Meet Matt Merry.
Have you seen our amazing videos and pictures lately? All courtesy of Matt and Dogwood Media Video Productions. Since starting a business, getting married to Jess (also a member here at OSi) and having a son (Jack) in the past two and a half years, Matt decided it was time to get back in shape to be able to keep up with his son and keep up with the rigors of his profession
By the way, Jack is one of the cutest babies you’ll ever see. He comes into the gym and instantly has a room full of women wanting to hold him and play with him.
Since Matt works out of his house, he takes care of Jack most days. That doesn’t stop Matt from his workouts. Jack is in the gym days with his Dad – either as a part of that station or as a vocal cheering section from the side lines. Matt is such an inspiration to all as he does his best to put his health as a priority, and to set a good example for Jack. Can we give a holla for this #dadofosi ?!
Since Matt first came to OSi he made himself right at home. He connected right on into the community, hangs out at the OSi bar after class, supports other members, and goes above and beyond to help grow the community.
Get to know Matt a little more here ????
What do you do for work?
I make videos for OSI (like this one here)… and some other awesome people.
What ELSE do you like to do? 🙂
I like singing to my son Jack, because he can’t tell me he doesn’t like how I sound
How did you hear about OSI?
I think I found out about OSI by searching businesses in Fuquay Varina before moving here last summer. I was trying to network with some local businesses and I met with Dani at the Mill to see if they needed any videos produced. When she brought me to the gym after coffee, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
What has your fitness journey been like in the past?
I used to be in amazing shape. I would mostly just lift weights, run, and go for rides on my mountain bike. When I got married and started my own business, things changed and I didn’t focus on my health as much as I should have. I gained 70 pounds in 3 years and realized it was time for a change.
What positive impact has OSi had on your life?
Besides making me feel at home in the Fuquay-Varina community, OSI has helped me care about my health again. I have lost 10 pounds on the scale since starting at OSI, and have gained a TON of mobility, strength, and energy. I’ve felt a shift in my body for good and I’m not worried that I won’t be able to keep up with my son when he starts running around. After doing one of the 6 week challenges, I starting paying attention to daily movement and making healthy food decisions, even if I can’t eat ‘perfectly’ all the time.
What is your daily schedule like and how do you find time to fit in movement throughout your day?
My schedule changes daily, but usually I try to wake up and do a reset before Jack wakes up. I’m self employed, so having no commute and working from my garage allows me the time to focus on starting the day with good black coffee and movement.
OSI also makes it easy to workout because I can bring my 8 month old son into the gym and someone will help out if he gets fussy, or I can step out if I need to.
What has been one of your biggest obstacles when it comes to sticking to your game plan in the past?
Being a small business owner takes a lot of time. It has been hard for me to make the decision to spend an hour working out when the success of my business is completely dependent on how much work I put in.
How has OSI helped you redefine that obstacle?
Having a fun class to go to with a good environment and a “start where you are” mentality has really helped me to come back to the gym time after time. I like the staff and the other members that I work out with, so it really feels like going to hang out with friends.
I’m also able to challenge myself and not feel embarrassed or weak if I can’t do something that someone else can do.
What achievements are you most proud of since joining OSi?
The focus on overall movement and pressing reset has helped me get rid of a pain that I had in my neck for a few years. I’m constantly surprised (even though I’m only 30) at how much easier it is for me to move and do basic things in everyday life.
What is a new goal that you would like to achieve?
I want to be able to do 10 pull ups by the end of July.
What motivates you to continue showing up, even on days you would rather throw in the towel?
I want to be a good role model for my son. I want him to remember going to the gym with his dad to help him live an active life.
I also want to be able to move better and easier for work. My body is a piece of equipment for shooting video and the better I can move, the better shots I’ll get.
What is your favorite movement and reset? Why?
My favorite movement is pushing the sled. It makes me feel like I’m in the NFL. My favorite reset is rolling because of the pops of joy my back make when I do it.
Do you have any advice for newbies or for those interested in trying OSI?
Don’t be intimidated by any part of this gym. The staff are all there to make you feel better, move better, and live better. Everyone wants you to succeed, even if you can’t do much right now. This gym is different.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?
I love the Carolina Panthers and watch every game I can. I was a mountain biking instructor one summer in Brevard, NC. I can whip up a mean scratch-made apple pie.
What is your favorite jam to workout to?
Hypnotize by Biggie
Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?
100% the mountains over the ocean.
Favorite food?
Chocolate molten lava cake from Chilis
What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time to the day of your first visit to OSI?
Smart move.
Anything else you’d like to share with us or tell us about? We’d love to hear about it!
OSI is hands down the best gym I’ve ever been to.
If you’d like to learn more about OS Institute and work alongside Matt ( and Jack) and the rest of the OSi Family, come check us out. Set up your 2 Week Trial for $29 and we’ll get you in and feeling better in no time! No contracts, no enrollment fees, tons of small group sessions to choose from, we have lots of fun… oh, and we get results!
Contact us at 919.346.6016 or email us at info@os-institute.com. You can also see more about OS Institute at www.os-institute.com.
