How Sober October Transforms Your Fitness: From Bloat to Strength in 30 Days

Sober October: How I Take Control, to get Jacked for January

Let me tell you something right off the bat: last year, I was not ready for Sober October. We were gearing up for this month-long commitment, and just the thought of giving up alcohol made me anxious. The idea had been on my mind for a while, like a tiny voice whispering, "You need to let this go to prove you're still in control." But the truth? Alcohol had me in a chokehold. I wasn’t calling the shots—it was.

I come from a long line of drinkers, and I grew up thinking being social meant having a drink in hand. I started drinking long before I hit the legal age, and let me tell you, I wasn’t just at the party—I was the party. Designated driver? Not a chance. That wasn’t my role. I was the one leading the charge with a bottle of something in hand, always ready for the next round.

But last year, something shifted. I started to notice how possessive I was becoming about my "supply" whenever I brought alcohol to a friend’s house. I'd think, "If I share this glass with you, that’s less for me." Yikes. That mental red flag hit me hard. It scared me—made me realize I needed to stop letting this habit take over.

Society loves to push alcohol on us. Have you ever noticed that when someone asks if you want a drink, you don’t think about water? Nah. It’s all cocktails, wine, and highballs. When a server asks, “Can I get you something to drink?” I think, “YES! WINE, WINE, WINE.” And don’t even get me started on family events. The second I say no to a drink, it’s like I’ve committed a crime. “You’re not drinking? Are you feeling sick? Pregnant maybe?” Ugh. NOPE. I’m not. I’m too hot to wreck this body with a baby right now, thanks for asking. I just don’t want a drink today.

Week One: Wine Wednesdays? More Like "Why Me?" Wednesdays

Fast forward to that first week of Sober October last year—it was brutal for me. I’m not even going to sugarcoat it. Friday couldn’t come fast enough, but when it did, I just wanted it to go away. Fridays had always meant wine. Actually, so did Wednesdays. And the occasional Monday. Giving that up felt like I was ripping away a piece of my identity, and I was not ready. But this year? I’m READY. Last year broke me down and built me back up—I got my control back, and nothing is going to be harder than that first round.

By the time November rolled around, I was pumped to be packing for a trip to Costa Rica—and let me tell you, there was no way I was going down there feeling bloated and sluggish after putting in the work all year. All of October, I upped my game—six days a week, with four of those days dedicated to 1.5-2 hour strength sessions. The alcohol that had been sabotaging my progress was finally out of my life. The bloat, the fatigue, the empty calories—gone. For the first time in years, I was seeing real gains from my effort. My InBody scan was finally moving in the right direction after three years, and it felt damn good. I was back in control—nothing was holding me back. Honestly, I was on fire. Confidence? I wasn’t just glowing—I was radiating. And trust me, everyone noticed.

I’ve always been confident—I mean, that’s just who I am. But when you start seeing real gains in the gym because you’re not constantly fighting off the effects of alcohol? WOW. Suddenly, you’re stopping to check yourself out in the mirror like, “Damn, I’m a hottie.” The bloat is gone, the muscles are popping, and the best part? You feel strong. Not just physically, but mentally too.

Here’s the thing—Sober October isn’t just about giving up alcohol. It’s about taking control of your life. Last year, I did it, and it gave me more than I ever expected. I’m doing it again this year, and I’m ready to feel even stronger. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you put down the drink for 30 days, I’m here to tell you—it’s not just about what you lose; it’s about everything you gain.

Trust me. Are you sober this October?