Fitness with the Food Network

Interesting title, eh?

First of all, sorry for my delay in posting to the blog.  Life has been crazy.

Good news however, I've officially lost 22 pounds!! This has been a HUGE journey.. and I still have over a month to go!

As for the motivation for my title, it's more of an annoyance than motivation.

Throughout my past few weeks in the gym, I've noticed more and more the TV's they have on there.

ESPN, The Today Show, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC... all are completely fine. But lately, it seems like they ALWAYS have the Food Network on.

Here's a question:  Why in an environment where people are doing all they can to lose weight and fit into their little black dress, do you throw Paula Deen on more than one TV above the treadmills.. where as you're walking, 14 sticks of butter are being whipped into a double fudge chocolate cake.  Doesn't this defeat the purpose? Especially for people like me, this is a horrible teaser.  We're talking about a man that at one point in his life, used to steal the mini Twix bars from his boss' candy bowl.. and in order to not be judged by co-workers, would hide in the bathroom stall and gorge.

Is the weight coming off? Yes.. but not without constant discipline.  It's all about giving yourself limits. Instead of spaghetti, I've found a GREAT alternative.  Whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, and low sodium pasta sauce.  AMAZING!  It's pretty much a weekly tradition at this point.

I've also realized that despite my complete lack of being comfortable inside the gym, I'm starting to grow to like this... more than my love handles allow me to. Who knew that constantly being sore and nearly needing a cane to walk would be this rewarding?

I PROMISE that I'll start updating this more - providing that my fingers don't get as sore as my legs are in the next few days :-/

Below is a new picture I took with a few friends this weekend.  I'm also putting my before and after on this post again so you can sort of tell the difference from the time I took that picture as well.

As always, feel free to message me if you have any questions or want to share your weight loss journey with me!

Have a great weekend! And remember, the hardest thing to do is look in the mirror and be okay with the reflection.  You're beautiful.. NEVER think otherwise.  :)

Cheers!

Getting Fit with the Fakes

Hey Everyone!

First off, I want to SINCERELY apologize for taking so long to update my blog.  It's been a very crazy week at both work and in personal life and I've failed to keep you all updated.  I'm sorry :(

The big news?!?!?!  I'VE LOST 15 POUNDS!!!! Joe Merritt, aka "Captain Crunch," is seriously a miracle worker.  Check out a quick before and after!!! The Left picture is from last Monday.. and the one on the right was before the competition started!

If you've been reading my blogs, you know that this Fit 4 Life Challenge, for me, has been a life changing experience.  I never thought that four weeks ago when I agreed to do this, that in just a matter of days... my mind, body, and soul would be developing into something I never thought it could be.

Since losing the weight, words can't describe how much better I feel about walking out of my front door.  Stepping foot outside no longer is a hardship for me.  Before, and as I've mentioned in previous blogs, when walking out, I felt like people were instantly judging my love handles.  Now, for the first time in my life, I can say that I'm proud of what I'm becoming.  EVERYONE ON THIS PLANET should feel this way.

What's the motive behind the title of this post you ask?

For the past few days, Joe has been working me hard.  Really focusing on my flexibility, upper body, and teaching me the importance of cardio.  The hardest I've found?  Flexibility.  There have been times I've nearly cried... multiple times I've screamed.. and several times I've asked Joe if the positions I was in were even appropriate for the gym.

However, during our workouts, I'm truly starting to realize the people inside gym that are there for the wrong reasons... the people that for so long I've allowed to intimidate me.

They come in ALL shapes in sizes... Let's see if you've recognized a few yourself.

First off, the people with what I like to call "The Hulk Syndrome."  They walk in the door with their duffle bag... and carry it about two feet from their body... you know, because their arms are obviously too bulky to keep it next to their side.  They typically always have their chest held high.. and look around and tilt their head in a "what's up?" fashion to the people they walk past... almost like they know everyone inside working out.

The second kind, who I like to call the "Contemplators."  These are the people that show up to the gym in their FINEST of FINEST clothing.. and walk around the machines instead of actually getting on them.  These types I've noticed tend to spend more time looking at the machines and themselves in the mirror than actually exercising.

And last but not least, we have the "Now that was good!" people.  This group has made me laugh multiple times.  These are typically the ones already in incredible shape.  They spend about 10 minutes walking around the machine... for what looks like mental preparation... and then put around 100 pounds on the weights.. and do ONE rep.. and after belt out a horrific "AHHHH!"... then walk away from the machine.

These types four weeks ago scared and intimidated me.  But throughout my time with Joe, I've realized that in no way have these people even noticed me in the gym.  For 22 years, I've failed to walk inside a gym because of fear... fear of being judged.. and fear that people might say I was becoming someone I'm not.  But I've come to the conclusion that the types listed above are just like me but in a different form.  Showing up to the gym because they're afraid of being judged for not going.

Words can't describe how much I owe to this competition and to Joe.  In all honesty, six weeks ago, I probably would have avoided Joe in any other social setting.  Not because I'm rude... not because of anything more than me being self conscious.... afraid that I couldn't make a friend because I, unlike him, didn't have a six pack.

I've realized that my thoughts and opinions all this time were wrong.  That just because someone has a six pack, doesn't mean they expect you to... and that we are all just people trying to figure this thing called "life" out... and what better way to do it than working together to solve the puzzle.  Right?

As always, I'd love to hear from you and if you're doing a weight-loss program too, it'd be GREAT to hear about your progress.

Also feel free to shoot me an email at fit4lifejosh@gmail.com!

ALSO, Joe and I will be on KARK 4 News at Noon next Tuesday talking about my progress, the blog, and ANYTHING else you can imagine.

Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers through what has been a very life-changing experience.. and just think, I have two more months to go!!!

Here's to shedding more weight and hoping everyone finds happiness within themselves!!!

Working with the Captain........

Hey Fellow Bloggers!

As you know, the competition for the most part is fully underway.  My trainer Joe Merritt has been working with me for a few days now and let's just say I could use a nap!

When I was approached about the opportunity to do Fit4Life, I thought why not?  I'll be getting a free trainer for three months AND there's a chance I could lose some weight.. where could I go wrong?

Well, since starting this competition, I've slowly realized that me participating, is far more than just fitting into a bigger pair of jeans.  This is about changing my life both physically and mentally. 

For years, I was that kid in high school made fun of... ridiculed because I wasn't one of those six back guys playing football and getting all the girls.  You name it, I've been called it... and if you thought you were the only slammed into lockers in high school, you're not!!!

As soon as my first workout with Joe began, I realized that laziness wasn't the reason for me never walking into a gym.  It was fear that kept me from going... fear that I would once again get thrown into that locker. I remember standing up and looking at myself.. and realizing this.  The hardest thing in life to do is look into a mirror.. and be okay with the reflection.

Since meeting Joe, I've given him a new nickname.  Captain Crunch. 

Why the name you ask?  Because during my first workout, he made me do them, being crunches, in front of everyone on the mats in the back.  I was so embarrassed.  Did Joe know what was going on in my head? Probably not.  But as I struggled to lift my torso for each crunch, that name came to my head.  My way of making light of a VERY heavy situation, at least for me.

All I can say for those of you like me out there... keep going.. because I am.  The body and mind are slowly but surely changing... I can feel a difference in myself when walking out of the door.  Two weeks ago I entered society everyday worried..... like everyone on the street was judging my love handles.. but now... I'm  making a change.. and you can too... and walking out of that door, isn't as hard anymore.. and it's a feeling a hope all of you get one day. 

Plus, why worry what others are thinking when you know no matter what, Captain Crunch is ready to kick your butt as soon as you enter the gym.   :-)

Please continue to send me notes, thoughts, encouragment, ANYTHING! I love hearing from you!  As always, I'll continue to post my experiences, pictures, etc.  Also check out http://www.arkansasmatters.com/. Click on KARK 4 News at Noon button under the "News" tab.  There you can keep up with more of my progress and leave comments for the other contestants as well!!!

Check the Fit4Life page on ArkansasMatters.com!

Hey everyone! Check out the Fit4Life page (click here) on the KARK 4 website (ArkansasMatters.com) and send me some encouragement in the comments section! Thanks!

Lights, Camera, Get Fit!

Hey Fellow Bloggers!

If you saw KARK 4 News at Noon Tuesday, It's likely you saw me being introduced by the lovely Tracy Douglass and my trainer Joe Merritt.  Below is a picture taken during the broadcast.

What a ton of emotions right now... to know that for the next 3 months, I'll be experiencing things that for most of my life, I've been scared of.

For all of you following this blog.. my intentions are simple.  To share my experience and in some way, prove for all of you out there, that it's possible to get off that couch and become more physically and mentally strong.

The next few weeks I can tell are going to be one emotional roller coaster!  I, like many, was that kid ridiculed for not being popular... made fun of because I wasn't fit and didn't have all of the girls.

For years, those times in my past have haunted me... to a degree, they still do today.

My hope for this blog and for all watching during our weekly updates on KARK 4 News at Noon, is for someone to gain inspiration from my journey to fitness.. and to gain self confidence to walk into that gym and say, "I'm beautiful no matter the size."

I'd LOVE for you all to leave me comments, suggestions, words of encouragement.. and even your personal stories.  Feel free to follow the blog, comment on anything you'd like, and if you'd like to email me directly, feel free!!  My email is fit4lifejosh@gmail.com.  I'll try my best to reply to all the emails sent!

Throughout the next 3 months, I'll be adding pictures from my daily workouts, tips from my trainer Joe, and my thoughts along this exiting yet nerve-racking journey!

I'm also a huge music buff and love sharing the music that gets me thorough-out the day... and I'll be posting a link to my "song of the day" in all of my updates!  Here's my first song! A good song about how I feel right now.  Standing up and taking a stand to rid of my self-consciousness! !

Wish me luck everyone and hope to hear from you!!!!!

Welcome to the Fit4LifeJosh blog!

Hello everyone. I am the 10 p.m. news producer for KARK 4. I started my Fit4Life journey earlier this month by joining the team that includes three other colleagues. In the weeks ahead (the contest ends November 16th), I will chronicle my weight loss and exercise experience. I'm already ready in my mind to become leaner and more physically fit and hope to encourage others seeking the same thing. Let the fun begin!