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Man Loses Excuses to Gain 10 Lbs and Mental Wellness in a Year

After a 2-year workout hiatus due to a shoulder injury, a 27-year-old Reddit user documents his progress, with support from the community.

Article by Madeleine Smith

A progress pic of a 5'7" man showing a weight bulk from 160 pounds to 170 pounds. A respectable gain of 10 pounds.
M/27/5'7" [160 lbs > 170 lbs = 10 lbs] (1 year) Stopped working out for 2 years after I hurt my shoulder. Finally stopped making excuses about my work schedule and got back to the gym. Might not look like much but mentally I'm doing leaps and bounds better
Originally posted on /r/progresspics

Long Breaks Have Consequences

When Left-Ad9330, then weighing 160 lbs and 5'7", hurt his shoulder, he took a long break from working out. Almost two years later, he realized that he couldn't keep this up. It was time to prioritize his health again. He went back to the gym and documented his journey on Reddit.

Start with Small Changes

Left-Ad9330 started with small workouts, including cardio exercises and weight lifting, and gradually increased the intensity and frequency over time. He also paid attention to his diet and increased his protein intake to build muscle. By staying accountable to himself and the Reddit community, Left-Ad9330 gained 10 lbs over the course of a year.

Mental Benefits of Exercise

For Left-Ad9330, the physical transformation is only part of the story. He shared that he is now mentally in a much better place. The sense of accomplishment and discipline he gained from his workouts translated to other areas of his life. Exercise is a proven mood booster; and regular physical activity can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Support System Matters

The comments on Left-Ad9330's Reddit thread showed how a support system can make a big difference in holding yourself accountable and keeping motivated. Even though Reddit is an anonymous platform, the encouragement and positivity from strangers can be powerful. If you're starting your own fitness journey, consider joining an online fitness community or partnering up with a friend.

Takeaway: Prioritize Your Health and Take it One Step at a Time

Left-Ad9330's story shows that setbacks can happen, but it's important to keep moving forward with small changes. Recognize that the journey towards better health and wellbeing may not be linear, and that's okay. Find a workout and nutrition routine that works for you and stick with it. Remember, exercise is equally important for physical and mental health, so make it a priority.

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Madeleine Smith

Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com

Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.