Breaking Down & Rebuilding: How Fitness Became My Foundation

matthewbelsito1
Mar 13
3 min read

Updated: Mar 13

The Beginning: Spiraling & Searching for Purpose

Through college, I was in the best shape of my life. Lifting was my passion, my outlet, and my identity. But when senior year rolled around, everything changed.

I spiraled—not because of a single event, but because I was realizing that college was ending, and my real life was starting. And I was not prepared.

I graduated at 115 pounds, mentally lost and physically depleted. For a long time, I had been searching for meaning, looking for something to fill the void of not knowing what I wanted to do. Instead of facing that uncertainty head-on, I distracted myself—convincing myself that as long as I was keeping up with life, I was doing okay.

But deep down, I knew I wasn’t living for myself.

I justified being average because I was avoiding the reality that I had no real direction. I wasn’t setting goals for me—I was just going through the motions. And eventually, that realization hit me hard.

I had two choices: keep drifting or take control.

So, I made the decision to walk away from distractions, expectations, and anything that wasn’t pushing me forward.I had to rebuild for me. No one else. Just me.

For the first time, I stopped looking outward for validation and started putting in the work for myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Rebuilding: Putting Myself First in 2024

After graduation, I knew I needed a reset—physically, mentally, and emotionally. So in 2024, I made a choice:

I dedicated the next six months to my health—not my career, not external pressures, just me.

I re-aligned my fitness goals, putting aside my career ambitions to rebuild the foundation. I spent time training, reflecting, and finding clarity in who I was and what I truly wanted.

Fueling My Comeback: Nutrition & Training

One of the biggest changes I made? I started fueling my body the right way.

I stopped undereating and began prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense meals that would help me gain back the strength I lost.
I started tracking my intake, making sure I was eating enough protein, carbs, and fats to support my workouts and recovery.
Instead of skipping meals or eating whatever was convenient, I focused on consistency—prepping meals, eating at the right times, and staying hydrated.
I learned to listen to my body—fueling up before workouts, recovering properly after, and understanding that food isn’t just fuel—it’s what allows you to perform, grow, and feel your best.

That shift in nutrition changed everything.

Once I started eating to support my training, my body responded. My strength returned. My energy levels improved. And most importantly, I felt in control again.

The Gym: My Escape & My Sanctuary

Some people turn to distractions when life gets overwhelming—I turn to the gym.

If work is stressful, I know I can smile through it and take out everything I need at the gym.
If life feels chaotic? I can control this moment under the bar.
No outside noise, no distractions—just the work.

The gym is where I tune out the world and focus on me.

Why I Train & Help Others

Since 2016, fitness has been my constant. It’s the one thing that has always been there when I needed it. It’s the one thing that has kept me focused, disciplined, and in control when life wanted to pull me in every direction.

But now, it’s bigger than just me.

I want to be your person—the one you call when:

✔ The workouts aren’t working.

✔ You need an extra push.

✔ Your meals need more flavor.

✔ Motivation is running low.

I want to take care of you—to make sure you’re getting better, stronger, and closer to your goals.

Because helping others doesn’t just push them forward—it pushes me forward, too. Watching people transform, watching them fight for their best selves—that gives me life.

When you win, I win. When you get stronger, so do I.

And that’s what keeps me coming back every day.