With all the plans, programs, gimmiks, quick fixes, etc… out there, it’s hard to decide what plan is right. I’ve read and followed “Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle” by Tom Venuto. Quite honestly, it is a great book. The thing I like about it is that it’s not really a plan, but more of a roadmap with tools to help you out. Outside of BFFM, I’ve only done things half-assed and without much education. I’d join a kick boxing class, or go riding my bike each morning, but not eat any better. Or, I’d eat good and not exercise. As I’ve said, sometimes it worked, other times not so much and every time, I went back to my old habits.
Well, 2008 was rolling up on me fast, and I knew I wanted to do something about my physical condition, but I didn’t have any ideas. One day, just before Christmas, I got a Men’s Health in the mail. Now I don’t remember signing up for MH, and none of my family owned up to it, so I’m not sure where it came from, but it came at the right time (thanks to whoever sent it!).
I didn’t pay much attention to the 2 pags that mentioned Belly Off! the first time through. But then I read them and checked out the online site. At first I was a bit sceptical, it seemed to promise so much for so little time. After looking at the workouts, and reading more about Craig and his programs, I thought differently.
The workouts looked challenging, yet attainable. They used full body motions that, when I read about the 300 workout awhile ago, seemed to be the best route for a total body reshaping. I didn’t want to just lose some weight, I wanted (still do) to reshape my body into something I never thought possible.
I’ll be honest, I’m not following the meal plan laid out for you on MH’s web site, but I am eating a lot better now. I’ve had luck with a higher carb, lower fat (60 Carb, 20 Pro & 20 Fat) diet in the past so that’s what I’m trying. If it doesn’t get the results as quick as I wanted (while still keeping realistic goals of 1-2 pounds a week), I’ll change it up.
So, the bottom line on why I chose this program is…
- It dropped in my lap
- It looked challenging, yet attainable
- The online community behind it on MH’s web site
- It fit my schedule and lifestyle
So, why did you join Belly Off! 2008 (or any previous year’s)? Let me know by leaving a comment.
It sounds like your experience was a lot like mine, the workout wasn’t easy at all easy at all. I can’t wait till I can complete the supersets twice and do all the reps. I’m curious to see if I’ll be able to do the 500 by the end of the eight weeks. Good luck and I look forward to keeping up with you in your blog!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment FloridaLou!
From reading some of the other forum entries regarding the first workouts, it sounds like we’re not the only ones who suffered.
The BW500 is a great goal to keep myself motivated. When I’m finally able to complete it, I’ll know I’ve changed my life around and I can do more than I though possible.
Good luck & take care.
Here’s why I’m doing it. … well first let me say that I’ve tried a couple other programs too, including BFFM and the ABS diet. For me, they were a little too structured and confining. I’ve decided to try and drop 20 pounds through the Bellyoff plan because it looked so easy. There’s just three basic workouts a week. For the most part, they are bodyweight exercises that progress as you improve. You don’t need to worry about adding extra weights you can’t possibly lift even though the plan says you can. And those bodyweight exercises are quite the butt-kickers. I’m a believer in the interval training portion of the cardio workout too. With the nutrition part, I like not counting calories or weighing food or any of that stuff. ‘Keep it simple stupid’ works best for me. And, like you said, it’s attainable. You can get by on that diet and always know if you really need something to eat, you can grab some carrots or something. Thanks for the Blog. keep it up and see you in 8 weeks.