Body for Life

Posted Sun Sep 30, 2001 in

I just got back from my morning workout. Daughter and I go to Gym-X three times each week to use the weight training facilities. We get there at about 0515 — very early. We had a great workout this morning, although both of us were flagging at the end.

I admit that I started it. Back last fall (Fall 2000), when my family was struggling so with Older Son’s problems, I was having a very hard time. I was also at my greatest weight ever, nearly 200 pounds. Thanksgiving was a very hard time and Older Son was in very bad condition. I never felt worse in my life. I really thought I was going to have a heart attack or something equally bad.

[Ahhh, coffee’s now ready… Yummmm, that’s good!]

Anyway, just about Thanksgiving, we were at the Goedeke branch of the Lubbock Public Library and I saw a book on the new books rack called Body for Life by Bill Phillips. I picked it up and flipped through it while Wife and Young Son were looking through the books for their picks. In less than five minutes, I realized this program was something I could do.

I was definitely at a point where I needed to do something. The pressures of work and family were reaching critical mass and there was going to be an explosion (or implosion). In any event, I checked out the book and took it home with me. It only took me a couple of hours to read through it the first time. My friend (and physician) Griff, lent me two of Phillips’ videos on body building and how he came to the approach put forth in Body for Life. The videos were inspiring, because they depicted real people who used Phillips’ approach to make life-changing decisions.

You may call it my subconscious if you like, but I heard that small, still voice that I attribute to the Spirit of God whisper “this is my gift to you.” I knew I needed something for an outlet. I also knew that I needed to let go of the responsibility for Older Son’s problems; that responsibility lies with him and him alone. (Let me tell you, that is a hard place to get to!) I already had a used Soloflex that I bought at a garage sale. I talked to my doctor who gave me the “go for it” talk (thanks Griff), and planned to start my program on 04 Dec 2000.

I had a few setbacks along the way, primarily travel and work, but I completed my 12 weeks 15 March 2001, about two weeks behind schedule. I lost about 20 pounds, felt tons better, and had more energy than I had had in about 15 years. I continued to work out over the summer, but not with the dedication I had last spring.

Today marks the beginning of my second 12-week program. Daughter and Son-in-Law have been going for about four weeks now. They got started because of me. Son-in-Law is doing great. Daughter amazes me. She’s just a little bit of a thing, but has managed to increase her strength considerably and I love watching her determination to push through the burn. I’ve been weight training with Daughter for about three weeks now. I haven’t looked to see what my end date will be, but I will do that and get my records together. Part of the program is a core record keeping program. It’s not difficult or time consuming, but it gives one a benchmark and a way of assessing problems should something not go as planned.

Phillips’ program is not new, and he promotes the EAS brand of supplements exclusively. Clearly, it’s part of the marketing plan for EAS. That said, the program is solid, the recommendations for supplementation are logical, the exercise program is well laid out, and Phillips is an excellent motivator. For someone who has not done extensive research into the dynamics of strength training and the body-builder’s diet, this is a great place to start. I learned a lot (and I’ve done a lot of research) and still can recommend his book and his program.

The support web site is at www.bodyforlife.com and it’s an interesting site. Many BFL’ers leave message on the bulletin board celebrating their successes.