A Personal Journey – From Obese to Elite Athlete

Trainer Profile by: Matthew “Matty” Oskaldowich

My name is Matthew Oskaldowich, and this is the true story of my journey from obesity to a fit and healthy lifestyle:

My fitness journey started when I was 18. At that age, I weighed 300lbs, was a class lll obese person (on the BMI scale) and had well over 30% body fat. I had many health problems, including severe asthma, and I was dealing with long-term shoulder and knee injuries. I also suffered from depression and social anxiety. I was extremely unhappy.

…and then…

I decided to try to change my life. First, I concentrated on the rehab of my chronic injuries. Once I was properly healed, I was able to move on to my weight and fitness issues. A dedicated commitment to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and hard work began to pay off. At the conclusion of my initial journey, I was down to 218lbs and had 18% body fat (at my lowest). Along the way, I was always committed to trying to be the strongest I could possibly be.

A new focus…and new fitness goals

Over the years, my fitness goals have evolved. Now I am hoping to redefine what it means to be the big guy athlete. I have been focusing on my passion for powerlifting these past 6 months, and I am the strongest I have ever been; with a 340lb bench press, 535lb deadlift and 473lb squat.

Weighing in at a big 270lbs, I am the fastest I have ever been, the most agile I’ve been, and the most mobile I’ve ever been. And I am living proof that being big is not inconsistent with being fit.

I have a love for everything fitness, and do not categorize myself as any certain type of “lifter” (although most would call me a powerlifter).

I love powerlifting, bodybuilding, yoga, mobility, HITT, and any and everything I can learn from, and experience progress with.

I want to be the best possible athlete I can be, and I already know from my past success that I will achieve what I set out to do; it’s just a matter of time.

You can find me around both the Mississauga and Oakville clubs (but Oakville is my true home), so feel free to say “hey, how’s it going?” and strike up a conversation… as long as I’m not with a client haha.

Happy lifting to all our members at One Health Clubs. Stay strong, stay humble.

Check out my Instagram page for fitness tips and motivation and to continue to see where my fitness journey goes next! www.instagram.com/matty.o_fitness/