Locomotion Fitness is starting a new class for the 50+ community, “Loco Legends,” and I (Joe) have been asked to lead it. With the help and dedication of my fellow coaches and gym owner’s support, we will be offering the Loco Legends class in the early spring of 2022!

This is me now at 66 years old, as of September of 2021- healthy and full of life. But, it hasn’t always been that way. Allow me to share my experiences, struggles, and my fight to regain myself- all contributing to my vision for developing the Loco Legends program. My hope is that my story will resonate with you and your personal journey toward a healthy, fulfilling, and functional life.

Death Comes Knocking: By the age of 55, after decades of poor lifestyle choices, including, but not limited to, lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits, and stress-related issues, death came knocking for me. The medical catastrophe started with the doctor’s seemingly simple order for a stress test. Uh-oh. I failed – an epic fail – and the test revealed a life-threatening situation with my heart. I was on the verge of a sudden, massive, heart attack. The angiogram and echogram exposed the alarming truth of FIVE BLOCKED coronary arteries and a poorly functioning heart.

COMPOUND PROBLEMS:  Heart Disease, Obesity, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Diabetes Type II (unmanaged) and, believe it or not, an entire laundry list of other ailments – too numerous to keep listing.

DYSFUNCTION: I could not walk 50 yards without gasping for air. My doctors prescribed multiple medications and insulin shots in an effort to combat my poor lifestyle choices – all big Band-Aids – treating symptoms instead of the problem. I needed a prescription for a MAJOR change to my lifestyle, including nutrition. Because, even after the surgery, my coping mechanisms remained unhealthy and dysfunctional. The humongous struggle set in with Depression, Anxiety, “brain fog”, and constant fatigue.

July 14, 2011 – I had a six-and-a-half-hour Quintuple Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (“CABG”) surgery.  As the result of a successful surgery and rehab through post-traumatic stress issues, my life has changed immensely. I was given another chance at living a healthy life and I am forever grateful.

December 9, 2015:  

Total knee replacement (rt. knee) and rehabilitation.

January 2019: 

My diabetes was out of control BADLY – AGAIN. My glucose levels were extremely high. I suffered extreme brain fog along with severe high blood pressure. Doctors ordered a series of bloodwork and added yet more diagnoses – high liver enzymes, Chronic Hepatitis C, stage F1/F2 liver fibrosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Shock: The gastroenterologist informed me that I had Hepatitis C for 35 years. The solution: An 84-day prescription regimen to cure the virus. The doctors pronounced me “cured” with SVR 12 weeks after treatment.

November 2019:

With a new DETERMINATION to CLAIM my HEALTH, I joined a local gym, altered my nutrition, attended group classes, and exercised every day. No exceptions and no excuses! The coaches were awesome and fellow athletes were very supportive. I did something every day to better my health, even if it was just a casual walk on the beach. I learned how to prepare foods, cook healthy, and live a balanced life with nutrition and training. It was not easy, but it was worth it.

February 2020: Joined Iron Wolf Recovery  Iron Wolf Recovery provides a supportive, all-inclusive, fitness community brought together by the desire to stay alcohol-free/free from illicit & non-prescribed substances. Our classes are free and open to anyone with 48 hours of continuous abstinence and an honest desire to live a lifestyle of wellness! Connect. Sweat. Recover.

May 2021 – Joined Locomotion Fitness 

Now, as a result of those healthy choices and lifestyle changes, I’ve lost 70 pounds and have kept it off for several years! I’m off almost all of the medications and in good physical shape. My energy levels are great. It’s been a total transformation of Mind, Body, and Spirit. My transition excelled when I joined Locomotion Fitness and became an active member.  I started attending group classes for Yoga, Cycle, Bootcamp, and occasionally Crossfit. The coaches at Locomotion Fitness are not only awesome, but they are dedicated to helping you change your life for the better. With their help, I have built a strong foundation of support and have bonded with my fellow athletes and coaches. We have a lot of fun and we share a passion for living a healthy, productive, fun, functional, and recovering lifestyle.

So, with that being said, I realized that my experience could be helpful to others so I became a certified Nutrition Coach, and just recently completed 200 hours as a Yoga teacher. I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed not endured. I practice progress, not perfection. I am truly grateful for this experience. I am grounded in the true meaning of healthcare and it has given me the desire to share what I’ve learned with others.

What is my vision for Loco Legends?

• To promote and build a solid trusting relationship with the 50+ athletes for their long-term goals and commitment.
• To build a sustainable platform of training and nutrition that focuses on the needs of each individual.
• To improve the overall health of each individual, and create an environment of hope and trust.

Loco Legends will work toward this vision by:

• Getting back to the Basics… Balance, Coordination, Mobility, Flexibility.
• Building a program of slow steady repetition to enhance strength and endurance using bodyweight, dumbbells, kettlebells, and cardio equipment.
• Including Stretching, Yoga poses, Nutrition, Cardio, and Breathwork (pranayama).
• Improving your functional fitness to live a healthy lifestyle.
• Building an UNDERSTANDING that we are working on the foundation for the long-term goal of health, fitness, and physical independence.
• Developing repeatable consistent results without being overly complex or skill-based to achieve long-term life goals.

Health is Wealth: Are you ready? Are you curious about how you, too, could begin to embrace a healthier lifestyle and feel better? Are you ready to get involved in your own life? Or maybe you just need some help to get back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Well, you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us today and let’s get started on the most fulfilling journey of your life!

Come join us at Locomotion Fitness and become a member of the Loco Legends class for the 50+ members. Let’s have some fun and get moving!

Namaste,

Joe