From Lockdown Blues to Fit, Strong and Excited for More
Derek getting tested on his balance during his bird-dog hold.
Derek became a member during a series of lockdowns/gym closures in 2020. Like a lot of us, the lockdowns were quite tough on him. With his normal activities and hobbies limited, he realized he let himself become the heaviest he’d ever been.
Derek began a remote weight-loss program, and had success losing a lot of the weight gained. However, he had a feeling that it would be hard to sustain. ”I hit a wall with that program. I knew I needed help to get to the next step and I didn’t want to slow down.”
Not wanting to regress from the progress made on this weight-loss program, Derek started searching for more help.
Before the pandemic ⏱
Derek’s real fitness journey began before the uncertainty of 2020. Like a lot of us, we have good intentions and try our best to start a program, be more active during the day and eat better. This was the case for Derek. It was like this for a long time, but the pandemic really made him realize how much he needed to do something, and do something right away.
”I know I have about a decade more of work, and by the time I do retire, I want to make sure I am not glued to the couch.”
Derek had done fitness programs in the past, and he actually spent a lot of time specializing in karate. He was in the studio multiple times a week and felt great doing it. When his family began to grow, his free time began to dwindle and his own fitness went on the back burner.
“I was looking for something sustainable. I knew I didn’t have the knowledge and expertise to design a good program that avoided injury but wasn’t boring also. I fully believe in the saying use it or lose it, and I was afraid to lose it.”
Derek went from never having performed a deadlift before to performing a 1 rep max 235lb deadlift in one year! 🥳
Derek, meet Evertrain 🤝
Derek found our website after searching online and it peaked his interest right away. Our focus on the over-fifty age group really stood out. It was exactly what Derek needed. 💻🎯
”It was really intriguing that you guys offered the whole package of fitness, nutrition, and stretching all together.”
Derek came in with a ‘slight edge’ he describes, as he was fresh off his weight-loss program and was continuing with walk workouts and calisthenics.
The time that Derek spent working with Evertrain whether in the studio or online via Zoom sessions, has been nothing less than spectacular. Derek’s program emphasized resistance training alternating between 3 and 4 days per week. On other days he went for walks that both helped with his overall calorie burning, recovery and mental health as well. Initially most of his exercises included body weight, band and dumbbell exercises.
Derek has seen serious gains in terms of muscle mass and strength. His overall fitness level has increased dramatically, and he’s put up numerous personal bests on “big lifts” like deadlifts, bench presses and squats. We know that Derek is just scratching the surface of his strength potential and will continue to impress our coaches and other clients! 😀
Adopt the right attitude 🧠
One of Derek’s standout attributes is his positive attitude. The year that Derek became an Evertrain member turned out to be the most challenging with many lockdowns over the course of 12 months. In fact, he spent the majority of his time training through Zoom sessions from his bedroom.
But no matter what was thrown at him, he always remained open minded, willing to try new things and excited for his training sessions. This mindset is what our coaches get excited about. When a member adopts this way of thinking, the sky is the limit. 😁
Derek’s overhaul. 🏋🏼♀️🏠
Derek really embraced his new lifestyle to keep himself moving in the right direction. With the fitness knowledge and stellar form gained through working with our coaches, he’s become a home workout expert as well!
Over time Derek took it upon himself to step up his at-home gym set up (see below). He originally started off with a few dumbbells and a mat in his bed room. He’s since added a squat stand, barbells, some adjustable dumbbells amongst other things. Great investment Derek!
Moving forward
UPDATE: Check out Derek’s recent Max Lift!
Even with the incredible transformation, Derek feels like he’s still a work in progress. But now he’s learned to appreciate the journey just as much as the results. After all that Derek has accomplished in a short amount of time, he’s still striving for more.
”I would like to keep making improvements, and keep putting on muscle mass. I really wanted to get this lifelong mentality locked into my brain for the rest of my life (and) keep building the foundation for the future.”
Derek is now an avid “roller” and knows the difference of what rolling and stretching can do for your body.
If you’re wondering what to do about your health
We asked Derek what he might say to someone struggling to get started, or maybe going through some of the same roadblocks he’s overcome.
“It has to be a process, not a big bang. Keep chipping away at it, give it the time it needs. Commit to the process, and just be better than you were before.”
Now that’s some great advice Derek! 😀
You can achieve longterm success too
If you’re feeling discouraged, overwhelmed or just plain stuck with your health and fitness, we can help you. At Evertrain our online personal trainers help people over 50 get measurable, injury-free and long-term results. 🚀📈
If you’d like to experience the same kind of success Derek had, book a free consultation today by clicking the button below. 👇👇👇
Yours in health,
The Evertrain Team