January Warrior of the Month - Matt Bender

Hello Warriors. I’m Matt Bender, also known as Jake’s Dad, or Bender. I will soon be known as Alex’s Dad when she starts at PFP, two years too late in her eyes. I am a microbiologist, a lecturer, a husband, and a father. I was recruited to Frederick to help open a new biodefense laboratory, and after standing all my life at the laboratory bench, I now sit behind a desk after a long commute, a noticeable change in lifestyle that his impacted my health. I have always been a member of a gym, but as a Doritos eating kid my weight and health have always been up and down. I have noticed peaks of success always coming when I was driven by a goal or part of something bigger. A few years ago my doctor had a sit down with me; I was consistently gaining 10 lbs. a year for the last 4 years, my blood pressure was borderline, and I had recently gotten acid reflux at night, a condition that can lead to disease and cancer. I needed a change. Jake was finding great success and community after joining PFP to help him with his growing body and fitness as he is driven to play soccer, with a goal of playing in college while studying robotics. My wife, Missy, got me an intro pack of classes at PFP to try something new. This has been a fantastic success for both my mind and body. Since joining PFP almost 2 years ago, I have lost 10 lbs, have normal blood pressure, and lost an inch on my waist, thighs, and hips. More importantly, the positive and deeply genuine attitude of the PFP team, especially Coach Stephanie, helps me work through my worst days at work to keep me on an even keel, even when I show up grumpy. It is a great honor to be warrior of the month, and I appreciate all that the great PFP team has done help everyone in the Bender family.