I found a plan of nutrition and training that fit my criteria in a book called "Body for Life"by Bill Phillips of EAS. He outlines a 12 week program of nutrition, aerobics, and weight training that anyone can follow. No previous knowledge or experience with weight training is necessary.The book provides all the information anyone would need, from photos and descriptions of the exercises, to forms for charting daily progress. Phillips offers 24 hour per day consultation with his staff at EAS. There is no excuse for not being able to follow the plan. He has removed them all!
On July 19, 1999 I began my body transformation. I charted my progress on this website. Phillips books is full of testimonials from regular people who, like me, got tired of being out of shape, and decided to really go for it. I was inspired by these stories and hoped to duplicate their results. Each week I shared pages from my fitness journal (see below).
Unfortunately, I did not get the kind of results the book promised. I lost some body fat, that's true, but not in a significant way. After the spurt of fat loss around week 5, there has been no appreciable fat loss. Working out has continued to build muscle and I am stronger. That part of the program was successful. I do have more energy, and I got many spiritual, emotional, and mental gifts from the process: commitment, discipline, overcoming blocks. In many respects, the program was worthwhile and I am glad I completed it.
However, I do not have my best body ever, so back to the drawing board. I did consider doing another 12 weeks of the Phillips program, but to be honest, I simply cannot eat that much meat protein for another 3 months.
Fitness Journal
Week one - overcoming gym anxiety and other revelations.
Week two - body consciousness and gathering support
Week three - public showers and a setback is actually progress
Week four - frustration and getting engaged
Week five - dealing with adversity and keeping personal commitments
Week six - adapting my routine and inspiration from the uninspired
Week seven - increased energy and martial arts
Week eight - planning for success on vacation
Week nine - all dressed up and nowhere to work out
Week ten - back to the plan
Week eleven - a pain in the neck
Week twelve - finished!