By Nick Brucker
Personal Trainer

I grew up as a kid struggling to overcome being obese. I was upset deep down inside for who I was and who I had become. I admired others that were active and into sports.  But, at the same time, I cringed thinking about persuing such an “aggressive hobby,” so to speak.

Two years after my weight loss journey, I received my first paying job… You will never guess where …Hint, they sell over a billion burgers a year! Ironically, my first job was at McDonalds!

My best friend at the time, Danny Bovee, provided a great recommendation for me and I was quickly trained as a burger flipper… well, more like a grill guy since no flipping was required. Glad I could be of assistance…

When I started to gain some weight back working at McDonald’s, a couple people started to notice.  Especially my managers who barked at me numerous times to not eat the food or face being “written up.” I continued to sneak bits of cookie dough from the freezer. I felt it was ridiculous I was being yelled at, so I did it even more.  Until one day…

I got home one night after my shift ended and stared in the mirror. My face was all broken out, my arms had red blotches on them, and worst of all… I was nothing but a burger boy. It was then I decided that I would not allow myself to live my life as a slob, or as a just a burger boy!!! 

I knew I was so much more than what I appeared to be. With a desire for respect and a new job,  I knew I needed to step up my efforts to create such a drastic change. 

First I lost 26 lbs through resistance training.  I then realized how much praise I was receiving from my coworkers and friends. As I continued lifting, I noticed more people asking me how I was reaping such incredible results.  Even my managers were asking me daily!! 

Less than a month later, I was promoted to shift manager. Two Months after that,  I was promoted again to Secondary Assistant Manager!

Nine months later, I left to work at a Valvoline Instant Oil Change for more money. I used the same hard work ethic I used for my daily health at this job as well! It was only eight months into my stint there when the Store Manager asked me to take his place. I knew I had more to offer than car tune-up services, so I politely declined.

   Moral to the story is…

“I gained the respect from others by simply showing myself respect through following the principles health & fitness. As soon as I was able to love and appreciate myself, I realized others were able to love and appreciate me as well! Simply by making health and fitness a priority from that point on has helped me to really love and respect myself, and paved the road to being successful at pursuing the career of my dreams in the heart of New York City!

Show Self-respect towards yourself and see where it leads you. I give you my word, doors will open to new opportunities you could never imagine…

Tired of your boss always pestering you? Do you wish to have your coworkers give you the respect you deserve? NOW IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!