CSO Jason Swanson’s Fitness Journey
Jason Swanson was at home in Little Rock, Arkansas, when he saw a photo of himself holding his grandchild. Seeing himself in the photo served as a wake-up call, showing him it was time to lose weight.
“I barely recognized the person in the photo and knew right then I could not be that person anymore,” he explained. “I was determined to be a stronger, healthier role model for my family.”
Jason served 14 years in law enforcement, which included 8 years as a K-9 handler, during which staying active and fit was a part of the job. “My life has been one of service and protection,” said Jason. “My career has taught me firsthand the physical toll our bodies can take.”
During his tenure in law enforcement, Jason was shot by a suspect who then barricaded themselves for 3.5 hours. He suffered minor injuries and was able to stay with his team until the individual surrendered. For his work that day, he was awarded Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
In 2016, he joined Walden Security as a Court Security Officer (CSO) and continued with his commitment to public safety and excellence. He was awarded Court Security Officer of the Year in 2019 for his diligence in monitoring video feeds, preventing a potential issue from escalating.
Perhaps evident from the two incidents for which he received the Officer of the Year award, transitioning from law enforcement to a CSO is a significant slowdown. While the slower pace is positive in many ways, it came with an unintended consequence for Jason. He gained weight incrementally over his first seven years as a CSO.
“That day I saw the photo, my journey to reclaim my health began,” he explained. “Through a change in mindset and a commitment to my goals, I lost 71 pounds.”
Jason lost 71 pounds by following the 75 Hard Challenge, a 75-day mental toughness program created by Andy Frisella. It involves completing five daily tasks. Failure to complete any of the tasks means you must restart the challenge from day 1. The five daily tasks include (1) following a chosen diet with no cheat meals or alcohol, (2) completing two 45-minute workouts, including one outdoors regardless of the weather, (3) drinking a gallon of water, (4) reading 10 pages of a self-help book, and (5) taking a progress photo.
Jason completed the program without having to start over once.
“The transformation was not just physical,” said Jason. “I gained a newfound confidence and mental fortitude that prepared me to tackle life’s challenges. The experience was so profound that I decided to share it with others.”
Jason went back to school through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and became a certified nutritional coach, personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. Further to that, he brought his passion for fitness to his courthouse. He planned, advertised and led multiple “Courthouse Walk – Fitness, Fun and Fellowship” events.
During the walks, Jason led a group of courthouse employees on a 1.5-mile walk, leaving the Federal Courthouse and heading to the Arkansas State Capitol grounds and back. The events were extremely popular and received positive feedback from participants. One walk was pet-friendly, and another was Halloween-themed, featuring a costume competition.
“The most important lesson I have learned on this journey is that fitness does not have to be complicated,” explained Jason. “It is not about following a trendy diet or a secret trick, it is about making simple, consistent choices.”
He remains committed to his fitness goals and is currently training for his next challenge: an eight-hour, 20-mile mountain hike through Pinnacle Mountain State Park. He will also be leading another Halloween Courthouse Walk this year and hopes to inspire positive changes by providing simple, practical fitness tips, which are shared with all Walden Security employees.
As Jason emphasizes in his pratical fitness tips: “The goal is not to be perfect; it is to be one percent better every day. Now go win the day!”