The beginning...

Well, today was the first official day of my quest for health transformation and I'm excited to be off and running (err, I should say walking for now...).  There's so much that has lead up to this first posting that's it's hard to squeeze it all in.  On the negative side, I've packed on a ton of weight over the past few years.  I've been less active, winded on stairs, and generally feeling lethargic.  My eating and exercise habits were especially bad while working on my MBA for the past 16 months.  Now that the degree program is complete, my focus has shifted to overall health and well-being.   

On the positive side, I've been inspired by my lovely wife who has lost a significant amount of weight and improved her overall health tremendously since beginning her Ph.D. program.  She and my four-legged daughters are walking several miles a day and I don't want to be the only unhealthy member of our immediate family.  In addition to my supportive wife, I'm also blessed with wonderful parents and a brother who have encouraged and empowered me to immerse myself in personal training over the next three months.  Also, I've got to mention the inspiration derived by watching my good friend and colleague, Caleb Ludwick's overwhelming success in the Fitness Together program.  

Those of you who know me can attest to my, almost obsessive, commitment to quality and local business.  That's where Julian Kaufman and the Fitness Together (FT) team come into the equation.  I learned about FT just before I began my MBA.  At that time, Kyle worked me through a session and evaluation which was very impressive.  As the load of school got underway, I tabled the idea and focused completely on education but I kept my eye on friends and colleagues who were benefiting from the magic of Julian's team.  During the time between my first meeting Kyle and today, I've gotten to know Julian and have become extremely appreciative of his down to earth, realistic, non-gimicy style and commitment to quality.  Plus, we share connections in my hometown of Rockmart, GA which nobody else has ever heard of...

For all these reasons and many more, today begins a my journey and those of you who wish can read along to chart progress.  I believe wholeheartedly in accountability so hear are some critical stats from where I stand right now:

Height- 6'4"

Weight- 363 lbs.

BMI (from Mayo Clinic Online)- 42.8%

Resting Heart Rate- 82 bpm

Neck- 19"

Chest- 55"

Waist- 57"

I guess that sets the stage.  I had my first workout today.  After a warm-up, I was coached through a circuit of exercises.  The workout was interesting and extremely challenging.  The trainer did a great job of pushing me through sets and I was whipped when we were done.  After the one-on-one work, I spent 30 minutes on the exercise bike and then walked the two miles back to my office.  Needless to say, I'm really sore right now and the AM probably will be a little worse.  Being really athletic in high-school, I am completely surprised at how out of shape my body has become.  That's all the more motivation to get up tomorrow and work even harder.  

To all of those of you who are helping make this possible, many thanks!