The last time I wrote something was 6 months ago...My world has been, in a word, insane. Some very high points, a few very low points. I got myself a store closer to my home (thanks again Kelli) and am saving a METRIC SH*TTON in gas. I have been able to grow with my company and invest some time in myself in my professional career. I have been to Indiana and Chicago since August and am looking forward to going anywhere else in this great country of ours that my great company decides they need my help.
Ok, enough about me. Well not really, cause this blog is really all about me. I really want to talk about the people at the gym who bother me the most. It's not the people who grunt loud or flex in the mirror, I just look at them and laugh, it's the "lazy" people at the gym. The people who are texting or on the phone or just going through the motions to say that they can say that they "exercise." Forgive me for being blunt, but they need to get the hell out of my way and the way of the people who actually want to sweat! I heard a term one day, "Sweat Equity." I love that phrase and I think about it whenever I train. If I am not sweating I am not working. When I sweat I am building equity in myself and my health. The people who are lazy at the gym are risking my equity and they SUCK! Put some effort into it. I don't want you killing yourself at the gym, but CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Get your mindset outside of the "norm." 10 reps won't do anything for you if you are not struggling at rep 9 or 10. Getting 7 reps in 10lbs heavier will do more your muscles then 10 easy reps. I can't quote any studies, but I can guarantee this. SWEAT EQUITY!
I was inspired to write this post today because twice in one day I was told that I have inspired or re-inspired someone to workout. When I wrapping up at the gym this morning a man came up to me and said he d kept looking at me for the better part of my workout because he wasn't sure if I was the same guy who he saw at the gym 2 years ago. He used to go to the gym around the same time every night that I did, and he remembers that I have had a few training partners. He could not believe that I have stuck it out for as long as I have and that I look great compared to the last time I saw him. He asked if there was a "magic bullet" or if it was all on my own. After I gave him some supplements that I would suggest for anyone who is training and told him about Sweat Equity, he told me that I have re-inspired him. He is going to amp up his activity at the gym and work on his diet. The second person today is woman who I work with who told me that they wanted to be as skinny as me. She has begun to workout and is even asking for some tips!
I never did this for anyone else but me and my family. It's truly AWESOME though, to know that I can be an inspiration to a complete stranger and co-workers/friend.
The next time you go to the gym, Kick Some Ass! SWEAT EQUITY is so worth it.
Mike
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sunday, August 21, 2011
What's your secret???
Hello! I had more thoughts at the end of the last post but, I thought they deserved their own post. I have two questions that I get ALL THE TIME. Not that I really mind when people will say "Wow, you are looking like you lost some weight." It is very nice. It's one question and the response I give to the other question that confuse/frustrate me.
The first thing that people ask me is; "What's your secret?" Now, I have worked at a local grocery store as a part-time cashier for close to 4 years. So many of the customers who have been coming there realize I have lost a lot of weight and that I am healthy now. They ask me my secret, and my standard reply is that "I have finally done what my doctor has told me to do for 20 years, watch my diet and exercise. It really works." This is the frustrating part for me. They say something along the lines of they have tried or something to the effect and as I am ringing out their groceries it's ALL junk food. I try not to judge, it's hard to think your are trying real hard when the junk that you are buying is going to be in your house tempting you. My wife and I stopped buying the junk so it wouldn't tempt us. We both have stronger will power now, so it's not a big deal to have some cake in the house. I have my cheat days, the other night the ice cream truck rolled by it could be one of the last times we see him so I treated my son and I to a treat. It was awesome, but it was my cheat day and I have been good since. Plus, I had a cheat week when I was in Florida, the food was awesome. What's a former/recovering fat kid to do? :)
The other part of that question is when people seem disappointed that I don't tell them about a magic pill. Hard work pays off. I am never going to be in a body building show, but I am not afraid of taking my shirt off. I can still hide behind the fact that I am fair skinned and in some intense sun it would be safer, but it's not because I am ashamed of how I look anymore.
Now the other question, I guess it means that people care about me, but the second most common question is if I lost the weight cause I am sick. I really struggle with that question, again, I am glad that people care, but I sometimes feel as if they thought that being sick would be the only way I could lose weight. I know that I am probably reading to much into the question.
I hope that you are doing well in your journey to whatever goal you have.
Mike
225
The first thing that people ask me is; "What's your secret?" Now, I have worked at a local grocery store as a part-time cashier for close to 4 years. So many of the customers who have been coming there realize I have lost a lot of weight and that I am healthy now. They ask me my secret, and my standard reply is that "I have finally done what my doctor has told me to do for 20 years, watch my diet and exercise. It really works." This is the frustrating part for me. They say something along the lines of they have tried or something to the effect and as I am ringing out their groceries it's ALL junk food. I try not to judge, it's hard to think your are trying real hard when the junk that you are buying is going to be in your house tempting you. My wife and I stopped buying the junk so it wouldn't tempt us. We both have stronger will power now, so it's not a big deal to have some cake in the house. I have my cheat days, the other night the ice cream truck rolled by it could be one of the last times we see him so I treated my son and I to a treat. It was awesome, but it was my cheat day and I have been good since. Plus, I had a cheat week when I was in Florida, the food was awesome. What's a former/recovering fat kid to do? :)
The other part of that question is when people seem disappointed that I don't tell them about a magic pill. Hard work pays off. I am never going to be in a body building show, but I am not afraid of taking my shirt off. I can still hide behind the fact that I am fair skinned and in some intense sun it would be safer, but it's not because I am ashamed of how I look anymore.
Now the other question, I guess it means that people care about me, but the second most common question is if I lost the weight cause I am sick. I really struggle with that question, again, I am glad that people care, but I sometimes feel as if they thought that being sick would be the only way I could lose weight. I know that I am probably reading to much into the question.
I hope that you are doing well in your journey to whatever goal you have.
Mike
225
This would be "Fat Mike"
This would be IFBB Figure Champ Nicole Wilkins and Not "Fat Mike"
Saturday, August 13, 2011
The Gift that Keeps Giving...
Well, summer is almost over as we are preparing to send kids back to school. Hope your summer was eventful. Speaking of sending kids off to school, it annoys me how soon stores are shoving "Back To School" sections or sales in our faces. It seems now like kids only have a couple of weeks of not thinking about school and by the 4th of July the sales are going. Can we give the kids a little time to unwind and relax???
On to the point...the main one.
As I was thinking about this new blog it dawned on me about all of the things that I love about my job. I manage a Vitamin Shoppe store. The benefits are numerous. I came from a company that really didn't seem to care about their employees, that was going bankrupt and if they make it out stores are/will close fast and furious. As a matter of fact all 4 of the locations that I called home in my 8 years with the company are now boarded up. Scary.
I made the decision to work for one of the best managers that I have ever had the pleasure of working for. (Yes, she does read this blog on occasion but I am not trying to kiss her behind. She already knows all of what I am going to say.) What I love most is that she understands that I have a family, and family comes first. She has supported me and had my back when others were ready to throw me away. I think I can say that I also have had her back and was a rock for her when she was in a tight situation. Part of the reason I am at the Vitamin Shoppe is my transformation from "Fat Mike." She knew that this was the direction my life was going and I was no longer a fit for the company I was at. She had a rough situation at a store and we changed the direction of that store together.
The PEC. If you have ever talked to me in person over the last 6-7 months that is all I was talking about. Vitamin Shoppe flies us to Florida, puts us up in a great resort and has us learn about our industry and what is new and exciting...really??? Companies want their employees to be knowledgeable??? I know, right. This is the part where the gift keeps giving. I am not going to make it out like it wasn't work. It wasn't my normal week, it was hard, but it was still work. We learned a lot and got a lot of awesome product...for FREE. I met a lot of contacts, got my picture taken with Rich Gaspari. If you have followed bodybuilding at all you should know the name. If not, he's a big deal in the bodybuilding/sports nutrition world. I met the CEO and all of the heads of my company. I had one on one face time with them all. Awesome. PEC was the 3rd week of July. I am still receiving free product. Now most of what I get goes to my awesome staff, but what is nice is every time I turn around I see more free stuff and am reminded of how great this company is.
I know that this looks like an informercial for the Vitamin Shoppe. That's not what it is intended to be. I guess I can tie it into my journey to my 225 like this...I love that I lost weight, I know that I will be around for a longer time to see my little boy grow up to be a man. Where I was a year and a half ago, I don't know if I could have said the same thing with the same honesty. That is truly the Gift that Keeps on Giving...
Good Luck,
Mike
225
On to the point...the main one.
As I was thinking about this new blog it dawned on me about all of the things that I love about my job. I manage a Vitamin Shoppe store. The benefits are numerous. I came from a company that really didn't seem to care about their employees, that was going bankrupt and if they make it out stores are/will close fast and furious. As a matter of fact all 4 of the locations that I called home in my 8 years with the company are now boarded up. Scary.
I made the decision to work for one of the best managers that I have ever had the pleasure of working for. (Yes, she does read this blog on occasion but I am not trying to kiss her behind. She already knows all of what I am going to say.) What I love most is that she understands that I have a family, and family comes first. She has supported me and had my back when others were ready to throw me away. I think I can say that I also have had her back and was a rock for her when she was in a tight situation. Part of the reason I am at the Vitamin Shoppe is my transformation from "Fat Mike." She knew that this was the direction my life was going and I was no longer a fit for the company I was at. She had a rough situation at a store and we changed the direction of that store together.
The PEC. If you have ever talked to me in person over the last 6-7 months that is all I was talking about. Vitamin Shoppe flies us to Florida, puts us up in a great resort and has us learn about our industry and what is new and exciting...really??? Companies want their employees to be knowledgeable??? I know, right. This is the part where the gift keeps giving. I am not going to make it out like it wasn't work. It wasn't my normal week, it was hard, but it was still work. We learned a lot and got a lot of awesome product...for FREE. I met a lot of contacts, got my picture taken with Rich Gaspari. If you have followed bodybuilding at all you should know the name. If not, he's a big deal in the bodybuilding/sports nutrition world. I met the CEO and all of the heads of my company. I had one on one face time with them all. Awesome. PEC was the 3rd week of July. I am still receiving free product. Now most of what I get goes to my awesome staff, but what is nice is every time I turn around I see more free stuff and am reminded of how great this company is.
I know that this looks like an informercial for the Vitamin Shoppe. That's not what it is intended to be. I guess I can tie it into my journey to my 225 like this...I love that I lost weight, I know that I will be around for a longer time to see my little boy grow up to be a man. Where I was a year and a half ago, I don't know if I could have said the same thing with the same honesty. That is truly the Gift that Keeps on Giving...
Good Luck,
Mike
225
Rich Gaspari and I
Monday, June 20, 2011
2 Word Story...
So this is going to be a quick one tonight. Have you seen all of the advertising for the website 2wordstory.com? This isn't an ad for it, but I looked at the site recently. The idea (I think) is to pick a 2 words that would tell a story about yourself and they want to tell stories of how SE Michigan is reshaping, rebuilding sharing stories of hope etc. The 2 words are the same word, the first has a question mark after it and the second has a period. Anyway I picked my 2 Word Story the other day:
Transform?
Transform.
I think it may be obvious, but last February when I started to work on my journey I wasn't sure if I would be able to TRANSFORM myself and my bad habits into a healthier Mike. In May when I got my physical and all of my numbers from Blood Pressure and cholesterol came back awesome, I knew that all of the time and support I had taken to TRANSFORM myself had paid off.
For the record I hit 224lbs last week, but I also took vacation. I didn't end the week there. :) I am not worried though, I hit my goal and I am happy. I am fine if I stay between 225-230, I am killing it at the gym and just got some supplements from one of my vendors that will/should help with (Healthy Muscle) weight gain.
Shout out to my hot wife who has dropped 20+ lbs in the last few months. I am proud of her, she is doing it with a crazy ass schedule and running our son to all of his events. Yeah she's a pretty big deal, and I am very lucky.
BTW-What's your 2 word story???
Mike
Transform?
Transform.
I think it may be obvious, but last February when I started to work on my journey I wasn't sure if I would be able to TRANSFORM myself and my bad habits into a healthier Mike. In May when I got my physical and all of my numbers from Blood Pressure and cholesterol came back awesome, I knew that all of the time and support I had taken to TRANSFORM myself had paid off.
For the record I hit 224lbs last week, but I also took vacation. I didn't end the week there. :) I am not worried though, I hit my goal and I am happy. I am fine if I stay between 225-230, I am killing it at the gym and just got some supplements from one of my vendors that will/should help with (Healthy Muscle) weight gain.
Shout out to my hot wife who has dropped 20+ lbs in the last few months. I am proud of her, she is doing it with a crazy ass schedule and running our son to all of his events. Yeah she's a pretty big deal, and I am very lucky.
BTW-What's your 2 word story???
Mike
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Survey Says...
Well long time no talk. Not that I have not had things to say, just not too much time to say them. I have a few thoughts so here we go...
I think I can credit the fact that the worse cold that I had all winter lasted maybe 3-4 days, to the fact that this is the first winter that I have actually have taken vitamins regularly. I bought and took cold medicine one time this winter and technically speaking it was in the spring.
I have come to the conclusion that a workout partner is imperative when you try and lift heavy with free weights at the gym. For example, the other night I tried to go heavier than normal while doing a chest press. A guy, who is in tremendous shape and I have talked with in the past, saw me struggling to put the 65lb dumbbells up and offered to help. Only problem is that I was concentrating on putting my left arm up, my right arm gave out. Oops. If not for my spotter, I would've had a massive headache and a large dent in my face. Lesson learned.
I have a few numbers that I forgot in my last post, it's archived if you need a refresher.
2- the number of times I had to visit my doctor after gym nights. 1 for a massive headache I got while doing a exercise. I have to admit I was very scared after this one.
5-the weight in pounds of the weight plate that I didn't notice falling and hitting my toe. Of course it dropped directly down, so the skinny part hit. While my toe didn't break (contrary to popular belief) it did lead to an awesome case of tendinitis.
Speaking of doctors and numbers, I had a physical the other day and had a complete blood panel taken. This was my first complete physical in close to 8 years. I really don't like going to see the doctor, but at some point you have to bite the bullet. The last doctor I saw put me on blood pressure meds at the tender age of 23. I hated the meds, and got myself off of them on my own. Growing up though I did have higher cholesterol and have a family history. While I wish I had actually had blood work take last year when I went for my headache I mentioned earlier, I am glad pretty glad I didn't. Once again, I think doctors are motivated to put people on meds. Some people require them, I don't, and my new knowledge of vitamins means that I know what I can take to help raise what I need raised and lower what I need lowered. All in all it was a very satisfying day. All my numbers came in very good, blood pressure, cholesterol, both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) and glucose. I know that I am doing good things for my body with the weight I have lost and the cardio and weight training I am doing, but now to go with the physical truth I have the numbers to back that up.
By the way since my last post, I now range between 226 and 230. I have not hit 225 yet, but if this is what I have to stay with I am ok. My weight will hit 225, I don't know for how long, or how long it will take, but It will happen. I know that I have already won, but if I can maintain 225-230 but know that I am building more muscle and my body is getting stronger.
Thanks for all you do for me
Mike
Here's to your 225
I think I can credit the fact that the worse cold that I had all winter lasted maybe 3-4 days, to the fact that this is the first winter that I have actually have taken vitamins regularly. I bought and took cold medicine one time this winter and technically speaking it was in the spring.
I have come to the conclusion that a workout partner is imperative when you try and lift heavy with free weights at the gym. For example, the other night I tried to go heavier than normal while doing a chest press. A guy, who is in tremendous shape and I have talked with in the past, saw me struggling to put the 65lb dumbbells up and offered to help. Only problem is that I was concentrating on putting my left arm up, my right arm gave out. Oops. If not for my spotter, I would've had a massive headache and a large dent in my face. Lesson learned.
I have a few numbers that I forgot in my last post, it's archived if you need a refresher.
2- the number of times I had to visit my doctor after gym nights. 1 for a massive headache I got while doing a exercise. I have to admit I was very scared after this one.
5-the weight in pounds of the weight plate that I didn't notice falling and hitting my toe. Of course it dropped directly down, so the skinny part hit. While my toe didn't break (contrary to popular belief) it did lead to an awesome case of tendinitis.
Speaking of doctors and numbers, I had a physical the other day and had a complete blood panel taken. This was my first complete physical in close to 8 years. I really don't like going to see the doctor, but at some point you have to bite the bullet. The last doctor I saw put me on blood pressure meds at the tender age of 23. I hated the meds, and got myself off of them on my own. Growing up though I did have higher cholesterol and have a family history. While I wish I had actually had blood work take last year when I went for my headache I mentioned earlier, I am glad pretty glad I didn't. Once again, I think doctors are motivated to put people on meds. Some people require them, I don't, and my new knowledge of vitamins means that I know what I can take to help raise what I need raised and lower what I need lowered. All in all it was a very satisfying day. All my numbers came in very good, blood pressure, cholesterol, both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) and glucose. I know that I am doing good things for my body with the weight I have lost and the cardio and weight training I am doing, but now to go with the physical truth I have the numbers to back that up.
By the way since my last post, I now range between 226 and 230. I have not hit 225 yet, but if this is what I have to stay with I am ok. My weight will hit 225, I don't know for how long, or how long it will take, but It will happen. I know that I have already won, but if I can maintain 225-230 but know that I am building more muscle and my body is getting stronger.
Thanks for all you do for me
Mike
Here's to your 225
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
By The Numbers
Today I thought about all of the significant numbers that I have encountered in my journey to my magic number of 225. So here we go:
3-The number of weeks since my last post. (This might start to become a pattern)
365-The number in Days since I started my journey. (I have kept it up for a year! I am really proud of that!)
313-The number in pounds that I weighed when I started a year ago
235-The number in pounds that I weigh today!
78-The number in pounds difference (just in case you were not ready for math)
11-The number in pounds I have left to go! (again the math)
3500-The number in calories that A POUND of FAT weighs.
500-1000-The number in calorie deficit per day you must create to lose 1-2 pounds a week
42-The number in inches of the size of my waist when I started.
37-The same number as above Today.
15+-The number in years since I have comfortably worn an Extra Large shirt.
4-The number on the clock followed by AM, as the latest/earliest I went to the gym.(A couple of times after Inventory when I work at Blockbuster. Trust me you have your choice of machines at that hour!)
1-The number in MILLIONS OF THANKS I owe to my wife for letting me do this and putting up with me. Staying home with our son so I can go to the gym late at night.
1-The number of Thanks that I owe to so many people who have helped along the way. Like Jake who took me to the gym the first time, Ryan my current workout partner, Amy for being a sometimes workout partner and everybody else who has helped and given me support over the last year.
I am close, I couldn't have done it with out you. I don't know if I inspire anyone with this, but I hope I do. It's kinda dumb, but I think I would like to do one of those motivational speaker deals. Not attend, but be one. Maybe next year...
Thanks
Mike
225 (soon!)
3-The number of weeks since my last post. (This might start to become a pattern)
365-The number in Days since I started my journey. (I have kept it up for a year! I am really proud of that!)
313-The number in pounds that I weighed when I started a year ago
235-The number in pounds that I weigh today!
78-The number in pounds difference (just in case you were not ready for math)
11-The number in pounds I have left to go! (again the math)
3500-The number in calories that A POUND of FAT weighs.
500-1000-The number in calorie deficit per day you must create to lose 1-2 pounds a week
42-The number in inches of the size of my waist when I started.
37-The same number as above Today.
15+-The number in years since I have comfortably worn an Extra Large shirt.
4-The number on the clock followed by AM, as the latest/earliest I went to the gym.(A couple of times after Inventory when I work at Blockbuster. Trust me you have your choice of machines at that hour!)
1-The number in MILLIONS OF THANKS I owe to my wife for letting me do this and putting up with me. Staying home with our son so I can go to the gym late at night.
1-The number of Thanks that I owe to so many people who have helped along the way. Like Jake who took me to the gym the first time, Ryan my current workout partner, Amy for being a sometimes workout partner and everybody else who has helped and given me support over the last year.
I am close, I couldn't have done it with out you. I don't know if I inspire anyone with this, but I hope I do. It's kinda dumb, but I think I would like to do one of those motivational speaker deals. Not attend, but be one. Maybe next year...
Thanks
Mike
225 (soon!)
Monday, January 24, 2011
It's been a minute...
It has been a minute since my last post...So here is a quick review of the last 3 weeks. My little boy turned 6, I had to let go one of my managers at work, lost another associate, worked a lot. Worked out not as much as I should have BUT the scale is now under 240! I am only 14lbs away from 225!!!
A 6 year old's birthday party is WAY different than a 5 year old's.
A 5lb cat that acts like a 70 lb dog is funny...and a little strange.
Pink (the singer) should be considered one of the better female performers that we have seen in awhile. She can sing and put on a show at the same time.
Lady Gaga freaks me out and I don't understand her songs and what the meaning of them are.
I don't know if I mentioned this last time around, but I am glad that I work out at my particular "Judgement Free" gym...When I was at another gym working out, I was people watching (it's fun) and I counted at least 5 people who were lifting FAR to much weight. I am no master but I know bad form when I see it. It really makes that weight much less effective. The New Years resolutions are in full effect. My gym has never been this busy. Remember I workout late at night, and it is still packed that late.
I should have gone to the gym tonight, but family time was more important.
I love my family. It was nice.
Have a good night...I will be 225 in no time...Here's to your 225
Mike
A 6 year old's birthday party is WAY different than a 5 year old's.
A 5lb cat that acts like a 70 lb dog is funny...and a little strange.
Pink (the singer) should be considered one of the better female performers that we have seen in awhile. She can sing and put on a show at the same time.
Lady Gaga freaks me out and I don't understand her songs and what the meaning of them are.
I don't know if I mentioned this last time around, but I am glad that I work out at my particular "Judgement Free" gym...When I was at another gym working out, I was people watching (it's fun) and I counted at least 5 people who were lifting FAR to much weight. I am no master but I know bad form when I see it. It really makes that weight much less effective. The New Years resolutions are in full effect. My gym has never been this busy. Remember I workout late at night, and it is still packed that late.
I should have gone to the gym tonight, but family time was more important.
I love my family. It was nice.
Have a good night...I will be 225 in no time...Here's to your 225
Mike
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