At 112.3kg Michael needs to cut the kilos and get fit to be accepted into the army. He'll have brother and team partner Chris there for him when the going gets tough.
Update 10
This week has been awesome! I have a letter from the GP that says that my BMI is now 28 so I can finally apply for the army. My energy levels are high and I feel so much better for it!
I went to a 21st birthday celebration and got caught up with a lot of people that I hadn’t seen for a while and I couldn’t believe people’s positive reactions. Some people didn’t recognise me and I am almost hugged out! It was a great calorie-free reward to see the smiles on peoples’ faces and hearing how proud they are of me! Needless to say, I am still really motivated and I am aiming to get under the 80kg mark this week!
Update 9
This week has been surprising. I was a bit easy on the exercise and didn’t think I would lose too much so it was a nice surprise to have lost 2kg. I must admit that I have struggled a bit to get into my training zone for a few weeks now and I am starting to feel a bit flat when I exercise, but I am still pushing myself. I refuse to go at it half-hearted or just give up.
I might be able to catch up with Craig and Jodie this weekend, which will be great! I might also do the 1000 Steps again and hopefully in a faster time. I can’t believe I am pushing towards a 30kg loss. Initially I aimed for about 35kg and didn’t think I would get anywhere near it.
Update 8
This week has been busy; I was a bit slack on the food side of things over the weekend, but I made time for extra training sessions and managed to stay on track. We have our first practise footy match on Friday night so I am very keen to test myself. Actually, I have found that my exercise program is getting a little too easy, so I need to start to step things up this week. I am hoping to start bringing in some big numbers again soon as the competition is hotting up!
Update 7
This week has been very successful. I have finally reached my 20% goal and I am stoked to be under the 90kg mark! I caught up with a few mates I haven’t seen in a while and they couldn’t believe their eyes which was a good feeling. They have particularly noticed a big boost in my confidence.
I also got into contact with the army and am getting things under way to continue my application. I am enjoying basketball (something different which I wouldn’t have tried a couple of months ago) and footy training is going well.
Update 6
This week has been very exciting! Getting to catch up with all the other contestants in Sydney was great and seeing everyone and the results they have achieved so far was unbelievable!
I played my first game of basketball, which has been another way to exercise and have fun with friends.
With some hard work and good diet this week I’m confident I can get under 90kg, which would make my BMI 30.7, which is only 0.7 off the army's requirement (just 2kg away). Fingers and toes crossed!
Update 5
I have finally made it to a weight of less than 100kg which has given me some extra drive to keep things going. It also takes me half way to a BMI of 30 (which is what the army entrance requirements are) and it’s great that I can now do the required 45 sits-ups that the army stipulate!
I am still without my trainer, but this is a good thing in a way because I have had to motivate myself and find other ways and other people to work out with. I have really started to notice that my clothes are getting loose (my ‘blueys’ now look more like dresses on me). Hooray!
I had a phone call from Craig and Jodie who are planning a bit of a catch-up, so am looking forward to that.
Update 4
This week I have had to work without my personal trainer which has been a bit difficult because the good results I’ve seen so far have been my main motivator. Being 600 grams away from my 10% weight-loss target and weighing under a hundred kilos this coming week is what I am aiming for right now.
On the food side of things I’ve found a good routine that works for me. I have also found some healthy snacks that I enjoy and because of the variety, I don’t get bored either. I know I will have to ease up a bit on the treats, though.
I really like it when people say things like, ‘I can’t believe how good you look!’ and ‘Wow, I can really tell that you’re losing weight!’ These have been great to hear. To be positively commented on about my weight and how I look is a nice change from being ridiculed for my looks.
Update 3
Whoops! Didn’t find the time to enter my diary this week...
Update 2
Week two for me has been great. I have started to get used to the Meal Replacements and have also noticed some improvement in my fitness. It is so good to finish my workout and still have some energy left to put into other things! Although I am not noticing a great deal of weight loss I have had quite a few comments from people who have noticed the difference in me and that has eased my mind. As much as I thought it would never happen, I am also enjoying the exercise and sometimes I even look forward to it!
I am a little worried about week three as I have a week of leave from work. It will be a big challenge for me to stick to my routine. I’ll let you know at the end of week three!
Update 1
Although I have been very keen to get started (and see the results!), I must admit that I have struggled to adjust to the diet program. However, the support of friends and family, I have stuck with it and given it a good go.
The physical side of the program has been tough, but I am still enjoying it because my trainer has been awesome to work with; he has made every session enjoyable. It was good that my brother and team mate Chris joined us for a session as we don’t train together much. I am already seeing some results from the program and exercise. I have a lot more enthusiasm for it and am beginning to enjoy it.
My sister is also having a go at the program and I have tried to give her a bit of a hand in getting started. I am very keen to see how she goes!