FAT KID BOOT CAMP IS IN SESSION!

Yep, I never thought it would happen to me.... Athlete across several sports, power lifter in college, Personal Trainer, strong focus on healthy food and rest... Then it all went to pot. 30 lbs. later and I LITERALLY GOT A POT BELLY!

It started quietly, sneakily, and gradually. I originally began to gain weight due to multiple sports injuries, the most severe of which saw me in and out of hospitals and specialists offices over the span of 15 years and counting. Now I'm not sure how many people can relate, but when I don't feel well (cold, flu, recovering from surgery, etc.) I don't crave soup and fluids, I WANT THE JUNK FOOD! The greasier the better! Ok, but I don't get sick often enough for that to be the reason for much weight gain. I really started gaining weight when I got my first grown up office job. Setting in an office 9-10 hours a day, often ordering delivery because there wasn't time to run and get something, and of course the only places that deliver are salty and greasy.

And by the way, one of the reasons we have an obesity problem in America is because one chicken and apple salad at a local healthy restaurant (which is delicious) costs more than it does to feed 2-4 people on cheeseburgers and fries. Sometimes it's not that people choose to eat junk food, instead their wallet decides what they are eating. Now that I'm down from my soap box... My first adult job where I ate fast food and take out all the time, also consumed about 50-60 hours a week. Add on top of that my wife and I had our first baby during that time and all those things combined do not create the ideal atmosphere for wanting to exercise.

So fast forward a few years - The office job continues for a few years, add another child to our family, more surgeries to the good ole knee, and a continued craving for greasy foods and tasty ice cream (really I could eat a gallon of ice cream every night). And my weight, as well as my changing physical appearance, begin to run my entire life. I become so self conscience about my appearance, specifically my gut, butt, and love handles, that it keeps me from doing things that I would normally want to do. Swimming becomes an event - I now have to plan out ahead of time what swim suit I'm going to wear because if it's too tight my love handles will squeeze out over the top, so if the suit is too tight, I need to go buy a new one. Andy while I'm there, why not buy a matching shirt. You know, because it "Was on Sale", or at least that's what I tell my wife.

And let's not forget about SEX!! Yeah, sex... you know that intense activity where you and your significant other can continue to strengthen your bonds, experience ecstasy, relieve stress, and have fun all at the same time!@@!@@!@.... No thanks, not tonight. I actually found myself doing things to purposely prolong or put off having sex all because of me be worried about my weight.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH..... I'm fed up with being tired! I'm fed up with being self-conscience! I'm done making excuses for missing out on the things in life that bring me joy! I'm sick and tired of being overweight! Enough is Enough!..... And so my journey begins. As I write this message, my brain kicks into gear, telling me the actions I will need to take back my life. And I'm hopeful - because I know what it takes to be in great shape. The exercise routines, the food, the different machines, stretches, durations, reps, I know it all. And that's when it dawned on me - there are so many people out there with my same struggle that have NO IDEA WHERE TO BEGIN. It's with that mindset that I'm reaching out to anyone who would like some help in losing weight or getting in better shape. Whether it's to lose a few pounds before swimsuit season, or make some major life changes, I would like to help in any way I can.

I'm proposing a kind of weight loss group - no not the corny ones you see on TV - but someplace where people can email, chat, video me their questions and I will help to create a workout strategy that works for you. I won't charge a fee, instead I would ask for your support in Upvotes and in sharing this with others who may be in the same situation. I'm looking for people who would like a partner to be with them through their exercise goals, or just a few tips or techniques for things that get the best results.

I look forward hearing from you soon, but until then - Create the life you dream of!

Cheers -