Sebastien Jobin
QA Analyst, Montreal, Canada
The Trigger:
I was in Cuba for vacation, and I was looking at myself in my bathing suit and I said to myself, “I need to quit smoking and get back in shape.” I thought about it often but no real action. In January, a new friend I met could not believe that I did not eat fruit. So, she made it her mission to make me eat every fruit! I decide then and there that it was now that I start training and quit smoking.
The Change:
I had a training plan, and being a guy that works in tech, I started looking for apps to enter my training plan and log it. But most of all, I wanted an app that showed how to do the exercises since I was a beginner at the gym.
I tried several without any satisfaction until I tried Fitbod. It was so easy to set my training plan and use it with the videos. When my training plan was completed, and I started to “generate workouts” based on recovery—I found that amazing! But the things that sold the app for me were the import feature from Strava for my rides and taking that into account for the recovery, being able to set the available exercise at the gym (I use two different gyms), and having the app on my Apple watch to log the set.
All these things kept me motivated to go training!
Did you change anything in addition to exercise/fitness?
When I decided to start to exercise, I quit smoking on the same day. I also started to eat better. I used to drink beer every weekend, so I stopped that. And I started to eat fruits every day (had no choice, I was being watched…)
At work a yoga teacher come every Wednesday during lunch to give a 1-hour class. So, I also started doing yoga!
Each week I decided to change a thing or two about my nutrition. I decided to make small incremental changes, so they could become routine and permanent changes.
Any specific fitness goals that you have?
My fitness goal was to get back in shape.
At Christmas I was at 199lbs and now I’m at 178lbs. I set myself a goal of 170lbs.
I chose that value because when I was young and doing competitive freestyle skiing and training 7 times a week, I was at 165lbs. 8lbs more to go for my goal!
Results:
I lost 20lbs in 5 months. But also gained muscle. I’m in the best shape I’ve been for years. I feel great mentally and physically. It is the first time trying to quit smoking that I don’t have cravings. I also eat healthier.
My friends, family, and colleagues all told me that I look happier and more energetic. They have seen the change physically and mentally. They all love what some call the “Seb 2.0.”
Advice for others:
Take it slow to not to discourage yourself. I started training 2-3 times a week, and gradually increased it as it become more of a routine. Now I train at the gym 5 times week and 2-3 times I do road cycling. And after 5 months, I feel bad when I miss a day of training!
Anything else?
Before leaving work, to avoid traffic, I go train. When I’m done, no more traffic. Best of both worlds!
Disclaimer: This post has been edited for brevity and clarity.
