My name is John and I'm an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, but that's not always been the case!
I've carried extra weight for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until a doctor labeled me as "morbidly obese" that I realized I'd been neglecting my health for far too long.
During high school, I hovered around 265-285lbs, but as the years passed without a plan or discipline, my weight crept up, surpassing 350lbs in my early-to-mid twenties. Feeling lost, I decided to join a local gym, throwing myself into workouts with determination. Despite my efforts, I saw minimal change and only shed a few pounds. It was a pivotal moment that made me reassess my approach to fitness and well-being.
Returning to my old habits, I found myself in familiar territory: unhealthy, unhappy, lacking confidence, and struggling to manage my emotions. I knew I needed a fresh start, but I didn't know where to begin. That's when I decided to break down what being "healthy" truly meant to me.
For round two, I committed to fixing my eating habits before returning to the gym. Establishing healthier eating routines became second nature—I became mindful of calorie intake, cut out liquid calories, reduced soy consumption, and upped my protein intake. These changes, alongside other adjustments, kickstarted my weight loss journey.
With my diet in check, I reintroduced myself to the gym, this time with a structured workout plan. Consistency became key as I focused on targeted exercises tailored to my goals. The results were tangible—weight loss and muscle growth I hadn't thought possible before.
Through this process, I've not only shed pounds but also gained happiness, confidence, and better emotional balance. Fitness has taught me discipline, focus, and a deeper understanding of myself—a journey of self-discovery that continues to inspire me every day.