In 1997 Porter Freeman was doing all the wrong things relating to good health, and it showed. He was weighing 264 pounds with nearly 30% bodyfat and dangerously high blood pressure. He was living the "good life"- managing a successful chain of night clubs, always sharply dressed, enjoying all his favorite foods, while sometimes celebrating with an extra drink or two. There seemed to be no desire to take firm control of his failing health, but then "it" happened.
An article by Bill Phillips featured in Muscle Media Magazine invited everyone in America to accept his unique 12 week Physique Transformation Challenge. Not only could you take total control of your life and health, but along the way you could win $50,000 and a new Lamborghini Diablo. It was as if Porter Freeman had just received a very personal invitation.
Porter accepted that challenge, and devoted himself to completely changing his lifestyle (and his life) during those 12 weeks. He shed over 50 pounds of heart-clogging fat and added nearly 10 pounds of muscle to his 47 year old body. His inspirational story has been read and seen by hundreds of thousands around the world, chronicled in the first chapter of the best-selling book "Body-for-LIFE" and featured in the dynamic film production BODY-of-WORK.
Porter left behind those old habits and that former career. He would eventually become the International Director of the world-wide Body-for-LIFE Challenge and currently travels the world giving hope, offering encouragement, and extending a helping hand to anyone who wants to improve upon their health. He is also active in several charities and is proud to serve as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Colorado. He still pursues a fit and healthy lifestyle, now over 20 years later. To hear Porter tell it, "anyone can do this, and probably do better than I did. You just have to want it!"
I don't really know if you can do any better than he did, but what I do know is that we can all improve. The book "Body-for-LIFE" is one good place to find out how to "do it" and Porter's book, "Finally Fit at 50" is a great place to find out why you must do it. If you're being honest, you already know you need to do it.
Like the truth, Porter's story never changes. Like the truth, his story never gets old. I have had the priviledge of hearing him speak at churches, in sales meetings, at health seminars and various conventions. Each time he speaks, people leave the auditorium inspired, anxious and ready to take real control of their health and their lives.
Porter retired as Director of Body-for-LIFE in 2010, moved back to Georgia, and at 60 years of age graduated from a Georgia police academy. Porter became a full-time deputy and continues to serve into his 70s.
It is incredibly thrillling and rewarding to be a part of this amazing story. It is an even bigger thrill to call Porter my friend.
Eric Shrieves
FinallyFit.net
Porter now literally travels the world as the official Body-for-LIFE Ambassador, sharing his unique message of hope and encouragement for all.
He also appears as a keynote speaker for major corporate functions, local community events and at various fitness facilities around the globe.
To contact Porter and book an appearance for your group, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
Got a question for Porter? Feel free to email him at [email protected]. Due to travel demands, Porter will respond to emails as time allows.
Dear _____________,
Last year was a very difficult time for all of us. We had some good days, but the bad days took a huge toll on all our tomorrows.
Something I learned from the year 2001 was how precious life is. When it's gone, it's gone forever. That's it. There are no second chances. The only second chance we get is while we are alive - you and I are still alive. I have a proposition for you, so please read it carefully.
Let's stop wasting time because we simply do not know how much time we have left. We are sure of this: Our life's candles can blow out in an istant, no heads up, no warning, no nothing. I don't want us to be unhealthy anymore. I don't want us to miss out on another thing that we could be doing, and we could be doing a lot more if we were healthy.
We must change a few of our habits. Nothing we are eating or drinking is worth dying for, and sitting on the couch for an endless number of hours is like already being dead.
Here's the deal: Let's start exercising. There are a lot of good exercise programs and workout facilities available. Let's take the clothes off the exercise equipment we have and start using the equipment for what it was designed for. Let's start making healthier choices in our food, and let's think about our future.
Speaking of our future, this would be a good time for me to tell you I'm going to need you for a long, long time. The family will need you for a long, long time. I want us to be healthy and grow old together. I don't want to finish this life without you. Sometimes I am weak, and I will need you to help me get better. I will help you, I promise. Let's do it together. I want us to start now, today, this minute.
We rehearsed the being unhealthy and unfit for years. Now, lets practice being healthy for what's left of this show.
I love you,
____________________________________
Dear Neighbor,
Cut along the dotted line. Fill out a name at the top and sign your name at the bottom. Tape this note to the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror or the ceiling in the bedroom. No, wait a minute! I've got a better idea. Cut it out, frame it and set it on top of the television.
Sincerely,
G. Porter Freeman
"Since 1949"
