Brian Nelson
Life gets insanely busy for all of us.
Obligations at work, taking care of your family and everything else in between often takes up the vast majority of our time. We tend to get caught up in … well … life.
For APEMAN Brian Nelson, the story was all-too familiar.
“For most of my adult life I have been very overweight,” Brian said. “It seemed like it happened overnight, and I just kept going onto the next thing in my busy life. I had an opportunity for my dream job, and almost lost it because I was so out of shape. I couldn't pass a physical which was a requirement for the job. Before I knew it, I was 30-years-old and in the worst shape of my life.”
Brian’s father passed away from a heart attack when he was just two-years-old. Finally, a harsh reality truly kicked in when he realized history could repeat itself, and that wasn’t a chance he was willing to take – especially when he thought of his family.
“When the doctor told me my blood pressure was dangerously high, it hit me like a rock,” he said. “I have a wife and two little girls who depend on me.”
It takes a special person to make the conscious choice of making a difficult change. But that’s Brian. He knew the path wouldn’t be easy, but the alternative was far scarier.
“Two years ago, I started going to the gym and watching my diet,” Brian said. “Since that point, I’ve lost 70 pounds, but still have 20-30 to go. I’m in the best shape of my life, and APEMAN has really inspired me throughout the journey.”
Brian first received an APEMAN shirt as a gift for Christmas a couple of years back. In fact, he didn’t even feel worthy enough to wear it.
But here at APEMAN, it doesn’t matter where you’re at in your journey – you’re one of us.
“I’m just your normal, average guy,” Brian said. “The journey has had its ups and downs, and hasn’t been easy. I still have a lot of work to do. That’s why the FINISH shirt speaks to me so much. I have a long way to go, so I have to be sure to FINISH. For myself, and for my family.”
He also relates to the REBIRTH shirt, because he feels like he’s becoming an entirely new person. He wants to be better – a better husband to his wife and a better father for his girls.
“The FINISH shirt and the card that came with it almost made me cry,” he added. “To me, it was way more than just a shirt. I love that this brand is about more than just the material part of the apparel. It is uplifting and encouraging. I am a huge fan and have since bought a few more shirts some for myself and for gifts. I’ll be a lifelong APEMAN supporter.”