So I hired a personal trainer....

[Lerxst]

I’m getting ready to go on another eight week 5x5 starting Monday after taking the summer off. Looking forward to it. My weight has dropped by two pound over the summer, now at 207.

Right on Don!

 

[Khayembii Communique]

Well I don't plan on stopping my lifestyle. 185 is a number on a scale and a reasonable goal for me to hit. As far as then what, I'll just have to see. Maybe some day I will hit 8% body fat, I just don't know...at the rate I'm going it will be a couple of years at least it seems. My body fat percentage is not something I'm really tracking that much because it seems to be somewhat inconsistent in terms of readings. I checked into a Bod Pod test but decided the mirror was a better fit for me given my goals. I just feel really healthy and positive right now and thats what I'm after at this point. I set attainable goals and go after them. I honestly don't have a "long term plan" other than to be healthy, get stronger, and faster.

Good choice. The mirror is king, measuring actual bf% is a waste of time and money and is rarely accurate. Just don't look at it too often. I suggest taking weekly photos because you see yourself so often throughout the day that the progress is sort of masked without them. It's good for motivation, too, to see how much fatter you looked 20 or whatever pounds ago.

Bodybuilding is pretty simple when it comes down to it. Lift at least 3 times a week regardless of your plan. For diet, if you want to lose weight eat at a 500kCal deficit; for gaining muscle (bulking) eat at a 500kCal surplus. Make sure you're getting enough protein (~1g per lb lean body mass) and that's about it.

The reason that I'm saying this is because you're clearly making progress, and doing the exact same amount of work, over time, you could look like a Greek god. Anyone can; it's just that almost nobody is interested in putting in the work. You've already got that part down by developing the habits, all you have to do now is take a few minutes each week to track your progress and plan accordingly. I'm saying this because you sound like you think 8% is some unattainable figure for you when it's really not, it just takes time, but you'll get there eventually doing what you're already doing.

For motivation, before:



After:



You can do this. I am.

 

[Donc]

[video]http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-september-14-2011/the-plight-of-muscled-americans[/video]

Sadly I think this is the where Lerxst is will find himself pretty soon. Hope not.

 

[Lerxst]

Epic don!!!!