Nathaniel Goodwin ✓
The Comeback: From Setback to Stronger Than Ever
My fitness journey has been a rollercoaster of sacrifice and self-discovery. It began with college football, striving to maintain a competitive edge. But in 2023, the stress of pursuing my Doctor of Education (Ed.D) at SNU, combined with a knee injury, led to an unwanted 30-pound weight gain. I felt embarrassed and turned to unhealthy coping habits.
This became my wake-up call. I set a goal to drop 30 pounds and committed to a massive change: cutting my calorie intake in half, waking up at 5:00 AM to work out, and exercising five times a week, focusing heavily on cardio endurance with sprints and swimming.
Fast forward to 2024, I've lost 35 pounds and am back to my ideal weight of 220. My confidence has returned, and I'm playing competitive basketball again. When a 20-year-old competitor couldn't believe I was 40 and praised my condition, I knew the journey was worth it. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling strong, capable, and alive.
In addition to fitness, I embrace my creative side as a male model and am now working with a personal trainer to push my athleticism further.
Timeline of Transformation
Key moments that defined the pursuit of my personal best.
College Football & Early Fitness
Began a consistent workout routine (4-5 times a week) to maintain a competitive edge and keep up with friends.
The Setback: Stress & Injury
Gained 30 pounds, reaching 255 lbs, due to the stress of doctoral studies (Ed.D) and a knee injury from recreational basketball.
The Comeback Begins
Cut calorie intake, started 5:00 AM workouts, and committed to 5x weekly training focused on cardio (sprints, swimming) to drop 30 lbs.
Goal Reached & New Heights
Hit 220 lbs (35 lbs lost), returned to playing basketball in a men's league, and is now working with a personal trainer to enhance athleticism.
My Philosophy: Resilience and Legacy
Mindset strategies for overcoming obstacles and building a life you're proud of.
Mental Transformation
The journey was not just about losing weight but transforming my mindset and regaining control over my life, proving that health must be a priority.
Emotional Resilience
When life throws challenges, emotional resilience is the key to breaking through setbacks and staying focused on long-term goals.
Age is Just a Number
With a positive attitude and a belief in one's capability, age places no limits on what can be achieved, whether in fitness or life.
Building a Legacy
Today is the perfect day to start building a legacy you can live for and be remembered for. Never sell yourself short.
Basketball, Modeling & Fitness
A look into my dual life as an athlete and a creative professional.
Connect and Be Inspired
It's never too late to make fitness and well-being a priority in your life.