Will pictured here in “my first slim fit shirt… Feels good!”.

A big congratulations to Studio Physique regular Will Kaliel, most familiar within the SPAC community as “Chill Will”, for reaching a serious milestone on his fitness journey this month! Will has dropped a total of 30 lbs but is “not done yet!”.

Q&A

SPAC: 

For years now, you’ve been known within the gym by the moniker “Chill Will”. It’s an endearing nickname but, if we’re not mistaken, was also kind of a knock on your reluctance to work very hard in the gym. What on earth changed? Your heart rate monitor numbers show us quantitatively that your time spent in the higher intensity zones have skyrocketed during this health kick you’re on. 

Will: 

"Chill Will" you can thank Justin for that clever nickname.  What changed?  A few things changed.  For one, I realized I was getting older and as you get older (37 yrs. old in September) it truly becomes harder to lose weight.  I got fed up with the extra weight I was carrying.  I knew I was capable of better.     Albert Einstein said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results".  So I simply flipped the switch and decided that going to the gym everyday and not seeing results was no longer an option.

SPAC: 

You’ve lost 30 lbs but say that you’re not quite done yet. The last pounds toward a target weight are generally far more difficult to shed than the first. What are you focusing on to reach the proverbial finish line?

Will: 

The last pounds towards my  target weight are DEFINITELY  far more difficult to shed!  I'm in that process now and although it's a daily battle I find excitement in chipping away pound after pound even if some days they are just quarter pound increments.   Plus every additional pound you lose at this point is noticeable when you look in the mirror.   Even more important than that is being able to enjoy the summer months ahead by the pool or beach with the warmth of the sun on my skin with no apprehension and complete satisfaction that I've accomplished what I set out to do in the beginning of the year.  I have a goal of 37 lbs shed by my 37th birthday, and now that I've told you all, I think I have no choice but to hit it.

SPAC:

As anyone who has lost significant weight can relate to, there is losing the weight and then there is keeping it off. We know you are dialed in to achieving a sustainable, healthy weight. Have you given any thought to what it will take to maintain a healthy lifestyle after finally catching the results you’ve been chasing?

Will: 

Good question.  I have given it some thought.  I think my mindset in regards to proper diet has shifted on this weight loss journey.  I think I've finally realized that it's a lifestyle and am more aware of how to balance it out.  I've learned a lot more about my body. If I splurge one weekend, I know what to do in order to slingshot back to my healthy weight.  I want to "chill" here for a while in order to successfully change my body weight set point.  I also think I'll always need to keep flavored sparkling water in my fridge because that has been my trick to fight off any late night cravings.

SPAC: 

As previously noted, you are well known within the SPAC community, and people really seem to love working out with you; they appreciate your commitment to trying and trying again. How much has the “team” atmosphere of Studio Physique influenced your ability to accomplish what you are accomplishing? What have the people pushing through these tough workouts with you meant to your success?

Will:

The SPAC community is AWESOME.  We are fortunate to have such great people at our gym.  The "team" atmosphere of Studio Physique has certainly helped me on this journey.  I admire every single member I workout alongside because we showed up (which is half the battle) and we are striving to reach our health goals together.  I love my morning crew, I must say some of the ladies here really "bring it"!   I appreciate everyone's words of encouragement and celebratory high fives when you hit that desired calorie burn.  It's a rush pushing through these workouts together.  Big thanks to John and Justin for your guidance, creative circuit designs and making sure I spend more time in the yellow (82% or higher heart rate).  Let's stay on it!