This Man Lost Over a Hundred Pounds by Doing This One Simple Exercise

My entire life, I’ve been the ‘big guy’. I was a typical kid overeater who transformed into a gluttonous party man in college before becoming an adult who never considered acceptable quantities for anything. I dabbled with distance jogging in my 20s and lost some weight, but when I quit, I regained it all. I was scared of most seats, afraid of being forced off an airline because I didn’t fit, and worried that I’d never be able to ride roller coasters with my children.

The majority of my health difficulties were caused by my extra weight. I’d be out of breath ascending stairs. I couldn’t chase after my children. And I’d break a sweat going the short distance from work to my car. I probably have sleep apnea but went undetected. (My wife had always complained about my snoring, which has finally stopped.)

My tipping moment occurred on July 15, 2021. I was 34 at the time, and my wife and children were returning from a vacation to see relatives (I had flown back early for business). I was having one final hurrah supper with my closest friend, Mat—a massive piece of fish and chips with a Tito’s to wash it down. I weighed myself that morning and was about 400 pounds. It was a milestone that I despised being so near to. With a mouthful of fried fish, I promised Mat that no matter what it took or how miserable I had to make myself, I would finally drop the weight correctly.

That July, I began a three-day-per-week aerobic exercise. My long-unused gym membership was dusted off, and I made my way to the ARC Trainer. I recall begging and bargaining with myself to just make it 17 minutes. I was too afraid to touch the weights or make eye contact with anyone, so I simply found my machine and struggled to add a minute every other session.

This man investigated and began light intermittent fasting. Skipping breakfast may not seem like much to some, but for me, it resulted in an instant 600 to 800 calorie reduction. I recall changing lanes on the highway to get further away from where I used to stop for fast food breakfasts. I gained a better awareness of my genuine hunger and began to build up enough stamina to consider a number of workout options.

I’ve been married for 13 years and am a parent of four. Part of what I enjoy about CycleBar is being off the grid for 45 minutes, no mobile phone, and completely focused on your body. But, with duties outside of that room, I needed to devise a timetable that worked for me as a family man. My studio, Gateway Village in Jacksonville, has a very early session plus the option to double up with an expedited class all before the sun rises. With so many weekend alternatives, I was able to make it work. My family of six is chaotic, and starting a few days with exercise and positive affirmations has had a huge influence on how I approach my work. Plus, I can now follow my kids around and have even completed some 5k training with my older children.