I’ve been working out through one form or another since I was a kid. I was raised on the beach where I learned how to swim by literally being thrown in by my dad. (This was obviously way before he would have been arrested for that.) I turned out to be a quick learner as I swam competitively throughout grade school. I continued in college while also working on the beach as a lifeguard. I also ran competitively and participated in marathons, biathlons and triathlons over the years. I’ve been extremely fortunate in that I’ve never had an issue with my weight. (I cannot emphasize strongly enough how much I respect each and every member of the Stealth family and particularly admire those of you who have the courage to post before and after pics.) Over the years my one goal has been to be toned with my body being “properly” proportioned. In fact, if I had a quarter for every sit up or crunch that I’ve done over the years, I’d be able to buy a few of Howard Pane’s cars.
For me, the workout pace really picked up when I came out of surgery on my neck for a ruptured disc when I was 54. For my rehab program, I dove into a multitude of programs including Beachbody’s P90X, P90X+ and Insanity, all of which I still incorporate into my workout regiment throughout the week. I’m working out seven days a week, (yes, I’m familiar with the school of thought that you need a rest day to let your body recover.) I also believe that if someone believes that, they’re right and they should take the day or however many days they need. Isn’t that why Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors?
Now I share all of this because when it came to my core, and particularly my abs, I’ve never been pleased with what I saw in the mirror. That changed however when I was introduced to Stealth. I didn’t know a thing about it until one of my neighbors, who knows how neurotic I am, recommended it to me. As someone who would be diagnosed as having an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I took to it like a fish to water. Initially, it was the competition that drove me. Trying to catch up to, or for that matter even stay close to, Jennifer Hosel, Dennis Marentette, Hallee Milot, Brian Walterich, Josh Walker (and the list can go on) was and continues to be motivating. The results though, both mentally and physically, are what keeps me coming back to it every day.
Howard along with his partners have done an incredible job of putting achievable fitness at the fingertips of pretty much anyone that is willing to invest the time in themselves. As I’ve shared in a few of my Facebook responses, strong minds = strong results. Looking forward to seeing each of you either on the leaderboards or in the FB group.
-Marc Goodman