This has been a long time coming for Jimmy. He has been with us since the beginning and is one of if not the most dedicated gym member that we have. Despite having a busy schedule with work and 2 young children Jimmy always makes time to get his workouts in.
People like Jimmy are the reason why we are in business. Dedicating the time and energy to regularly improve your physical health will in turn improve many other aspects of your life. In addition, working out is the healthiest stress reliever there is, and we all know that, from time to time (some of us all the time) we get stressed and need to blow off some steam.
The best way you can inspire others to get to work on their physical health is to become the example that they look to for the possibilities. This is exactly what Jimmy does EVERY DAY. By most accounts Jim is a normal guy with a busy schedule and young children. All of us are in the same boat. We are all busy, and non of us are going to be pro athletes. But people like Jimmy allow us to see and understand that fitness is a tool we can all use to improve our lives.
We asked Jimmy a few questions about his motivations and his routine…..
What got you interested in fitness?
Jimmy: Started out in high school with weight training for football. I was overweight/obese for most of my life until Sophomore year of high school when I started using a NordikTrak (yes I’m that old) and the weight melted off. Continued weight training and running all throughout college. After college and into marriage, working out took a backseat and the weight came back on. Wasn’t until a family member noticed my significant weight gain and I went on a mission–bought a treadmill and the rest they say, is history.
How do you find time to get your workouts in?
Jimmy: Twofold. 1. I MAKE TIME. 2. I have a very understanding and supportive wife who is well aware of my obsession with working out not to stand in my way if I need to go work out for an hour.
What keeps you motivated?
Jimmy: Easy–I know that once the working out stops, the weight comes back on. Weight loss isn’t easy for me, never has been. I need to maintain a rigorous workout routine in order to keep the weight off.
What tips would you offer someone who is just starting out?
Jimmy: If you’re unsure what to do, just do SOMETHING!!! Anything. You wouldn’t believe what walking for 30 minutes a day would do for your general health. Running tips–start out simple, don’t think you have to run a 6:00 minute mile right off. When I started I did about a 10:00-11:00 minute mile. As I continued, I progressed. Find yourself some competition. Do a charitable race. It’s fun and it’s a great motivator. Make yourself work out. There’s 168 hours in a week. Find yourself 5-8 hours in that week to work out. Go hard while you’re working out. If you aren’t sweating or you’re comfortable engaging in a conversation with your buddy—YOU’RE NOT GOING HARD ENOUGH!!!
What is your current workout routine?
Jimmy: 4 days of running, 7-8 miles each time for a total of at least 28-30 miles per week. 2 days of elliptical training/high intensity, low impact weight training taught to me by Pete (7 minute non-stop combination of squats, pull downs, chin-ups, push-ups and kettlebell swings.) Couple days of low intensity, high rep weight lifting. Take one day off (usually Friday).
In your opinion, what are the biggest benefits of exercising?
Besides your health and long life, it just makes you feel good. Once you get the bug, you start to feel “off” if you miss a workout.
Have you seen good results? If so could you go into detail about them?
I started my significant running back in 2006. I started out weighing 220 pounds. About a year later, I was down to 145 pounds (too low!!!) Gained some weight and now at a health weight, BMI.
“It’s not easy, but I guarantee you, it is worth it.”
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