I’ve only just started exploring your web sites and I’m new to your newsletter. I just finished reading your “Get Rid of Flabby Arms and Belly” article. I was pleased to see your advise on starting where you are and work into the full on exercises. Because I have been out of shape for years and have and since last year I have ssslllooowwwlllyyy worked at the intemediate type exercises. Since I work away from home on a tight budget I have been studying body weight exercises (I’m not fond of gyms any way) . I felt like a whimpy marshmellow last year when I puffed out to 270 -290 lbs (while eating at restraunts) and had trouble doing half push ups and curls. I kept at it and although I haven’t progressed through all the steps you suggest, I can now do shallow military push ups and sit ups again and have dropped down to a mear 230 lbs. Last year I wore size 46 pants and now size 42 is getting loose on me.

I am looking forward to reading more of your articles and watching your videos online. I’m sure I need to improve my exercise techniques and try new exercises as my strength improves. My first goal is to become functinally fit; I have an active six year old son who needs a fitter father. I would like to loose the rest of my paunch in the process and I would like to see the scale stop at 200 lbs in the near future. I hope to drop even more than that and eventually hit 185-186 lbs again (that was my weight going into and coming out of USAF bootcamp about 30 years ago. I know the weight was put on slowly and will come off a little at a time as well as long as I keep working at it.

Thanks for putting your info out there.

Dennis.

Ray, I’m getting frustrated and discouraged at lack of results. I’m 43 and I’ve always been in exceptional shape (I work out regularly – 3 – 4 times a week – though I don’t follow a program I basically do whatever I think I need to do), however this year I’ve put on 5 lbs that will not move. I’ve been 122lbs for 10 years but now am 127 and I feel horrible with the extra weight.

I haven’t been as disciplined this year – I’ve been bored at the gym, cutting out early and not working as hard, and that’s what I attribute the gains to (gains in fat, losses in muscle). I’ve put the weight on in my lower abdomen/waist, tricepts, and inner thighs and my underarm area is looking flabby — geez, it’s all over by the sounds of it!

I’ve increased my cardio to an hour 3 – 4 times a week (I hate cardio…I get bored and restless so I hit a few different machines). I’m getting back on track with my weight training…and I’m hitting those tricepts as you’d recommended to firm up my upper arms. I almost think my abdomen is bloated-it just will no flatten out. It feels tight when I suck it in, but there’s fat on top…are there foods that I should avoid to see if this is bloat or fat? I eat fairly well, ie, if I’m guilty of anything, it’s eating prepared foods (heat n serve) and alcohol – though I try to keep that down.

Ray, I’ve never felt/looked so out of shape, and I need to get back to my svelt self asap. I hate to think any of this is attributed to aging….!!! I’ve realized how attached my self confidence is to my weight….and I want to get back to exceptional. I appreciate any direction you can offer. I think the abdomen responding the least, and that’s frustrating me. It’s just flab!! Help!

So after reading your email, I added you to the newsletter and will put up a permanent newsletter signup box so if won’t happen to any one else!

When I first started reading, there was a pop up that offered a free email from you. Being anti-commital, I closed it, but after reading the info, I’d like to join and receive your tips and advice.

I looked around the site, but wasn’t able to find where I would sign up. I even closed out and re entered the site hoping it would pop up again, but it didn’t.

You have my email, so if you can, please put me on the list.

Thanks for all that you do!

Wendy

-Ray