There's no time like the present when it comes to getting fit. However, it also helps to have a partner to help get things going. That's why 32-year-old photographer Jesse decided to bring his immediate family together in a joint weight-loss program.
Jesse and his significant other were about to become first-time parents when he decided it was time that everyone join forces and get fit together. He documented their incredible journey over the course of six months. Read on to see the inspirational results and to learn how they did it.
The Family Before
Here is a photograph of Jesse, his pregnant significant other, and his parents. All four were the ones involved in the weight loss challenge. As you can see, none of them were severely overweight to the point that it was a medical emergency.
Each one has a round gut but otherwise looks average-sized. However, just because they looked fine doesn't mean that they felt fit. The most important part of any fitness journey is how you feel.
The Amount Of Weight Lost
Jesse created this image to better showcase the family's weight loss by individual. He lined up the top half of an after photograph with the bottom half of a before picture. While his wife's top half lines up almost exactly, there obviously isn't a baby in her belly anymore.
His mother's back seems to have shrunk significantly, as did Jesse and his father's stomachs. His father lost the most weight with about 55 pounds, followed by the new mother at 45 pounds. Jesse and his mother were able to shred about 20 pounds each.
The After Photo
While the family's before photo didn't seem overly shocking, this image of the group after six months of working out reveals how far they've come. Their stomachs look completely flat, while their posture has straightened up significantly.
Their faces are less round, allowing their jawlines to be more pronounced. Jesse and his father are wearing tight shirts that reveal their newly-defined muscles. His dad, in particular, looks much younger thanks to his sleek physique.
Day 1
This photograph sheds some light on how much fitness can impact your emotional well-being. While Jesse and his father don't look severely depressed, they also don't seem terribly happy. The start of a long journey can be rough.
It isn't easy to change your life around and stick to healthy habits. However, that's exactly what both of these men did. Jesse's sign indicates that this photograph was taken on March 20, 2017. Let's see how the men looked two months later.
Day 60
After just two months, Jesse and his father had clear results. Both of them now have defined abs where there once were none. Their waistlines have dropped considerably, especially the father's. Both men have more muscle tone in their arms, as well.
You can tell that they've been working out in addition to dieting, meaning that they're adding muscle at the same time that they're shedding pounds of fat. Some people would have been content to stop at this point, but not these two.
Day 180
Jesse and his father made an impressive transformation in six months. In half a year they accomplished a level of fitness that some people are never able to attain. Both men look in shape with their washboard abs and lean muscles.
You can see how much more toned Jesse's shoulders, chest, and abs are now as a result of his body being put to the test physically. His father looks significantly younger and barely seems old enough to be the father of an adult.
Boxing Is Harder Than It Looks
Jesse and his father incorporated a variety of workouts into their training plan, including boxing. While the sport seems as simple as throwing a few punches, it's far more challenging than it looks.
Anyone who's ever tried boxing knows how quickly you become winded. That's because you're incorporating the strength of multiple muscles to pack as much force into a punch as possible. The sport is an excellent source of both cardio exercise and muscle building.
Father And Son, Running Partners
In addition to boxing, Jesse also posted multiple photographs of him and his father running side by side. Running outside provides much-needed fresh air and can also be more challenging than exercising on a treadmill since there isn't anything assisting your momentum.
Having a running partner can be a huge help when you're trying to lose weight since it's easier to take walking breaks when there's no one by your side keeping track of the pace with you.
Healthy Competition
In addition to running and boxing, Jesse also posted photos of himself training his father with weights. The combination of strength and endurance training with varied approaches explains how the two were able to achieve such toned bodies in no time.
However, one of the most important parts of training is your motivation. Seeing results can encourage a person to keep going, but everyone has to start somewhere. For Jesse and his father, a little bit of healthy competition could have helped the two men stay on track.
He Looks Years Younger
Of all of the before-and-after photos that Jesse posted with his father, we think that this side-by-side of his father alone may be the best one. It captures the transformation perfectly.
The before photo shows a man with a round stomach and face who doesn't appear to have much of a fitness regimen. The after photo shows someone who not only looks athletic, but also appears to have the body of someone far younger than he actually is.
No More Touching Tummies
This humorous photo shows the playful nature of Jesse's family, even as they approached their weight loss. When it comes to losing weight, it's important not to get down on yourself. His parents laughing over their touching tummies is a positive reminder that needing to lose a few pounds is nothing to be ashamed of.
The pose also does a great job of illuminating the weight that Jesse's parents lost around their waistlines. It also goes to show that Jesse's mother didn't have to lose as much weight as her husband to still attain a healthier physique.
Fit After Pregnancy
Some women fear that having a baby will destroy their physique. While pregnancy impacts each woman's body differently, it's never too late to become fit and healthy. This photo of Jesse's wife in the produce section of the grocery store is a reminder than eating right can go a long way.
Her before photograph shows her round stomach and fuller face near the end of her pregnancy. Several months later, she's slimmed down and holding on to her precious baby.
No Shortcuts
Though Jesse hasn't been the most candid about what diet and exercise plan he and his family stuck to, it's possible that he's doing so on purpose. Many people look to social media influencers to give them the special "secret" to weight loss.
While weight-loss fads have come and gone, the thing that's remained true throughout is that diet and exercise work. It does take commitment and self-control, but that's why it's so important to have a support group like Jesse and his family had in each other.
From March To April
For those who are having a hard time getting started, it can be helpful to see what major change can happen in as little as a month with enough focus. Jesse took the first photograph in March, when the family started their journey.
The second photograph is in April, exactly one month later. While he would go on to shred even more body fat and further tone up, Jesse already looks significantly more fit and clearly spends some hard time in the gym.
Like Father, Like Son
Kids get more than just their genes from their parents. Habits also can be passed down. On top of that, anyone who you're close to has the ability to influence you.
Jesse's parents agreed to move in with him and his wife in order to assist with their newborn. Being around one another and sharing meals together meant that everyone would need to be on board in order for their mission to be as successful as it was.
Positively Influencing One Another
This after photo was taken in the same exact location as the previous photograph. At first glance, father and son look decades younger and notably slimmer. You can even see the father's abs through his shirt!
However, if you look a little closer, you'll notice that their body composition isn't the only thing that's changed. The men look more engaged with one another and happier. Working out together can bring people together by giving them something to bond over.
They're Both Fathers Now
Sometimes adult children can become distant from their parents as they go down their own paths as individuals. Jesse and his father seem quite close, which probably has to do with having something new to bond over.
We don't just mean working out. Jesse is now a father, which is something that his father knows a lot about since he's had decades of experience. We wouldn't be surprised if they talked about fatherhood a lot while on their runs.
Out On The Town
Jesse and his wife look incredibly fashionable in this photo, especially when you consider the fact that they're about to have a baby. While Jesse posted a ton of before and after photos with his father and few with his wife, he did do something special with this photo.
Months after this photograph was taken, he and his wife got dressed in the exact same outfits and went to the area with their son to take another photo.
Recreating The Moment
Though you wouldn't guess it, Jesse and his wife are wearing the exact same clothes as they were in the previous photo. His wife must have had her dress taken in, because it doesn't seem as large as it was while she was pregnant.
Jesse's suits also looks like it may be slightly smaller than before now that he's lost some weight and toned up. Compared to the last photograph, you can mostly see a difference in his pronounced jawline.
One Happy And Healthy Family
Being in shape can have a positive impact on every aspect of life. When your body feels at its most optimal, the mind follows suit. These smiling faces have an extra touch of joy thanks to the family accomplishing their fitness goals together.
Best of all, their newest family member gets to grow up in a healthy environment. Learning fitness and eating habits from a young age is one of the best ways to ensure a thriving lifestyle.
