situation, not the other way around.

I try not to make things too complicated. There have been too many times when I tripped myself up with multiple, conflicting points of view on the best ways to lose weight. Things like trying to figure out when the best time of day to work out is, how should my meals break down into the proper proportions of carbs/protein/fat, weighing myself everyday to check my progress…information overload is no friend to someone trying to lose weight. Keep it simple. For example, it doesn’t matter what time of day you workout, just that you workout. Don’t let your researching get into the way of your progress.

Speaking of progress, keep a record of your achievements. I find that it’s a great resource to boost my self-esteem when I am feeling fat or lazy because I can visually see what I have accomplished already. When I look at how far I’ve come and reflect on how much work it took to get here, there’s no way I’m going to skip the gym just because I don’t feel like going anymore. Who wants to think they’ve wasted the last 6 months of their life?

Finally, don’t beat yourself up over your mistakes. If you overeat at a meal, don’t let it ruin your entire day. Just eat better at the next meal. If you skip a day at the gym, don’t try to make up for it the next day by over working yourself. Just make sure you get some exercise done and move on. We’re only human, and we’re going to make mistakes. It’s just part of life. Don’t dwell on the past when it’s really the future that you care about.

We all know that weight loss isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight. It’s going to be an uphill battle and it’s going to take a long time. Once you embrace that fact, it will become much easier for you to accept your challenge and strategize your plan of attack. If it helps you to look at weight loss as something other than a chore, then you need to do that. If you’re the competitive type and can get someone else to workout with you, then do it. Turn weight loss into a game. If you like to crunch numbers, keep track of all your calories, body measurements, weight loss, etc. Staying motivated is much easier when you feel personally invested in not only the outcome of your endeavors, but in the process itself.

You just need to find out what works for you, Holly. And once you do, don’t change a thing.

Good luck!

Isaac

Tomorrow is DAY 90.1, and the end of this second round. I am planning on making some changes to my Tumblr page, with more concrete background/starting info, a new layout, and a few surprises.

I will log my progress/final numbers tomorrow (180 Days since April!), then take a few days off to make said changes and work out some new routines. I’m really excited to dive into the world of running, so don’t be surprised if I start talking more about training in that regard. I will still be focusing on my weight loss goals, and going a third round of 90 DAYS, because I am not ready to stop losing weight. On the contrary, I have a new energy about it and can’t wait to make my dreams a reality.

Thank you for reading and continuing to go on this journey with me!

Isaac

Today was my last chance to really make a difference for this round of 90 DAYS. I did a lower body split, and started “running” again (in quotes because it’s more of a walk/jog routine). I went out and bought some new running shoes, some warm outdoor running clothes, and just couldn’t wait to get home and put them to good use. I started back up with the Couch-to-5K running program at week2 because I felt like I was okay to skip week1, since I did it back in late September. I know, I know…I’m shaking my head too. It’s been too long since I went outside and ran. But life happens and there’s no use in beating myself up about it. Unless, of course, I beat myself up by going out and running harder this time. Which is what I absolutely did.

__________

Date: 11.7.09

Warmup: Playing the drums (0:15)

Weight Training: Lower body split (0:45)

ball pass

2 Sets for 12 reps (with exercise ball)

steam engine

2 Sets for 30 reps

swiss ball crunch

2 Sets, 10 lb for 20 reps

swiss ball glute bridge

2 Sets, 0 lb for 25 reps

dumbbell torso twist

2 Sets, 25 lb for 25 reps

dumbbell side bend

2 Sets, 25 lb for 20 reps

dumbbell lunge

2 Sets, 50 lb for 10 reps

sumo squat

2 Sets, 25 lb for 12 reps

dumbbell standing calf raise

2 Sets, 50 lb for 12 reps

beginner squat

2 Sets, 50 lb for 10 reps

Stretching (0:10)

Cardio Exercise (0:31)

• Brisk 5 minute warmup walk
• Walk/Run: 20 minutes (2.57 miles)
• Brisk 6 minute walk home

__________

Weight Training: 204 calories

Cardio Exercise: 390 calories

Total Calories burned:  594 calories

Food Calories consumed: 1,982

Daily Calorie Budget: 2,209

Over/Under: -227 calories

Well, I didn’t make it to the gym today, so that just means I’ll have to try harder tomorrow. I plan on doing my last weight training session (lower split) of this round and a good cardio workout on Saturday. My calorie consumption has been awesome this week. But more importantly, my food choices have been balanced and healthy with lots of veggies.

I’m going out to buy some new running shoes today. I can’t wait to break them in and get this running thing started!

__________

Date: 11.3.09

Exercise Calories burned: 0 calories

Food Calories consumed: 1,861

Daily Calorie Budget: 2,209

Over/Under: -347 calories

My last high calorie day for this round of 90 DAYS. I kept it in check, especially since I knew I was going to a pot luck dinner with friends tonight. I lost track of my calories when that meal came, but rest assured I was in a great place to gingerly sample all of the fine foods that my friends brought. For example, the bacon wrapped dates with gorgonzola cheese, the tender short ribs, the baby spinach salad, the boiled turnips/carrots, the potato casserole…and for dessert, a half piece of pumpkin pie made by my friend Rachel who is a professional baker.

Yum.

I kicked some ass at the gym today, and that in no way entitled me to pig out tonight. And I didn’t. For that, I am proud.

__________

Date: 11.5.09

Cardio Exercise (0:57)

• Warmup: 10 minute walk to gym
• StairMaster: 30 minutes (458 calories)
• Rowing Machine: 12 minutes (151 calories)
• Stationary Bicycle: 15 minutes (204 calories)
• Cool Down: 10 minute walk home

Total Calories burned: 813 calories

Food Calories consumed: roughly 3,000 ??

Daily Calorie Budget: 3,000

Over/Under: 0 calories??

Keeping true to my goals this week, I did a weight training session and a cardio session today. I didn’t do them back to back, because I didn’t have time, but I still got them both out of the way. I dropped the sets and raised either the reps or weight on all of the exercises below, while I pushed myself for an intense cardio workout later in the day. Decreasing the sets allowed me the extra time I needed to get to the gym in the evening for my cardio.

I figured it was more important to do both types of workouts today rather than just the weight training. I guess I’ll find out if I made the right decision on Sunday.

__________

Date: 11.4.09

Warmup: Playing the drums (0:10)

Weight Training: Upper Body Split (0:45)

bicycle kick

Set 1, 0 lb for 15 reps

Set 2, 0 lb for 12 reps

steam engine

2 Sets, 0 lb for 25 reps

swiss ball press

2 Sets, 20 lb for 12 reps

upright row

2 Sets, 20 lb for 12 reps

shrug

2 Sets, 20 lb for 15 reps

dumbbell torso twist

2 Sets, 25 lb for 25 reps

dumbbell pull over

2 Sets, 20 lb for 12 reps (on exercise ball)

dumbbell flye

2 Sets, 15 lb for 15 reps (on exercise ball)

dumbbell lateral raise

2 Sets, 10 lb for 12 reps

swiss ball pushup

2 Sets, 0 lb for 25 reps

dumbbell wrist twist

2 Sets, 10 lb for 10 reps

ball pass (NEW)

2 Sets, 0 lb for 10 reps (with exercise ball)

swiss ball crunch

2 Sets, 5 lb for 25 reps

dumbbell side bend

2 Sets, 25 lb for 18 reps

dumbbell biceps curl

2 Set2, 15 lb for 12 reps

bench dip

2 Sets, 0 lb for 15 reps

Stretching (0:08)

Cardio Exercise (0:43)

• Warmup: 10 minute walk to the gym
• Elliptical: 33 minutes (493 calories)
• Stationary Bicycle: 10 minutes (138 calories)
• Cool Down: 10 minute walk home

__________

Weight Training: 227 calories

Cardio Exercise: 631 calories

Total Calories burned:  858 calories

Food Calories consumed: 2,058

Daily Calorie Budget: 2,209

Over/Under: -150 calories

bridgettelizabeth:

dancingsagittarius:

playnice:

Pep Talk: You have passion and that is beautiful. You pour your heart into what you create. For someone to just brush it off like it’s trivial, like it doesn’t represent every fucking thing you are, shows a fundamental lack of understanding. What a clueless jack ass. What you’re doing is special. Doing it make you feel great, right? Then that’s what’s important.

Today remind yourself: My pursuits are important.

This week ended with a BANG! I lost 2 lbs of fat, added almost a full pound of muscle, and I am one step closer to my goal weight of 185 lbs. How did I do with the goals I set for myself last week? Not too bad…

I didn’t meet my “5 days of cardio” goal (I only did 3) but I did manage to accomplish my “3 days of weight training” goal. Also, I really tried to incorporate more green veggies into every single meal, since I have really been struggling with that. I think that change in my diet was a major factor in my weight loss this week.

I have 4 days left until my 90 DAYS are up. I am setting a very strong personal goal this week to get below 200 lbs. I am so close. I have to do this. Here’s my plan:

• no alcohol for the rest of the week
• cardio everyday
• two weight training sessions (Wed, Fri)
• lots and lots of veggies

Bring it…

__________

Date: 11.4.09

Total Body Weight: 200.4 lb

Body Fat percentage: 13mm / 15.05%

Fat Weight: 30.1 lb

Lean Body Weight: 170.3 lb

Change in Lean Body Mass: +0.8 lb

Change in Fat Mass: -2.0 lb

Weekly Weight Change: -1.2 lb

Total Weight Change (Round 2): -8.6 lb

Total Body Fat Change (Round 2): -10.0 lb

Total Lean Body Mass Change (Round 2): +1.4 lb

__________

Total Weight Loss since April: -13.0 lb

Total Fat Loss since April: -19.2 lb

Total Muscle Gain since April: +6.2 lb

deghanmay:

losingweightinthecity:

Seems like all the cool kids are doing it…

Does anyone know - can I sign up for the lottery but if I dont get a number, still sign up to run with one of the charity partners?

I don’t see why not…that’s my plan anyways. I had a friend who ran with a charity this year and I know that she signed up with them in March.

I have been pumped all day after deciding to apply for entry to the NYC Marathon in 2010. It’s been a major distraction actually, since I found it hard to concentrate on anything else but planning for Nov. 7th of next year.

This round of 90 DAYS is rapidly coming to an end, and I have been really cutting the calories over the past few days. Namely because I failed to get in 5 days of cardio like I wanted to this week. Today was my last shot to make it 3 cardio / 3 weight training days, and at least I accomplished that. Hopefully I made a dent in my fat armor this week, but I’ll have to wait until morning to find out…

__________

Date: 11.3.09

Cardio Exercise (0:40)

• Warmup: 10 minute walk to gym
• StairMaster: 30 minutes (452 calories)
• Rowing Machine: 10 minutes (125 calories)
• Cool Down: 10 minute walk home

Total Calories burned: 577 calories

Food Calories consumed: 1,869

Daily Calorie Budget: 2,209

Over/Under: -339 calories

losingweightinthecity:

Seems like all the cool kids are doing it…

YES!!! Although, our chances of actually WINNING this lottery are about as good as winning the Mega Millions. I’m already looking for charities that I can sponsor…

bridgettelizabeth:

gatekeeper:(via suzywire)