Testimonial - James Pennock

I’m turning 40 in a couple months. To some that’s ancient to others I’m just a spring chicken. Regardless of your vantage point, 40 is definitely not 19. When I was 19 I weighed 175lbs, had an incredible six pack, and was competing in Martial Art tournaments. It wasn’t until a few years later I realized that high kicks wasn’t going to provide me with the financial security we all strive to achieve so I got caught up in the Corporate American Game. To make a long story short 20 years later I was weighing in at 220 lbs and was starting to show signs of hypertension. I kept telling myself that the most important thing in life was to continue building financial security if not for myself, for my family. I kept telling myself that eventually I will find the time and start getting back in shape but right now I need to focus on work and what little time I do have is not worth spending at the gym.

I happened out of a whim to stop by the SWAT Family Fitness that had recently opened. What caught my attention were all the different types of bags hanging from the ceiling. Big bags, little bags, round bags, as well as a whole fleet of spin bikes. It was here I met Mike Tormey, the owner. I noticed Mike was definitely in great shape and very energetic. I told Mike about my Martial Arts experience and how it had once been a passion of mine but because of life decisions I had made, it was a “thing of the past”. Needless to say Mike didn’t find my pessimistic attitude acceptable. His attitude was that it is never too late in life to take control of your well being and gain back your optimism about your physical self.

Well, it’s been almost 20 weeks and I’m down from 220lbs to 183lbs. I’m seeing nearly 90% of my old Martial Arts “flexibility” coming back, my blood pressure has returned to a normal state and “2” of my “6” – “6 packs” have returned :). Mike and his staff are a joy to be around. There is a positive energy in his facility that stems not only from the staff but all the patrons as well. This energy just helps put you to ease the moment you arrive, regardless of how “bad” your day was. This type of atmosphere just can’t be achieved in today’s larger commercial gyms. I’d like to end by saying I’ve stopped telling myself that eventually I will get back in shape and just did it. Life is too short to stop taking care of your self.

James Pennock
Senior Systems and Process Analyst
Walt Disney Global Engineering