Healthy Living in Connecticut Blog

Matt Manning made the national news a month or so ago, when he won $50,000 in a bodybuilding.com contest. I contacted him because I wanted to learn more about his incredible transformation and how he did it. He agreed to do an interview for the blog. I thought his story could inspire others who think they can't get in shape because of age, work or other issues. Matt proves that with hard work and determination, you can transform your body and improve your health.

Matt's story inspires me on a personal level as I'm trying to tighten my skin with the strength training. He didn't have as much weight to lose as I did, and I know my skin was stretched out for many more years than his. But still, it gives me hope that maybe I too will have tighter abs after all this weight loss.

I'm doing so much strength training, I thought I should begin taking pictures of my progress as I go along.

My arms feel like they are getting stronger. I know the amount of weight I've been lifting has been increasing. Hopefully you can see the improvement. I haven't been taking pictures of my progress, but maybe if I start now, I can see if there's a difference in my arms/

I've worn a pedometer everyday for over two years now. I've been getting 10,000 steps a day everyday since then (with the exception of one day when I was sick last year). So you can imagine the panic I felt when I noticed my pedometer was missing!

A while ago, I was writing about possibly giving up the pedometer, but I never did. There were so many challenges that required one, that it's gotten to be such a habit to wear it. Plus, I think it motivates me to make sure I'm moving enough.

I had my training today and it was another intense workout! He really worked me hard today. I probably sweat gallons, it was a tough workout!

I was doing stair climbing while holding onto a 35 pound bag of sand, three burpees with weights and two bear claws (walking across the floor like a bear), doing these exercises for a total of six minutes. I think I did well getting through his routine 3.33 times.

My training is getting more challenging! My personal trainer brought up the intensity today and it was INTENSE! Before we began the session he told me it was going to be a tough workout… he wasn't kidding.

Before starting the workout, my trainer checked my diet from the food journal I use. He didn't have much to recommend that I change with the exception of getting some more protein. I think he's impressed with my diet as he told me he tried a vegan based protein powder as opposed to the usual whey protein he's been having.