And the Results are in!

I always love those small-font disclaimers on television ads.

"Professional driver on a closed course."  

"Fictionalization." 

"Wim Hoff is a professional. You are not. Do not attempt." 

But there's one that gets my hackles up:

"Results not typical."

You know the ones I'm talking about.  Every weight loss commercial out there.  They want you to buy their product, but then don't offer the results.  They show you exactly what you want to see in "before" and "after" pictures, but are quick to point out that they probably can't get you there.

As I've said in previous posts, Michelle and I are results-oriented.  So, when we made our choices on selecting a training and nutrition program, we sought out people for whom results are not only typical, but expected.  And I'm sure you feel the same way.  If you're going to continue investing your time in visiting with us, then you probably want to know "does this stuff really work?"

Us before we started.  A little painful to look at now

By the numbers:

July 2012:

• Michael: 159 lb., 14.5% body fat, 33+" waist.
• Michelle: 154 lb., 33% body fat, size 10

January 2013:

• Michael: 147 lb., 6.9% body fat, 29" waist.
• Michelle: 127 lb., 18% body fat, size 4
• Both: increased percentage and total weight from lean muscle mass

Let me put this in perspective.  These numbers represent the best shape of our adult lives!  We haven't looked or felt this good - well - ever.

But wait, there's more!

July 2012:

• Frequent heartburn (Michelle)
• Chronic low back pain (Michael)
• Trouble sleeping/staying asleep (Both)
• General lack of energy, "roller coaster" energy, paired with "food comas" (Both)
• Sagging self-esteem, body image (Both)

January 2013:

• No heartburn
• No back pain
• Sleep like the dead! (and love it!)
• Plenty of energy, all day, every day - no "low spots"
• Loving posting progress pics!

This time, results are typical.

I believe that Michelle and I are pretty much dead center of the bell curve in terms of genetics.  Our parents are in marginal health, we are of average height and build, and we didn't really take that great care of our bodies throughout our twenties and thirties.  I'm a statistics guy.  The bell curve principle says that about 65% fall within the "hump" of the bell curve.  That means, as a population, they're similar to "average us".  15% should be somewhat better in performance and 15% should be somewhat worse.  At either end, 2% each comprise the top and bottom performers.  That means that 98% of people should see at least "some good" results from adopting a program like ours.  Those are pretty good odds.

The time is now.

Let's face it: we aren't getting any younger.  But that doesn't mean we have to accept the conventional mythology that we are in decline and shouldn't expect anything better.  Our health forms the foundation of every aspect of our lives: work, play, financial planning, longevity, and setting an example for the future.  No matter how busy we are, there's just no escaping the fact that health is an overriding priority.

In future posts, we will be sharing a list of motivators for you to examine and compare to your own life, as well as some very specific guidance on getting started.  

Remember: The best "you" that you can be. Period.