Kyle Bowman, Sr

Name:

Kyle Bowman

When did the decision come to recharge your health?

This has been a struggle the last 10-15 years. Seems like after transitioning out of the military and settling into a less physically demanding career the weight began piling on. I’ve tried diets and other weight programs and gimmicks. But just was not able to lose or maintain the program.

What diet(s) did you try and which one worked best for you?

Weight Watchers at one point; then Keto (did not take to it) so not long; on the recommendation of a nutritionist, and my DR. I tried a low Carb high protein, which I will admit seemed to work best of all.

Were there times when you “cheated” on your diet? If so, how did you bounce back?

Cheated, why yes, all the time which was my biggest down fall. Finally, I decided that it was time for me to take control and do something before it was too late.

For exercising, did you do workout at home or go to a gym?

Over the years like most of us, I’ve joined various gyms and tried various routines. Thinking that if I am spending the money then I am more likely to go and be consistent. This last time I started out 2-3 days a week for 30-45 minutes (total time in the gym). This made it easier for me to commit to.

How often did you begin to workout?

So I started out just 2-3 days a week, which was more like 2, but I stuck to it. Then worked my way up to 3-4 and the 4-5 days a week. I stayed on each phase about 4 weeks and allowed myself to drop a day if needed.

Are there any exercise plans that helped you?

I found that at the gym using the elliptical was extremely helpful in that it was not hard on my knees and lower back. It did take some getting used too. Soon enough I was up to 20-30 minutes on just that before I even began my workout.

Did you have a support group, to keep you motivated?

Yes, it is important to have key people that know what you are doing and that will help to keep you accountable. So I had family, but also colleagues and friends that I had shared my goals and asked that they help to keep me accountable. I incorporated colleagues to walk with me during the workday and to monitor my lunch/snack habits. The same with my friends and family outside of work.

How long did it take you to become 100% committed to the process?

It took about a month for it to really sink in and then another to really be (normal) but honestly it is a struggle every day.

When did you have the “Ohhh, snap!” moment, where you noticed results?

It was about 4 months in – I did notice some weight loss prior to that and had even had to shop for new clothes, but it wasn’t until one day I was sent a recent picture, a picture in which I was with a small group of friends and for a second, I did not recognize myself in the picture.

Do you have any tips for the viewers who are in their beginning stages?

1. Accept that this is completely new and that it’s ok to fall short 2. Learn to forgive yourself. 3. Don’t give-up, kept the reason for change close to and focus on that during the weak times. 4. Take baby steps and know that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.