Meet Nate Morgan: Deciding to turn a mid-life crisis into the comeback of a lifetime…

This September Nate will turn 43 years old. Three years ago on his 40th birthday, in a mid-life-crisis-moment, he stepped on the scale and saw a number he never imagined he’d see: 215 pounds. At 5’9” with a 40” waist, he knew he was overweight and had not been taking care of himself but never thought he would see 200lbs, let alone 215lbs. 

“I knew immediately I needed to make a life change.”

Feeling grateful for the gym onsite at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies in Morrisville, NC, Nate started coming into work at 0530/0600 to utilize the treadmill and elliptical machines. He began eating healthier and swapping candy and cookies for protein shakes along with intermittent fasting.

It wasn’t too long before he started to become interested in running. A decade earlier, he attempted a 5K and was only able to run the first half mile before walking the rest. Despite past challenges, he got measured properly for running shoes and made his purchase. Within 6 months of running, he was 40 pounds down from his original weight! Enjoying running more, he entered a 5K and this time ran the whole thing in 30:36.  He went onto do a10K race then decided to shift from a running focus to that of strength training, stamina, endurance and flexibility though bodyfit classes onsite.

“I started trying out the FUJIFILM Fit classes taught by Chuck, Ann, Alex, and Dylan. These classes showed me quickly that although I had lost weight and I was building muscle, there was more to being in shape. They have really pushed, tested, and challenged me.”

These days, Nate alternates weightlifting and bodyfit classes (6 days a week) and notices a big difference not only physically but mentally and emotionally. He’s deeply thankful for the classes and trainers helping him with proper form and injury prevention.

Something that stands out to Nate in his health and fitness journey is the power of simply showing up. Sometimes he wouldn’t be able to complete every rep but he was thankful and knew there was more to work on for next time.

“I would encourage anyone to start their fitness journey at any time in their life.  Start slow and don’t expect instant success.  It will take time, but it will get easier.”  Do it for a least 2 weeks straight to make it turn into a habit.  Once you have that habit, being consistent will come easy and you will start to enjoy the workouts.  When you start seeing and feeling the changes you will want to work harder.”

Nate’s advice is simple: join classes, talk with others in the gym, get advice from the trainers and other professionals available.  Allow fitness to open up a whole new world and have a big positive impact on your health, your personal life, and your professional life. 

“I was on the wrong path in my health life. I was going in a negative direction and even though it has to start within your own mind to make the change, having support and guidance can and will make it easier, enjoyable, and more obtainable to reach health goals you never imagined. Thank you to everyone who kept me encouraged and excited to continue to train. “

Thank you Nate for sharing your remarkable story with us and motivating all of us to show up and do our best. The hardest part is starting but it’s always worth it!!

Keep charing and have an awesome summer 2023!

Your Team at The Suitcase of Courage