Michael Cole is no stranger to the extremes. As one of the WWE’s more prominent announcers, he has seen all types of spectacles as champions have risen and fallen. It’s no doubt that Cole has one of the coolest jobs ever and has had plenty to be happy for.
One thing still bugged him, though, and until recently, was weighing him down both literally and figuratively. Cole, who lives in McAllen, has struggled with his weight for years until a year ago when he had a revelation when he literally faced a hill he couldn’t climb.
The Breaking Point
While trying to climb the Grand Teton Mountain in Wyoming, his group was snowed off. Despite nature stopping their progress, Cole realized that, in his current physical state, he wouldn’t have been able to make the climb anyway and that’s when he decided to make a change.
He turned to local McAllen trainer Jesse Marines, a competitive bodybuilder and one of the most experienced personal trainers in the area. With Marines’ help, Cole went from 226 pounds to 169 pounds and 6.5% body fat in just 11 months.
Working Hard
Marines’ workout program involved two to three cardio sessions a week along with weight training three times a week. What really made a big difference, though, was the change in diet. Contrary to what you might think, Marines actually told Cole to eat more, just wisely. Rather than three meals full of carbs and numerous beers, which was a weakness for Cole, he switched to six smaller meals a day, some of which were protein shakes. Meals were based on proteins like chicken and lean meat along with smart carbs like rice and yams.
Inspiring Others
The radical change had shown results. Only a month in, Cole reported losing around 10 pounds and another 10 the following month. It was a revelation. Cole credits Marines’ wisdom and dedication to helping him stick with the program.
Marines, a longtime Valley resident, has been bodybuilding since he was 17 and has competed along with training others. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as well, and has worked wonders with clients all across the Valley.
As for Cole, his advice to others looking to get in shape is to never doubt yourself, but get ready to put in real work. He hopes that if he can succeed at getting healthy at 48 and with a full-time job, then others will be inspired to work hard, too.
