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!!!