my 8 week challenge

Research shows that North Americans are becoming increasingly overweight and even obese. Myself, I’m 32 years old and wouldn’t necessarily consider myself overweight, but definitely I would consider myself out of shape.

When I moved away from home at the age of 18 I weighed in roughly at 180 lbs and was physically fit. I had played volleyball in high school and ran regularly. I had the same amazing metabolism that I’d been fortunate to have my entire life. Again, that was until I moved away from home. By the time I was 22 I tipped the scales at 244 lbs — the most I’ve ever weighed. More importantly wasn’t the actual number that was tied to me, but more so where that weight was distributed. I had an amazing six-pack; just with an extra large-sized cooler to encompass it. In other words, I was fat.

Today, I’m still what I would consider fat. I’ve got “moobs” — you know, man boobs. I’ve also still got a big gut, though somehow surprisingly fit into a size 36 pair of jeans on a regular basis without a struggle.

This upcoming October, Monica, my fiancée and I are off on an “adults” vacation (we’re leaving our daughter at Grandma and Grandpas for a few days). It looks like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the current front runner, but no matter where we’re off to, there will be a beach. And for once I won’t be embarrassed to remove my shirt on that beach. Why, you ask? Well the beach is just over eight weeks away, hence the creation of My 8 Week Challenge website.

I figure that eight weeks is adequate time to replace some bad habits with good ones, improve on my physique, shed some body fat and ultimately get healthier.

Follow my triumphs and challenges here on a daily basis and please, hold me accountable for not posting or not being active. In other words, publicly shame me for not keeping commitments. Thanks in advance for joining me on my journey. I look forward to getting to know you along the way.