So I’m going to change my terrible blogging habits with a weekly SHOUTOUT SUNDAY blog post.
I’m kicking it off with an amazing success story from my friend John McDonald. I have been in contact with John online via Facebook and I was immediately taken and inspired by his wellness journey. Here is the initial email i got from John
Hey Coach,
You don’t know me, but I just wanted to say thank you! My name is John McDonald. I’m 43, married and the father of 2 high school kids. About a year ago I got to a point in my life where I realized that I had to do something about my health and fitness level. I started having occasional minor chest pains and my stamina was non-existent. So about nine months ago I started training with some friends of mine that own a small fitness studio in Huntington Beach. At that time I weighed in at 387 pounds. I was a former high school (and 1 year of college) football player and had always remained somewhat active. But at 387 pounds you can guess the emphasis was on the “SOMEWHAT”! Anyway, after training with them for a few months my financial situation dictated that I had to start training on my own most of the time. So about 6 months ago I bought your books (Power Training and Cardio Strength Training). The principals and protocols you describe in CST have revolutionized my work outs, and without getting too dramatic, my life! I now filter almost all my training through what I have learned from that book. I absolutely LOVE (and at the same time hate!) density training! Today I weigh 290 pounds. That’s 97 pounds in 9 months!!! I will be taking my NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam next Monday and I am in talks with my friends to go back to their fitness studio as a part time trainer! I love helping people that are the journey to improve their health, fitness and performance. My daughter plays high school volleyball and her coach has even asked if I would consider doing training sessions for the team! Every chance I get I plug your books, especially CST, and I try to communicate how much of an impact it has made on my health & fitness and my life. I also watch any videos of yours that I can find on-line. So I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I see that you speak at a number of fitness and performance conferences, so I will keep my eyes open for one in this area and hopefully get to learn from you in person one day soon! Thank you again! -John
Here’s a couple of progress pics from John….
Amazing right?! Talk about inspiration and I love how John is spreading his lifestyle change to others through his own story and training. Well, i got to meet John yesterday at the Perform Better one-day in Los Angeles and boy was that a treat
CHEERS to you John! Keep DOING WORK and inspiring us all! To date John is down 170lbs. in 18 months!
Have a great Sunday everyone!