Pauls Transformation

After leaving the military, and transitioning into my civilian career, I quickly began ignoring what I had learned in the service about the importance of physical fitness and a healthy diet.  The stress of a new job and a declining economy gave me several excuses to eat poorly and tell myself that I had no time to eat right and exercise.  (That’s just what they were, excuses).

Slowly, I began to put on weight.  It ended up being 7-10 lbs per year, culminating in a bodyweight of 265 lbs.  I didn’t give it much thought, but deep down I knew I was getting very fat.  I started avoiding mirrors, bought baggy clothes and avoided cameras like the plague.  I was fat, unhealthy and unhappy with myself.  I hadn't realized just how out of shape I’d become until I saw this photo of me on vacation. This was the very photo that prompted me to do something.

I tried several programs, some were effective and worked, but got boring and I would eventually quit.  I figured that it would be just too hard to lose the 65-70 lbs that I had gained. Then I found CrossFit.  My wife worked at a gym and told me about a site that the trainers were visiting to get ideas for their clients.   I checked it out.  The program, at a glance, looked a bit crazy at first but after reading the free CF journal article on “what is fitness” things made sense.

I started CrossFitting on my own, did what I could, learning from the journal and YouTube.  I was subbing a great deal of the exercises due to lack of equipment or lack of training, but

I was doing it and having a BLAST.  I did this for about a year, and while I certainly saw drastic physical results, I realized that something was missing.I decided to seek out a CF gym.  I found that Crossfit St . Charles was holding a local friendly competition and decided to attend.  I had a blast!  It was just what I was looking for.  Everyone was so welcoming and helpful, nobody judged me on my abilities (though I did find that my range of motion was less than desirable on most squatting exercises).  CFSTC was still a bit far for me to travel so Kim and Ingrid introduced me to Rochelle and Jeff at CFTNT.  They invited me to their Rehab Saturday and from that point, it was ON!  Since beginning CrossFit and joining TNT, I have accomplished so much more than I ever thought I could. Not only have I improved in my overall performance, abilities and knowledge of CrossFit, but my quality of life has improved as well.  I am happier, more confident in all aspects of my personal and professional life, and I am healthier.  I no longer take high blood pressure or cholesterol medications and I feel great! 

  The experience doesn’t stop there.  I caught the competition bug and so far, I have competed in two local affiliate cup competitions, and most recently, I participated in the Midwest Sectionals Qualifiers where I qualified for the Rocky Mountain Regional Qualifiers for the 2010 Crossfit Games.

Comments

[Mark]

Great journey! This guy reminds me of some of my CF clients over the years. Someone should post an after shot of this guy also. Keep up the great work out there CFTNT!

[Julie Douglas]

That is so great!!!

[Rochelle]

OMG, I forgot to put the after picture up! I think I forgot to push send!! lol. I thought I had this pic.Here you go!

[Dave R]

Awesome! Nice to see proof that what I'm shooting for is possible.... Well done!

[Mike Dieckhaus]

WAY TO GO PAUL!!!THAT IS AWESOME!!! See you Thursday in class

[john]

Paul, your energy and passion for crossfit and fitness helps keep me going. Everytime I workout with you I learn something new. You are a testiment to what the right exercise and attitude can do.

[Beth Hughes]

Paul every time I have seen that picture it cracks me up - I wouldn't have known it was you standing right next to you!! Such a great story - and a great inspiration for others!!