29-year-old student Blake Arbelo tells Men's Health how transforming his body gave him the self-belief to change his life and chase his dreams.
I had a lightbulb moment regarding my weight shortly after finishing my university degree. I had originally planned to travel overseas to celebrate, but then the Covid restrictions came into play. After lockdown ended in Sydney, I had become fairly out of shape, so I decided that instead of spending the money I had saved on travel, I was going to invest it in myself and my health and fitness, and get something out of it that would give me long-term benefits.
I started working with Dom, a trainer at Ultimate Performance Fitness in Sydney, three times a week. I hadn't weight trained for a while, so I jumped straight in the deep end, doing resistance training with machines and free weights. I also did an additional arms and abs workout at home on the weekends. During my time at UP, Dom would give me encouraging talks, and would often point to a wall of before-and-after photos of clients and tell me "there is a spot on that wall for you." This kept motivating me to push hard to get in the best shape I could.
I also changed my nutrition. I had previously been eating out a fair bit, but I now follow a very clean diet of whole foods such as eggs, nuts, chicken, fish, beef, sweet potatoes, and a range of green vegetables. Through this process, I learned the importance of tracking your nutrition, as well as your workout.
I began my weight loss journey at around 80 kgs (176 pounds). 12 weeks later, I weigh 64 kgs (141 pounds). I started at 17 percent body fat, and finished at just under 8 percent. I have also been able to maintain my weight since finishing the 12-week transformation program, and I'm really happy about that.
My friends and family were all shocked with how quickly I began to see results. They saw how quickly this can be achieved with the right approach, which has also helped them to now take the leap forward in pursuing their own fitness goals. My brother is currently working out with a personal trainer at UP after being inspired by my transformation.
In many ways, this experience has improved my energy and how I go about my daily routine, but most of all it has really improved the way I feel about myself. It has given me a lot more confidence in how I look and feel, for example when having my shirt off in public, or just speaking to new people. I have learned to believe in myself and I would not change that for anything.
In terms of fitness, I would like to maintain my level of body fat and build some more muscle. I am also in the process of pursing my next life goal of becoming a member of the Australian federal police. This is something I never thought I would have the confidence to do or be a part of.
Anyone can change their life for the better, it's just a matter of believing in yourself If you want to get started, then just do it. You won't regret it.
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I Lost 35 Pounds and Got Shredded Abs in Just 12 Weeks of Working Out and Dieting - menshealth.com
