Foot & mortar Feature: Brett
It’s our pleasure to introduce our very first featured community member - Brett, of Kansas City. Brett is a work from home sales director who takes pride in being a husband and a father to two young boys. Brett recognizes the intricate balance between the demands of work, while also making sure he shows up and provides for his family on all fronts. Importantly enough though, Brett highlights the necessity of training to improve his physical health and wellbeing. Scroll below for some intuitive questions we recently asked Brett related to his training and lifestyle!
You can follow Brett on his Instagram Page: @losingitallat40
How do you balance training with all of life’s responsibilities?
Just making training a non-negotiable. Sometimes that means early morning workouts and sometimes it means 9:00pm workouts. My favorite time to lift, though, is either 10:00am, or 2:00pm.
What is your “why” - What keeps you showing up each day?
My wife and two boys. I changed my life and got in shape because I want to be around for them as long as possible. I didn’t want to have preventable health issues that kept me from spending time with them.
How do you stay motivated on the hard days?
I think about what my body and health used to look and feel like, and know that I never want to go back to that prior version of myself.
What is one defining moment in your journey that has shaped who you are today?
When people I hadn’t seen in a long time didn’t recognize me after losing 100 pounds, it made me realize how much your physical presence matters. It has made an impact on me personally and professionally, so I knew that I had to maintain my progress and never look back.
What role does mindset play in your training?
For me, mindset and self talk are huge. In 2020 I hired a professional life coach and he taught me how to focus on my mental fortitude. When you set out to lose over 100lbs the mental challenge is going to be as difficult as the physical challenge. So, doing that work ahead of time paid off huge.
Who or what inspires you — in life or fitness?
Watching other people work hard and succeed. People who have been through similar challenges and overcome them is a huge driver for me. I love watching stories of people who have gone through major transformations and it motivates me to keep going.
How do you recharge mentally or physically after a tough stretch?
For me, getting a full week back on diet and workout plan helps me reset both mentally and physically. If I have been out of balance or my schedule has been disrupted that is what makes it better, for me.
What part of your routine do you never skip, no matter what?
I’m not that stringent on myself. My schedule is very hectic so thing have to shift often. That said, I always make sure I hit a leg workout every week.
Is there a mantra or mindset phrase you live by?
These days it’s just that sense of never going back to my old behaviors. If I have a couple days off plan, I will make sure that it gets cut off quick. I have had a cheat day turn into a cheat month before and I am never doing that again.
What’s one small habit that’s changed your life over time?
Hitting my 120oz water goal is huge. Staying hydrated is a must and keeping my body flushed is also a feeling I have become accustomed to. Some days I feel like a fish with all the water I drink, but it’s important.
What’s a recent PR or physical goal you hit that you’re proud of?
I hit a 295 incline bench press and that was pretty awesome.
What’s your favorite piece of training gear or must-have?
Taking my own D handles to the gym. I don’t like using the ones that no one cleans and are always caked with dirt and powder.
What’s your pre-workout ritual or go-to hype routine?
Friday at 5:30 with our little morning crew is my favorite. I take some non-stim pre workout, have an energy drink and just really get after it. Feels like a good start to the weekend.
[For fun] If you could train with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
I think it would be pretty wild to have a session with Tom Platz. Dude is somewhat of a sleeper in terms of popularity, but he’s a demon and I am sure would push me to places I hadn’t gone before.
