I think that's how a lot of people start... chuck a few weights around the gym, get "beach" fit, then think, actually... I wonder how well I could do.... I know that's the truth for me. I only started really hitting the gym hard a year ago, though I've been going for a couple of years previous, but stuck to machines and cardio as well as other sports. I was then bitten by the bug and spent some time in the free weights room. It is now my home. I wish I had a picture of me before I started, but I was around 13.5st maybe only around 13 (I'm 6'1"), which isn't too slim as I've always been naturally slightly broad and thick set, however I'm now comfortably over 15st which has happened in little over a year of hard training, most of which was really towards the last 6 months when I've really started to push myself. I won't ever take it seriously enough to load myself with lots of supplements bar whey which I think is just a sensible supplement for your body after some hard training. However my diet's improved tremendously (though it's always been very good) and my sleep/eating pattern has improved as a result. Also starting a new career where I'm not spending 7 months of the year abroad has helped me dedicate my concentration on my fitness. I now can see how well I've done. I used to struggle benching 60kg for 8! Now I have the time (albeit I work long hours) it feels amazing to see and feel my progress. The thing is I can actually see it now, and I do feel so much more confident and stronger as a result - I have developed a little narcissism but it's not a bad thing. I just wish I wasn't such a hairy ****er but I've developed enough that people see the bulk before my fur
It's a great feeling being able to help friends with moving/lifting things too, or simple tasks like moving patio slabs are now a 1 man job rather than 2, labour and power intensive jobs can now be achieved in a way that I used to think were superhuman. I don't feel indestructible, but I'm certainly feeling a lot tougher than I used to be. And to think I used to be in the 1st XV at school! I know there are a lot of "big" or even "overweight" people out there than make me look small, but I am starting to very much feel like more of a beast. I love it!
