Twenty years ago, Gary Roberts was a 187-lb. Marine. Today, he’s roughly 270 lb. and starting to believe he’s destined for an early heart attack or open-heart surgery.
Join Roberts—and CrossFit HQ filmmaker Sevan Matossian—on the 16-week journey to “kill the fat man” at Oceanside CrossFit in California.
“Fit, to me, is the ability to do everyday things that I used to do when I was in shape and can no longer do,” Roberts says. “It’s about time I stopped looking at other people, looked at myself and said, ‘Hey, let’s change your habits.’”
For his first WOD at Oceanside, he does a short chipper involving a row, squats, sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups.
“Bam, that’s it,” says trainer Laura Patefield.
After struggling through his band-assisted pull-ups, Roberts says he feels good.
“Things are burnin’ I haven’t even known existed,” he says. “There’s … places I don’t think I’ve flexed in a long time.”
Patefield responds, “It’s going to change your life.”
16min 27sec
HD file size: 595 MB
SD wmv file size: 197 MB
SD mov file size: 90 MB
Please note: These files are larger than normal Journal videos. For smoother viewing, please download the entire file to your hard drive before watching it (right-click and choose Save Link As...).
Additional reading: By the Numbers by Amy Santamaria and Tim Retzik, published Sept. 29, 2010.
Free Download
Comment
Related Articles
Finally, we meet the wife.
In this episode of Killing the Fat Man—called “Not all of us are going to eat like we are cavemen”—we hear from Gary Roberts’ wife about what life has been like… Continue Reading
“Both Rogue and Again Faster are equipment vendors within the CrossFit community who are highly supportive of the Games and of the community, and so it’s great to see them supporting… Continue Reading
It’s about to get real.
In episode 7 of Killing the Fat Man—called “it was a very sexy experience”—Gary Roberts divulges how his new body is affecting bedroom time with his wife.
“I will say… Continue Reading
Gary Roberts has reached the turning point familiar to so many CrossFitters: He’s completing the Level 1 Trainer Course.
In this episode of Killing the Fat Man—called “I found myself again”—our… Continue Reading
28 Comments on “Killing the Fat Man: Episode 1”
1
wrote …
Keep it up! You can do it!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
2
wrote …
I'm really happy you all are doing this. Brings back memories of coming to Crossfit for the first time pretty intimidated and not knowing what to expect. Didn't know what the Crossfit Games were, didn't know who the web celebrities were, and didn't care. I just wanted to get out of bad shape and into good shape. Can't wait to see how he progresses. I'm re-inspired now.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
3
wrote …
"I do feel the burning desire for more, for transformation." If that isn't motivation I don't know what is. Simply awesome
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
4
wrote …
Semper Fi Marine, keep kicking ass!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
5
wrote …
Fantastic!
#3 you have a great name. My name being Aaron Dedrick? (pronounced Deedrick) lol
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
6
Susan Parkhurst wrote …
Props to Oceanside Crossfit.. these are my peeps and Gary is truley inspirational.. It was/is a priviledge getting to watch his transformation and to spend time getting to know him... oh and getting my butt kicked by him in a wod... great job Gary!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
7
wrote …
Absolutely what crossfit is all about! Can't wait to watch the next one!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
8
wrote …
You got me hooked man! reminds me of the fire that was lit under my ass a few years ago...
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
9
wrote …
Enjoyed the hell out of that. Strong work. Keep it up!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
10
wrote …
Keep it going! CF will change your life!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
11
wrote …
Man, there is no greater feeling then seeing someone finally realize there is a problem and wanting to change, not just for himself but for those around you. A true military man, a true father, and a true cross fitter. Keep up the good work man, get your diet right and watch the fat disappear, watch your mentality change, and above all watch your life change as mine did when i found cross fit.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
12
wrote …
Man, there is no greater feeling then seeing someone finally realize there is a problem and wanting to change, not just for himself but for those around you. A true military man, a true father, and a true cross fitter. Keep up the good work man, get your diet right and watch the fat disappear, watch your mentality change, and above all watch your life change as mine did when i found cross fit.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
13
Michael Elliott wrote …
YES! AWESOME! I love when video's like this are shown. To me, this is what Crossfit is all about. The Open, Regionals, Games, etc. are all great competitions and amazing events, but seeing someone change their life for the better is why we should all be doing this. Gary said it best in the video when he described the lady sitting in a scooter in the grocery store. You are never going to get any better if you keep grocery shopping in a scooter! Great job Gary! Keep up the good work!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
14
wrote …
This is awesome! An inspiration. I've been trying to get my overweight father into CrossFit for sometime, but he's in the mindset that it's too hard and he'll never be able to do it. I can't wait to show him this! Keep it up and I'm looking forward to the next episode!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
15
wrote …
Wow, how is my story on there!? Motivated here to keep on keeping on!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
16
wrote …
One of the finest CF videos ever! Keep up the great work and those bloody funny oneliners coming :)
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
17
wrote …
Absolutely fantastic!!! Keep it up and watch your life changing for once and for good. Fingers (all 20 of them), hair, everything crossed. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.”
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
18
wrote …
Wonderful first episode. I am looking forward to the next episodes. Gary, keep showing up, take direction, do the best you can and the results will be amazing, guaranteed. Don't quit.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
19
wrote …
Kill that fat man!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
20
wrote …
Keep track of your wods so we can see your progress!!!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
21
wrote …
i love videos like this! .....interesting story, interesting person....and given to us in an interesting way!! thanks....can't wait for the next one!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
22
wrote …
Awesome video and I can't wait to see the next installments. Congratulations Gary on taking the toughest step which is to figure out what you want and going after it. It will be a tough journey but it will change your life if you can stick with it. Keep up the hard work!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
23
wrote …
Great video! Really looking forward to following this one as have my induction at a local CrossFit box in a few weeks. When's the next part due out?
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
24
wrote …
cant wait to see the next one this was awesome. keep it going.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
25
wrote …
This is great!!!! I can't wait to watch the rest of this series. It lets me know I'm not the only one out there struggling. !!!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
26
Michelle Barbera wrote …
Congratulations on winning back your life! That's awesome! Keep pushing yourself and owning your fitness!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
27
wrote …
You are such an inspiration. I feel the exact same way. I am currently on day 5 of a Boot camp style Crossfit. I wish you luck on your journey.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
28
wrote …
Loved the part 1 Just did the wod and it was hard for me . 8 min 40 secs
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
Leave a comment