What is Beachbody?
About Me
I am a full time career firefighter in the Indianapolis area. I am a devoted husband, loving father and a passionate Beachbody Coach who has dedicated his life to health and fitness.
My Chiari Story
In January of 2009 I underwent a post fossa craniectomy (brain surgery) to relieve pressure in the skull and damage to the cerebellum due to a Arnold Chiari Malformation. Thus began the long road to getting back into shape for duty.
P90X and Beachbody
P90X and Beachbody changed my life…literally. Originally I had hoped to lose “a few pounds” (20) and get back on duty quickly. Two years later, I’ve lost over 40 lbs and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in 20 years!
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Michele and I offer FREE coaching through Beachbody. We can help you get the results you want, no matter what your goals. Click here for more info.
My Chiari
I'm a Chiari patient.
What does that mean?
It means that I was born with a congenital birth defect where my skull is smaller than my brain. This caused intense pressure on the back of my brain and cerebellum. In my case, it actually pushed the cerebellum downward, out of the skull and into the spinal cord.
I had just slowly grown accustom to my symptoms over my lifetime. I thought I just had headaches and balance issues. I thought short term memory lapses and temporary situational confusion were just part of my make up. It wasn't until they intensified that I began to suspect something wasn't right but I wasn't sure what.
Then, suddenly, almost overnight, my blood pressure would become erratic from literally minute to minute, at times giving crazy readings. I began blacking out and passing out. That is when I passed out at work and was taken to the hospital.
In January of 2009 I underwent a Post Fossa Craniectomy with Dr. John M. Tew Jr. M.D. (Neurosurgeon at Mayfield Clinic, Cincinnati, OH). The surgery is not a cure. It is simply to relieve pressure, and hopefully relieve symptoms.
The first couple of days were scary. At one point, I almost lost the use of my legs completely. We now however suspect that an allergic reaction to the pain medicine prescribed was the culprit.
I still experience symptoms from time to time. In May of 2010, after an increase in symptoms again, I underwent a spinal tap that threw me literally into a 3 week tailspin that can best be described as a bad psychadelic trip. I literally could not walk. Light, sound, smells, food made me nauseous and I would vomit. Ironically, Shakeology is literally the only thing that kept me alive for the five days that I spend in bed during that time.
However, I refuse to be a victim to my condition. I do not let it define me. So much so that initially I shyed away from interacting with other Chiari patients. I think it was to distance myself from my condition. Now, however, I embrace it. It is a part of who I am, but it is not who I am. I work to pursue goals that many think impossible.
If you, or someone you know, has Chiari, and have any questions or just need support, please, please, please contact me. I will do everything I can to help. If I can't help, I will put you in touch with someone who can.
What does that mean?
It means that I was born with a congenital birth defect where my skull is smaller than my brain. This caused intense pressure on the back of my brain and cerebellum. In my case, it actually pushed the cerebellum downward, out of the skull and into the spinal cord.
I had just slowly grown accustom to my symptoms over my lifetime. I thought I just had headaches and balance issues. I thought short term memory lapses and temporary situational confusion were just part of my make up. It wasn't until they intensified that I began to suspect something wasn't right but I wasn't sure what.
Then, suddenly, almost overnight, my blood pressure would become erratic from literally minute to minute, at times giving crazy readings. I began blacking out and passing out. That is when I passed out at work and was taken to the hospital.
In January of 2009 I underwent a Post Fossa Craniectomy with Dr. John M. Tew Jr. M.D. (Neurosurgeon at Mayfield Clinic, Cincinnati, OH). The surgery is not a cure. It is simply to relieve pressure, and hopefully relieve symptoms.
The first couple of days were scary. At one point, I almost lost the use of my legs completely. We now however suspect that an allergic reaction to the pain medicine prescribed was the culprit.
I still experience symptoms from time to time. In May of 2010, after an increase in symptoms again, I underwent a spinal tap that threw me literally into a 3 week tailspin that can best be described as a bad psychadelic trip. I literally could not walk. Light, sound, smells, food made me nauseous and I would vomit. Ironically, Shakeology is literally the only thing that kept me alive for the five days that I spend in bed during that time.
However, I refuse to be a victim to my condition. I do not let it define me. So much so that initially I shyed away from interacting with other Chiari patients. I think it was to distance myself from my condition. Now, however, I embrace it. It is a part of who I am, but it is not who I am. I work to pursue goals that many think impossible.
If you, or someone you know, has Chiari, and have any questions or just need support, please, please, please contact me. I will do everything I can to help. If I can't help, I will put you in touch with someone who can.
My Transformation
In October of 2008, I was diagnosed with a rare congenital condition known as a Chiari Malformation. I was removed from duty and ordered to sit at home, as more tests were run. Only then could we determine the best course of action.
In January 2009, I had brain surgery (Post Fossa Craniectomy) to relieve pressure and reduce impact of symptoms. (Read more about this uncurable condition here).
Long story short, I was a physical wreck. Weak, overweight, out of shape and depressed I needed to prepare to get fit for duty. After years of coaching and training some of Indiana's top youth basketball players, and an intense interest in personal training, I began looking to devise my own plan to get back in shape. After hours on the internet doing reseach, I found P90X. Within minutes I knew it was literally the perfect functional workout for anyone and I ordered.
When we first started, I remember telling Michele that all I wanted was to lose about 20 lbs. I thought that coming from a family of large, "barrel chested men" that I was destined to just be big and even said, "I could never have abs that show" because of my build.
Well, I lost 15 lbs in the first round and couldn't believe how good I felt after the first 90 days! This was even NOT doing Plyometrics through the first 90 days and even only being able to do 20 minutes of Yoga the very first Yoga X day.
We took some time off during the summer before starting again. This time I was determined to put the Plyometrics DVD in, even though I couldn't do it all the way through. I lost another 10 lbs the second 90 days. I hadn't felt this good in years! That's when I made up my mind to sign as a Beachbody Coach.
Round 3. This is when things really began to change for me. The first two rounds were amazing and brought me out of my darkness from surgery. This round is the round that I found myself doing the workouts all the way through. I felt strong when I walked. I had amazing stamina. I was becoming a different person. I was moving beyond my own expectations. I dropped another 10 lbs but now was beginning to see an amazing transformation in my body.
In March of 2010 I was ready to step up my game. I decided I wanted Shaun T's Insanity. It was a huge step for me. I am not built for high intensity training. I'm a lifter, not a runner or jumper. But I was ready to take myself out of my comfort zone. It was AMAZING! I finished, got my "I earned it" t-shirt and lost another 5 lbs and.....I found some abs I had never seen before in my life!!
Since I've also done Turbo Fire, another round of Insanity, began running, hiking, swimming, biking, etc. I've even done another round of P90X where I did my very first unassisted pull-ups in my life! All total, I've lost over 45 lbs. I just celebrated my 40th birthday!
Next week, we are starting another round of P90X. This time, I'm going for ripped!
Remember, I started this wanting to lose 20 lbs. 45 lbs later, I'm going for ripped, at 40 years old. It's all because I bought in to BeachBody. It's changed my life. I can show you how to let it change yours. It's been an amazing ride so far, and I'm just getting started!
In January 2009, I had brain surgery (Post Fossa Craniectomy) to relieve pressure and reduce impact of symptoms. (Read more about this uncurable condition here).
Long story short, I was a physical wreck. Weak, overweight, out of shape and depressed I needed to prepare to get fit for duty. After years of coaching and training some of Indiana's top youth basketball players, and an intense interest in personal training, I began looking to devise my own plan to get back in shape. After hours on the internet doing reseach, I found P90X. Within minutes I knew it was literally the perfect functional workout for anyone and I ordered.
When we first started, I remember telling Michele that all I wanted was to lose about 20 lbs. I thought that coming from a family of large, "barrel chested men" that I was destined to just be big and even said, "I could never have abs that show" because of my build.
Well, I lost 15 lbs in the first round and couldn't believe how good I felt after the first 90 days! This was even NOT doing Plyometrics through the first 90 days and even only being able to do 20 minutes of Yoga the very first Yoga X day.
We took some time off during the summer before starting again. This time I was determined to put the Plyometrics DVD in, even though I couldn't do it all the way through. I lost another 10 lbs the second 90 days. I hadn't felt this good in years! That's when I made up my mind to sign as a Beachbody Coach.
Round 3. This is when things really began to change for me. The first two rounds were amazing and brought me out of my darkness from surgery. This round is the round that I found myself doing the workouts all the way through. I felt strong when I walked. I had amazing stamina. I was becoming a different person. I was moving beyond my own expectations. I dropped another 10 lbs but now was beginning to see an amazing transformation in my body.
In March of 2010 I was ready to step up my game. I decided I wanted Shaun T's Insanity. It was a huge step for me. I am not built for high intensity training. I'm a lifter, not a runner or jumper. But I was ready to take myself out of my comfort zone. It was AMAZING! I finished, got my "I earned it" t-shirt and lost another 5 lbs and.....I found some abs I had never seen before in my life!!
Since I've also done Turbo Fire, another round of Insanity, began running, hiking, swimming, biking, etc. I've even done another round of P90X where I did my very first unassisted pull-ups in my life! All total, I've lost over 45 lbs. I just celebrated my 40th birthday!
Next week, we are starting another round of P90X. This time, I'm going for ripped!
Remember, I started this wanting to lose 20 lbs. 45 lbs later, I'm going for ripped, at 40 years old. It's all because I bought in to BeachBody. It's changed my life. I can show you how to let it change yours. It's been an amazing ride so far, and I'm just getting started!
My Career
I am a full time career firefighter and a full time BeachBody Coach. I love helping people. Everything I have gone through and done in my life has lead me right to where I am and I couldn't be happier.
I joined the Speedway Fire Department in 2003. In 2005 I was promoted to Engineer. After a short stint on an engine, I was moved to a rescue squad after a department restructuring. In January 2010 I transferred to C Shift.
In August of 2009, after brain surgery, I started P90X. It changed my life. In August of 2009, I decided to share that feeling and help others change their own lives. I signed as a Beachbody Coach. I have literally helped hundreds of normal people just like you and I, realize their health and fitness goals.
After years of sales jobs and various business adventures, I finally found something that I believe in. Beachbody is an amazing company from their products to their philosophy. There are so many rewards that it's almost unbelievable. It's not about "selling" something. It's about "telling" people about the personal changes we experience in our lives. It's rare when someone can say this, but I've found what I'm looking for.
My Family
Family is extremely important to me. They are the reason I do everything that I do.
Michele and I have been married for 20 years. Several years ago, we almost lost each other. Despite many people around us who thought for many different reasons that we should not stay together, we fought with everything we had to reconnect. It has been the greatest decision we ever made. By tearing it down, we started from scratch and found a happiness we could never imagine. She literally has become my best friend. Very simply, she is my reason.
Z achary is my oldest son. He is a Senior at Wabash College, a highly respected private liberal arts college in Crawfordsville, IN. Wabash is commonly referred to as the "Ivy League of the Midwest". They also are well known for their outstanding Division III football program. He was recruited to play after a stellar high school career that was highlighted by many honors that included conference player of the year, 3 years All-State and most notably a member of the Indiana Football All-Star North-South game. In addition, Zachary carried a 3.7 gpa.
Tyler is heading to play collegiate basketball at NAIA Goshen College. Tyler was recruited by several out of state Division 1 schools but opted to stay close to home. His high school basketball career consisted of compiling a 61-12 as a starter, including 2 County Championships, 2 Sectional Championships, and 1 Regional Championship. His honors are All-County, All-Sagamore Conference, Sagamore Conference Player of the Year, Indy Metro West Player of the Year, and Indiana All-State. His AAU career consisted of playing for some of the top teams in the country including at 2005 AAU National Championship. He also graduated with a high gpa of 3.4.
Maleah, is the baby. She is our accidental angel. She brings sunshine and innocence into our lives daily. She is smart, spunky, artistic, loving and very independent. She loves to create anything, especially drawing and painting and enjoys playing soccer. We were blessed with the rare opportunity to get to do it again, this time with a beautiful little girl.
Michael is our adopted son. He came to us wanting to change the direction of his life and felt his best chances were under our roof. He has done an amazing job with his life, turning his gpa around, working hard to physically improve his athelticism and his game. He reaches another milestone in his path of goals in August when he reports to Danville Junior College in Danville, IL to play basketball. He is a good kid, that is growing into an even finer man with his lightheartedness, compassion, fortitude, loyalty and dedication to be the best man he can be. We are proud to call him one of our own.
Michele and I have been married for 20 years. Several years ago, we almost lost each other. Despite many people around us who thought for many different reasons that we should not stay together, we fought with everything we had to reconnect. It has been the greatest decision we ever made. By tearing it down, we started from scratch and found a happiness we could never imagine. She literally has become my best friend. Very simply, she is my reason.
Z achary is my oldest son. He is a Senior at Wabash College, a highly respected private liberal arts college in Crawfordsville, IN. Wabash is commonly referred to as the "Ivy League of the Midwest". They also are well known for their outstanding Division III football program. He was recruited to play after a stellar high school career that was highlighted by many honors that included conference player of the year, 3 years All-State and most notably a member of the Indiana Football All-Star North-South game. In addition, Zachary carried a 3.7 gpa.
Tyler is heading to play collegiate basketball at NAIA Goshen College. Tyler was recruited by several out of state Division 1 schools but opted to stay close to home. His high school basketball career consisted of compiling a 61-12 as a starter, including 2 County Championships, 2 Sectional Championships, and 1 Regional Championship. His honors are All-County, All-Sagamore Conference, Sagamore Conference Player of the Year, Indy Metro West Player of the Year, and Indiana All-State. His AAU career consisted of playing for some of the top teams in the country including at 2005 AAU National Championship. He also graduated with a high gpa of 3.4.
Maleah, is the baby. She is our accidental angel. She brings sunshine and innocence into our lives daily. She is smart, spunky, artistic, loving and very independent. She loves to create anything, especially drawing and painting and enjoys playing soccer. We were blessed with the rare opportunity to get to do it again, this time with a beautiful little girl.
Michael is our adopted son. He came to us wanting to change the direction of his life and felt his best chances were under our roof. He has done an amazing job with his life, turning his gpa around, working hard to physically improve his athelticism and his game. He reaches another milestone in his path of goals in August when he reports to Danville Junior College in Danville, IL to play basketball. He is a good kid, that is growing into an even finer man with his lightheartedness, compassion, fortitude, loyalty and dedication to be the best man he can be. We are proud to call him one of our own.I love each of them for who they are individually and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.
Bradley
