Hey everyone! I’m Roy, and I’m excited to share my fitness journey with you through this blog. Here, you’ll find a mix of motivational stories, practical tips, and workout advice tailored for beginners and those advancing in their fitness journey. But first, let me tell you a bit about myself and why I’m so passionate about fitness.
The Decision to Start a Fitness Blog
I had retired from the military before turning 40 and was in a day job, enjoyable, but I wanted something more. I knew that to make the change I desired I needed to go back to school. With the encouragement and support of my wife, I decided to pursue an MBA. As I was studying, I realized that I wanted to combine my academic knowledge with my lifelong passion for fitness to start my own company. My wife agreed, so I did. Fitness has been a central part of my life since my first day in the Air Force. I've spent countless hours in the gym, not always being the most ripped or fittest, but always committed to the journey.
My Personal Fitness Story
My fitness journey has been filled with ups and downs, and I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way. I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve always managed to get back on track. Here’s a glimpse into my story:
Struggles and Milestones
In my mid-twenties, I reached over 200 pounds for the first time in my life. I realized that my high sugar and soda intake were to blame. During a deployment to the Middle East right after 9/11, I saw a perfect opportunity to change my habits. By cutting out sodas and most sugars and running 4-5 miles daily, I managed to lose over 20 pounds. This experience reshaped my lifestyle, and I was able to get back below 180 pounds.
Hitting a New High and Making Changes
Years later, post military retirement, I hit a new high at 235 pounds. While I was lifting heavy in the gym and felt strong, I wasn’t truly fit or healthy. My diet, especially my consumption of sweet tea, was a major issue. After moving to a new location, I decided to make another change. By adjusting my diet and running more, I dropped about 30 pounds in six months. The onset of COVID-19 posed new challenges, but I kept pushing forward.
Overcoming Plateaus
In early 2020, despite running consistently, I couldn’t break the 200-pound plateau. I sought advice from a personal trainer at a Navy gym, who introduced me to new concepts. With no diet changes, just tweaks in my exercise routine, I quickly lost an additional 20 pounds, eventually reaching a healthy 175 pounds. This was 60 pounds lighter than my heaviest weight ever just a few years earlier.
Today, I balance life and fitness with discipline, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Even if I can't make it to the gym consistently due to life’s priorities, my commitment to fitness and longevity keeps me on track.
What This Blog Offers
I’m not your typical fitness trainer or professional. I’ve lived through the fitness journey the hard way, learning from personal trials and triumphs. I’ve done extensive research, experimented with various approaches, and learned from my own injuries, including a serious bench press accident that left me with five screws in my rotator cuff.
Here’s what you can expect from this blog:
Future Topics to Look Forward To, Workout Routines for Beginners, Realistic Fitness Goals, Regular Exercise, Fitness Plateaus, Injuries and Recovery, Strength Training Basics, Balancing Fitness with a Busy Lifestyle and many more such topics.
Join Me on The Journey
Let’s embark on the journey together. Whether you’re a beginner, someone getting back into fitness, or looking to take your routine to the next level, I’m here to guide and motivate you. Together, we’ll achieve our fitness goals and make longevity a lifestyle.