Fat to Fit – My Transformation
In June of 1998, I was fat. It’s not like it just happened…. this was a plateau of many, many years of fast food, high stress and no exercise. Let me say this.. I had no idea I was so fat until I saw a picture of myself standing in front of my store. I could not believe how fat my face had become!
I wore a 44 inch waist and weighed over 250lbs. As if this wasn’t bad enough, I started having health problems that scared the crap out of me. I couldn’t get up without my heart beating out of my chest. I would lay in bed at night and my blood pressure was so elevated that it scared me to lay on my left side. I could hear every beat.
I needed a change.
In August 1998, I decided to do something about my weight. Not having the slightest clue where to start, I started looking for answers. Everyone seemed to have a book or a “cure all” pill that would surely do the trick. I started by eliminating all processed food from my diet. No more fast food, frozen dinners, chips… I replaced them with fresh vegetables, lean meats, egg whites and complex carbohydrates like brown rice, oats and yams. Oh… and I started drinking nothing but water… lots of it!
In February 1999, I weighed in at 230lbs wearing a size 38! I had come to a plateau and couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t getting any leaner. As ridiculous as it may sound, I forgot to start exercising! Even though I was eating healthier, I wasn’t making my body any better. I was still being run down by the 80 hour work weeks, stress from every direction and no exercise. (The 20 pounds I lost came directly from the change in diet and water consumption)
My friend owned a small gym here in Akron. (The Firm) He seemed to know a lot about exercise and supplements. I signed up in February and was determined to get fit! In less than one year.. I dropped 16 sizes from 44 to 28. That treadmill is probably still warm with my footprints.
August 2008 at 265lbs
The Lifestyle
Today, I work very hard to stay in shape. I train 5 days per week, plan my meals and eat responsibly. Being fit is a choice. Being fat is a choice. Getting fit and staying fit requires sacrifice and discipline but the payoff is awesome.
During my 1st year of training, I found a book by Roger Applewhite called “The Personal Trainer”. I learned a ton from Roger and quickly adopted it into my daily routine. Roger has been one of my “fitness role models” from the beginning and has been a source of inspiration to me.
Remember this: nothing stands still. Progress is positive or negative and you choose your direction.
Keys to Success
As I see it, there are several keys to success in this lifestyle.
1) Vision Get a vision. See the change in advance. Have a realistic mental picture of what you expect to look like when completing the goal.
2) Preparation This is about 90% of what keeps me able to consistently live this lifestyle. Preparing my food in advance and making it easily accessible. Making preparations for my weaker times allows me to have a healthier alternative instead of cheating with garbage (although it still happens from time to time… hehe..)
3) Inspiration Inspiration comes in many forms. What or who inspires you? Roger Applewhite has been a source of inspiration for me since day one. His physique is testament to his hard work, dedication and lifestyle. I constantly search for things that inspire me because it is fuel for motivation and determination.
4) Motivation I am motivated by those folks who have done this and succeeded. I am motivated by the mental image of me completing the goal and looking great.
5) Determination This is a deliberate stubbornness that gets you through sets that hurt, makes you deaf to comments of doubt from fat bystanders and makes you unstoppable on your way to the finish line.
6) Consistency You are consistently living this lifestyle or you are consistently not living it. One way or another you are being consistent. Strive for positive consistency. Do it and then do it again…
7) Perseverance Staying the course when you can’t see 100ft ahead of you… when everyone expects you to quit… when you get that craving for bags of junk food… Perseverance is achieved with the help of preparation and motivation.
Being prepared for a sudden craving for junk food and having a healthier alternative ready. Being motivated to say no to the urge to binge or to miss a workout.
Whatever the situation… hang in there.. after the proverbial smoke clears, you will still be moving forward.
Plan daily activities that better you (mentally, physically, spiritually) – Prepare them in advance, leave nothing to chance.
Remember this: nothing stands still. Progress is positive or negative and you choose your direction. – Jason Burgess
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