Transformation Story: James

No one can make a change happen for you. You have to want to change and be willing to work for change. James knew it was time to make a change in his health. With help from his trainer Katie and some hard work, James is feeling stronger, healthier, and happier than ever! 

Keep reading to learn how James transformed his lifestyle with the help of O2 Fitness!

What was your 'a-ha' moment that made you decide to make a change?

I had gained 25-30lbs in 2020 and by March of 2021 began feeling lethargic, slow, and weak. I was almost 200lbs, and I wasn’t happy with who I had become. In the past, I had told myself that I would never weigh more than 200lbs. I knew I had to get in better shape for the sake of my mental and physical health. I wasn’t going to eclipse 200lbs…ever!!!

How did you start to make the change? What did you find that worked best for you?

I had been curious about O2 Fitness even before I wanted to make a significant lifestyle change. I had worked out regularly in my early 40s and understood that discipline and determination were what I needed to make a change. It had been over a decade since I had last worked out, and I knew that starting again on my own would be difficult and probably wouldn’t last. I needed motivation and direction. This led me to join o2 Fitness and hire Katie Filidoro as a personal trainer three days a week. And so the journey began….

What has been the most significant or surprising change you've felt?

I began to feel stronger, healthier, and had more energy. I’ve lost 30lbs and was told by Katie that losing 30lbs was a significant change, and I should be happy about my progress. Other people had noticed a difference in my personality and that I was looking a lot fitter. This made me realize that I was on the right path to achieving my goals and feeling better about myself. 

How did O2's help you in your fitness journey?

It started with Katie. She created a rigorous step-by-step training program designed to help me make the changes I desired. Each week, the training became more and more challenging, and the results began to show. In addition to the training, I began to do cardio on the days that I wasn’t with Katie. O2 Fitness has a comfortable environment, and the staff always makes me feel welcome each day I walk through the door. Thank you, O2!

What have you learned through the process? 

I have learned a few things during my fitness journey. I learned that I would have to change my mindset and believe in myself to make a change. I learned that a new challenge awaited every day and that I had to have the will to succeed in my goals. It’s been hard, but I’ve gained the confidence and determination necessary to succeed. 

What would you tell someone who wants to make a change? How would you inspire someone to take the first step and go for it?

I would tell anyone who wants to change their life that change is reliant on themselves. So if you're setting out to make a change that involves getting in shape, it will require a lifestyle change to reach whatever your goal is. To be completely honest other than creating a solid workout plan, walking through the doors of O2 Fitness Clubs is the first step you need to take (and that it’s the hardest thing to do on day one.) Once you're there, your best bet will be to take advantage of everything that the club and its staff have to offer! Getting in shape is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. You will have to want to succeed to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle to reach whatever health and fitness goals you have set for yourself. Once I did that, I found success, and I hope that inspires them to try it for themselves too!