I want to share with you Jim’s story of success, because we hope to continue to inspire and motivate anyone who reads this. While Jim has valued fitness differently throughout his life, he cites his education at Oral Roberts University as one example. There, he had to attend PE classes EVERY semester and in order to graduate you had to pass certain physical proficiencies, one being a swimming test! After that, Jim worked with a personal trainer but when he tried to do it on his own, he found he needed the extra push. When he reached a plateau, he was uncertain how to progress and stay injury free. He was referred to Transformation Fitness and Wellness by a friend. (Thank you!) He started in a sit down Free Consultation to discuss his health and wellness goals.
Jim’s goals were to put on lean tissue, tone up through his chest and core, increase his flexibility and most importantly remain injury free. As we began to work through Jim’s goals, he started realizing that it was going to be a long-term process. He was very aware that being in his upper 50s, it was going to take a little more time. It absolutely could be done, but most people quit before they see their full potential. Jim has been patiently focusing on his goals, and to date has lost 6 pounds of fat and put on 12 pounds of lean tissue! (Way to go!)
One of the biggest keys that Jim recognized was he felt dietary requirements will get 50% of your results. He says, “You cannot come in here (the gym) and work like hell and go eat a whole pizza!” Jim has been steady at attaining his goals, but when he refined his diet, he understood this was his missing link. He decided to remove wheat products, never drink soda, and pass on dessert and saw some progress. Another essential part of Jim’s dietary changes has been decreasing his alcohol consumption in order for him to see results. Alcohol has been a stress reliever, relaxer, and a social mechanism. Jim decided he had to make changes to his social habits to assist him in decreasing his alcohol consumption.
Now I do not want this to leave the impression that Jim is/was an alcoholic, but more that he came to understand that even a couple of drinks in an evening played a role in keeping him from seeing results and attaining his personal goals. In the initial consultation, Jim was the first person to really challenge me as to what exactly alcohol does in your body and why it would even impact his results. Honestly, I thought he was kidding, but he was absolutely serious.
In short, alcohol is metabolized differently than other foods and beverages because the body views it as a toxin and gives it immediate attention in digestion. When the body is focused on processing alcohol, it is not able to properly break down foods containing carbohydrates and fat. Therefore, these calories are converted and stored permanently in body fat cells. Alcohol is also a diuretic, meaning that it causes water loss and dehydration. Along with this water loss you lose important minerals which are vital to the maintenance of fluid balance, chemical reactions, and muscle contraction and relaxation. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram and offers NO nutritional value, it only adds empty calories to your diet. Why not spend your calorie budget on something healthier?
Jim finally made the decision to cut down on his beverage consumption per week and to stay away from certain venues that would encourage him to drink. This decision would ultimately help him see the results he wanted.
Now Jim makes his goals happen by attending two personal training sessions per week here at Transformation Fitness and Wellness, and always uses the elliptical following his session for 30 grueling minutes while watching the FOX Business Network!
Outside the studio, Jim takes 5 mile walks outside on Sundays as long as the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. He focuses on posture and refuses to stroll at “window shopping” pace, in his words he, “… hauls a$$!” Jim also likes to use the Stair Master at the Columbia Club on the weekend and since he has made his fitness a priority, he is staying on track!
Jim tells the readers out there to get started on a program like this as early as you can in life! If it is within your means, hire a degreed and certified professional from Transformation Fitness and Wellness, because you need to start exercising as soon as possible. It WILL ultimately catch up to you! He says this is a lifestyle change and it NEEDS to incorporate all the aspects of a complete program: Nutrition, Resistance Training, Cardiovascular Training, Flexibility, and staying motivated by having a great coach.
Great job Jim! You are a tremendous individual and we are so thankful to have the privilege to accompany you along your fitness journey and to have you as a member of the TFW family! We love seeing your smile every time you are in the studio. I know you will inspire so many people with your hard work and dedication!
Reach out to us today if you need help with your Fitness Journey. Request your Free Consultation today! You have nothing to lose but the weight!
