From Fit to Fat to Fit: The Journey That Changes How We See Fitness

September 20, 2023

Ever heard of “Fit to Fat to Fit”? If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It sounds like a tongue twister or a crazy challenge—but it’s actually a fascinating fitness experiment and TV show that flips how we think about weight loss and fitness coaching.

In this blog, we dive into the story behind “Fit to Fat to Fit,” why it’s so eye-opening, and what it can teach anyone starting their fat loss journey. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some fun podcast banter and relatable stories from real life!

What is Fit to Fat to Fit?

The premise: A fit personal trainer deliberately gains a significant amount of weight — up to 70 pounds in about six months — to experience what it’s like to be overweight.
Then: The trainer embarks on the challenge of losing that weight and returning to fitness.
Why: This journey builds empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles people face with weight loss.
Outcome: The trainer writes a book and stars in a TV show documenting the experience.

The Shocking Stats

The trainer went from 8% body fat to 32% body fat.
He gained 70+ pounds in six months — faster than many expected.
This firsthand experience revealed how easy it is to gain weight when you "let go," despite what genetics myths say.

Why This Experiment Matters

As one of the hosts, Caleigh, shares from personal experience, there can often be a disconnect between trainers and clients. Trainers might come from athletic backgrounds and not fully grasp the mental and physical challenges faced by those new to fitness or dealing with excess weight.

Empathy is key. Coaches who have lived through struggles with weight or fitness can better relate and guide clients.
Fitness isn't one-size-fits-all. Not everyone grew up playing sports or working out, so starting a journey can feel daunting.
Personal stories help. Many trainers today were once clients themselves — they’ve walked the path.

Real Talk: The Emotional Side of Fat Loss

The experiment shows that losing weight isn’t just about discipline or willpower. It’s a tough battle with cravings, mindset, and body resistance.

The trainer realized how hard the body fights to maintain its new fat.
This insight helped him develop empathy for clients who struggle with similar challenges.
The journey was not only physical but deeply emotional.

Lessons From the Show and Beyond

Not all “fit” bodies are functional or ready for real-world athletic challenges.
Shows like Physical 100 and American Ninja Warrior highlight how strength and endurance differ across sports.
Many “fit” people might look amazing but still feel insecure or inadequate compared to others.
Fitness goals should be personal and realistic—not just chasing someone else’s physique.

Why You Should Care About Fit to Fat to Fit

It highlights the importance of empathy in coaching and fitness.
Shows the complexity of weight loss beyond diet and exercise.
Reminds us that everyone’s fitness journey is unique.
Encourages those starting out to be patient and kind to themselves.

Key Takeaways: Fit to Fat to Fit in a Nutshell

A fit trainer gained 70 pounds to experience life as an overweight person.
The rapid weight gain defied genetic expectations.
The journey deepened the trainer’s empathy and understanding.
Not all trainers start as athletes—many learn through their own journeys.
Fitness is more than muscle—functional strength matters.
Everyone’s path to health and fitness is different, so comparison isn’t helpful.
Emotional struggles with food and body image are real and valid.
Personal trainers with transformation experience can better relate to clients.
Media and shows can misrepresent what “fit” truly means.

Final Thoughts

“Fit to Fat to Fit” isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s a powerful reminder that real empathy in fitness comes from understanding the full journey, including the struggles and setbacks. Whether you’re just starting or deep into your fitness goals, remember it’s about progress, not perfection.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Ready to work with Nacho Fitness Coach?

Let's connect! We’re here to help.

Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.

Or give us a call today at 913-788-6511

Agency Contact Form

More Marketing Tips, Tricks & Tools

What’s in My “Drug Bag”? Supplements, Sleep Hacks & a Little Bit of Chaos

August 27, 2025

What supplements should you actually take? In this fun episode of Nacho Fitness Coach, we unpack caffeine, collagen, creatine, probiotics, and whether melatonin is a sleep hack or just hype.

Protein Wars: Muscle Milk vs. Whey Isolate – Which Protein Powder Is Actually Better?

August 20, 2025

Muscle Milk vs. whey protein isolate—what’s the difference? We break down ingredients, benefits, and who should use which in this funny yet practical episode of Nacho Fitness Coach.

Fitness Scams You Need to Stop Falling For (and What Actually Works)

August 27, 2025

If you’ve ever bought a $50 tub of “miracle” greens powder, fallen for the latest detox tea, or wondered whether pink-labeled supplements for women are actually different (spoiler: they’re not), you’re not alone. In this episode of Nacho Fitness Coach, Caleigh (the self-proclaimed beginner who thinks Bulgarian split squats should be classified as cruel and unusual punishment) and Sara (the coach who actually knows what she’s doing) dive headfirst into the wild world of fitness scams —with plenty of laughs, tangents, and questionable jokes along the way. 🚨 Why Fitness Scams Are Everywhere The fitness industry is worth billions, which means there’s always someone ready to sell you a “shortcut.” Whether it’s a supplement that promises to torch fat, a crash diet that guarantees results in 30 days, or Instagram workouts that magically target belly fat, scams thrive because people want fast fixes. The reality? Sustainable health comes from the boring stuff : consistent movement, balanced nutrition, sleep, and stress management. But that doesn’t sell as well as “drop 30 pounds in 30 days.” 🤯 Popular Fitness Scams They Call Out Here are just a few of the fads and gimmicks discussed in the episode: Body Positivity (when twisted into an excuse) – Loving yourself is great, but ignoring your health isn’t. Raw Milk – Romanticized online, but not a magic bullet for health. Athletic Greens (AG1) – Expensive powders that are basically just multivitamins in smoothie form. Electrolyte Powders – Some (like Liquid IV or LMNT) are useful, but don’t believe the “double hydration” marketing hype. “For Women” Supplements – Same formula, pink label, higher price. Colostrum & Collagen Powders – Marketed as miracle youth potions. Spoiler: your regular protein powder works just fine. Probiotics – Helpful after antibiotics, but not the cure-all they’re marketed to be. Detox Teas & Cleanses – Your liver and kidneys already handle that job for free. Keto Desserts – Sorry, Jessica. That keto cupcake is still just a cupcake. 12-3-30 Workouts – Good exercise, but it’s not a “fat-burning secret.” Crash Diets (HCG, blood type diets, etc.) – Fast weight loss? Yes. Sustainable? Nope. And of course… everyone’s favorite scammy influencer, V Shred . 💡 The Bigger Problem: Normalized Fitness Lies The scariest part? Some scams are so normalized, we don’t even question them anymore. Marketing convinces us that we’re broken and need expensive fixes—when the truth is that health isn’t about extremes. What actually works: Consistency > hacks Real food > powders Movement you enjoy > gimmicky workouts Patience > promises of “30 pounds in 30 days” 🎧 Why You’ll Love This Episode Yes, you’ll learn how to spot scams. But you’ll also laugh (a lot). From butt-joke tangents to middle-schoolers discovering their teacher has a podcast, Caleigh and Sara remind us that fitness doesn’t have to be intimidating—or boring. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a detox tea commercial or wondered if collagen peptides are just expensive marketing, this one’s for you. ✅ Key Takeaway Don’t waste money chasing the latest fitness trend. Stick to the basics: move your body, eat balanced meals, get sleep, and stay consistent. Everything else is just expensive hype.