AN INTERVIEW WITH ATHLETE, PAUL SCOTT ABLES FOR THE MY JOURNEY STORY SERIES.
LAC: When did you decide to start making your health a priority (what or whom inspired this decision) and what were your goal?
Paul: In 2013 I weighed 325 pounds at the age of 24, was obese. My stepdad had a heart attack that would’ve been severe if not for his healthy lifestyle. That jolted me into action and I moved to lose weight. That same year I visited Washington DC to see family. They lived healthy and inspired me to strive for a healthy well being. I’ve changed my life ever since then by losing 100+ pounds.
LAC: How did you get started and what did you do to improve your health?
Paul: I joined a local gym and exercised 4 to 6 days per week focusing on building muscle and shedding fat. I weighed 325 pounds, which is obese for a 5’9 male. I vowed to lose 100 pounds while doing it in a sustainable manner. Healthy eating also became a focus in my life for the first time. The Paleo Diet was my guide – fewer carbs and sugar, more fresh protein and veggies.
LAC: How did you stay motivated and what was the biggest challenge?
Paul: My motivation came from always being overweight for my entire life. Bullying in school, never being the athletic one, not courted by women, never having a toned physique, being lazy, lacking energy – I was over it! That put a daily fire in my gut to keep at it and reach my goal. The biggest challenge was overhauling how I ate and viewed food.
LAC: What positive changes did you see in your life and what did you learn throughout this process?
Paul: After losing 110 pounds and maintaining that weight for nearly two years, my life and outlook is vastly improved to before. I felt comfortable in my own skin, confident in myself, athletic and strong, developed willpower, had more success with women, was able to commit to other goals and see them through, learned how to enjoy cooking, completed 5K/ 10K races, became more organized and productive. The positive effects quite simply were life changing!
LAC: Final Thoughts? Is there anything else you would like share about your story?
Paul: I’ve now recommitted to losing 30 more pounds and taking my personal fitness to the next level. Doing this is such a great way to committing yourself to something good; become healthy. My motto is: To become the best version of myself that I can be. Why be anything else? Don’t put off the vision of yourself that you “want” one day – start it now! Instead of hoping for a life that currently seems so far away, start living it now. Chase your goals, become disciplined, enjoy the gains, embrace the challenge, and reap the rewards. Just keep going!
Did you enjoy Paul’s journey? Share your own and inspire others. #lac #mylac #myjourney #louisvilleathleticclub
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