Life Before KickStart
How was your body before Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
Extremely over fat. I was morbidly obese whether I would admit it or not. I was starting to really feel like crap my feet hurt, knees were starting to hurting, and my sleep sucked because I had fatted myself into sleep apnea (again something I would never admit even though I knew it was true)
How did that (state of being) make you feel?
I was starting to really feel like crap. My feet hurt, knees were starting to hurt, and my sleep sucked because I had fattened myself into sleep apnea (again something I would never admit even though I knew it was true). Psychologically, I felt like a hypocrite in my practice or when teaching because I was supposed to be about helping people be healthier. I also loathed how I looked with my shirt off, which I never took off in public. I was not happy and my appearance played a big role in that. I felt like I needed to compensate for this with my pursuit of strength.
Was there anything you were unable to do that you wish you could have done?
First and foremost, feel comfortable in my own skin. I was very self conscious about how I look especially when I was around friends/people that were fit looking. I wished I could take my shirt off at the pool with the kids and not feel like a fat piece of shit. From a physical stand point I wanted to be able to ruck 12 miles with a 30# pack in 3 hours or less (average 15 min per mile) I could never get under 16 and could never have maintained that pace. Also to be able to hike around while out hunting in Montana with my brother, nephew, or friends and not be the guy that slows everyone down because I was sucking wind.
During that time, how did your current state of being affect those around you?
I know my wife was worried about me from a health stand point because she would lay awake some nights and listen to me stop breathing and wonder if I was going to start breathing again. I know my fatigue and psychological view of my self contributed to my asshole -like behaviors at times. I also didn’t feel like doing fun things with the family, like go swimming, go to the park or even just go outside and play.. I think when it’s hard to feel love towards yourself that makes showing love to others. So my family suffered I’m sure.
The Moment Everything Changed
How did you hear about Trevor Kashey Nutrition?
From my good friend and brother from another mother, Huggy Bear McNiff
What were your doubts and fears before starting the program?
My biggest fear was letting Huggy Bear down, letting myself down and letting my family down because I had let myself down( and felt like I let my family down in the process) many times in the past in efforts to lose weight. When it comes to the program itself, I trust and respect Huggy Bear immensely so when he said if I would just do what I was told and stay plugged into my primary support that I would be successful, I trusted him and just believed the program would work for me.
What made you say YES anyway?
I saw a picture of myself while teaching at a workshop and I seriously looked like a beach killer whale in my black t-shirt. I had finally reached the point that I was done with being an overweight guy that hated how I looked and felt. I also had come to the point where I realized I wanted to be around for my 4 daughters and my wife. I knew the path I was on would lead to type 2 diabetes, blood pressure issue and an early death. I wanted my life back and to be able to do things that I enjoy and enjoy doing them.
Life After KickStart
Where is your body/mind now?
I am way happier with my body. I am the leanest I have EVER been in my life and the process is continuing.
How does that make you feel?
I am super proud of my progress. I feel more comfortable in my skin and I feel more confident in pretty much everything I do and I know this process has helped build that. I am happier with what i see in the mirror and how I look in the office or while teaching. This process has helped me realize how much more I am capable of than I ever did before. I love where I am compared to where I start and I am looking forward to more progress. I have a great coach/primary support and the system is great so my goals have continued to morph and I have zero doubts I will achieve those goals with TKN.
What are you able to do now that you were not able to do before (mentally, emotionally, or physically)?
I have hit my rucking goals, I have completed a GoRuck Tough Challenge and there is no way I could have done that without a cardiac event. I find myself wanting to get out and move more than ever. I enjoy walks with my wife (even when she slows my pace down LOL. Love you Jen), I like going outside and playing with the kids. I had a blast hunting last fall and went from being the guy that would hold people up to the guy that had to wait for others at times.. My aches and pains are gone and my sleep is way better (amazing when you don’t stop breathing during the night). I feel much more complete as a person and I know TKN has contributed to that. Oh and guess what? I don’t have to be strong to justify my fatness, I want to be strong to allow me to do more things I enjoy (and maybe show off a little too. I’m still a guy and well all know we think that way)
The Ripple Effect
What positive impact did that have on others around you that you might not have expected?
First and foremost, my wife became a client. I am so excited to watch her grow as a person and make progress. Makes me super happy that she wants to improve her health so we can enjoy more life together. Next, seeing my daughters notice dad is healthier. it is fun to see them (without me saying a word) get a food scale out and measure out their crackers for their lunches or snacks. It’s heart warming to see them take steps to remain healthy.
As for people outside my family, I have had friends reach out and tell me thank you for motivating them along their journey and how much my posts and pictures helped them make better choices or just stick to their current routines when they were thinking about quitting.
Mike’s Words to You
What would you tell someone who is reading this right now and is unsure about taking the next step?
Just take the plunge. It is all worth it. The goals you’ll accomplish, the health you will regain and the life you will get back or improve are MORE THAN WORTH IT. If you put in the work, you will reap the rewards. The TKN system is legit and you’ll look back and be more than happy with your decision. Don’t keep putting it off. Take the leap and reap the rewards! YOU CAN DO IT!
