Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

Hi All,
I'm a 41 year old guy. I'm 5' 10" and 183 lbs. I've been vegan for over 20 years. For the last 7 years I have worked on the computer 9hrs a day. I am also taking online classes (more online time). To make matters worse i have been playing World of Warcraft for the past year. I have watched my body go from being in shape to flabby. I am always sore and stiff and feel tired for no reason. I have decided to put WoW aside for now and concentrate on getting back into shape. I'm lucky because I have always had somewhat decent biceps, but I have always lacked chest muscles. I feel like I have a decent foundation to build upon.

My goal is to increase my mobility, get rid of the love-handles, feel good about myself, and become a healthier person.

Edit: I forgot to mention my fitness history. I used to workout lightly about 3 days a week, but quit 14 years ago. I did that for a couple years and was in good basic shape, although not a bodybuilder's physique. Since quitting my workouts, the only exercise I've had is from drumming and the occasional walk. I plan on joining a gym this week. Another goal of mine that I forgot to mention is to do something about my flat glutes. My butt disappeared since getting an office job and I fear that I am turning into Hank Hill


I've linked to this unflattering "before" pic of me shirtless to help me motivate myself. (using a webcam, so I have to keep one hand on the keyboard)
http://i.imgur.com/ZoO3H.jpg. Edit: I changed the embedded pic to a link instead. It was kind of jarring to see a huge pic of my hairy belly coming back to this thread

Welcome to the forum. Increase mobility is a great goal to tackle. I am interested in this as well, at 31 I am a lot less mobile that I was 10 years ago that's for sure. I am thinking of getting into yoga and or swimming. What are you going to focus on to increase your mobility?

-Dylan

I've thought about yoga myself lately. It would probably be very helpful since my muscles are al tight from sitting too much. My hamstrings in particular are very inflexible. Any idea what kind of yoga would be good for a stiff-muscled beginner? Swimming appeals to me too, but I'm a bit squeemish of sharing pool water with people. I think I've watched too many episodes of Monk.

I'd like to get back into bicycling more. I used to cycle to work every day in my 20s, but stopped when I moved. I also used to skateboard and have been thinking about longboarding lately. I still have my board from the late eighties, but the last time I tried it I almost killed myself. Maybe cruising on a longboard would be more stable for me.

I watch videos of people doing free-running and parkour and am amazed at what the human body can do. I'd like to be able to run and jump without hurting myself.

I would start with a gentle yoga I do one gentle and Power yoga a week. The gentle or restorative yoga is going to be easier and more about stretching.