Jon’s #UNSTOPPABLE Journey
Two years ago, at 43 years old, Jon Marsh knew he needed to drastically change his life. Weighing 345 pounds, Marsh was seriously considering bypass surgery. It was only after a visit to Xperience Fitness of Blaine that Marsh considered a different weight loss option.
Marsh suffered from health problems related to his obesity and was forced to limit the activities he could do with his children, especially with his 13-year-old son, Jonathan, who is in Scouts.
In 2017, Marsh took his daughter to Xperience Fitness to get her a membership. When the Marsh family arrived they spoke to then Trainer Manager Kevin Carlson and realized that surgery was not the only option Jon had to get his life back. Inspired by the conversation, Marsh signed up to begin working with a personal trainer, with the goal to avoid surgery, get stronger and lose weight.
However, Marsh’s fitness journey has not been without hiccups. In July of 2017, Marsh had surgery on his wrist, limiting the exercises he could do. He has also had many trainers, making it difficult for him to find a routine. But the biggest discouragement was when he hit a weight-loss plateau for about a year.
“I was losing very little weight,” Marsh remarked. “It was very frustrating. I kept moving forward because I knew something would work. I was eating right and exercising. I knew that if I gave up I would go back to my old way of not being in control of my weight.”
Even when he was discouraged, he always knew he could go to Xperience and receive support from the personal trainers, even from the trainers he had not previously worked with.
The first time Marsh realized the effort he was putting in was paying off was after a doctor’s visit required for an upcoming Scouts’ trip. All of his blood work came back better than it ever had. On top of his hard work being affirmed by his doctor, he was finally able to participate in the hikes the Scouts did.
“Last August at the camp, we walked over 5 miles and I wasn’t even tired,” Marsh expressed. “We do a lot of hiking for Scouts and I am able to do more with the boys now.”
Now, at 10 percent body fat loss and 60 pounds down, Marsh is excited to see where his fitness journey will take him. Marsh, who had been overweight his entire life, is finally to the point where he is feeling incredible, energetic and motivated. Here you can create the content that will be used within the module.
Jon and his wife, Missy, in 2010.
Jon, left, Jonathan, 13, and Missy in February. Jon has lost 60 pounds in about two years while Missy has lost over 140 pounds in 6 years.
Now, at 10 percent body fat loss and 60 pounds down, Marsh is excited to see where his fitness journey will take him. Marsh, who had been overweight his entire life, is finally to the point where he is feeling incredible, energetic and motivated.
Although Marsh has progressed substantially, he has not reached his fitness goals quite yet. His goal is to reduce his body fat from 36 percent now to under 33 percent and drop to around 230 pounds from his current 290 pounds.
“My personal training is coming to an end in May,” Marsh said. “I will keep on track using the tips, tricks, and tools all the trainers have given me. I also know if I need that extra kick that the trainers will be there to help or just kick me in the butt!”
Marsh can also look to his wife, Missy, for some extra motivation, as she has lost over 140 pounds in 6 years.
To those who are thinking about beginning your fitness journey, have just started, or are feeling frustrated with where you are at, Marsh says,
“I never thought I would be in the shape I am in. If I have a piece of advice for anyone it would be to get fit as soon as you can. It is a life changer!”
Additionally, Marsh would like to extend his thanks to Jared O., Ryan, Molly and Katie L. for holding him accountable to his weight loss and fitness goals.
Results vary by person.