"You should get your body fat measured."
I'd been exercising for a few years and feeling stronger and more fit, but I really wanted to see a trainer again. It was time to evaluate my progress. At that time I tended to gravitate toward my favorite exercises when left to my own devices. My wife Kelley suggested I get my body fat measured.
I found out my body fat was 10.4%.
I didn't have a good concept of body fat at the time, and this really helped me understand that my percentage was really good. I was having fun working out and it didn't seem like work. I've always had a dominantly muscular physique, but that was the beginning of my understanding of just how my body was responding to consistent exercise and clean eating. The trainer I saw to get my body fat measured was Chris Caudy. He told me he could have me ready for a bodybuilding competition coming up in 10 weeks. I'd never even been to one, much less thought about competing.
Why not? I decided I'd do it.
On Mondays and Wednesdays I trained for 30 minutes at a time with Chris, and he literally kicked my tail. I lifted weights, performed bodyweight exercises I'd never even considered, and ran sprints. Sometimes I got in my truck and barely had enough energy to push the gas and brake pedals. Shocking my body like that caused more fat to drop off. On Fridays I worked out on my own. There is a lot more detail to share, which I will do throughout this blog, but I competed 10 weeks later around 8.4% body fat, and did pretty well!
The best part is that I was 58 years old and feeling great. It is NEVER too late to get started. No matter what your current condition is, there is always something you can do to improve through balanced nutrition and exercise, whether you decide to step on the stage at a bodybuilding competition or not!
How did you get started? Leave me a comment. Are you trying to figure out where to start? Contact me. I'll help in any way I can.
