This is a story of transformation and renewed health, made possible through the supportive community and comprehensive programs at Capital MMA & Elite Fitness.
After 8 years as a vice principal and principal, my health had deteriorated significantly. My blood pressure was up to 152/122, and I was on three medications for anxiety, ADHD, and blood pressure. Adding to these challenges, I had undergone a full shoulder replacement, two knee surgeries, an elbow surgery, and a hand surgery. I was averaging only three hours of sleep per night.
During the 2021 and 2022 school year, I experienced two major panic attacks and blacked out three times. On one occasion, I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom when I became lightheaded, fell, and hit my head on the wall. Waking up several minutes later, I found myself lying face down on the floor. I became deeply concerned about the trajectory of my health.
It was at this point that I resigned from administration, accepting a $27,000/year pay cut, and took a new position as a math resource teacher. I also prioritized putting myself and my family first. All of these opportunities arose because of the amazing people in my life, specifically my wife and daughter, Holly Dowling, Chad Malone, Paul Herring, Jen Zanotti-Ferrari, and Jeremy Lafreniere. Relationships matter.
Now, I am off all medications, and I've lost over 43 lbs (huge shout out to Jen Zanotti-Ferrari for that). My blood pressure is normal, and my resting heart rate has dropped from an average of 77 to 59/60. Everything for me is now thriving! I am enjoying my life and I get to be a part of the healthy transformations of so many others.
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I even added some new goals and recently competed at the Fuji BJJ Winter Championship, my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition since 2005!
BJ Ketchem heads the strength and conditioning program at our facility in Lorton, VA, and co-leads the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition team across the Capital MMA & Elite Fitness locations.
Key improvements and results:
- Weight loss: Down over 43 lbs
- Blood pressure: Normalized
- Resting heart rate: Decreased from 77 to 59/60
- Medications: No longer needed
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