Here’s the truth about losing weight. There is no magic pill, no magic diet, no super powered cleanse you can drink, and certainly no workout that will give you twelve pack abs in 20 minutes a week. You have to bust your ass every single day. I have worked out pretty regularly for most of my adult life. I have lifted weights since I was 16 years old. The more weight I could lift the better. I didn’t care if I couldn’t tie my shoes without getting out of breath, I was strong, or so I thought. I, like many millions of other Americans, was brainwashed that the way to train was to go in the gym, maybe walk fifteen minutes on the treadmill, then lift weights. It was a simple routine. Chest and triceps one day, back and biceps the next day, then legs, and then repeat the entire cycle over again for five days and then take two days off. Monday comes around, repeat the cycle over again. For some people that way more work…more power to you if it does. For me, it didn’t because of the way I ate.
380 pounds and miserable....
For as long as I can remember my life has centered on food. When was I eating? What was I eating? How much was I eating? Food is constantly on my mind. As I said I have worked out most of my life. How does someone who works out let their weight climb to 380lbs? It’s very easy. You eat everything in sight. No matter what it is or how much there is. If it’s there you eat it. I have some “Fat Boy” stories that could give any competitive eater a run for their money. There have been times when I ate breakfast at two different McDonalds within ten miles of each other, within fifteen minutes. I’ve ordered two large pizzas at once and ate one and saved the other for breakfast and then ate that too, and then went to the gym. Yep I did that. I used to go through the drive thru at Dairy Queen and order two Blizzards, not because I wanted them both, but because I didn’t want the kid working to think I was some fat lonely guy coming to get ice cream all alone. I would bust my ass in the gym…and then eat lunch at Beef O’Bradys or Five Guys Hamburgers. Who does that? Again, easy answer, I did. Some people drink, others use drugs, I ate.
At my very heaviest, or at least the day I stepped on the scale, I weighed three hundred and eighty pounds. I was turning thirty in a month, I was in a bad relationship, living off unemployment, and was fat as hell. I wore a size 46 pant, a 4x or 5x shirt, and had size fifteen feet. My blood pressure was high, my bank account low, and my self esteem even lower. Something had to be done. I had no job and not much to look forward too. I decided I was going to lose weight.
A day before my transformation began...
My training regimen was the same as it had been my entire life. Walk, lift, walk, lift. I lost about 50 pounds and thought I was on my way. I continued to train that way for the next three or four months. I plateaued. Then my mother got sick and couldn’t drive, so being the good son, I moved home and played chauffer. I needed a job. The bills were piling up, my truck was in repossession, student loans were in default, and I was broke, flat broke. So I took a job stocking shelves overnight in a Walmart. Slowly the weight began to pile back on. A fat guy working in a grocery store is like an alcoholic working at a bar, it’s a recipe for disaster. Two breaks and a lunch hour in a grocery is too many chances to be tempted. I ate…crap. Lot’s of it. I never slept so my workouts began to suffer or even worse, disappear. After six months I quit. Not before I had put all of the weight I lost back on. I needed a change and fast.
At this time my sister and brother-in-law, a soldier, were stationed inVirginia. Here’s where my real weight story begins. They had one month before they were supposed to move to Germany. This was in May of 2010. I decided I was going to lose as much weight as I could and then join the Army. What better way was there to get my student loans paid off and stay in shape? The Army would force me to stay in shape. So our training began.
The first time I tried to run with my sister was a complete disaster. I couldn’t run a hundred yards without my legs cramping up and killing me. The shin splints and cramps were unbearable. My brother introduced me to body weight training and this little thing called your “heart rate”. He would write six or seven exercises on an index card and we would do each exercise for thirty seconds then move on to the next. Needless to say, I couldn’t do any of them for thirty seconds.We would “Ruck March” for miles at a time. We loaded backpacks with weights and hit the road…literally. Every other day we were up at 5am, back packs on, walking. My goal was to complete a ten mile ruck before he had to leave for Germany. I was a disaster. I stuck with it and was able to lose a few pounds but nothing drastic. We completed the ten mile ruck and I was able to gain a tiny bit of self respect. Due to his orders my brother-in-law had to leave for Germany without my sister. So we decided to come to Michigan and stay with my grandparents until she had to join him.
My sister and I came to Michigan and continued to train. There was just one problem, my grand mother is a “Southern” grandma. She shows her love by feeding you. Good food. Lots of it, good fried food, and baked goods. We would bust our butts working out and then come home and eat. My recovery meal consisted of two sandwiches and potato chips. That’s not a good plan for losing weight. Despite all the training we were doing, I continued to stay the same weight. All this working out and I was still fat. I was finally able to run. Not well, but I could do a little. On my 32nd birthday I ran two miles. That was a huge accomplishment for me but I was still fat. My sister left for Germany and I was on my own again.
I joined a gym and continued with my usual workouts. I went back to lifting weights and the treadmill and was able to lose about twenty pounds over the next three months. Not much but it was something. During this time a new gym opened up in our town but I never took it seriously because they didn’t have any weights. I would drive by and think “What in the hell are they doing? How can you have a gym with no weights?”
I went home to Florida for a few days due to a death in the family and decided that when I came back to Michigan I was going to check that new gym out. It may have been the best decision I have ever made. Continue reading in Part 2.
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hi Michael, that is a really inspiring story and I can’t want for the next part. I’m curious what type of gym it was that you ended up at, and why you decided to go there after thinking they were crazy for not having weights!!!!
Great blog so far Mike. I am one of the trainers at the gym he is talking about. The gym he is talking about is the Saginaw Muscle Factory in Saginaw, MI. http://www.thesaginawmusclefactory.com. Mike has been a fixture in the gym and comes in day in and day out and works his butt off. He has definitely worked for it! Looking forward to future blogs of ur journey!
Slug, this is awesome! GREAT article and very inspirational. You can- and are!- doing it!
I can’t wait either. I am enthralled!
Such an inspiration story that I think many, many people can related to- even the skinny people. I look forward to reading more about your journey!
Well written, Mike! Looking forward to hearing more of your story! Keep working hard!
I Everett, if you check back here, would you mind letting us know what the differences are between what you guys do at the Saginaw Muscle Factory and a CrossFit box?
I’ve witnessed your transformation and, although I hate to admit it, you are an inspiration! You’ve made it look easy, when I’m sure it hasn’t been. Keep up the good work, I’m proud of ya! Can’t wait for the rest of your story :)
*inspirational story
Wow! That is a great story, definitely inspirational! I can’t wait to hear what the deal is with the new gym!
I NEED to know the rest of this story…
What an inspiration – keep up the awesome work!
Great blog post Mike.
Also, for Brian, this article succinctly explains why the Muscle Factory isn’t “crossfit”
http://impact-pt.com/fitness/what-crossfit-is-and-isnt/
Awesome Michael! Can’t wait for part 2.
Keep up the great work…you can do it.
AMAZING story!!!! Can’t wait to follow up on your journey!!! Keep it up!
Awesome story!
I can’t wait to hear more!
Stay healthy, stay strong & stay motivated!
I’m proud of you Mike! I’ve just started my “transformation” about 4 days ago. My starting weight was 348.8 lbs and I’m hoping to be where you’re at by the end of the year! Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work!!
Good Job man. The military is a great way to get those student loans paid for. Stop trying to do it and just do it!
Very inspiring.. I live by the motto “everything happens for a reason”.. You have been placed on this journey (although at times it probably felt like you were in hell) to help others. Good luck on your continued journey and may God continue to Bless you.
Food is as much of a drug as actual narcotics. I look forward to see some shrinkage…. I mean I look forward to see your weight loss.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Assuming there are some VFF’s in the parts to come. If so, where do you find them large enough. I wear a size 15, and over the last 6 months I have found 2 pairs of KSO’s in a 48. Always on the lookout for more.
Great story so far Sluggo, eager to hear the rest. Funny timing, I was just thinking yesterday that I needed to write you for some pointers. I’m at an all time high and have finally gotten to the point of doing something about it. Keep in touch bro.
You’re awesome Mike!! You always have been. I am proud of you!!! Your story is so well written and I know it will inspire others. Keep up the awesome work!! I can’t wait to hear more about your journey.
Love,
Robyn
Your most favorite McDonalds coworker and most horrible Homecoming date ever!!!!
I see you being the Biggest Loser, Michael. Keep up the hard work and stay focused on your goals.
I can’t wait for Part II. Awesome blog and gonna pass your story forward. Keep it up!
Great job, Michael. Keep looking forward.
Wow! You are an excellent writer and I cannot wait for more parts of your story to unfold! As someone who has always struggled with my weight, it’s right on and very inspiring. Thank you!!
Great story Michael keep up the great job, looking forward to part 2.
I would refer anyone who wants to know how The Muscle Factory differs from CrossFit to this article posted by Steve, The Factory Kettlebell Instructor:
http://impact-pt.com/fitness/what-crossfit-is-and-isnt/
The Muscle Factory focuses on the HEALTH of the body. That is the priority!
Starting my “transformation” too. My starting weight is 203lbs… Plan on getting to a lean 185-190. Wish me luck!
This is awesome, I can’t wait till part two!!
Way to go! Keep up the hard work and I look forward to reading more!
Keep kicking butt :) both in the gym and with your blog writing! Very proud of what you’ve accomplished and what is yet to come!
Wow! You go Mike! Good for you! You are helping others too with your story.
This is a great job, respect. Keep it up.
What an inspiration…great job!
very proud of you butthead! you look great :)
so are you telling me i have to give up the vortex?? lol love ya