Fitness Trainer Describes Gaining 70 Pounds in Order to Empathize With His Clients
- Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:44am by
Liz Klimas
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Drew Manning is a fitness instructor and trainer. As you might imagine, Manning cuts a lean and muscular figure, but this wasn’t always the case.
Last year, Manning, 30, went from 193 pounds to 263 pounds — on purpose. He wanted to empathize with his clients when it came to losing much needed weight. Although he is now back to his original size, he and his wife recently appeared on Good Morning America where they discussed how Manning’s extreme experiment in empathy was more than just a physical change.

Drew Manning and wife Lynn discuss how a physical change impacted their marriage. (Image: GMA screenshot)
Drew and Lynn said one of the biggest surprises was the effect the 70-pound weight gain, which only took six months, had on their marriage.
“I was shocked because I thought this was all going to be a physical transformation,” Lynn said on Good Morning America. “It was hard. It was really hard on our marriage to see that happen.”
Lynn said Drew became lazy, didn’t help as much around the house and pulled back on some of his positive fathering skills. Lynn emphasizes that it really wasn’t only the physical changes that were a turn off, but the emotional changes and him “becoming a different person” as well. Drew said he didn’t even recognize these changes at first.
Watch the Good Morning America segment:
Manning’s new book “Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit” describes the physical and emotional journey of letting himself get fat and then the struggle to return to his previous size again. His last day of “being fat” was in November 2011. He said on the show that it was initially hard to give up his healthy lifestyle as a fitness addict, but he “got used to it.” Then, it was hard to get back into the fitness routine for another six month transformation back to his original size.

Manning on day 1 of his experiment. (Image: YouTube screenshot)

Manning at only 8 weeks into his unhealthy lifestyle. (Photo: Fat2Fit2Fat)

Manning at 26 weeks into his experiment. (Photo: Fat2Fit2Fat)
When it came to getting back in shape, Drew said “this was the first time going to the gym I was nervous. [...] For the first time in my life, I was humbled.” Drew said he had to do push-ups on his knees and assisted pull-ups.
“It was a whole different aspect of working out again,” Drew said on the show.
Watch Drew’s original video explaining his plan to become fat in May of last year:
Read more about Drew’s transformation on his blog, where he also provides full access to his meal and workout plans, here.
[H/T Daily Mail]





















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Comments (92)
ballsofFe
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:53am“Those who see any difference between soul and body have neither.” Oscar Wilde
Report Post »BlessedONE333
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:53pmDOES THIS GUY HAVE AN OBAMA FOOD SPECIALIST/TRAINER LICENSE?
because if he doesn’t then the obamanation will be abusing him shortly!
what is the difference between this trainer guy and this ‘caveman diet’ guy?
Caveman Blogger Fights for Free Speech and Internet Freedom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5EixDJ25Lc
Report Post »florida123
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:42pmAmericans need to STOP being self focused, its killing us from the inside out! We are miserable, self serving, empty people! Our divorce rate is through the ceiling our kids are on the vurge of hopeless, we kill the unborn and praise thugs who play sports………..Is our weight issue really our most important problem…………………
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:05pmI understand what you’re getting at, but let me provide a different perspective. Instead of focusing on “looks”, focus on “health”. The point of this is to be healthy, and that being healthy and fit affects not just your physical life, but your emotional life and other areas. I feel better when I look better, not because I think I should be on the cover of a magazine somewhere, but because I can do more things, I have more energy, I sleep better, I’m unrestricted, I’m more flexible, I breathe easier, my body fights off disease better, I feel disciplined, I’m motivated, I have more patience……..
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:59pmThe only thing being projected here is ” Body Image,” Because both thin and healthy die.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:01pmHowever, there are extremes at both ends.
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:35pmFlorida123,
I think you’re confusing health and vanity. Being obese and slothful is just as much a sin as being a drug addict or an alcoholic. The trainer, Mr. Manning, is correct. Healthy living is NOT simply a physical transformation, but a psychological and emotional transformation as well. It is very important to be fit as a citizen, so that one is productive and creative. Physical fitness also contributes to intellectual prowess.
Vanity on the other hand, is something quite different and is detrimental to your physical and mental health.
It is difficult to be a productive family member, worker, and citizen when one is unhealthy, obese, and struggles with Type-2 Diabetes. As a nation, being a obese (or otherwise unhealthy) is not only a loss in productivity and costly to the state, but also symbolizes us as a country of profligates.
To be a Conservative or Libertarian requires much more self-control and self-restraint from vice and corruption…including gluttony.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:01pmIt’s kinda useless Florida 123 they have fishing lies out everywhere.
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:07pm@ Searching
Many of your posts sound incoherent. I don’t know what “fishing out lies” is supposed to mean, but it sounds like you are trying to join forces with FLORIDA123 to make people feel guilty for wanting to be healthy, thin, and muscular. You think that everyone who wants to reach their potential in a physical way should be criticized for trying to pursue something unnecessary, since we all die. What a load of rubbish. I contend that those who (in a balanced way) seek to better their lives physically, will find in the end that other aspects of their lives are better off as a result. As a disclaimer, this doesn’t apply to those people who obsess over their looks to the detriment of their mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Report Post »darkknight91
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:03pmWhy does one have to be sacrificed for the other?
Report Post »Lonescrapper
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 6:00amThe problem with his experiment is that most fat people aren‘t fat because they are lazy and don’t help around the house, etc. It‘s because most fat people can’t afford to go to the gym everyday, have a personal trainer, and eat healthy food. Hell, I just bought 20 chicken mcnuggets to feed a family of four for 5.00. Tell me what I can buy in the store for that much that will feed the same 4 people? When you don’t have time, because time is money, you just can‘t spend your day as a ’fitness addict.’
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 2:43pm@LoneScrapper,
There’s a lot that is wrong with your comment. Being an advocate of fitness and health is not an assault or personal attack on the obese or unhealthy. There seems to be a lot of defensive reactions on this thread. First, no one is accusing the obese of being lazy, rather that obesity leads to laziness (not always, but more often than not).
I do not go to the gym nor do I have a personal trainer, and I eat standard food from the grocery store (none of that “whole foods”, etc). I do workout at least 30 minutes a day. Not being able to afford healthy food is an Obama propaganda device and a myth. It is ALWAYS cheaper to prepare meals at your home, instead of going to McDonald’s for chicken nuggets. It may be EASIER to go to McD’s but it is definitely not cheaper.
I feed 4 people all the time in my household on a strict budget, again it maybe more time consuming to look for and use coupons, looking for bargains, but which is more important? You and your family‘s health or saving a bit of time and energy only to give up your household’s health to diabetes and heart disease? $5.00 at the grocery store still goes much farther than going to a fast food joint.
I do not advocate being a “fitness addict”, rather I am advocating a healthy lifestyle where you can enjoy life and be a productive member of society.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:24pmEspecially, when they as well don’t meet the criteria of the BMI.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:23pmDon’t you hate it Glenn when you go to the Doctor and they say, ” You should lose some weight.” Oh! Wait. They don’t say that to you?
Report Post »Marci
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:19pmWhat in the world are you rambling about??
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:29pmSorry! I was just taking up for Jillette – looked a little overweight.
Report Post »TheEDGE
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:58pmIf you have $120 and the will power to get in shape, p90x is an option. I lost 50 pounds in 90 days and looked as good as a personal trainer. Personal trainers will try to poo poo this program but, it’s awful hard to argue with an eight pack, obliques, and 6% body fat.
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:24pmMy pastor is doing this and it’s really working for him. I can see his higher energy levels when he’s up in the pulpit.
Report Post »TheEDGE
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:37pmGood for him. He will be a new man when he completes it.
Report Post »huey6367
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:43pmYOU can get all the p90X stuff on you tube. Save the $120. Look it up.
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:00amTony Hawk made one hell of a program. At least, after one work out you feel like hell…..
Report Post »tradeit02
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:30pmDoes this guy look like Ben stiller or what?
Report Post »Fonebone
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:12amLOL, I was thinking the exact same thing!
Report Post »busterpuddles
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:20pmSome – correction – many of those that post on here simply look for secondary meanings in everything. …Sad lives.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:16pmThere will be little effect to overall weight loss in obesity unless the hormones are removed.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:13pmIn meat.
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:15pmRegulate the food industry right? $500Billion later, there would be no change in the obesidy epidemic. How about we educate ourselves and “choose” to eat healthy food. Believe it or not, It is currently possible through self control. Crazy huh?!
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:27pmMeat with no hormones is available to you if you feel it’s important to you. I don‘t want more gov’t regulations.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:32pmMy wife saw a segment on the Andy Griffith Show where they were eating fried chicken and the chicken leg looked like a joint of a wing.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:34pmExactly, I don’t want “any ” more regulations.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:40pmI don’t want to be forced to eat green eggs and ham. I don’t want to remove sugar from my diet. I want to worship the One True God. Etc. etc. etc…
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:48pmYou lost me… uh…
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:51pmI prefer God sculpting my soul.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:02pmThat way, the weight loss will eventually be permanent. I don’t know how to explain it any further, unless you ask someone on Glenn’s show to remove their shirt and puss out their stomach.
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:13pmSorry, I meant ” push,” – you guy’s keep messing with my typing – easy to make mistakes.
Report Post »busterpuddles
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:15pmI’m absolutely convinced it can be done. I was fit, gained, then lost when I got tired of seeing my fat self and feeling yucky. It’s the right type of motivation that people lack, which keeps them from losing weight, and everyone’s need is different .
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:58pmI agree 100%. It’s about motivation.
Report Post »TXVET48
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:23pmMotivation and consistency. You have to make the sustained effort. You can’t be just a week end warrior and make the gains you want.
Report Post »sta
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:13pmFor all of the intelligent conservatives on The Blaze, please see that this article is propaganda.
“Lynn said Drew became lazy, didn’t help as much around the house and pulled back on some of his positive fathering skills. Lynn emphasizes that it really wasn’t only the physical changes that were a turn off, but the emotional changes and him “becoming a different person” as well. Drew said he didn’t even recognize these changes at first.”
If you’re overweight, you’re lazy and a bad father. Come on, seriously?
Report Post »Ramv36
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:25pmNo, she just said he was a BETTER father when he was in shape, fit, active and engaged. Anybody can be a good father, and all fathers can be BETTER. Describing something as better does not mean you weren’t good to start with…you just got better.
Report Post »It’s like upgrading from a t-bone to a filet mignon…the t-bone is already an excellent steak, but the filet mignon is better. It being better doesn’t make the t-bone horrible.
JohnnyBrillcream
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:35pm@RAMV36 – A t-bone is the new york strip and the filet, but agreed on your comment!
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:22pmI can say I feel much better when I’m thinner, I don’t hurt as much in my joints, I have more energy and because of that I get things done and have more energy left for my kids to have fun with them.
When I‘m overweight it’s difficult to be enthused about anything that takes physical effort. Taking care of kids and responsibilities usually involve that.
Also, eating bad foods will make you feel exhausted.
Report Post »JAMACAMECRAZYMAN
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:25pmPorterhouse = Strip and filet
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:29pmHey I used used to struggle with taking offense when none was intended… still do sometimes, but man my outlook on life is better and I’m such a happier person when I worked on that. Not trying to be rude, because I‘m first to tell you I’m not perfect at it either, but give it a shot! It’s invigorating!
Report Post »sta
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:46pmWell the government is there to help all of us. /s/
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:19amI have a product that I want to promote. It’s called “Edible Sawdust.” Good tasting but absolutely no calories. Lots of fiber. How could you go wrong?
Report Post »Chicken_Math
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:01pmFunny how he had no hair on his arms or chest before he started this experiment. The last picture shows hairy arms and chest and no tan. Almost looks photoshopped.
Report Post »Ramv36
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:20pmI know several ‘gym rats’ and ‘fitness addicts’, and one thing they all have in common is usually shaving a vast majority of their body, as they believe body hair distracts from their muscle definition.
Report Post »By contrast, I know several obese and fat acceptance individuals, and they never seem to shave anything. Seeing this in his pictures it goes to the whole personality shift they were talking about in addition to his physical changes.
He had body hair when fat because he just stopped caring as much. It’s like the guy in your neighborhood with the insanely well manicured lawn that goes completely to heck when his wife leaves him, he just stops caring.
theamericanvision
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:38pmAnd in the story I missed the part where he couldn’t have lost the weight without the government?! Impossible! I must have missed it…
Report Post »CCulotta
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:57pmMayor Bloomberg will be holding a press conference tomorrow in order to take credit for this.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:27pmI do not believe this man was doing anything but breaking over and eating and drinking like a pig and claimed his “empathy” was the reason. What a dunce.
Report Post »one.dakine.howlie
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:39pmI personally know Drew and I can testify that this isn’t the case AT ALL. Your comments are ignorant and pathetic.
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:29pmI second that. I went to the same highschool as Drew and talked to him prior to this experiment. It was all planned… did you not watch the video? Don’t be a hater. It says a lot about you.
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:15pmIt’s even harder to lose weight if one is disabled. I have two plates in my left arm and had a broken, unset right wrist, so I cannot put very much weight on my arms. No pull-ups or push-ups. I wear ankle braces on both ankles due to a crushed right ankle and a vagus hind foot on the left ankle, so I cannot run. I can swim or cycle, though, but that’s about it. I HATE the 30-40 lbs of weight I have gained.
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:33pmI feel your pain, but can promise it can be done. I suffer from degenerative disc disease at 29 years old. I have 3 ruptured discs and have had two back surgeries. I am not allowed to run, only cycle and swim. I also suffer from a bone disease that has hurt my right elbow and made lifting weights difficult. Low weight high reps! I dropped 40 lbs in 6 months… low intensity cardio, perfect diet, and modified weight lifting. I feel amazing! Good luck in your efforts. You can do it!
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:18pmI understand. I have bad knees which hold me back, but I recently bought an elliptical that doesn’t hurt me. My dr. said the point is to do it as long as you can, not as fast as you can, so I started going fairly slowly at two minutes a day (really, really out of shape and 45 lbs overweight) and now I’m at 6 minutes a day and I can tell the difference in my knees. I don‘t care that I can’t push it for an hour. I’m doing something which is good. Now when I go hiking with my son my knees only hurt when going steeply downhill. I’m hoping to get rid of that too.
So, I said that to say this. If swimming is the only thing you can do, why aren’t you swimming? My 85 yr old dad is an ex long distance runner and all the walking he can do is walk up and down the street until he’s made a mile and he does it whenever he can. He can also swim and does that twice a week, 100 laps in an Olympic sized pool. He does what he can given his physical condition.
You have to assess your physical weaknesses and do what you can.
Report Post »AlansTigg
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:28amplease don’t feed the trolls
Report Post »Mojoron
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:15amI have to laugh when these “professionals” try convince us to get weight off. His diet consists of 5 meals a day, three hours apart. For those of us who work a real job for a living, I can’t make Spinach Shakes, Chicken and Fish dinners while I am at work. Let alone walking and running and bicycling around the office.
Report Post »usedCZARsalesman
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:04pmlol, yes you can, you are just lazy. I work 60 hours a week in sales and sport 6% body fat and a 300lbs bench press. I eat a VERY similar diet. Prepare you food ahead of time and bring a cooler to work. Any “real job” as you call it, will have a fridge for you to use (or just put ice in the cooler and keep it in your car). I wake up an hour earlier (5am) and get a 30 min pushup, bodyweight squat, core workout in, then hit the weights during lunch break twice a week and a 30 min run 3 times a week. Thats it…total of 5 hours a week working out/running (and the AM workout can be done watching the news or whatever) and it doesn’t eat into family time (3 kids) or bother my work schedule. Just use some will power and stop making excuses, it works wonders.
Report Post »circleDwagons
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:42pmThe problem is keeping the weight off. @usedcarsalesman. yes, it takes commitment and time. I was doing great when I worked out during lunch and was skipping lunch but at times work and other commitments distract from working out. Unfortunatly once out of the habit of working out it is difficult to get back in. Plus some of us really like food :).
Report Post »jhrusky
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 12:43pmExcuses. Everyone has excuses. The transformation will not happen until you get rid of the excuses.
By the way … someone stuck a ‘JO’ in your name …
Report Post »deeberj
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:11pmIf you really want to you can change your diet. I am overweight and not doing well trying to lose, but I know it can be done because I did change my diet years ago to help my ADHD son, and we eliminated all artificials, certain preservatives and some natural foods for a time. I had to start cooking everything from scratch. It was not easy. I did it with him, and it was not easy to prep food for work and NOT eat the stuff they have at work and fast food and such.
But if you have a good enough reason to change, you will find the time to do it and be successful. I did it for my son for one reason (to help him have a good future) and it’s been 11 years now. Now I need to do it for myself for another reason (to get rid of pounds). I’m not feeling as motivated for myself, I guess.
Report Post »natebub
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:25pmYou can laugh all you want. I have a “Real Job” and I eat 5 to 7 times a day….You have to prepare your meals ahead of time. Dont tell me people do not have time to do this. They spend more time on the couch watching tv during the day. I started in Mid January of this year. I was 278lbs. I had the opportunity to get a trainer to get me on the right path. As of now I’m down to 209lbs never felt better in my life. All by eating right and spending about an hour in the gym mon-fri. It can be done dont tell me it cant and that they guy photoshopped it. I have done it! You have to get off you ass and make a choice to put the fork down and quit slurpping driking dr. pepper all friggin day and decide your gonna take care of your body! Period!
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:46pm@ MoJo
Bet you didn’t expect these reactions… but here is another! I work about 10 to 12 hours a day. Have 3 kids and a wife. Put in about 15 hours of church service a week. Once you make the decision and find the proper motivation it can be done. I felt the same way as you 6 months ago until I had a paradigm shift! THANK GOODNESS! It has completely changed my life!
Here is my advice… it worked for me and I hope it can work for you. Knowledge is power. Learning about proper nutrition and proper exercise is what gave me the motivation! Also finding a buddy who will take it as seriously as you has been crucial for me!
Take what you normally spend on eating out each week and use it to find a trainer/nutritionist. A decent one will cost you about $50 to $75 an hour. I just met with him for one hour a week. He taught me about lifestyle eating (yes every 3 to 4 hours) and proper work outs… I did the workouts on my own without the trainer… if you can afford them to work out with you too, all the better! It will change your life.
Don’t do the workouts with the proper nutrition, you’ll frustrate yourself! 95% of people on diets are doing it all wrong and just as many are killing themselves in a gym and seeing no results because they are working out in a way that burns muscle not fat and/or eating like crap outside of the gym.
Focus on bodyfat percentage instead of weight and your life will change in every aspect. Physical, Emotional, Mental, Financial…
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:55pmCorrection to prior post… “Don’t do the workouts, WITHOUT proper nutrition… you’ll just frustrate yourself and give up, then become a hater, negative and pessimistic about everything!”
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on June 6, 2012 at 9:11amAbout 30 years ago the radio had one of those blerbs to fill in the time. The comment was that there is evidence that testosterone kills brain cells. LMAO. Sure explains alot about professional atheletes.
Report Post »Homeschoolmama
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:15amAs a fitness instructor and trainer who struggles with weight, I find this interesting.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:12amhttp://www.theblaze.com/users/pettydrama/ HERE are your wonderful contributions to this site. HAHA You HATE Beck and dont hold back, do you? WHY are you here? Getting PAID, by chance?
Report Post »chazmo
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 1:36pmHe may be getting paid but, he is also paying Beck.. I love the irony.. :)
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:02pmhahaha… busted chazmo! hahaha.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:09amSO JUST GO AWAY? Please. You never have anything to add to the conversation anyway! BYBYE.
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:08amThis guy is over the top ridiculous and the Blaze is even more so for posting it…. GOOD GRIEF!
Report Post »ImMormon
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 2:57pmHe’s got self control and restraint… wish you could say the same. I found it inspiring and very interesting.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:07amSo, the moniker isn’t supposed to be ironic?
Report Post »SLOWBIDEN
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:04ampretty funny considering you arwe on this site
Report Post »circleDwagons
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:02amWow, wonder if he’ll keep the weight off.
Report Post »Artreri
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:58amWhat’s wrong, no good stories up at huffpo or moveon to feed your need to bootlick your progressive overlords?
Report Post »