I was not an exemplary student.

I had a mediocre GPA thanks to video games and some serious scholastic apathy. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t failing school. But I certainly wasn’t reaching my full potential either. Through most of my high school career, grades didn’t really matter.

Up until college applications started. That’s when it got real.

I applied to a few different schools, but there was only one application that I really cared about—my dream school.

There was a big problem, though.

That pesky GPA I hadn’t cared about was now a determining factor in my college acceptance or rejection. And my grades were far below what they usually accepted. Honestly, I felt like I was wasting my time even applying.

There was no chance.

But it was the dream. I had to try—even if it seemed like a futile effort. With the help of family and friends, I wrote, revised, and rewrote my essay, fine-tuned every aspect of the lengthy application, and hit send.

By some miracle, I got in. It was nothing shy of divine intervention. Seriously. I didn’t waste time pinching myself as I rushed downstairs to tell my dad I got in, but this was a huge “pinch me” moment.

I was elated. I did it. I got in.

But when the euphoria wore off, reality sunk in—college is expensive. If I were going to make it work, I really had to buckle down and bank cash.

I spent that entire summer working. At first, I was actually excited. It was my first time working a full-time nine-to-five, the pay was good, and it was a sure-fire route to a more financial stable freshman year at school. I felt so grown up.

Growing Out, Not Up

The best part of that job? I worked from home. Usually, I’d wear basketball shorts and, if I was really dressing up, a t-shirt. Plus, my commute was incredible. I could roll out of bed at 8:50, grab some food to munch on for breakfast, and make it to work on time at 9:00.

No lie, it was awesome.

I was living the dream—making good money without having to leave my bedroom. Money that would be used during my freshman year at my favorite school. When I’d get off work, I’d kick back, relax, and bask in the aftermath of a busy day. (To my 18-year-old self, it had been an extremely busy day.) And at the end of the day, nothing sounded better than sitting and watching TV or playing video games.

I loved my R n’ R. And I felt completely justified. I mean, I was working a real job.

But I didn’t realize what was happening to me over the course of that summer. I wasn’t active at all. I rarely walked further than to the refrigerator and back to my desk. I ate awful food.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast. Lunch was usually complete junk from the freezer section. All kinds of snacks (because let’s be real, a frozen meal isn’t remotely satisfying). And dinner was fast food or takeout. It was a recipe for disaster.

Naturally, disaster ensued.

Simply put, I was unhealthy. Before long, I didn’t have energy for anything. I was an 18-year-old kid who didn’t have enough energy to do more than sit at a computer or in front of a TV screen. And it affected my life.

I had no desire to go out with friends. Not even my girlfriend. I spent each evening exhausted. I didn’t socialize. I wasn’t “living it up” during my final few months at home. Honestly, I wasn’t really doing anything besides working and lounging around my house.

I Had a Life But Wasn’t Living

Soon enough, school was starting. I had saved up a solid chunk of money to help finance things and had that ready-to-take-on-the-world type of mentality that so many people have in college.

Mentally I was ready to take on the world. But physically I could hardly take on a flight of stairs.

I had packed on the chub over my summer months and it was showing. My roommate’s first impression of me was that I had pepperoni nipples. Thanks, bro. I broke buttons off of my over-tight shorts. And a love life was nonexistent. (Which was disappointing when movies set such a high expectation.)

Luckily, Ultimate Frisbee filled the romantic void—for myself and several friends.

We put together an intramural team. (Yes, we were that cool.) The main goal was to have a good time playing with friends. The only problem was that I could hardly run, jump, or even breathe when we played.

I was embarrassed. I couldn’t keep up with anyone.

Blame my competitive side, but I decided something had to change. I started exercising at the gym on campus. Simple stuff. Honestly, I did the same exact routine three times each week. And something did change. Actually, everything changed.

What started as a hope to perform better on the playing field—both frisbee and dating—ended up changing my life.

At first, teammates noticed that I wasn’t gasping for air playing ultimate. What’s more, I was jumping higher and running harder than they thought possible.

My newfound energy was amazing. Random shenanigans into the wee hours of the morning were a common occurrence. Yet I woke up exhilarated and ready to dominate the day the next morning.

The days of lethargically stumbling out the door had come to an end and I loved it.

I literally lost inches off of my waistline. Girls were even noticing me. They’d even mention how great I was looking. Talk about a day-maker.

There was pep in my step and strength in my stride all day err’ day. I beamed with newfound confidence. Stuff like hiking, frisbee, jogging, sand volleyball, and ping pong filled my free time. All with my group of friends.

It was incredible. I finally started living.

Within the first few months at school, I experienced a complete transformation. And it changed me on a level so much more profound than the physical. (Even though that was a nice cherry on top.)

Ever since, life has been more rich, fulfilling, and enjoyable.

Train to Live

Life’s meant to be enjoyed. Good health and proper training will make enjoying life that much easier. It transformed my body, my mind, and my entire life. I’ve seen it do the same for countless people that I’ve coached.

I’m not saying you need be a bodybuilder or fitness model. I’m not saying you should start powerlifting or marathoning. I am saying that when you train—whatever you train—train to improve your quality of life. Train in a way you enjoy and bask in how it changes your life.

In other words, don’t live to train. train to live.

“There are 2 kinds of thieves in this world. The ones who steal to enrich their lives and the ones who steal to define their lives. Don’t be the latter. It makes you miss out on what’s really important in this life.”

—John Bridger, The Italian Job

John dropped knowledge at the beginning of The Italian Job. It’s something I like to call a universal truth—it applies to everything. Work, hobbies, fitness—anything. They can either define or enrich your life. The choice is yours.

When it comes to your fitness, don’t live to train, train to live.