Body-For-LIFE suggestions?

[NYMets Fan]

Tomorrow I'm going to begin the Body-for-LIFE program and I was just curious if anyone's tried it yet?

I'm currently a 20-year old college student weighing in at 215lbs. I'd like to lose a good 50+ lbs before summer starts and after looking at various books in my local Borders I picked up the above. I'm pretty new to working out and while it looks demanding, its something I need to attempt. In order to motivate me, I made a big three month calander and posted it right in front of the computer in my dorm room. Having a gym on campus theres no reason to miss a single day but if I do there will be a constant reminder.

I realize this forum isn't a Body-for-LIFE forum but I read a bunch of articles here and think its a valuable resource for guys like me. I was wondering if any of you know what I should expect. The pictures in the book and website would have you believe that after 3 months of this program you'd go from looking like, well me, to a professional athlete. I'm sure these pictures are taken after years of training. I'm hoping to drop a good deal of weight before Christmas. Is this feasable or should I be looking at summer?

Also, I imagine any activity will do wonders for my body but is this enough activity? I've read many articles online that have suggested being in the gym FIVE days a week and targeting a specific muscle group or two each day. Would I be better off lifting FIVE days a week and then running TWO?

I have other questions but I'll open new topics for those.

Thanks for any help.

[Shane]

It sounds like you're in a good frame of mind for it. It's clear to see that you realize that the people in their adds are exaggerated for marketing purposes and aren't expecting miracles so that's good. I've seen some people do the BFL program and get good results with it. Nothing like the people in the ads, but good results nonetheless.

If you do the BFL program I wouldn't take the sets to failure. Stop each set a rep or two shy of failure because if you're going to failure on every set I think it will be too much. Use the first set or two of each exercise as a warm up to make sure your technique is good and worry more about pusing it on the next sets.

You could lift 5 days a week and hit one or two muscle groups each day and run 2 days a week like you said but it isn't necessarily going to work any better or worse. It's all in how you do it. I think since you're new to lifting the BFL program will be fine for you. If it doesn't feel like it's working for you after a month or so then try a different program. But I would strongly advice you to go to the journals section and start an online journal here so we can give you more direct advice. Good luck man!

[Joe Black]

Tomorrow I'm going to begin the Body-for-LIFE program and I was just curious if anyone's tried it yet?

I'm currently a 20-year old college student weighing in at 215lbs. I'd like to lose a good 50+ lbs before summer starts and after looking at various books in my local Borders I picked up the above. I'm pretty new to working out and while it looks demanding, its something I need to attempt. In order to motivate me, I made a big three month calander and posted it right in front of the computer in my dorm room. Having a gym on campus theres no reason to miss a single day but if I do there will be a constant reminder.

Hi, welcome to the forums!!

The calendar ideas is a very good thing to do. get super clear on what you want to achieve and plan out what you have to do and when. Then its all about just doing it. Most people fail due to a lack of preperation both in diet and training.

I realize this forum isn't a Body-for-LIFE forum but I read a bunch of articles here and think its a valuable resource for guys like me. I was wondering if any of you know what I should expect. The pictures in the book and website would have you believe that after 3 months of this program you'd go from looking like, well me, to a professional athlete. I'm sure these pictures are taken after years of training. I'm hoping to drop a good deal of weight before Christmas. Is this feasable or should I be looking at summer?

I would say dropping from 215 to 165 is probably a little too much and maybe even not required.

Have you had your bodyfat tested? If not I would get this done and set yourself a goal to reduce bodyfat.. It will be a better goal to shoot for. But... in general perhaps 50lb's too much. Remember the whole thing about BFL is this is a LIFESTYLE change. You have the rest of your life to continuing your new way of living so don't rush things. Take your time, get things right and be pleased with losing 1-2 lb's per week. It might not seem like a lot but keep that up for 3 months and your talking 12-25' lb's which is no achievement to be sniffed at...

Also, I imagine any activity will do wonders for my body but is this enough activity? I've read many articles online that have suggested being in the gym FIVE days a week and targeting a specific muscle group or two each day. Would I be better off lifting FIVE days a week and then running TWO?

Again, don't overdo it. Many people go way overboard when they start. They over train which does not lead to the best results anyway, but they also try and go too fast and too quick.

I would pick 3 days you can weight train. Set up a routine (I am assuming BFL has example ones if not check the WBB routines on www.wannabebig.com) and stick with it. A simple 3 day split would be good for you.

Then probably a couple of cardios per week also. I think 5 times as a total, 3 weights, and 2 cardio would be a good start) Try and move more generally also, its amazing how much this will make a difference. Walk when you would normally drive etc etc..

I have other questions but I'll open new topics for those.

Thanks for any help.

No problems, good to have you on the forums.

You might want to consider starting a journal. Its a very effective way of creating some accountability and havig experienced people comment on what you are doing each day!

[Minotaur]

Tomorrow I'm going to begin the Body-for-LIFE program and I was just curious if anyone's tried it yet?

Congratulations on committing to it. If you stick to it, it can be pretty successful. Don't tweak the program just yet. For the first time you do a 12 week cycle, follow the program as it's laid out. As you become more experienced, you can tweak it based on your results and goals. Some people just follow it forever (which it is designed for) by breaking it up into further 12 week cycles.

I did it a few years ago and had good results. So for someone just starting out, it's a good program.

Btw, pretty much everything Daniel said is right on the money.

[HobbesAB]

Don't forget nutrition. If you're not sure what to eat and how much, then I suggest the Eating-For-Life book by BP. Be sure to check out the Diet and Nutrition articles at WBB as well. With those books, the articles, and the message board, you'll be well equipped to make even greater progress.

Remember, training is important, but your diet is also important.