Member Spotlight: Michael Costello’s Powerful Journey Toward Health at FFC Oak Park
“If I can learn this stuff, anyone can.” That’s how FFC Oak Park member Michael Costello sums up the incredible progress he’s made since starting his fitness journey in January. With the support of his personal trainer Lawrence Kay, a meaningful gift from his mother, and the welcoming community at FFC, Michael has already transformed not only his health but his outlook on life. His story is a powerful personal training success story rooted in consistency, support, and a total mindset shift.
A Wake-Up Call — And a Gift That Sparked Change
At 46, Michael had reached a point where he felt stuck. Between raising two teenage sons and working more than full-time as a music minister at both a church and a school, fitness simply wasn’t on his radar. His weight climbed to 320 pounds, and a visit to the doctor revealed he had diabetes — a moment he describes as a personal wake-up call.
That’s when his mother stepped in with a powerful gift: a one-year FFC membership complete with personal training sessions. In January, he sat down with FFC’s Julius to create a plan — and hasn’t looked back since.
Support, Structure, and a Whole-Person Approach
Michael works out three times a week for an hour with personal trainer Lawrence Kay, who built a plan that went far beyond just cardio. With guidance around nutrition, hydration, movement, and lifestyle habits, Michael has already lost nearly 50 pounds. Even more importantly, his A1C has dropped dramatically — now just one-tenth of a point above normal. His doctor recently took him off two medications and is thrilled with the progress.
This personal training success story is about more than just weight loss. It’s about education, accountability, and the power of showing up with support. “Working with a personal trainer has been incredible — I could have gone to the gym without Lawrence, but I wouldn’t have had the same amount of success.”
“I Didn’t Grow Up Around This” — Rethinking Fitness as a Lifestyle
For Michael, this journey hasn’t just been physical. It’s been a total mindset shift. He shares that he didn’t grow up around people who valued fitness or viewed it as part of everyday life. That meant there was a learning curve — but one he’s tackled with commitment.
Now, fitness is a regular part of his routine. He takes walks, looks forward to workouts, and feels a sense of belonging at FFC Oak Park. “You start to get to know people. The membership team is always so welcoming, and I see the same faces each week. There’s a wide range of ages and fitness levels, and that makes the space feel inclusive.”
Michael’s experience shows how a personal training success story can begin at any age — and how support, education, and community can reshape your entire lifestyle.
Everyday Wins: Strength That Shows Up in Real Life
Michael’s transformation is showing up in ways he didn’t expect — from everyday tasks to his role as a musician. “I play piano and harpsichord and move a lot of gear. Now it’s so much easier,” he shares. “Even clipping my toenails — I can actually reach them now without being out of breath. That was huge.”
He recently bought a house and finds that everything from stairs to home maintenance feels more manageable. “I feel stronger. I feel more confident.”
Looking Ahead: Healthy Habits and Long-Term Goals
Michael’s ultimate goal is simple: to get to a healthy weight and manage his diabetes without relying on medication. He once weighed 200 pounds and hopes to get close again, but he’s more focused on sustainability than a specific number.
“I used to do extreme dieting, but it never lasted. Now, I still enjoy many of the foods I love — I’m just wiser about when and how I eat them.” The psychological benefits are just as powerful: more energy, better moods, and no more daily naps.
He’s even starting to dream a little bigger. “I never thought I’d do a 5K — but now I think, maybe I could.”
Leading by Example — At Home and in the Community
Perhaps most rewarding of all, Michael is becoming a role model — for his teenage sons, his coworkers, and others watching his progress. “A coworker joined FFC after seeing how well I’m doing. I want to show my kids that this can be a part of life.”
At FFC Oak Park, and with his personal trainer Lawrence, Michael has found not just a gym — but a supportive, knowledgeable, and empowering environment that makes wellness possible, even with a packed schedule. His journey continues to inspire others and stands out as a real-life personal training success story that proves it’s never too late to start.
