Teaming up with his two daughters, Emma and Jessica, Kevin Youlden is on a mission for a lifestyle overhaul and prove that age is no barrier to losing weight. Read his thoughts, truimphs and tribulations...
Update 1
Saturday
Day one and our first weigh-in. Well, off to a good start! Hope everyone in the 2nd Chance group is motivated to go the distance. This will change lives!
Sunday
Tried the exercise combo, the hummingbird, recommended by The Biggest Loser Club. Not sure about the name, but a great workout along with some bike work. Think I will follow the plan for a week or so and see how it goes. Good second day.
Monday
Well, day 3 and my weight loss was a bit of a struggle, but I did keep to my calorie count and did 5 hours in the gym so I am justified in being disappointed in a 100g loss. I am committed and have energy to continue and remember I’m currently on annual leave, so it can only get harder when I return to work. Chin up and keep moving forward. I shall endure.
Tuesday
Mid week and I am sooo on track. What a great weight loss today from yesterday. Yahoo! The food is great, so satisfying and you realise how much food you don’t need in a day, especially given the calories I burn in the gym each day.
Feeling good and looking forward to the official weigh-in on Saturday. I shall succeed in this battle, because you don’t need to be continually motivated but you do need to be consistent.
Wednesday
Well, this week was so exciting. Starting the program and the weight loss journey and being flooded in most of the week. Couldn’t get out to do any walking or outside exercise but did some gym work inside to compensate. Still enjoying the Meal Replacements and surprised with the variety and taste, which is quite satisfying. Never thought I’d be a ‘shake’ person, but they are great.
My support team (my wife Kim) has been great. Couldn’t do it without her. Today we saw the sun for the first time in a week, but those downstream will be struggling with the floods. My thoughts are with them.
Thursday
To my surprise, when we arrived in Warwick, Kimmy had arranged for me to have a mini makeover. I had my hair cut and a massage (which I graciously accepted and enjoyed). I reckon I have the best support team in the competition.
Friday
Really didn’t feel like working out but once I started I was fine. MUST remember this event.
Good evening session followed by a back workout. Stretching is very important!
Food is still good and The Biggest Loser Club bars and shakes are filling. Flavours are tasty. Looking forward to our second weigh-in tomorrow. Keep fingers crossed for a good result.
Update 2
Saturday
Our family looked likely to be on top of the leader board for the first week – not too bad. Had people over and they were quite surprised with my weight loss. Good feeling to get some positive criticism. Can’t believe how many people are happy and excited to assist me in my journey.
Sunday
Well Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, but not so. However, I did take it a little easier and did only 4.75 hours of aerobic workouts. Food from The Biggest Loser Club pantry is still satisfying and I enjoyed my soup for lunch along with a salad. I will have to get back to some serious exercise this week.
Monday
Today started well with a 2-hour aerobic workout. The Warwick Indoor Recreation and Indoor Aquatic Centre (WIRAC) has offered me a sponsorship of three personal training sessions per week which I graciously accepted.
As I knew I would be in town over the lunch period I had taken a Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacement bar for lunch, which was sufficient with a bottle of water. Makes you think weight loss is all about being prepared.
Wednesday
My first Personal Training (PT) session with Brendan at WIRAC today. Well I can tell you he really made me work. He smashed me and oddly enough I enjoyed it, well afterwards anyway.
Diet is going along smoothly, enjoying The Biggest Loser Club food and sleeping well.
Thursday
Today was a little slow for me. I had sore calves from yesterday’s PT session but I still did 4.5 hours of exercise, but at a lower intensity than normal. Looking forward to another PT session tomorrow at 7:30AM. Remember it’s a 30km drive to the gym.
Friday
Had another PT session today. I was introduced to burpees – they are absolute hell! I did finally recover and go on to an afternoon and evening session (last chance work out before weigh-in tomorrow).
Jessica is still not well from tonsillitis, however, she should be back in the saddle this week. Emma is rocketing along, though she must increase her exercise soon.
Can’t wait to see the results from the other contestants tomorrow. I think I must be getting competitive.
Saturday
Well my weight loss was a little bit of a let down. I fell a little short of expectations but a loss is a loss and we look good on the leaderboard so that’s behind us. We look forward to a good week of workouts and keeping focused on the calorie count.
Update 3
Sunday
Well, not a great start to the week! I ended up at a hospital on the Gold Coast – Jessica had a massive dose of tonsillitis and had to have surgery.
At this week’s weigh-in, we didn't get as big a number as last time, but that’s to be expected in the second week. We are 2.5 per cent ahead of the other families, and that’s with one team member being out most of the week. Next week can only get better! Let’s look at today as a rest day and I‘ll be in the gym tomorrow at 0600, going for it.
Monday
Got a few comments about my weight loss at work today, which is always nice to hear.
Tuesday
Jessica was discharged from hospital today and is on the mend. Both girls have joined a 24-hour gym, which means they can train any hour of the day – great for shiftworkers!
I had a good day. My personal trainer wasn’t available, so my stand-in PT, Julie, took my boxing. I got smashed!
Thursday
Not a good record of my weight today – up 0.3kg. My diet and exercise haven’t changed, although it was very hot yesterday and I may have retained some fluid. But a weight gain is not what we want!
However, I managed to get up at 0500 and take myself to the gym for an hour of torture with Brendan. Watched what I ate closely today, so hoping for a return to normal weight loss tomorrow.
Friday
Bit of a mixed-up week this week. Can only hope for a reasonable loss tomorrow – I’ve done enough!
Saturday
The start of another week. Jessica took over the honoured position on top of the leaderboard – great stuff seeing that she was in hospital for three days! Emma was a little sad to have put weight on.
I had a good week, but could have done better. My diet is on track, but exercise needs some attention regarding intensity. I want to lose 10 per cent by my next visit to Sydney, so that’s 2.4kg in 13 days. Quite achievable, but I shall have to work for it.
Update 4
Monday
Weight is a problem this week. I must remember to include everything in my diary (which I usually do) and ensure I work hard every session.
Today was a great start to the week, with a hard PT session with Brendan from WIRAC. I really look forward to these sessions now and hope they deliver the goods.
Tuesday
My weight seems to be back on track. I’ve been watching those little calories – you know they hide in your wardrobe and stitch all your clothing together to make it tighter? Watch out for the little buggers!
Wednesday
Trying something different with my diet and doing an extra hour on the cross-trainer under instructions from Brendan. I’m aiming for a 1.7kg loss by the start of next week, which would put me on track for a 10 per cent loss before the Sydney weigh-in on Friday week. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Friday
Well, it’s the end of another week. What will tomorrow bring on the scales, I wonder? I’ve been watching my calories and made a few adjustments, including cutting out the electrolyte replacement. I think it had too much sugar anyway.
Saturday
As it turned out, I’m on track with the weight loss. The extra tweak to my diet and the extra workout in the evening has added to my loss.
On top of the leader board! YEAH!
Update 5
Sunday
It’s a very hot Sunday after weigh-in on Saturday. Did a couple of hours, but am very warm and a little concerned about dehydration, so I took it a little easier than normal. Good workout all over, though!
Emma was up this weekend and seems very motivated, as is Jessica, who worked out like a trooper today regardless of the heat.
Back on top of the individual leaderboard, but not sure for how long – Dave is closing in, as he has so much more to lose than me and is doing a good job of it. We shall see. Team Youlden is still the overall leader: yeah!
Wednesday
A good workout with Brendan today – a mix of boxing and a weight circuit. Hard work, but after it you feel like you’ve achieved something.
The That's Life magazine came out today: gee I look good! Haha!
Saturday
Tomorrow is my official weigh-in. We shall see what the scales say after the trip to Sydney and being away from home for nearly three days. I hate getting out of my routine with all the travel.
Update 6
Monday
Back home and in my routine once again. Work today, but before that I did 45 minutes in the gym and then a one-hour PT session. He smashed me once again and set some homework (two hours after work).
The Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacement bars are still sustaining me in the morning, and I think I’m addicted to the snack bars – I LOVE ’EM!
Tuesday
Worked out at home today before work, and shall do another session when I get home tonight if I don’t get overtime. The food is still enjoyable and I use The Biggest Loser Club daily. It’s all about the equation – you have to put in less than you’re using!
Thursday
The food is still sustaining and exercise is on track; however, the weight is coming off too slowly for my liking. I’m on leave next week and I think I’ll step it up a bit.
Saturday
The start of another week and the kids were over for the night. I did a work-out with Jess – she really works out hard and gets a good sweat up!
Update 7
Sunday
Rest day today. I dropped 3kg yesterday, mainly due to 5½ hours of workouts.
Tuesday
Feeling good today. I put on 100g after a very big work-out the previous day, and it’s hard not to be disappointed. However, we must look forward. Food is still on track, and I’d be lost without The Biggest Loser Club snack bars.
Wednesday
I did an interview with two local papers today, including a photo shoot. Hope it all looks good in print!
Weight continues to fall off me, but wish it could do it a little quicker given the amount of effort I put in. Patience is a virtue, they say.
My advice to anyone out there reading this is to get yourself a trainer, because you need that little person on your shoulder (sometimes a devil, sometimes an angel) helping, advising and pushing you that bit further.
Friday
Weigh-in day tomorrow. I’ve lost 1.1kg so far this week – I wanted to crack 2kg but it looks like it won’t happen. It’s getting harder to lose big numbers now that I’m getting down in weight. I’m really looking forward to cracking the 100kg barrier. It seems to be avoiding me! But with the assistance of The Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacements and hard work at WIRAC with Brendan, I’ll get there. It’s only a matter of time!
Saturday
Weigh-in day was a little disappointing, as I didn’t meet the goal I’d set myself for the week. I really wanted to be under 102kg today, as that would have been 30kg since I started my journey by myself (pre The Biggest Loser Club). However, I did manage a 1.2kg loss, so I can’t be too angry.
Update 8
Sunday
What a great weight loss today: a whole kilo overnight! Hope the scales are kind tomorrow. The diet is satisfying and I had nearly 300 calories up my sleeve after dinner. I’m eating earlier nowadays. Let’s see what changes that brings.
Monday
Well, I put on 100g today. However, I did lose 1kg yesterday, so I’ll put it down to fluid shift. My diet is getting stricter, with each calorie under scrutiny. Veggies are becoming my staple and a reduction in protein and carbs is on the agenda for the next week. Going to drink plenty of the old H2O this week.
I’ve started doing pack walks three times a week (doing one tomorrow). That’s a two-hour walk outside with a 12.5kg pack. Just delightful!
Thursday
Hit 100kg today – YAHOOOOOOO!
Saturday
Only one thing to say: YAHOOOO! This is the first time in 25 years that I’ve been under 100kg and it feels great, thanks to The Biggest Loser Club Meal Replacement products and a lot of training from Brendan at WIRAC. I don’t think I can survive without The Biggest Loser Club snack bars now.
Update 9
Tuesday
A 300g loss today – nothing to write home about, seeing as I’ve adjusted my diet. However, a loss is a loss. I seem to be chasing my tail a bit: I’m putting in an enormous amount of exercise and sticking to 1200 calories but not getting fantastic results. Not that I'm unhappy with my weight, but there are no big numbers.
Thursday
I’m taking advice from Susie Burrell regarding my diet and I'm trying hard to eat more, especially carbs, by adding sweet potato to dinner and corn to lunch. Feeling great, I’m not tired and have plenty of energy. I’m also sleeping well and exercising heaps. Remember, you can always find an extra hour in your day if you look! Work hard people.
Friday
Off to the Gold Coast for the weekend. My darling wife is taking me away to celebrate me getting under 100kg – yeah! Must be careful though.
Update 10
Sunday
My lovely wife took me away for a great weekend at the Mirage on the Gold Coast. I still worked out as much as I could, but I really can’t say I maintained my usual regime with regards to exercise and diet. We do however have to live, and I did lose 300g on Friday – but regained on the Saturday.
Now for a new week. Looking forward, I want to get to under 97kg this Saturday. We shall see!
Monday
Well, well – 400g over my official Saturday weigh-in today. Not a good start to the week, shall have to work much harder!
I’ve started running again now that I’m under 100kg. It feels good, but my number-one rule is ‘no injuries’, so I must be careful.
I’m full on with the nutrition now and every exercise session is at 100%. Only a month to final weigh-in in Sydney, and it’s going to be a close race between the Butts and Team Youlden. I love competition; however, everyone in this competition will win because all teams have done very well with their weight loss. It’s great to be part of it!
Tuesday
Team Youlden worked out together for the first time in the competition today, as the girls visited and we all had a great workout. Let’s see what the scales say tomorrow
Thursday
The girls have gone home and it’s back to training by myself till Emma returns next Monday. I enjoyed working out with my daughters and as usual Jess was going hard, while Emma surprised me with three one-hour workouts yesterday. Well done, girls!
Friday
Have not been happy with my results after the change of diet, so I’m going back to what I was doing the week I lost 2.3kg – the best loss so far in the comp. This will give me a daily carb and protein outcome which is closer to the recommended values. Let’s see next week, shall we!
Saturday
Not happy with the loss this week, considering the effort I put in. I’m going back to a higher carb and lower protein diet, which is what I was on prior to the past two weeks. I’m working out very hard, so the diet must be the downfall.
I expect to lose at least 2.5kg this week if I’m right. Let’s see!
Update 11
Sunday
Now that I’m getting my calories back under control for the amount of exercise I’m performing, have a look at the weight loss! It’s GREAT!
Monday
I’m back to my original diet of super veg and have cut out the protein at lunch and the egg for breakfast. Look at the results: I dropped almost 1.5kg over the weekend. How great is that? Now to be sure it’s not just fluid I shall have to be right on with the diet this week. Keep watching!
Wednesday
Boxing with Brendan at WIRAC today. I think I’m getting better but I know for sure he could take me out anytime. I enjoy training, especially the variety.
Thursday
Happy with my diet. I was a little tired today so I only did four hours of exercise – a couple of hours down on the schedule – but not for long. Only two weeks of the comp left, then back to normality. I will still be careful with calories but will back the exercise off to an hour five days a week.
Friday
I need to get under the 94kg mark if I’m to get close to my goal of 92kg for the final weigh-in in two weeks. I have to work much harder now to lose the kilos.
Saturday
Only two weeks to final weigh-in at Sydney. I had a great weight loss this week: hope I can back it up for the final fortnight!
Latest update
Sunday
Back to work tomorrow and only 13 days to the final weigh-in. So who’s going to be the Biggest Loser? I’m doing my best and I know in my heart I couldn’t do any better, so if it’s not me then the winner definitely deserves the podium.
Monday
We’re in our last week of full training – what will it all bring? I’m down 0.5kg since Saturday and I hope the trend continues. I would really love to be 90kg for the final weigh-in, and that’s 2kg per week for the next fortnight – a big ask?
Tuesday
I’m still losing weight by about 100 to 200g a day, which is great at this stage of the program. I want to be 90kg for the final weigh-in, but that’s 3.7kg away and there are only 10 days left. Without a huge 1-1.5kg loss in a day (which I have achieved previously), I don’t think I can get there. We shall see! I may have to settle for about 92kg, which will mean I’ve lost 40kg since September 2010. I shall however go on to get under the 90kg after the comp.
Thursday
Positive thoughts produce positive outcomes – so let’s look on the positive side of things today and see what eventuates.
Friday
One week today and all shall be revealed. I know I’ve done my best.