“Adversity causes some men to break, other’s to break records” –William A. Ward
There was a time in my life when words like dedication, determination, and motivation were not part of my character. For much of my life as a teenager and young man I was able to not only get by, but excel in athletics and other venues of my life while only putting forth enough effort to get by. I was consistent at one thing in my life, giving the amount of effort that it took to slide by while gaining mild achievement but never reaching inside and digging deep for everything I could put out.
In High School, my “just get by” attitude helped me achieve what I thought were great accolades. I played Varsity basketball as a freshman and sophomore, started for two years at Quarterback for our Varsity Football Team, and was awarded a scholarship to play Football at Wayne State University and pursue my education. As time progressed in College I began to not only see what minimal effort provides in life but live the lack of success it can perpetuate!
As I moved through my early twenties I began to realize that life and success does not typically reward those that remain in their comfort zones! As I learned to set goals, believe in my dreams, and push myself through barriers I had once believed were insurmountable, I saw that true success is measured by the amount of sweat it takes to move the obstacles in your way! Experiencing these changes was empowering for me and provided the foundation for my next challenge in life, improving my Health and Fitness.
As a 25 year old, newly married, former college athlete I was experiencing the proverbial “Hangover” that happens when enjoying life with my new wife and a disregard for exercising slaps you in the face every time I looked in the mirror! I was 230 lbs., suffering from pre-hypertension, and downright disgusted by what my old habit of minimal effort had pushed me to become physically. At that moment I made a vow that I would never allow myself to sink this far again and made a lifelong commitment to exercise, quality nutrition, and infinite health and wellness.
Today, I am 55 lbs. lighter than the day I stepped on that scale and have traveled a journey that has been truly eye opening while awakening my spirit and passion for Fitness, Health, and Wellness. I am blessed to share this journey every day with my beautiful and brilliant wife Jackilyn, my stunning angel Aleaha, and four legged companion Nala Lilly. I also have been blessed to have two amazing parents Jack and Caralie Rieder, who have supported, pushed, guided, and believed in me every step of the way while my older sister Katie has provided a role model to follow when needing a lesson in achievement. My family is the beacon that consistently lights my way and who I am is a direct achievement of their support, love, and guidance.
It’s through GRT Fitness and Wellness that I’ve found my passion and life’s work in helping people find their own breakthrough in Health, Fitness, and Wellness! I hope that our paths cross on this journey and believe that the level of each of our achievement is only limited by the height of the sky in our dreams!———–R’s
