Life Before KickStart
How was your body before Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
My body was (and felt) bloated, weaker than I wished it was and I often felt tired.
How did that (state of being) make you feel?
That state of being made me feel weak and vulnerable. I wasn’t as comfortable with taking off my clothes at a pool as I had been a few years ago.
And I didn’t trust my body when it came to exercising and/or doing something bodily straining, which obviously turned into a downward spiral: no complete trust -> less challenging movement -> less trust -> less movement -> … And my mind wasn’t as sharp as I remembered it being, which could well have been due to my body being too heavy and sluggish.
Was there anything you were unable to do that you wish you could have done?
At least there were heaps of things I thought I could not do, many of them factual: It was hard to muster up the motivation to do anything related to my body (with the exception of eating) – be it exercise, wellness, … I could not climb well (e.g. in the bouldering gym), since my body was so much heavier than when I still climbed a few times a week. I could not run without running out of breath within a few minutes – and even if I slowed down, I could only run a few kilometers before something started to ache. My old clothes didn’t fit. For the most part not “did not fit as well”, but “did not fit, period”.
During that time, how did your current state of being affect those around you?
I think (and hope!) it didn’t affect anyone negatively, but I guess I did avoid some situations and was sluggish in general, so I definitely wasn’t the person to start some activities.
The Moment Everything Changed
How did you hear about Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
I read Michael Easter’s books.
What were your doubts and fears before starting the program?
It was quite much money for a 12-week program, and there was no “meh”-review online. So it either had to be unbelievably good and life changing, or it had to be a cult (due to Michael Easter’s books, at least I knew it wasn’t a scam). Furthermore I’m no native speaker, so I wasn’t sure whether communication would work out fine.
What made you say YES anyway?
The state I was in, combined with the deal of getting it for half the price but still having the option of reimbursement. Like, I knew I had to change things – and not just a little – to get to where I wanted to be (or at least to get away from where I knew I didn’t want to be). And then TKN offered the perfect opportunity.
Life After KickStart
Where is your body/mind now?
I’m feeling strong and capable again, my mind feels clearer. Most importantly, I’m a different person: I do the things I promised to myself, I procrastinate way less, I’m much more active – both when it comes to exercising and when it comes to just getting stuff done. And I feel much more comfortable in my body again – and the old clothes are starting to fit again, too.
How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel great – energetic, optimistic and ready to take on everything!
It also really pushed my work output, to the point colleagues and leadership noticed. So, overall: I’m happy, confident in my new abilities, comfortable with my body, and excited to see what I can add in with the Advanced Program.
What are you able to do now that you were not able to do before (mentally, emotionally, or physically)?
I’m trusting my body again, and loading it with much more weight than I would have dared three month ago (but obviously I’m still staying on the safe side of things!). I went climbing with a friend a few weeks back, and I actually could do most of the stuff I used to be able to do – although I got quite sore, but that’s a question of regularity. I’m getting stuff done instead of scrolling – and that in turn accelerates me on the path of improving myself and my life.
And I’m feeling good again when only wearing shorts at a pool.
The Ripple Effect
What positive impact did that have on others around you that you might not have expected?
My progress inspired my wife to also pursue her goals more rigorously, and my energy leads to her being less inactive and thus having more energy, as well. My parents are intrigued and also starting to ask questions. And my colleagues also notice the difference in how I carry myself, but also in how I just get stuff done (even) more regularly now (I was not slow before, but this feels very different!).
Thomas’s Words to You
What would you tell someone who is reading this right now and is unsure about taking the next step?
Just do it – what have you got to loose, except some pounds of unnecessary weight and a bunch of bad habits? You do not know what awaits on the other side, but I can tell you it’s magnificent – you don’t want to miss out on this feeling and this new you.
