My own personal fitness journey began after a personal loss some years ago. During this time I succumbed to the traditional negative coping mechanisms (aka alcohol abuse, avoiding grief, negative behaviours). After some time wallowing in this mire of self pity I managed to come to my senses and realise the negative impact my poor life choices were giving me. I was overweight, very unfit, in debt from my self destructive lifestyle and the overspending that came with that.
Eventually coming to terms with the loss helped me put things in perspective with regards to what I was becoming. I felt dreadful on all levels, physically, spiritually, emotionally. This could not go on…something had to change.
I enrolled in a local gym and gained the help of a number of personal trainers. Although I was no stranger to gyms and exercise I struggled initially due to how unfit I had let myself become. I was highly motivated however to turn things around. I began to attend the gym three to four times a week, undertaking a program of circuit training, compound lifting and cardio (sprints and long distance runs). Over the following weeks I began to attended the gym more frequently. This was usually around five times a week (often twice in one day). Even on my days off I would ensure I got in some kind of training be it stretching or even just a long walk. I changed my diet completely getting rid of all the unhealthy things that were going on my plate and I even banned the booze, for 6 months, quite an accomplishment for me!
After 3 months with much hard work and dedication I had managed to achieve my goals and have never looked back.
A few years later towards the end of my personal trainer course I sat one evening watching the Marvel film Captain America. There is a scene where the weak and sickly Steve Rogers undergoes the scientific experiment that sees him transformed into the Super Soldier comic book fans are familiar with. This transformation takes mere seconds and afterwards Steve Rogers is faster, stronger and buffer than most men could even dream of. If only I mused…
My own Super Soldier Project would require a great deal more time, effort and determination.