My fitness journey has been a rollercoaster of sacrifice, setbacks, and self-discovery. It started back in my college football days when I committed to working out four to five times a week to maintain my competitive edge. It wasn’t just about staying in shape—it was about keeping up with my friends and pushing myself to always be better. But in 2023, things took a turn. Between the stress of pursuing my Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D) at SNU and a knee injury from playing recreational basketball, I found myself in a tough spot. Over eight months, I gained 30 pounds of fat, pushing my weight up to 255 pounds. I felt embarrassed every time I looked in the mirror and turned to unhealthy eating habits as a way to cope with the physical and mental toll.
Realizing I needed to take control, I set a personal goal: to drop 30 pounds and get back to my ideal weight of 220 pounds before returning to the basketball court. It wasn’t easy. I cut my calorie intake in half, started waking up at 5:00 AM to work out before work, and committed to exercising five times a week. I focused on improving my cardio endurance with sprints and swimming, pushing through the discomfort and reminding myself that the journey would be worth it.
Through all the sweat and challenges, I kept my belief strong: great things were ahead. This journey wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about transforming my mindset and regaining control over my life. Being overweight was a wake-up call, reminding me that I had to make health a priority if I wanted to live the life I envisioned. And as I worked harder, my confidence slowly returned. I got back on social media, unafraid to share my progress, and reconnected with the part of myself that thrived on challenge and perseverance.
Fast forward to today, 2024, and I’ve reached my goal. I’m back to 220 pounds, having lost 35 pounds, and I’m playing basketball again—even joining a men’s league. Recently, during a game, a 20-year-old competitor couldn’t believe I was 40 years old and praised my physical condition. That moment reminded me of why I embarked on this journey in the first place. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling strong, capable, and alive. Now, I’m working with a personal trainer to take my athleticism even further, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter will lead.
In addition to my love for basketball, I’ve also embraced another side of myself—I’m a male model in my spare time, and I even have my own website to showcase my work (https://nathaniel-goodwin.com/). My experience has shown me that no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to make fitness and well-being a priority. When life throws challenges your way, it’s emotional resilience that helps you break through and stay focused on your goals.
Age is just a number, and with a positive attitude, there are no limits to what you can achieve. Today is the perfect day to start building a legacy you can live for—and be remembered for. Don’t sell yourself short, keep pushing, and always give God the glory for the strength to keep moving forward.
