I used to be a star athlete in high school. I never had to think much about getting or staying in shape. I just loved sports so much, and it all came so naturally to me, that being in shape was sort of an afterthought. Since basketball was my number one passion, I guess that made it that much easier to be in shape because it is such a physically demanding sport.

Anyway, enough about my expertise from what seems like a hundred years ago. A few significant things sort of evolved and I soon found myself in college, and gradually getting out of shape. I stopped growing at 5'8" so basketball didn't seem to be a viable future, though, I loved the sport, and was tenaciously good. The down side was that I played on three very losing teams in high school, and I didn't have much self esteem. I was mildly recruited by a few schools, but didn't want to play competitively anymore. Although I was a good student, I just remember being really scared about my future. I had spent so much time playing sports, but now I had to grow up, and I wasn't prepared. Soon after high school, I started smoking marijuana. By the time I went away to college, and was greeted while moving in by the dormitory president with a picture of beer in his hand, and a keg tapped nearby, I found my next true love. For many years to come, it was all about partying and being irresponsible.

Many years later I did get clean, and have been for thirteen and a half years and counting. What I've found out in my years of recovery is that I truly still do have a passion for being healthy, and staying in shape. However, I've found it very difficult to maintain any sort of healthy eating or working out schedule. There's many reasons/excuses why I wasn't able to get back in shape, or stay on track, until recent years. I'm going to continue to share my story with those who want to hear it, and hopefully, continue to share my on-going success at maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If I workout, or don't, or eat healthy, or decide to eat that plate of nasty fried french fries, you'll be the first to know.

What I've found works for me, and I believe will work for you, is that there is no single answer for everyone. Also, there is no miracle diet, or miracle fix to instantly transform oneself into great shape. I used to play sports every waking moment when I was a kid, and I even got heavily into bodybuilding for about five years. However, today, it's not about trying to lift a lot of weight, or trying to ride a hundred miles on my bicycle. If you're like most of us, you're probably in mild shape, or out of shape all together. No matter what your level of fitness, health, or nutrition is, one thing is for sure. So many people struggle to maintain a good balance. They will work out like crazy for a few days or weeks, then realize that their other responsibilities are piling up. Then, one day, if they don't feel enough motivation to work out, they'll switch back to taking care of all the things they've let go for a while, and then find it hard to get back to working out.

If we all work together, we can make just a little bit of progress at a time. Like I said, it doesn't have to be about reaching for the stars. Realistic goals are best, and I've learned that no matter what, I won't feel good about myself if I beat myself up over what I'm not doing. The only thing I can do if I'm not feeling motivated is, get with other people who are. That's where I know we can help you. No matter what though, try to enjoy yourself and set realistic goals. And always remember, life should not be so much about the destination, but about the journey. Can't wait to meet you at our site. Until then, be safe, healthy, and happy.