Peter's challenge and how it changed his life!
How I Lost 40 Pounds In 6 Months.
Meet Peter a student at Training For Warriors Abingdon.
Life Before he started training at TFW Abingdon was full of struggle for him.
This is Peter’s challenge in his own words.
In August 2016 I was feeling pretty low with a poor life work balance and had ballooned to a heavy 248 pounds. I had heard of Training For Warriors through an acquaintance, but the name slightly intimidated me and as a fat unfit 56 year old professional the thought of becoming a Warrior wasn’t on the radar.
Out of the blue, an email arrived inviting people to an open day at The Abingdon Dojo. Curiosity got the better of me and so, along with my wife and toddler I went along.
The place was buzzing with children throwing themselves into some impressive moves and some adults spinning to some very loud music. The place felt alive and full of positive energy. Ben introduced himself and Virginia and wanted to know what had prompted me to come to the open day. Both his and Virginia’s enthusiasm is infectious and they told me about the 8 week challenge that was starting soon. It’s very easy to put off decisions, especially those that can be a little scary, and so I bit the bullet and paid for the challenge straight away, the theory being that if I had paid for it I was less likely to pull out and make excuses as to why it wouldn’t be right for me.
I was very nervous prior to attending the induction session on the Sunday evening thinking this fat unfit middle-aged man was going to make a fool of himself in front of a bunch of ‘would be warriors.’
I really had no idea what I had let myself in for and on arrival was pleasantly surprised to see other people just like me. (Well not quite as overweight as me and certainly not quite so old). It soon became apparent this wasn’t going to be an introduction to “Gladiator school”, but the start of a journey, the aim of which is to simply become the best person I am capable of being, both physically and mentally. It wasn’t going to be a competition of who can lift the heaviest or run the fastest. The only competition is to try and see how, by positive thinking and determination, we can move forward in our lives, becoming better versions of ourselves.
I started at Zero…
The only exercise I had done for many years was long distance cycling albeit at a gentle pace and whilst this might sound energetic, it proved to be very different to the sort of exercise and fitness training at TFW. My scores for the pushups and knee grabs, two of TFW’s favourites, were singularly unimpressive at a big fat zero.
In a different place at a different time this might have demoralised me, but the enthusiasm and encouragement given by Ben, Virginia and the rest of the team encouraged me and helped me set some goals, the least of which was that after 8 weeks I would at least be able to trouble the scorer!
The training sessions were tough but enormous fun and everyone at the dojo looks out for everyone else. Even the seasoned warriors, who are sprinting fast and lifting heavy are always happy to encourage beginners and even doing extra ‘laps and lifts’ alongside you so you don’t feel out on a limb.
Results are a fact…
The eight weeks soon passed and when the pushups and knee grab test had to be undertaken I was delighted to manage 16 pushups and 17 knee grabs.
Six months on I can manage 35 pushups and completed 60 knee grabs in the 3 minute challenge.
I have lost almost 3 stone (38 pounds) in weight and 4 inches off my waist.
However the most important thing is I have regained personal empowerment and self-respect.
I have made new like minded friends and other people I know have commented upon how different I look.
My mood is better and I look forward to exercise rather than find excuses to put it off.
I have introduced two others to TFW, one my wife, and both are also seeing differences in how they feel and look.
Thanks to Ben, Virginia and the rest of the TFW team I have started to turn my life around and feel fitter and more able to be an active dad for my 27 month old daughter.
I am proud to have ‘Joined the resistance’ and I look forward to many more years of TFW training.
** The next 8-week transformation challenge starts 2nd September 2017 ** CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION **