I’m Dave Sadows: A Regular Guy Training for What Matters Most
If you’re looking for a “fitness guru” who lives on kale smoothies or a “zen master” who never gets stressed, you’re in the wrong place. I’m just a regular guy who spent twenty years as a “Beachbody OG,” pressing play on DVDs back when we still had corded house phones.
I used programs like P90X, Insanity, and Body Beast because I thought fitness was about “getting ripped” and looking good. In 2025, I realized I was actually building a foundation for the fight of my life.
2025: The Year My “Why” Changed
In early 2025, I was diagnosed with cancer. I spent seven weeks in the trenches of chemotherapy and radiation. It was a workout that makes Insanity feel like a stroll in the park.
During those dark days, my perspective on fitness did a complete 180. I was not fighting for a six-pack or a lower number on the scale. I was fighting for more time.
I wanted more time for my family and friends. I wanted more time to enjoy the mental clarity that comes with a healthy body. I wanted more time to simply be here for the things in life that actually matter.
But here is the thing about building a 20-year foundation: it doesn’t just disappear when the storm hits. Because I had spent two decades prioritizing my health, my body knew how to fight. In fact, I had spent twenty years practicing the art of showing up when I didn’t feel like it. Cancer was just the ultimate ‘un-fun’ version of that habit.
The Realization: Fitness is More Than Just Looking Good
Everything changed during my recovery. When you are facing a real health battle, you quickly realize that the number on the scale isn’t very important. And before and after photo’s are meaningless. What matters is Agency over Aesthetics. It is about having the strength to show up for your life and the mental health to enjoy it.
I realized my body was not something to be punished and crammed into some mold of what I thought I was supposed to look like. It was an ally that needed my support so I could stay present for the people I love. This is why I created Decide to Thrive.
How I Use BODi Today
I still use the BODi platform every single day, but I use it to support my life rather than consume it. I have traded the soul-crushing pressure of old-school fitness for Health Esteem.
- Mental Health First: I use movement to clear mental clutter and find peace.
- Physical Longevity: I move so I can keep showing up for my family and friends for years to come.
- Sustainable Progress: I have learned that honoring my limits is just as brave as pushing them.
I don’t have a rigid system or a perfect life to sell you. I share on this blog to show you how a regular guy navigates this journey, and hopefully inspire you to start your own. So if you are looking for a community that values meaningful health over perfection, you have found your home.
The Decision is Yours
At the end of the day, I am not a fitness guru with all the answers. I am a person who decided to stop running on fumes and started building a life that focuses on feeling good rather than just looking good.
Life is a series of small decisions. The most important one you will ever make is the decision to show up for yourself, not because you have to, but because you deserve to thrive.
I would love for you to join me on this path. Whether you are here for a workout, a mindset shift, or just a bit of encouragement, you are welcome here. Let’s focus on the things that truly matter: our health, our peace, and the people we love.
I hope you stick around and join me by signing up for my newsletter. It is the best way for us to stay connected as we both navigate the journey of what it means to truly thrive in 2026.
Dave Sadows
Founder, Decide to Thrive
Medical Disclaimer: While I am a 20-year veteran of the fitness world and a cancer survivor, I am not a doctor. The stories and advice shared on this blog are based on my personal journey. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise or nutrition program.
