Who am I? Well I guess I am just like many others, just the normal average person that decided to change his life around by getting in shape, eating healthier and wanting to promote a happier healthier lifestyle in others around me. I often use the phrase "wanna be fit guy" to describe my other life. Being healthy and fit was important and I truly believed that it was necessary to be happy. It just never happened for me. Life has a way of getting "in the way" and month after month I found and used excuses not to workout. While doing this I also found ways of trying to look healthy. I'm sure none of them really worked but in my eyes it seemed to be ok. You know, wear looser fitting clothes, puff out your chest when walking by someone. Stuff like that.
As these months flying by started turning into years I finally realized that time was not on my side. By the time I made the decision to change my life, I had already lost both my parents and was only months away from turning 50. Not that I started checking off days to my end, but I had this major wake-up call to do something and do it quick! Those little tricks of sucking in my gut when I walked by a mirror didn't even work for me anymore.
The last straw was December of '09. The usual feelings many people get around this time, another year gone by, Christmas season stress, looks like I'm gaining more weight. I think I was actually pinching the roll around my belly when an Informercial came on for a workout program called Insanity. The name itself got my attention. It looked kind of cool and seemed different than programs I saw before, but not enough to think about doing it. Then the trainer came on and said something that looking back now could very well be the turning point in this whole journey I'm on. He said 5 words that I can still hear in my head every time I think about it. "This is not for everyone!" What did he just say? He continued to toss things out there like if you are not ready to bring it then don't bother and if you are not in shape already then you better try something else. That was it! Now some guy on TV is telling me I can't do this. Well that is how I heard it anyway. I was mad. I'll show him I can't do this. I turned to my fiance Robin and said we should do this. Of course Robin was in much better shape than I was and happily said yeah it looks like fun. Well the rest is history . . .
On January 11th 2010 we started the program. The day before I took these pics of me (which at the time I did not think were too bad).
For 63 days Robin & I worked out together. Believe me, Robin did not have to do this. She was in good shape and also practices and teaches Bikram Yoga. Anyone who has ever done Bikram Yoga knows it is a workout! Robin did this to support me and I will forever be greatful.
So, after 63 days I looked like this:
Yeah I know . . . what a change. I lost about 5.5 inches around my waist and over 10 pounds! Seeing this kind of success just fueled a fire in me and I wanted more. At this time we are doing P90X and toss in some Insanity for more cardio.
This is me 104 days from my first workout:
Every day I am feeling better, seeing more positive results and I am constantly wanting more. I even started to do a little running! I couldn't even hold my breath for more than 20 seconds before and now I am doing so much more. I looked back and realized there were a few things that I had or did that gave me such a better chance for success. First of course there was Robin. Working out with her every day was a lot of fun and great motivation for me. She is my rock! Second and third is that I became a part of the Beachbody Community (Insanity & P90X are products from Beachbody) and I took advantage of the free coaching that Beachbody offers. Between the BB forums where I can connect with other people using these products, and my coach answering all my questions, I had a wealth of knowledge/experience and support. How could I not succeed!
Because of this I became an independent Beachbody coach myself. I also want to help others by being there for support and to answer questions about health, nutrition and fitness. And finally, this is the reason for this blog. I want to provide as much information as I can for anyone who wants to learn more.
Plus, if you are interested I would be happy to be your coach and work together with you so that we all can achieve our goals!
Nameste
Jim
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