Stories of personal transformation are particularly inspiring when we know the success was not easy. Dan O’Toole isn’t a pro athlete, but he busted his ass over a long period of time. He now squats more than a good percentage of the MLB players I shared clubhouse space with.
Dan is one of the funniest cats I know. He and Jay Onrait are the anchors and my teammates at FOX Sports Live. Together, they keep me laughing on a nightly basis. I’m envious of Dan’s quick wit and impeccable comedic timing. He was equally enamored with my commitment to health and well-being. He began peppering me with questions about training roughly six months ago. There was something different about Dan’s line of questioning. His queries were consistent, pointed and convicted. After a few weeks, I knew he wasn’t bullshitting.
I often have initial consultations with men and women who want to make a lifestyle change. Many chats fizzle out quickly. Folks sometimes just want a sounding board. I get it. They’re not ready. They haven’t been blasted by the necessary internal motivation yet. We all get there when we get there.
I didn’t motivate Dan. He was propelled by fear. He didn’t want to be visiting doctors and getting soft in his late 30’s. His concerns were far from unique, but his commitment was rare.
Dan, go.
I want to thank Russia and their cuisine that did not agree with me. Because of them, I just squatted 305 lbs. on my 39th birthday.
Spending a month covering the Olympics in Sochi forced me to open my eyes and acknowledge a cold, hard fact. I was a skinny fat guy. Because of the schedule, my food choices were limited, and the hotel restaurant wasn’t an option. I ended up eating McDonald’s every day for a month. I returned home weighing 192 lbs., the most I’ve ever weighed. On a 5’8” frame, it was a lot. When I leaned down to tie my shoes and was winded, I knew I had to make a change.
I started small. I’ve worked the late shift for the past 12 years. Every night, I would get home around midnight, eat a large meal, drink a couple of beers and watch TV. I cut out the late night eating. All those calories, the food just sitting in my gut – all gone. The change in diet alone would make a world of difference, but I also decided to add in some exercise. I hadn’t worked out in years, so I began by simply jogging. It got me off the couch and got my heart rate up.
The jogging turned into sprints and pushups, and I was starting to feel a difference. After a couple of weeks, I hadn’t given up, so I decided to step it up a bit. I tackled Insanity, the workout program from hell. Not a single second of it is fun. I would literally swear at the screen. People in the Insanity video can’t even finish some of the workouts, but it works. If I took a day off from it, I would jog, sometimes up to 4 miles. I hated every single second of it, but I pushed through. I put in my head that every single day I worked out meant one more day on this earth to spend with my kids. It gave me motivation.
I found myself addicted. If I missed a workout because I was too busy at work or with my family, it drove me nuts. I did that for 3 months straight. I lost 22 pounds, but I wasn’t finished. During all of this, Gabe was there by my side. He stood by me every night at work answering every single idiotic question I had, and there were A LOT. I had lost the weight, but I needed to bulk up and develop some muscle. He put me on a weightlifting program. I joined a gym and started lifting once every 2 days. I doubted it, but it worked. After 3 months on the weightlifting program, I achieved that 305 lb. squat.
My doubt didn’t really stem from a belief that it wouldn’t be effective. I doubted because I hated it. Even as I was miserable, I knew if I wanted to get more out of life, I needed to get my act together. Fast food meals at midnight 3 days a week is a one way ticket to all kinds of health problems. For everyone starting a program and encountering that same doubt, I can tell you this: it is worth every second. You will see results, and you will get that spring in your step. The first month was the hardest for me. Get through that, and you will be on your way.
With a serious commitment and some time, it is possible to go from doing zero workouts to the best shape of your life. I now have the goal of squatting 400 lbs. on my 40th birthday. Because of these past 6 months, I now can’t see me living my life WITHOUT physical fitness in my life. It is truly a great feeling.
Duane says
Motivating! I truly can’t put any other way. Dan congratulations on the 305 squat and I wish you truse success on the 400 goal. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us!
Gabe Kapler says
Dan is a special human being, Duane. Not many men would have gone after it like he did. I’m inspired.
Duane says
After I commented on the post I gulped down my coffee grabbed my “over-hydrating” container and did a 5×5 workout. I never do 5×5’s on the weekends. Thanks for the motivation Dan!
Mark Hebscher says
Dan, good for you. I too worked late nights for many years and had to make a lifestyle change. I still hate working out, but I’ve been doing it for 18 years…..since I turned 40. Keep it up, buddy!
Gabe Kapler says
Thanks, Mark. I’ll make sure Dan gets the message.
~Al~ says
Good shit Dan! No better motivator in the world then the “I’m disgusted with myself” feeling. Congrats on kicking its ass!
~Al~
Gabe Kapler says
Right on, Al.
Tony Recupero says
love the inspiration.I’m a skinny fat guy in transition. 55 years old 3 months ago was 200lbs at 6’0 and a 39 waist. Now in a bootcamp type training regimen 5 days a week, no starchy carbs and down to 183. Now I got to get some muscle built!
Gabe Kapler says
Love it, Tony. Thanks for stopping by.
Steve says
Attaboy Dan!! All it takes is that one realization to feel the fire!
I’m still trying to get my mom to feel the burning desire to improve her health and fitness. She’s always talking about it but never being about it. Hopefully it clicks one day like it did for you Dan!
#MassUp
#ThoughtsBecomeThings
Gabe Kapler says
My man, Steve. I think your the only regular commenter who hashtags. Be you.
Michelle says
Dan is certainly no tool. Great job on the squat #, keep going.
Gabe Kapler says
You’d never guess the funny guy had such powerful drive.
darby wright says
Great post. Love to read guest post.Keep them coming
Gabe Kapler says
Appreciate you, Darby. Thanks.
Nate says
More proof that nothing is more powerful than self motivation. You will never get what you want until you decide that YOU want it bad enough. Good shit
Gabe Kapler says
Preach, Nate.
Colin Loebach says
Way to keep your stick on the ice. Keep grinding.
Gabe Kapler says
Stick on the ice….like that.
#BeatWarEagle (@HutchBeav) says
Good stuff Dan. Good, old fashioned hard work pays off again.
Gabe Kapler says
Such a simple concept.
Msquared says
Dan-
Late response…. But awesome story.
I continue to tweak my diet (adding and removing) things as I get near the “older years”.
It is quite satisfying to be able to evolve.
Keep up the awesome work.
Pete says
“every single day I worked out meant one more day on this earth to spend with my kids” Dan! that quote with me forever. Thank you Dan