When the “Before” Guy Decides to Become the “After”
Sometimes the most powerful stories begin with unexpected casting choices.
Meet Mitch DeCory – a 35-year-old father of two, former police officer, and farm owner from Kuna, Idaho. You might recognize him from our Black Box VR commercial where he played the role of someone struggling with fitness. What you don’t know is that seeing himself in that commercial was the wake-up call he needed.
“Scrolling through Facebook, I kept seeing this black and white video of myself just out of shape, looking depressed,” Mitch shared with us. “I was like, I don’t wanna be that guy, you know?”
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That moment sparked something profound. Instead of just portraying someone at the beginning of a fitness journey, Mitch decided to embark on his own transformation. At 306 pounds, he’s stepping into our Black Box VR gym not as an actor, but as someone committed to real change.
More Than Just Physical Transformation
For Mitch, this journey goes far beyond aesthetics. As a father of young children and a youth mentor in his community, his motivation runs deep.
“I don’t wanna be the fat dad,” he told us candidly. “I want to set an example for my children. I want to be there for them. I want to be there for my daughter when she gets married.”
His username in our system – “Discipler70” – reflects his commitment to leading by example. As someone who works with troubled youth, Mitch believes his personal transformation will strengthen his ability to guide others.
Starting Evolt body scan:
“My biggest goal is to just show up, to do it, to at the end of it show not just the youth kids that I work with that things can be overcome,” he explained. “Whatever your addiction is, it can be overcome. It’s not gonna be easy, but it’s doable.”
Why Black Box VR? Overcoming Past Hurdles
After years of struggling with traditional gyms, Mitch was drawn to our unique approach. The privacy of VR workouts, the scheduled 30-minute sessions, and the gamified experience all appealed to someone who found conventional fitness environments intimidating and time-consuming.
“One thing I’m looking forward to that will be different from workouts in the past is not everybody staring at you or feeling like they’re staring at you,” Mitch shared. “I’m looking forward to be able to come in, get the workout done, really focus in on the workout, not all the noise in the background.”
Like many, Mitch had tried traditional fitness routes before, but they fell short.
“I grew up going to the traditional gym and as I got older and kind of lost that routine, anytime I would show up, it would just be a lot of mirrors and a lot of really in shape people,” he explained. “Challenges that I’ve had in the past trying to get in shape, probably one of the big ones is accountability… the gym was boring… time, energy, and then just, like, that depressed anxiety feeling. If nothing’s gonna change, so why even try?”
Black Box VR offered something different – a focused, engaging, and efficient experience without the perceived judgment or logistical hurdles of a conventional gym.
“One of the benefits that I saw on the website here was, like, you can schedule your time. It takes thirty minutes,” Mitch noted. “I’m looking forward to be able to come in, get the workout done, really focus in on the workout, not all the noise in the background… The environment here is inviting… they’re willing to explain and just kinda walk you through the process.”
The Stakes Are High: For Mitch, and For Us
Let’s be honest: this is a significant undertaking. Transforming from 306 pounds requires immense dedication from Mitch and a truly effective program from us. It’s a bold, public test. If Mitch doesn’t see results, it reflects on our system.
But the potential upside is enormous. If Mitch succeeds, it’s not just a personal victory; it becomes a powerful testament to what’s possible with Black Box VR. It becomes an inspiration – an “amazing marketing campaign,” as we see it – proving that real, lasting change is achievable for anyone willing to step into the box and commit.
Mitch’s Goals: Beyond the Scale
While weight loss is a target, Mitch’s goals run deeper. He wants to silence the inner critic and build unshakable confidence.
“My main goals, really is to get that negative voice out of my head saying I can’t do this and step into the challenge of living the lifestyle that I can,” he stated. “My biggest goal is to just show up, to do it, to at the end of it show not just the youth kids that I work with [in ministry] that things can be overcome… Your biggest challenges… it can be overcome.”
After His First Session
After his first onboarding workout, Mitch was already feeling the difference: “That was difficult, but for being three hundred and six pounds, doable. And it pushes you, builds confidence. Man, that was fun. Holy cow!”
We invite you to follow along as Mitch works to transform not just his body, but his confidence, his energy levels, and his future. His journey represents what’s possible for anyone who walks through our doors – the chance to rewrite your story, one VR workout at a time.
Mitch’s starting point on April 8th, 2025:
BODY COMPOSITION
- Total Body Weight: 306 Pounds
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Lean Body Mass: 220.2 lbs (High) [134.0 – 164.0]
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Skeletal Muscle Mass: 121.5 lbs (High) [75.0 – 91.5]
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Total Body Water: 158.5 lbs (High) [97.9 – 119.7]
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Body Fat Mass: 86.0 lbs (High) [25.1 – 37.9]
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Subcutaneous Fat Mass: 72.5 lbs (23.7%)
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Visceral Fat Mass: 13.4 lbs (4.4%)
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Visceral Fat Area: 129 cm² (High) [50 – 100]
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Total Body Fat Percentage: 28.1% (High) [15 – 20]
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Visceral Fat Level: 13 (Over Range)
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BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): 2527 kCal
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TEE (Total Energy Expenditure): 3891 kCal
Stay tuned for updates on Mitch’s progress, including workout stats, physical measurements, and personal reflections. This is just the beginning.
About Black Box VR
Black Box VR is the world’s first virtual reality esport that combines resistance training, HIIT cardio, and intense gaming to deliver a science-backed workout experience. In our luxurious gym locations, members are able to build muscle, lose fat, and get fit while playing an addictive game.
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