Overview
Over the past six years, my health and fitness journey has been anything but smooth. From the heights of peak physical condition in 2018 to the lows of losing my way, this blog post is a candid reflection on the ups and downs that have shaped who I am today. I’ll share the events that triggered my decline, the emotional toll it took on me and my family, and the pivotal moments that inspired me to regain control of my health. As I navigate this journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience, motivation, and the importance of consistency. My hope is that by opening up about my struggles and triumphs, I can offer a source of inspiration for others who are also seeking to reclaim their health and fitness.
The Journey: From Peak Fitness to the Valley of Struggles
Before the Fall: My Peak in Health & Fitness
From early 2013 to August 2018, my health and fitness routine was a source of pride and consistency in my life. I found my passion for CrossFit in 2013 and quickly fell in love with the methodology, the community, and the way it made me feel both physically and mentally. I dedicated myself to the gym, and by May 2018, I was in the best shape of my life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I even moved to Austin, TX, that summer to immerse myself fully in the fitness world and surround myself with like-minded people. But then, in August 2018, everything changed.
The Turning Point: August 2018
I was called to testify at a military court marshal at Fort Bragg, NC. The case had been dragging on since April 2017, and finally, the trial date arrived. The person I was testifying against was someone I had cared for deeply, and the emotional toll was immense. After the trial, I felt like a part of me was lost, and with that, my passion for health and fitness faded. I fell off the wagon hard—binge eating, binge drinking, and adopting a slew of bad lifestyle habits that spiraled out of control.
The Rollercoaster Ride: 6 Years of Ups and Downs
The past six years have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs in my health and fitness journey. Occasionally, I’d find a surge of motivation, and for a while, I’d make progress. But just as I neared my goals, I’d fall back into old habits. The cycle of unhealthy to healthy and back again took a toll on me mentally. The self-doubt crept in—”Can I ever get back to being healthy, or am I doomed for life?” I started to believe that if I couldn’t control my health, how could I succeed in any other area of my life? This mindset weighed heavily on me, affecting my motivation, my drive, and my overall will to succeed.
As my health deteriorated, so did my interactions with my family. After my initial fall from health, I met my wife, and just over a year later, we welcomed our first daughter. I wanted to be the best father and husband I could be, but when I was at my worst, they suffered the consequences. We were less likely to go out and do things together—simple activities like going to the park or the zoo became rare. The house became more disorganized, and the overall quality of our family life declined.
Reclaiming Health: A Renewed Focus and Future Aspirations
Reclaiming My Health: A New Beginning
A turning point came in July 2024, when I stepped on the scale and saw 250 lbs staring back at me. I was heavier than I’d ever been. My daughters love having sleepovers in their bunk beds, but the weight limit was a concern—me at 250 lbs, two 35 lbs girls, three dogs, and my wife all piled onto one bed. I had to say no to sleepovers because of my weight, and that realization hit me hard. I knew that if I continued down this path, I wouldn’t be around for my family as long as I wanted to be.
So, I decided to make a change. My wife and I left our jobs at my family’s highway construction company to pursue a different path. In reflecting on where I was and where I wanted to be, I realized that I wasn’t fueling my passion. That’s when I decided to fully commit to regaining my health and fitness—not just for myself but for my family. I want to be an example for my girls, and I want to build a lifestyle brand that reflects the best version of myself.
Today, I’m eating around 2250-2300 calories a day, hitting 180-200 grams of protein, and keeping my meals simple and satisfying. I’ve incorporated intermittent fasting, which helps control my appetite and manage my calorie intake. I walk around 10 miles a day, thanks to a treadmill under my standing desk, and I do an hour of steady-state cardio every night during my live stream. I’m also working out four times a week, focusing on mixed modal aerobic work that I enjoy.
The Positive Impact on Family Life
The changes in my daily routine have brought a surprising boost in positivity. I feel happier, more productive, and more present with my family. My daughters love working out with me in our home gym, and the overall stress level at home has decreased. The more I prioritize my health, the more I can be there for my family and balance my personal goals with their needs.
Setting Goals for the Future
My short-term goal is to get back down to 190 lbs or less in the next six months—a weight where I feel comfortable, healthy, and confident. I’ve also signed up for a 5k obstacle race with Nala at the end of September, which gives me something fun and challenging to work towards. Long-term, I want to maintain my physical and mental health and build a lifestyle that supports my family’s dreams.
Conclusion
Reflections on My Journey
Looking back on the past six years, I feel a mix of regret and embarrassment. I’ve avoided old friends and social situations out of fear of being judged for my weight. But these years have also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of self-compassion. My advice to anyone struggling with their health and fitness is simple: Don’t wait. The best time to start was yesterday, but the next best time is today. I’m committed to making the next right choice, day by day, until I crush my goals and live the life I envision for myself and my family. I want to be genuine in sharing my journey—no show, no pretense, just real, honest experiences. My hope is that by being vulnerable, I can connect with others and inspire them to pursue their own paths to health and happiness.
Join the Adventure!
Pawsitively Fit Adventures is more than just a blog—it’s a community. I invite you to join us on this journey, to share your stories, and to connect with others who share the same passions. Together, we can fuel our passions, embrace the journey, and Stay Pawsitive.
So, welcome! Let’s embark on this journey together—one paw, one rep, and one adventure at a time.
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Until Our Next Adventure,
“Fuel Your Passion, Embrace the Journey, and Stay Pawsitive!”
~Brannon & Nala Bear
