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Today is a special Wednesday as we have a guest on our blog – Jeff Johnson.
Enjoy this mid-week motivational journey.
Jeff's Fitness Journey
My exercise routine used to be seasonal: biking all summer to shed weight, only to put it back on during the winter months when I became more sedentary. Then, a cycling accident made me hesitant to get back on the bike. I knew I needed a solution to manage my winter weight, so I joined the neighborhood gym.
I’d done this before—paid for a membership, started going, only to lose motivation and end up with a membership I rarely used. I didn’t want that cycle again, so I convinced my neighbor, who was fit, to take me along and show me around. This worked until our schedules no longer matched. Left to go alone, I started observing others in the gym and mimicking their routines, though I wasn’t exactly sure how to use the equipment correctly.
Eventually, I hired a friend who was a personal trainer for monthly sessions over the summer. While it was a low-commitment approach, it helped me understand the basics of gym equipment. Over the years, I found myself enjoying my gym time more and more, staying a bit longer each session with the help of a good playlist. I saw some physical changes and, more importantly, felt an emotional lift from having an outlet for daily stress.
After six years of steady progress, I hit a plateau. I was feeling and looking better but knew there was more I could achieve. I just didn’t know how to get there alone. A friend recommended I reach out to Vince, and after our initial session, where he evaluated my movement and strength, I decided to commit to training with him.
We started with the fundamentals—perfecting my form to prevent injuries. Vince structured a routine I could do at my gym and supplemented it with video links for reference.
He introduced me to the concept of “progressive overload,” gradually increasing weight to build strength. Vince believed in my potential even when I doubted it, setting goals for me I hadn’t thought possible.
Week after week, Vince kept me motivated, celebrating every bit of progress. On days when my energy dipped, he adapted the workouts to ensure we always achieved something worthwhile.
As I approach 60, four years into training with Vince, I’m the strongest, fittest, and most confident I’ve ever been. Not only has my body transformed, but my mindset has, too. I’ve reshaped my diet and now approach gym time with purpose rather than just watching the clock. Vince taught me that if I can’t do something today, it doesn’t mean I won’t tomorrow—it’s a daily commitment to improvement.
This journey has been life-changing, and I wouldn’t have reached this point on my own.
My transformation is a testament to the dedication Vince and I have shared, and I’m deeply grateful for his guidance. It’s been the best investment in myself, and I look forward to continuing this journey.
By: Jeff Johnson
Read Also
Why Recovery Days Are Just As Important As Training Days – click here.
Meal Prep 101: Planning Your Nutrition for the Week – click here.
Vince Alessia
Fitness & Nutrition Expert
As his passion for health and wellness grew, Vince went on to pursue a bachelors degree in Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as becoming a Certified Personal Trainer. Believing in continuing education, he did not stop there, he also received his certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
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