Getting Fit at 26

[chrisw87]

As per codes advice, +1.

Regarding your figures, you are slightly slimmer than me when I started working out (I was just shy of 263lbs, 6'2, unsure on accurate bodyfat).

It took me I think now close to 14 months and I am 178lbs as of today (22.9 bmi, I don't follow bmi though), just shy of 13-14% bodyfat but still with a little flab over my lower abs. Though saying that, it is only in the centre near my belly button, the surrounds are beginning to show muscle.

I will probably hit around the 170-175lbs mark around August when I hopefully enlist, and don't really want to go below that (ideally, 170lbs with current muscle tone, but would like to hover around the 190lbs mark with current bodyfat).

Have fun and enjoy yourself. Progress should be gradual, but don't let it let you lose your motivation, all things come with time and effort.

 

[MawellEvans]

try lots of different things. keep moving and realize that this is not a quick fix. it is a lifestyle change. if it doesn't fit into your daily life you will come to resent working out. don't force fit it.

 

[Bry Bry]

I don't keep to any specific regimen. I just run and try to eat the best I can. And I'm in amazing shape according to my doctor. So the best thing is to not overexert yourself to where you'll become tired and not want to bother with exercising.

 

[chrisw87]

Thanks guys

I guess that's better than the 350 lbs I used to be 4-5 years ago, I just want to comment I once was 205 pounds but I looked awful, some stupid people were saying I had aids or diabetes, I truly looked awful, But I blame it to the fact I never worked out, it was just based on diet.

So my goal is to get at 220-225 but with a healthy body fat and of course with a decent/normal/human shape

So my new questions are:
Do I have to lose body fat first and gain muscle mass after?
No, while people claim its easier to bulk up with muscle then lose fat, I did both at the same time (though wasn't hugely focused on muscle building, just getting fitter and losing fat). Doing plenty of strength exercises will help in any case, muscle fights fat, and also prevents your body looking messy after weightloss.
Can't be done at the same time?
What would it be a healthy percent body fat at 220-225?
I always maintain that 13-20% is a healthy range, too little fat is just as bad as too much. Don't focus too much on it, but enjoy the trip down. SPEAKING of people making fun of you when you were 200lbs, I think I have a similar body to yours. When I hit 200lbs, my face became a bit gaunt looking (no more chubby cheeks) however it progressed no further, it is just where my weight really came off first.
Am I over ambitious?
Hell no, shoot for the moon. Keep high ambitions, but ones that are acheivable. Getting fit and ripped over a set period of time (6-15 months for weight loss, muscle takes a bit longer depending on your goals). As long as your goals aren't to look like a professional bodybuilder then they are achievable

What should be my inmediate goal?
Get into a regular pattern of exercise and let your body adapt to the new hobby. Similar goes for your diet, there is no such thing as a 'diet' except in the literal sense of what you actually eat. Make a lifestyle change in your eating habits, but take it progressive and let your mind and body adapt (possibly cooking skills too, I know mine had to adapt a bit).

For weightloss or fitness goals, it should be a firm goal, ie. "by this month I will be this weight or lifting this weight" however make it realistic, for example, weight loss - maybe 1.0 - 1.5kg loss per month (40lbs in 12 months). A weightloss goal such as that will make the changes less dramatic on your body and make it easier to maintain your progress. Remember, getting fit should be a lifestyle change, not a short 'diet'.

Have fun with it, and invest in a good set of digital weight scales, I love mine (they aren't 100% accurate with bodyfat, muscle weight etc, but they provide a reliable set of numbers to work off)

Sorry for the bad english.

Replies in bold within the quote

 

[cocksucker4use]

Dude, go to a gym...any gym, and you will find a wide variety of ages, shapes, sizes. I belong to three...a Gold's and a 24-hour and a private club by my house. There are guys in their 50's, 60's and older. I would say 26 is a little below average for guys I see there.

 

[AlmondMilk]

Never too old. I know people in their 30s and 40s who decided to go on that journey.