At Long Last: Unveiling "the NEW Ken
Hey there, folks,
As many of you know, I took on a pretty big project back in January. I found myself a personal trainer and got my butt into the gym in order to do a six-month "get fit" project for "Frontiers" newsmagazine. In all actuality, the magazine story was just my way of forcing myself to do something I've always wanted to do but was kinda scared of (the result of left-over issues from my days being picked on and pushed around in high school gym class)--and also a way to get a trainer at a reduced cost. :)
Well, the project went a little longer than six months (seven and a half, to be exact), and now the "results" are in. On Friday, I drove out to Malibu with well-known industry photographer Greg Lenzman (aka "Mocha"), and we went to this great little spot underneath the old abandoned pier right off the PCH. It was a great spot where the waves were crashing against the pier poles, and there was seaweed everywhere. We did a series of nearly 350 shots with me in various poses and clothing, and I'm VERY happy with the results. When I saw the pics later, I was almost speechless. I almost didn't believe the guy in the pictures was me. I felt like a big ol' porn star!
This is actually just the first of three shoots that Mocha and I will be doing. The others (one in the gym on and around the equipment and one in this really cool alley that I know in L.A. for standard headshots) will be done later this week, but the beach shoot is the one where you can really see the results of my workout regimen. I've been going five nights a week and really pushing myself, and I've totally trimmed up in every area of my body, plus FINALLY developed some much-needed muscle content in my arms, shoulders and chest. (Meanwhile, my legs and ass are AMAZING! I can't tell you how many comments I've been getting on my butt lately. It's all firm and hard. Haha)
Of course, I'm far from being at the "end point" of this. I'm not where I want to be in terms of my body just yet. I still want to add a lot more definition to my upper body, but I finally have a really solid foundation from which to build from. Seven months ago, I had a double chin, a rather noticeable belly, and no muscle definition at all. All that has changed, and I'm very excited to see just how my body will continue to evolve and change in the months ahead as I embark on the second phase of my "get fit" project. I'm joining L.A. Fitness and plan to continue on my own now, but will also see my trainer at least two to three times a month just to check in. I LOVE working out with him, because he totally engages me and keeps me focused. I would love to keep seeing him regularly, but I simply can't afford to pay full price now that the magazine project is over.
Anyway, I will be turning in the final installment of my three-part story this week, and I'll send a link when it's published. Doing this has changed my life in SO many incredibly profound ways. I'm a much more confident, more connected person than I was before. Not nearly as socially awkward or nervous around new people. Everything just kind of fell into place once I faced my fears and began to conquer them. I've never been happier in my entire life. Yay me!
Anyway, enough already with all the commentary. If you're interested in seeing how I've changed, check out the before and after shots in the links included below.
Before pics (and pics of me working out in gym): http://imageevent.com/lalalifer/kensgetfitprogrampics
Malibu beach "after" pics: http://imageevent.com/lalalifer/kensafterpics
Take care all!!!
XOXO,
Hollywood Ken
