By: Michael Beiter

As a fitness and nutrition coach, I often receive heartwarming messages from past clients who have successfully transformed their lives through dedication and hard work. But there are some stories that leave you with goosebumps, like the one I received from Kody on a Saturday night.

Kody reached out to me after two years, reminiscing about our coaching sessions and the valuable lessons he learned. He admitted that he struggled with committing to long-term goals back then and was drawn to the allure of immediate satisfaction.

However, he decided to take charge of his life and embark on a remarkable fitness journey.

Fast forward to the present, Kody had astonishing news to share: he had lost an incredible 40 pounds since October 2021. He had recently accomplished something he had never imagined before – running a challenging 50k trail run!

His transformation was evident, with photos showcasing his journey from 229 lbs to 188 lbs.

When congratulating Kody on his accomplishments, I couldn't help but ask how he achieved such fantastic results. Here's the story of how Kody transformed his life:

1. Starting Small: Kody began his journey by attending regular lifting and biking sessions at 22nd Street. Although there were some ups and downs, he never ultimately gave up on fitness, occasionally hopping on his bike to stay active.

2. Graduating and Rekindling the Flame: After graduating from ISU, Kody decided to prioritize his health and fitness again. In September 2022, he got back into lifting weights and even participated in the 1st Phorm fall challenge, where he began tracking his macros for better nutrition.

3. Finding Inspiration: In March, Kody stumbled upon the incredible world of ultra runners, and he was captivated by their physical and mental strength. The stories of ordinary people pushing their limits inspired him to consider new fitness challenges.

4. Setting New Goals: Motivated to test his limits, Kody ran a half marathon in Des Moines in April. The experience was transformational, sparking a newfound determination to attempt something even more extraordinary – an ultra run.

5. Tracking Nutrition and Meal Prepping: Since April, Kody has diligently tracked his macros and adopted a diet focused on whole foods. While staying disciplined, he also leaves room for indulgence in his favorite snacks and a cold beer from time to time.

Kody's story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the importance of seeking inspiration in the fitness community. What makes his journey even more remarkable is his realization of the need to address his eating habits at a young age, putting him ahead of the curve compared to many others.

By sharing Kody's story, I hope to inspire others to take charge of their fitness and health, just as he did. Whether seeking guidance from a coach, starting a gym routine, using a fitness app, or discovering the joy of running, the possibilities are endless.

I'm incredibly proud of Kody for his outstanding achievements, and I'm honored to have played a part in planting the seed that set him on this path. His journey serves as a reminder that anyone can achieve their fitness goals and unlock their true potential with the right mindset, support, and dedication.

So, if you're reading this and contemplating a change in your life, take inspiration from Kody's story. It's never too late to begin your fitness journey, and the results will be worth every drop of sweat and step toward a healthier and happier you.

Thank you, Kody, for sharing your incredible journey with all of us and inspiring others on their path to transformation.

Here's to more success, adventures, and achievements in your fitness odyssey!

- Mike