I am sharing my story with you to offer you a detailed understanding of why I am so passionate about what I do.

             I identified my career and targeted Body Building in 1979, some time later I began personal training others. I participated in body building competitions and knew that I was in the field that I needed to be in because it made me happy and the results were great!

             One day on the way to meet with a personal training client, my whole life changed.  Without warning, I was involved in a severe car accident that in reality should have left me dead. I suffered many injuries but the most noted were Herniated discs.  The doctors said that surgery was necessary if I were to have any chance of  walking again.  I declined the surgery because I was scared and I began to endure unbearable pain.  Pain that would run through my lower back and leg sometimes causing no movement in my left leg and foot.  I said “no big deal, I am an athlete and I can take it.”  At times my condition would worsen and cause my lower back to completely fail me from my waist down.

             After extensive medical treatment consisting of more visits and pokes than I care to even mention, I spent most of the next 7 years walking with crutches because I refused to submit to a wheelchair.  I was told that I was clinically paralyzed from the waist on the left side of my body. Realizing that I had to do something that I was now certain I was unable to do alone,  I agreed to have the surgery performed by Dr. Patrick O’Leary.  After the surgery, I had to learn everything again.  I was hospitalized for 7 days.  I soon realized that the surgery was not the solution but another chapter in my healing.

             My top weight reached 297 from what had been 189 pounds at the time of the accident.  I participated in rehab, some of theirs and mostly mine.  On track with recovery, I recreated my personal training business but only on a consultative basis. I was living like a hermit, I would phone counsel clients but refused to let others see me. Regardless of my desire or lack of, depression and all other elements were in control of me.  I had the support of my family but I was spiraling downward.

             Finally I had a turning point, my brother Thomas brought me to action in words that he spoke and he did not even realize it.  I would one day have nephews to see grow and I needed to be there for them. I wanted to be different, I wanted to win back control, I wanted to succeed.  I pushed daily to eliminate my own limitations.

             Later a client from New York asked me to come to the Durham North Carolina Duke Diet and Fitness Center….I decided to go.  Living out of a motel, I trained my client and I began to train others too.  I stayed for 9 months.  I continued training and involved myself in a nutritional business with a Mr. Olympian qualifier. 

             A few years later,  I was asked to come to Kinston and bring my personal training qualifications into a gym that would soon open.  I quickly learned that the concept was great but there were many differences with existing management beliefs and practices.  I had a different vision for a health club and no one wanted to participate in it.   For many, it was only about money and no core vision.  Leading to a crossroads...would I stay local or travel back to New York? With the help and conviction of a close friend, she reminded me of my core principals and  I stayed and created a company that would define a new direction for me and others who needed weight and fitness solutions personalized to their individual needs. 

Now 24/7 Fitness....

Share your personal story with me by e-mail at: bob@247fitness.net 

On the Personal Side

In great shape, enjoying life and working with veteran Bob Willen, who is a double amputee. Here, we are participating in the New York City Marathon.

Tragic car accident that started the downward spin.          

The worst 7 years of my life        

Results that occurred after I changed my way of thinking.  I set new goals, new actions and formed new healthy habits.

Maintaining.  A day at the office were I feel good, look good, have increased energy and am living life to its fullest.