FORUMS > Losing Weight Forum Rules

Hello all. Over a number of years I've packed on some bodyfat that I'm ready to get rid of. I found out that my family history on both sides indicates heart problems, so that's my number one concern. At 5'7 and 145 pounds things were okay. Now, at 210... not so good.

I've been doing some research online and through various books. Most of the current theories out there are fairly consistant: smaller, more frequent meals; eat good, 'clean' foods; HIIT cardio is a good starting place; don't neglect strength training; etc.

I've been tooling around various web personalities like Tom Venuto, Jon Benson, Vince DelMonte, and others. Primarly I like their motivational messages and the "tone" of the material - once you get past the hard sell ads, the actual info is pretty 'shoot from the hip.' Most of these sites are the kind trying to sell an e-book, and come with daily or weekly motivation tips. Some even have video clips on various fitness related topics. And I'm fine with these - I like them.

But as most of the info itself is pretty similar, the main difference is in the patter/presentation support and feeling of community that's offered.

Here's my problem. Every time they pop up with "my wife" this, or "my girlfriend" that, it takes me out of the flow and I don't feel like they're on my wavelength.

Now, I know that the information is of primary importance regardless of the source. But I have to wonder, are there any gay fitness gurus out there?

I want someone who knows what it's like dealing with body image issues in this culture, someone who has some style and personality in their presentation (and isn't trying to hit the 30+ soccer mom demographic), someone I can feel 'sympatico' with on their health/fitness views.


I stumbled on this website (realjock) doing s search for "gay fitness trainer" and I'm really glad I came across it. It certainly looks to fit the bill for "community support". But what about the gay mentors/gurus? Are there any out there?

This may seem like a really weird response to your question, but may I suggestion that there is a gay fitness guru for you. Yourself.

I have recently finished this book and have cited it several times on RJ.

The reason I like it so much is because it explains the physiology of fat storage in the human body. It tells about ingestion, digestion, metabolism, hormones, life style, stress, etc and how this all impacts packing on the fat.

And the reason I recommend it is because it is like that old saying: Give a man a fish and he eats for a meal. Teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime.

After you understand the physiology behind fat, you can make your own decisions for your own lifestyle. In other words, be your own gay fitness guru.

Then come here on RJ for the encouragement, information, exercises, and great guys.

Caslon has some good advice.

I have a couple of other suggestions as well.

1) Spend some time on http://www.bodybuilding.com. There are some awesome people there, and many of them are more than willing to give you advice. You can start a blog on there as well, and if you are an active member of the community there, people will comment, suggest and encourage you after reading your blog. You will also find guys in similar situations to you there, although maybe not all straight. There are definitely many gay folks on that site, but it is predominantly straight.

2) Similar to looking at http://www.bodybuilding.com, I recently started using Precision Nutrition http://www.precisionnutrition.com/system.html. They've got an awesome online community as well, and the product itself is amazing. If you like cooking, it's great. If you don't like cooking, the information alone is incredible. Maybe not as thorough as the book Caslon mentioned, but still pretty accessible.

Hope that helps.

Actually, thinking about this more, I would also suggest trying to find and correspond with someone on here that you admire and respect, and asking them if they'd be willing to give you advice. Or alternatively, for every question you have, post here and ask everyone what they think. There are tons of amazing and informed people on this site. Take advantage of it!