One too many jumps out of planes during the Gulf War left paratrooper Arthur Boorman with damaged legs to the point where he could no longer walk unassisted. As a result, he gained 140 pounds.
But when he visited Dalton Saturday afternoon at the Walnut Square Mall food court in front of the Rush fitness complex, a thin Boorman was freely jumping on and off the stage and walking between aisles as he gave a speech on his recovery and weight loss.
His message?
“Never give up,” Boorman said.
Boorman became a YouTube sensation last year after posting a video detailing his recovery using yoga practices that helped shed his obesity in 10 months. As of today, Boorman’s video has more than 8 million views.
“Never underestimate what you can accomplish,” Boorman told the crowd of about 50. “I am an ordinary guy. I see ordinary people doing amazing things every single day ... ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.”
Sandra Morris of Ringgold said the message was “very inspirational.”
“I’m trying to lose about 100 pounds,” she said. “And I know I can do it, if he can do it.”
Belief is the first step, Boorman said.
“But Belief without discipline is the beginning of an illusion,” he said. “You have to work for it.”
The best motivation for shedding those extra pounds and getting into a good workout? Others.
“It’s not about you ... It’s about them (those you love),” Boorman said. “You’re not saying, ‘I’m worth it,’ ... It’s about being a better husband or a better wife ... It’s not, ‘Am I worth it?’ They are worth it.”
Nancy Wooten says her children motivate her to lose the remaining 23 pounds of a 50-pound goal.
“I just want to be around them,” she said. “I don’t want to miss out on life because of pizza or ice cream or because I couldn’t get on a treadmill and work out. I want to be here for my kids, their kids and for my husband. I love my life. Why would I exchange it for some food that just makes me feel icky anyways?”
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Arthur Boorman talks to a crowd in front of the Rush at Walnut Square Mall Saturday. Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen
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Arthur Boorman talks to a crowd in front of the Rush at Walnut Square Mall Saturday. Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen
Discussion
March 3, 2013
YouTube star visits local gym
- Local News
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College bound
Noel Salaices poses next to his picture on the Advanced Placement Scholar wall at Dalton High School. (Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen)
Noel Salaices said he has become inspired over the past year to look beyond his circumstances and realize the blessings in his life.
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