I met Josh at my crossfit box, and slowly got to know him as we died together during workouts, lol.
Josh has an amazing story – he’s lost over 100 lbs! He’s also a super nice guy and agreed to be interrogated interviewed by me. Thanks Josh! He will be added to my “Inspirations” page.
Here are his progress pictures:
March 27, 2010:

December 9th, 2010 er…love the outfit =D

Ilovefetacheese: Tell us a little about yourself! (Age, career – if you feel comfortable!)
I am 30 years old, I currently work in the light steel framing industry, and am an independent Professional wrestler on the side.
Ilovefetacheese: You’ve lost over 100 lbs!! Tell us how your weight loss story started and how you got into fitness? Did you have to change your diet?
Well I was always decently athletic, but have been fighting with genetics, food addictions and just a lack of willpower for the majority of my life. When I moved to Raleigh I saw it as an opportunity to focus on making the changes that I needed to better myself. I only bought foods that I needed to eat to bring into the house, and decided that if I had a craving for something (locopops) I would go out and get it, then enjoy it, but never bring it in bulk to the house. The biggest change in my diet was just refocusing my intake of foods and “dialing in” what worked for me.
Ilovefetacheese: How did you get involved in weight lifting, and how long have you weight lifted?
I began weightlifting at the age of 12 after I finished my first wrestling season. I have done many styles of lifting (strength, muscle endurance). My initial introduction to it was when my friend John and I went up to the high school after school one day and joined in in the weight room.
Ilovefetacheese: What is your favorite powerlift/oly lift and why?
I like the Snatch. There’s something satisfying about taking heavy weight and lifting it from the the floor to nearly 9 feet off of it. (ME TOO)
Ilovefetacheese: Did/do you play any sports?
What activities outside of weight lifting do you like?In high school I played football, and was a 4 year varsity wrestler (senior year I went 23-7) I also spent a few different years after high school volunteering as a wrestling coach. I’ve also wrestled professionally on the independent circuit for the last 10 years.
Ilovefetacheese: Did you start off with light weights? How did you become interested in Crossfit?
I usually attack the WODs at full force, unless I’m not comfortable with a movement. I rarely go under RX on lifts, and I gradually am able to do more and more of the bodyweight movements RX.I first found Crossfit when I was researching the workouts done by the actors in the movie 300. Through a gym in Utah called gym jones, I saw what they did, and knew I needed to do the same style of workout, I just didn’t know where to go, and didn’t have the personal motivation to do it on my own. I discovered the crossfit philosophy while attending a practice of the Carolina Roller Girls, Kim, Chennelle and Christmas were beginning a program with the, and I became interested. I then found a box near my home in Kannapolis and began. When I moved to Raleigh in May I joined what is now Crossfit Invoke, and have been steadily improving ever since.
Ilovefetacheese: Can you give us some insight into your diet to maintain your lean muscle mass? If you’d like, we would love to see a “day in the life of Josh’s diet”.
I work from 630- usually 330 so I have a pretty set routine when it comes to my food intake.
445 am: 3 egg omelet and bacon wrapped sweet potatoes (http://fastpaleo.com/bacon-wrapped-sweet-potatoes/)
8 am: protein shake
11 am: Lunch, usually a piece of Chicken breast, carrots and an apple
2-230 pm: another protein shake
330 or 430 pm: depending on when I’m going to the box, I have a handfull of nuts, usually almonds or cashews (I don’t like working out on a completely empty stomach)
7-8 pm: Dinner, varies, lately it’s been Spaghetti Squash with 4-5 ounces of beef in a tomato sauce (I’ve been using Newman’s own, it’s great)
Ilovefetacheese: Do you shoot for a certain amount of protein every day?
I think I get in about 150 g’s of p’s daily. I haven’t really kept track with that as much as just focusing on WHAT I eat.
Ilovefetacheese: Do you take any supplements?If so, please list them and tell us your favorite brand/flavor.
I use Proto Whey for my protein supplementation. It was recommended to me by a friend in the supplement field, I can actually feel it start to go to work minutes after I drink it. I also use Jack3d before WOD’s. It has Beta-alanine in it, which gives you a nice tingle and helps me with performance (I feel anyway)
Ilovefetacheese: What is your favorite cheat meal?
I don’t really have a favorite. It just depends on my mood and where I’m at. My most frequent cheat is the Mint Mojito locopop.

Ilovefetacheese: Who are your fitness inspirations?
Growing up I was always a big fan of Hulk Hogan and still am to this day. I will actually listen to his theme music on the way to the box to get pumped up.

I’m also a big fan of the Rocky Movies, and after seeing the last one, Rocky Balboa, I thought that if Sly Stallone looks like that at age 60, I should be able to do it too.

I also get pumped and want to workout after seeing 300, the movie that inspired me to invest in crossfit.

Thanks again Josh!