Jacob Interviews….From Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit’s Drew Manning

Photo property of Drew Manning

It takes a lot of spirit and determination to go from fit to fat and back to fit.   Personal Trainer Drew Manning has been on that journey for eight months.  Since the start of his journey, Drew has made appearances on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the Dr. Oz Show and has also gained worldwide followers who are joining him for the last part of his mission.

Recently, jacobelyacharjournalist.com sat down with Drew to catch up and talk about his goal, setbacks and inspiration that he has received while on this giant expedition.

Jacob Elyachar: Why did you want to take on this huge challenge?

Drew Manning:  I wanted to gain a better understanding of what it was like to go from being overweight to healthy.  I didn’t think I would “know” what it was like to be overweight by just a few months but for me I thought it would help me have a better perspective on some of the struggles like food addictions that people face trying to get “fit.”  I also wanted to show how the typical American diet is so unhealthy (as you can see from packing on close to 75 lbs. just eating these foods for six months.)  I also felt if I could get a few hundred people to change their lifestyle because of it, this would be worth it.

JE: What has been the biggest setback for your life since you have started this journey?

DM:  The emotional and mental setbacks because I was not prepared for them, not being able to keep up with my two-year-old and seeing her disappointment…. seeing my wife frustrated because she has taken on more home responsibilities due to my laziness.  Feeling so uncomfortable in my own skin and having low self-confidence.

JE: Could you share some of the inspirational words that you have received along the way from the people who are following your story?

DM:  A lot of people have shared that this has motivated them.  That seeing how fast I put on the weight eating “what they normally eat” really made them realize how unhealthy it was.  Also, many people said they couldn’t afford a trainer and didn’t know how to be healthier and since everything is on my site for free it’s given them the tools that they need to take control back of their life and health.

I’ve had people e-mail me that they already seen significant health improvements such as being taken off their blood pressure meds because their levels have stabilized.

JE: What do you look to for inspiration while you were on this journey?

DM: I look at a picture of me “before” and I think of my family.  This keeps me motivated and inspired to continue on back to fit.

JE: What type of short-term or long-term legacy do you see for “From Fit to Fat to Fit?” 

DM: Honestly I do not know.  I had no clue this would get as big as it did.  I am thrilled of course because now hundreds of thousands of people are changing their lives and sending me their results and I love to see that.   I think this really will change so many lives for the better and I’m excited to see that.

JE: Do you have any advice to share to people who are struggling to work out and lose weight?

DM:  If they focus on this being a lifestyle change and not a fad diet of starving themselves that they can do this.   I only worked out about 45 minutes to an hour…five times a week…I didn’t live at the gym.  My wife only works out about 30 minutes a day for five days a week.   We eat healthy but on the weekends we would splurge and still eat out or have cake at a party.   Most people who have been following this say they are not hungry and they feel full, satisfied and have more energy.

So many of my followers have never exercised and said they do not feel intimidated.  I really think aside from those with medical issues that prevent them for following that anyone can do this if they really want to.

This is Drew's current progress (Week 30). Property of Drew Manning

To follow Drew on his journey, visit his website: http://www.fit2fat2fit.com/