Matt LaRochelle writes about his amazing journey from overweight and out of shape to healthy and fit through Crossfit & the Zone. He started out at 246 pounds with a 38/40 waist. He currently weighs 187 pounds and his waist is 32/33. Not only has he lost weight but he is stronger, faster, and more capable to enjoy his family. So proud of what Matt has done with consistency. You are truly an inspiration. Below is Matt’s story in his words. ~Jeremy
*Pictured above from left to right Matt in September 2010 (246 pounds), January 2011 (225 pounds), and January 2012 (187 pounds).
In the middle of September 2010 I started my intro classes at Crossfit Kinnick. Jonathan Kinnick had asked me to come check it out so I gave it a chance. I was 246 pounds with a 38/40 inch waist and had zero control over my weight or physical fitness. The funny thing is that I thought I was still pretty healthy. I remember doing my first “Helen”. It was modified of course: I did 3 rounds 200m run, some kettlebell swings(35#), and some RING ROWS–I couldn’t do a pull up on bands! I remember driving home after the gym and having to pull over at some elementary school on Euclid so I could dry heave and walk around cause I couldn’t breathe. I was pretty jacked up. At that time I realized then how out of shape I was. I signed up for the classes-always 3 days a week and whenever I could get it to fit my schedule.
Over time, I started to move up the pull-up band colors and I was starting to lose a little weight. At the end of December, I finally got my first unassisted pull-up…That was a big deal for me! When the New Year came, the trainers announced a ZONE challenge was coming up and they encouraged me to join—I jumped at the chance. I took the competition very serious and for 8 weeks I did everything I was told to do. I ate measured amounts of food for the first time in my life. I didn’t cheat one time in the 8 weeks and I was amazed at how good I was feeling. At the start of the competition I weighed 225.5 pounds and by the time the 8 weeks were over, I had lost 24.5 pounds and 8% body fat. I was HOOKED. Since January of last year, I have continued to ZONE and I find it easy for me. I eat the same types of things all the time. I always eat 2 eggs and 2oz of meat for breakfast with either some Coaches Oats or Veggies and Fruit. I eat 4 oz of meat and a big salad and a piece of fruit every day for lunch and for dinner, I eat 4 oz of meat and I usually sautee whatever veggies I have. I eat almonds, olives, good oils, and other nuts for my fat. I now allow myself to “cheat” a little here and there, but I never go crazy. Sunday through Saturday afternoon, I eat VERY strict. I now do a lot of the workouts RXd and I competed in Battle of the Boxes. This year I will conquer my first muscle up and handstand push-up. I want to continue getting stronger and faster and better at life.
People in my life tell me they don’t have time to work out or that they don’t have time to cook meals at home. I am a husband, father, grad student, and I am involved in church activities. I work sometimes 40+ hours a week and for most of the past year, I worked 2 jobs. Some days I spend 2 hours on the freeways to make it to and from work. I figured out after my son was born, that my health doesn’t only effect me but effects my ability to be the best dad that I can be for him. I am addicted to Crossfit and I am forever grateful to Jonathan, Amy, Jeremy, Jake, and everyone else for making all of this past year so awesome for me and my family.
