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Home / Blog / Podcast / Ep. #917: How Jake Went From Anorexic and Dying to Fit and Healthy
Written by Michael Matthews
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This podcast is going to get dark. And graphic. This episode is a cautionary tale of just how grim it can get in the throes of disordered eating, anorexia, and mental illness. But it’s also a tale of hope, because my guest Jake tells his story of how he came out the other side of his eating disorder with a newfound respect for his fitness, and a far healthier body and mind to show for it.
Before finding my work, Jake developed body dysmorphia and an eating disorder. He was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 17, hospitalized, and relapsed a number of times.
In this interview, Jake tells his story of what it was like navigating his mental illness and eating disorder, losing his college tennis scholarships, dealing with refeeding syndrome, and more.
Things could’ve ended very poorly for Jake, but luckily things turned around for him. When he found The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation, he was able to change his relationship with fitness (and even his performance in school). Now he’s been able to find what works for him with his training and diet, and not go down a bad path like before.
I wanted to bring Jake on the show because while his exact story isn’t commonplace, perhaps it can be motivating for anyone who’s taken a misstep in their life or fallen on dark times. After all, everyone has their own demons they’re battling and can overcome.
So if you’re looking for a jolt of inspiration and like motivational stories, definitely listen to this episode.
Timestamps:
0:00 – The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/the-little-black-book-of-workout-motivation/
4:09 – Where were you on your journey before you found my work and where are you now?
55:11 – How did you find your fitness regimen?
1:03:15 – How did you come across The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation?
1:26:24 – What is your perspective on personal responsibility?
1:37:01 – Is there anything else you would like to share?
Mentioned on the show:
The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation is a bestselling fitness book that helps you overcome the mental blocks that are keeping you unmotivated, unhappy, and unhealthy: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/the-little-black-book-of-workout-motivation/
What did you think of this episode? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!
Legion Featured Author
Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is the founder and CEO of Legion as well as the author of several award-winning fitness books, including Bigger Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, and The Shredded Chef.
His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has sold over a million books and helped thousands of people build their best bodies ever, and his work has been featured in many popular outlets including Esquire, Men’s Health, Elle, Women’s Health, Muscle & Strength, and more, as well as on FOX and ABC.
You can find Mike on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
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