ShapeUp Success Story: Michael Weathers
At ShapeUp, we are lucky ducks. When we’re in need of inspiration, motivation to work out, or even a reminder of the importance of our work, all we need to do is look around our office. This week, Michael Weathers, a ShapeUp employee who lost 15 pounds after joining the ShapeUp staff, talks about how he got healthy in time for his 30th birthday. I especially love his mantra, “30 minutes, 3 times a week.” Mine is, “You’ll never regret a workout.” What’s yours?
Hi Mike! What is your job at ShapeUp and how did you find out about us?
I am an Account Manager here at ShapeUp. I work very closely with our clients to implement our exceptional programs. I found this job by exploring my own social network. On LinkedIn, I noticed that our HR Manager had viewed my profile. After my curiosity took the best of me, I started to research the company to see who else worked there. Much to my surprise, I discovered that I grew up in the same town as one of the managers. And the rest my friend is history! The power of social networks prevailed!
Rumor has it you’ve dramatically improved your health since joining ShapeUp. Can you tell me a little bit more about what’s changed?
Rumor has it huh? Alright who told you? I want names. Just kidding! Since I joined ShapeUp, I have managed to lose 15 very difficult pounds. Not only did I manage to shed some weight, I changed my eating habits, lowered my blood pressure, and have become more active. Who would’ve thought that a change in work environment would lead to all of this?
How did working at ShapeUp influence the way you approached your health and fitness?
When I arrived at ShapeUp, I couldn’t help but notice how physically fit everyone is. People were talking about marathons, hiking, basketball leagues, boxing, and the list goes on and on. After a few weeks of working here, I challenged myself to lose weight before my 30th b-day. Once I told my co-workers about my challenge and everybody was so encouraging and helpful. It was quite a rewarding experience knowing that I had people in my corner to cheer me on.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as you sought to improve your health, and how did you overcome them?
The constant dance between balancing my work and personal life was by far the toughest obstacle. Plus having enough restraint to put down the bag of chips, cutting out fast food, passing on the adult beverages, etc. was challenging as well. I was able to overcome these obstacles by thinking about all the people that I would be letting down. Also, I am a rather competitive person and hate losing at all costs. If I gave up then I wouldn’t be happy with myself. It also didn’t hurt having my co-workers asking me to join them at the gym or for walks.
How do you ensure that a healthy lifestyle is a sustainable part of your life?
I have learned a very valuable lesson from this entire experience. A healthy lifestyle is not temporary. You need to work at it constantly. Just because you lose weight doesn’t mean you should stop there. People always find time to go shopping or watch TV but never for their health. The mantra that continues to play over and over in my head like a bad song is 30 minutes/ 3 times a week. If having the same mantra doesn’t help you, then try to make it relative to you.
Do you think that your healthy transformation has affected the people around you? Both in and outside of work.
I know for a fact that my desire to lose weight has been rather contagious. A few of my colleagues and friends have attended boxing class with me. These are the same people that use to loaf around on their couch. One friend in particular wiped the dust off his weights and exercises while watching TV. While some of my friends never will admit that my behaviors have influenced them, I just know deep down inside it has!
shapeup success stories