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!