ResultZ Fitness Consulting

Often an emotional or situational event can trigger a person to improve their fitness or health for the long-term.  I began my fitness ethic in my late teens as a result of a disturbing event. 

I was going to Penn State studying to be a Mechanical Engineer and I had to take a Cast Iron Foundry Operations class.  As part of the class, I had to participate with other classmates in a cast iron pour.  I had to handle a heavy ladle of molten cast iron and fill molds to make cast iron parts.  The ladle had two handles.  I was on one handle and a 225-pound Penn State football linebacker was holding the other handle.  At the time, I was 6’-4” and only weighed 145 pounds! 

While the football player was easily handling his half of the ladle load, I was struggling to hold and carry my half of the load. I don’t know how much the ladle weighed, but it felt like a “ton” to my frail body!  My back and arms were aching and my legs were shaking.  I was afraid that I’d lose my grip, drop the ladle and pour molten cast iron all over the floor (and maybe even my feet).  It was a very unpleasant and un-settling experience. 

I quickly realized that “I couldn’t perform a decent day of manual labor like a man”.   I knew that I wouldn’t have to perform manual factory labor since I was going to be a Mechanical Engineer and would work in an office environment.  However, my pride took over.  I was a “physical wreck”.  I looked like a “bean pole”!  I was ashamed to be seen in a bathing suit or shorts.   I was underweight and lacked sufficient muscle to perform any activity requiring a reasonable amount of strength without being thoroughly exhausted. 

During the summer vacation from college, my father bought me some dumbbells and barbells and I set up a gym in the basement.  I taught myself how to lift weights from reading muscle magazines and talking to my friends who were also weight training. In three months, I gained fifteen pounds of solid muscle!  I was hooked!  This experience was truly life changing for me.  It became the genesis of my fitness lifestyle. 

Yours in Health and Fitness,

Jeff Robinson, Fitness Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer

Perhaps you have a story like this. 

Can you think of some emotional experience or situation that caused you pain or embarrassment to motivate you to become more physically fit and healthy? 

If you can, contact me by CLICKING HERE