Javado Willis gets serious about health, loses 31 pounds
Published:Wednesday | September 20, 2023 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Growth and self-improvement are always admirable, at any age. Javado Willis knew that things were heading down a rough path when he began taking pills for high blood pressure to get through the day. Determined to make a change, he took matters into his own hands to reclaim his health, and has since lost 31 pounds and counting.
“I started to have high blood pressure so I had to go on pills,” the 35-year-old, who celebrated his birthday just last week, told Lifestyle.
As a dedicated dad, the thought of his daughter growing up without a father didn’t sit well with him. So he made up his mind to do something about it. “I tried last year and quit along the way. But in February, I began training with Body By Kurt every Saturday, just to see how I could get active. I also participate in 5ks,” he said.
When it comes to the nutritional side of health, Willis revealed that he doesn’t eat after 6 p.m. He has stopped eating rice and fried food, cut out sweets and is consuming water only.
Starting out at 209 pounds, the fitness enthusiast is now weighing in at 178 pounds. “I feel really great,” he remarked, adding, “I’m very proud of myself. I’ve been seeing results physically. And my mindset about things have also changed. I feel like a new me,” the fitness enthusiast reflected.
His trainer, Kurt Dunn, had this to say about his progress over the past few months: “We know him as ‘School Boy’. He has the unique personality of lighting up any room he enters. Working with him, you have to expect comedy. Come with your belly full, because it’s nothing but laughter. He, however, never slacks off. I admire that he puts in the work. Him will give trouble but he’s going to get his exercise in.”
Dunn elaborated further by highlighting that he is truly impressed by Willis’ night and day transformation. “He’s one of those good clients that not only listens keenly but follows instructions well. When he just started out, he was someone who loved his carbs and he used to drink. I had to sit him down and let him know that was a no-no. If we put in the work and you [go] back and eat foolishness, it doesn’t make any sense. Also, he was sluggish at first, but now he’s moving much faster.”
Because of dedication, Willis is seeing great results and his trainer could not be any prouder of his accomplishment. “Now he’s saying he doesn’t have any clothes that fit him and he’s going to have to buy some new ones. He has slimmed down so now it’s time to get muscle building and toning.”
Noting that he still has a long way to go, people have asked him how he was able to transform his body and his life. So, now he wants to help others to do the same. “It wasn’t easy. At one point, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. But I had to do this for my little daughter. So, my advice to those looking to get their health in check is to find your purpose. Then start, commit to it and keep going. I am grateful for the support around me, so build your circle with healthy-minded people and get moving.”