Real Life Weight Loss: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson inspired me to lose 160lbs
Eugene Warner transformed his life and embarked on his weight loss journey after seeing Dwayne Johnson wrestle
A determined 30-year-old man has lost over 160lbs after being inspired by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
At his heaviest, Eugene Warner, from Virginia, weighed 350lbs. He suffered from depression which caused weight gain over the years.
But when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made his wrestling return back in 2011, Eugene was inspired by him and vowed to lose weight.
- Best grill for your kitchen
Seven years later, he has lost an incredible 160lbs, weighing in at 190lbs, all while battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Eugene said: "There were a few key turning points: number one was when I ended up in the hospital in 2009. I ended up very ill: vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, and it was absolutely from being obese.
"The second key turning point was when the Rock came back to WWE Wrestlemania in 2011. He was always fit, but he came back looking like a rock, and it made we wake up the next morning and start this journey".
Today, Eugene is stronger and healthier than ever and works as a personal trainer to help others. He began his fitness journey with local walks around the neighborhood.
Get the Fit&Well Newsletter
Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox.
Walking to lose weight is a great way to shed pounds: it's totally free, requiring only comfortable clothes and the best shoes for walking. An English Health Survey study showed that people who regularly walk briskly for half an hour, five days a week, are likely to have a lower BMI than people who are less active.
Liked this?
Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and is currently Fitness and Wellbeing Editor at TechRadar, covering all things exercise and nutrition on Fit&Well's tech-focused sister site. Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen runner, gym-goer, and infrequent yogi. His top fitness tip? Stretch.
-
I overcame burnout by practicing Tai Chi for a month—here's why I recommend it
Tai chi Try this gentle but powerful practice to improve balance, flexibility, and strength
By Sara Stover Published
-
I'm a fitness trainer with over a decade of experience but this new workout style has cut my exercise time in half
Workout Challenge your whole body with this 30-minute routine
By Jennifer Rizzuto Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 100lbs in less than a year (and kept it off)
Weight loss Londoner Martyna lost 100lbs in a year after placing a bet against herself online
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How Chris lost nearly 180lbs safely and sustainably over 4 years
Weight Loss Californian Chris began his weight loss after looking in the mirror and seeing "nothing but a heart attack" waiting for him
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: From being 360lbs and anxious to losing 160lbs in two years
Weight loss Thomas was approaching 400lbs, anxious and depressed. Now, he's 160lbs down, active and more outgoing
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 105lbs after getting pregnant at 21
Weight loss Brianna became a single mother and decided to turn her life around for her daughter, losing 105lbs
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this California man lost 242lbs in two years
Weight loss Matthew Rivera lost an incredible amount of weight, going from 487lbs to 242lbs in just two years with lifestyle changes
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real life weight loss: How this woman lost 200lbs through healthy lifestyle changes
Weight loss Danitza Casas lost an incredible 200lbs with the help of walking, spin classes and an accountability partner
By Matt Evans Published
-
Real Life Weight Loss: How this busy mom lost 130lbs in 11 months
Weight Loss Brianna lost 130lbs without stepping foot in the gym, to create a better life for her and her daughter
By Fit&Well Published
-
Real life weight loss: "I lost 215lbs and changed my life after a suicide attempt"
Weight Loss Summer Stultz changed her life after losing 215lbs, feeling fitter and stronger than ever – but left with loose skin
By Matt Evans Published