I'm Kevin, a 60-something artist, writer, and lifelong athlete who's been through the wringer and come out stronger on the other side.
I've lived three distinct lives: as an athlete, a filmmaker, and now as a best-selling author. My latest endeavor, the memoir THE GABARDINE GANG: Power and Betrayal in Hartford's Mob Scene, coming out March 12, 2024, dives into my family's history within the gritty underworld of 1950s and 1960s Hartford, Connecticut. This narrative, filled with challenges, resilience, and the quest for redemption, mirrors the tenacity I've applied in every aspect of my life, especially my passion for fitness.
Despite the vastly different worlds of mob intrigue and athletic endeavor, one thing has always remained constant: my unwavering commitment to fitness and pushing my body to its limits.
Sports have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've played semi-pro baseball and softball, competed in powerlifting, and even tried my hand at boxing and tennis.
In my thirties, injuries and surgeries started to catch up with me, but I didn't let that stop me. I shifted my focus to weight training and powerlifting, and for 30 years, I continued to train hard in the gym. I even set an all-time bench press record for myself in the over-30 class, hitting an impressive 515 pounds.
But then, life threw me a curveball. In 2018, after fourteen years away from training and a series of surgeries, back surgery, brain surgery, and double hip replacement. I found myself at a crossroads. I didn't know if I would ever be able to get back in shape again. The thought of never returning to the gym was gut-wrenching. And I refused to accept that fate.
I took matters into my own hands and created a customized program that combined isometrics, resistance bands, and dumbbells to rehab my hips, back, knee, and entire body. I had to be smart about it, working muscles that were severely compromised and finding ways to train without re-injuring myself. Powerlifting was no longer an option; I couldn't even carry a 45-pound plate.
I became a student of the game, reading every book I could find on isometric training and holds, some dating back to the early 1900s. I realized that I could adapt my old exercises into isometric movements. I started slowly, focusing first on learning to walk on new hips with a lifelong back problem and nerve damage. It was a long road, but I kept detailed notes, used bands instead of weights, and even invested in a Total Gym.
Slowly but surely, I started to see progress. I lost 60 pounds, overhauled my diet, and eliminated sugar and dairy. I felt like I was 25 again, at least on the inside. Those years of experimentation and hard work led me to write my first book, Hysometrics, which became a bestseller in 2023. But I knew I had more to share, especially about one of the most important workout techniques: the Overcoming Isometric Hold. That's what inspired my second book, Hold the Power, also published in 2023 and earning bestseller status.
Writing these books has been an incredible journey for me. Not only do I get to share my passion for fitness and help others transform their lives, but I also get to express myself creatively through my writing and art. There's something deeply fulfilling about pouring your heart and soul into a project that has the potential to make a real difference in someone's life.
We all have the power within us to overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. That's the message I hope to convey through my books, art, and this blog. I want to inspire people to take control of their own health and well-being, push past their limits, and never give up on themselves.
My books, Hysometrics and Hold the Power, aren't just a collection of fitness tips and tricks; they're a testament to my own journey of recovery and transformation. They detail how I was able to get mobile, strong, and lose weight all at once. They're in-depth journals of what got me back into shape when I thought all was lost. And if I can do it with my bionic body, I KNOW you can, too!
If you're ready to embark on your transformation journey, join me. Dive into my art and the stories I share here on this blog and in my writings. let's start building the strength and resilience you need to tackle anything life throws your way.
Together, we can prove that nothing is impossible when you have the right mindset, the willingness to put in the work, and the courage to express your authentic self. What I constantly tell myself is, "You can do anything." I would say to anyone reading this that YOU can do anything if you are willing to try.
--Kevin