Inspired to help other people achieve their own physical fitness goals, I faced the pivotal decision of choosing a personal training certification program. As I saw the number on the scale drop from an all-time high of 285 pounds into the 240s, I gained a new appreciation for the discipline and knowledge it takes to build muscle, lose fat, and reshape your mindset. However, little did I know that forming fundamental habits like lifting weights at least four days a week and cutting out processed foods would fast track me down an entirely new career path. With a wider-than-ever waistline and a lower-than-ever level of self-confidence, I finally had to embrace the idea of doing things differently. Between completely abandoning the gym, spending too much time sitting at a desk, and eating just about anything I wanted, I packed on more than a few pounds (about 70, to be exact) during the first two years of the pandemic. My journey to becoming a certified personal trainer began when I hit rock-bottom. We receive free products and receive commissions through our links.