These pics are the result of 2.5 months of working out, utilizing the Fitness Made Simple video and Six Pack Abs. Here is an idea of how I’ve improved in those couple of months and I’m still improving:
Startup: 10/13/03
Ht: 5’5
Wt: 155lb (not in best shape)
Push Ups: 35 – 45
Bench Press: 90lbs (Free Weights)
Dumbell Incline Press: 25lbs each arm (Free Weights)
Upright Rows: 35lbs (Free Weights)
Pulldowns: 60lbs (Machine)
Current:
Wt: 150lb (a lot replaced by lean muscle)
Push Ups: 100
Bench Press: 165 – 170lbs (Free Weights)
Dumbell Incline Press: 50 – 55lbs (Free Weights)
Upright Rows: 80lbs (Free Weights)
Pulldowns: 140lbs (Machine)
UPDATED LETTER FROM ARTHUR
Good Day Mr. Basedow,
I just wanted to take the time to write and express my thanks for sharing your knowledge with us little people. I’ve actually ordered your videos Fitness Made Simple and Six Pack Abs more than a year ago but go sidetracked and was off the program for a while. I picked it back up in the last month and I have been very pleased with the results. True, our results are based on our own discipline but you have provided me with an incredible foundation to work with.
I’m a 24yr Chinese male and, in my past, I’ve had difficulty understanding how to build up (especially my arms and chest) and trim down. It’s difficult to afford a personal trainer, so I was at a loss as to what to do. Fact of the matter is, if I had not learned from FMS, I may still be doing my exercises wrong and not understanding what is necessary to progress to the level I wanted. I read tips and other routines from magazines and websites but alone they don’t give you the details you really need.
FMS gave me a real good insight on the number of reps and variety of exercises to do. In fact, to my surprise, in my last workout I benched about 20lbs more than my previous weight set. Results like that just keeps the motivation going. Within the past month my shoulders have grown, my chest expanded, and my arms became rock hard with more mass. I must say it’s been toughest for me to expand my armsand now FINALLY! My abs are more developed than I had really thought they could be. Honestly, I was extremely surprised the workouts from the Six Pack Abs did all this! I didn’t use any of the machines I see people use so often and I literally just trained my abs 10–15 minutes a day every other day or so. Now, I can totally feel how rock hard they are.
Your insights on nutrition were also extremely helpful. I’ve gotten more in the habit of understanding what’s in certain foods and watching what I eat. On the weekdays I stick to a pretty strict nutrition plan but on the weekends I allow myself to indulge a little (lots of sushi, some pizza, etc.)kinda like a reward concept so I don’t go crazy missing some of my favorite foods. Some of my friends think I’m nuts to be skipping out on certain foods on the weekdays but I keep telling them that it’s a plan for a goal. Doing this not only helps my devotion to body building but it builds my commitment to other things. If I can work hard to stick to these plans I can apply the same concept to other variables in my life.
My friends have all complimented me and even my parents have been showing me off like, “Look at my son!”. For my Chinese circle there are not many buff guys to go around. My gal friends are definitely impressed and I’ve noticed stares in my direction from some workout situations. Even my martial arts buddy has complimented on my arms now and, coming from his standards, that actually means something.
The best part was seeing one of my ex-girlfriends (still friends) and she straight up said “Geeze, you look so good I almost regret letting you go!”. Haha, she said “almost” but we had our issues. Regardless, that made my day!
I haven’t reached my goal yet – which is to look like YOU! But some day! Nonetheless it has been your workout ethics and insights that have helped me build a perfect foundation for myself. And with that I believe I can do more things I place my mind on!
ADDITIONAL LETTERS FROM ARTHUR AFTER BEING SELECTED AS A FMS SUCCESS STORY CONTEST WINNER …
John,
The man himself. Thanks for the opportunity of meeting with you in person. It was a very awesome and fun learning experience. I don’t believe I can truly describe the experience with any existing words! Thanks for all the DVDs. I now have an incredible library of knowledge to further develop my body and reach higher goals. Every time I look in the mirror or receive compliments from people about my body I will always thank you in my head. You’re a very down to earth guy and, although you are a celebrity, I feel like I can talk to you like a good friend. It was a great first time commercial experience and thanks again for the personalized autograph!
Thanks Again!
Sincerely,
Arthur
Sacramento, CA