My Journey to Fitness and Active Lifestyle
by Adrian Cowens
This Journey started with me in the Cardiac Care Unit. I had
congestive heart failure, acute hypertension, and kidney failure. My weight had
gotten to the point that my body was literally beginning to shut down. This was
my epiphany moment that there needed to be drastic changes made if I was going
to have the life that I wanted, to enjoy. Once I was stabilized I was released
from the hospital and placed on a myriad of hypertension/high blood pressure
meds. I was meticulous about seeing the Dr. for follow up visits and taking my
medicine and keeping track of my blood pressure. I did this for about a year. I
then began to think taking all these maintenance medicines in my mid 30’s does
not bode well over the long-term. So though I had contained and stabilized the
issue that had hospitalized me, the underlying problem still remained…my weight
and activity level. I had not always been out of shape however I was so
overweight and out of shape I really didn’t know where to begin - although I
knew what had to be done. I didn’t need
to just lose weight; I needed to adopt an activity centered lifestyle.
I started with a change in my diet. I was lucky to live next
door to a weekly farmers market and a local butcher. I adopted eating whole,
fresh, unprocessed foods with a menu based mainly on proteins and greens. Not
only did I enjoy eating this way but after about 6 to 8 weeks with no exercise
I lost my first 20lbs! I could feel the internal momentum building and wanted
to keep it going. I then noticed there was a gym in my neighborhood in close proximity
to my house. I went to Columbia City Fitness Center and asked about a
membership. I spoke with Bull Stewart (the gym owner) and he convinced me that
this was the next best step for me to take, so I signed a membership. I then
had my first initial consultation and orientation with the gym’s Head Trainer
and Strikerfit owner Nikolai Puchlov. I told him my weight and activity goals
and he wrote up a plan for me to follow. I worked this plan for about 10 months
adding it to my healthy eating plan. I lost 90lbs during this period of time.
Although I was being consistent in my eating and my work out
plan, I found myself on a plateau. I then decided that perhaps now was the time
to add personal training to my active lifestyle pyramid. Nikolai started working with me doing
30-minute kettlebell training. On day one I didn’t even know what a kettlebell
was, lol! The gains in coordination and power that I was noticing even within the
first 6 weeks were phenomenal. I wanted to continue on this path and as I would
get stronger the challenge would increase in weight, intensity and
coordination. I had caught the kettlebell fever! I have been in this phase of my training for
the last 12 months and have lost another 30 pounds (now at 248 pounds) with
muscular growth and gains in power and strength that have been amazing and wonderful.
What’s more is my blood pressure is contained and I am on minimal medications
to maintain it. My doctors said my EKG results read as if I am a complete
different person and there is no sign of my congestive heart failure. In addition, I have become friends with all
the Strikerfit staff as they are wonderful, motivated, like-minded and active people.
Come down and talk to Nikolai and the Strikerfit team to see how you can
accomplish your goals… and thank you for taking the time to read my journey!
