Always Forward: Michael “Gravy” on Winning the Day

Some stories don’t need polish, just truth.
Michael, known by most as Gravy, is an Army Veteran and a Federal Police Officer who rebuilt his life one disciplined day at a time. Nine years into sobriety, he’ll tell you the same thing he tells himself every morning:

“Always Forward.”
Whether it’s an inch or a mile, move.

Fitness became his therapy. Structure became his lifeline and purpose, shared publicly became his mission. This is how he wins the day and how he invites the rest of us to do the same.

From Rock Bottom to Routine

Recovery wasn't easy. It showed up as small, stubborn choices: drink water, hit the gym, make the bed, keep the promise. Gravy learned that discipline is there when motivation is not. He didn’t try to win a lifetime, he tried to win the day. Then he repeated it.

“Some days feel like you’re not getting anywhere. But if you’re breathing and moving, you’re not losing. No day is wasted.”

Lessons That Carry Weight

1. No day is wasted. If you’re still here, you’re still in it. Cherish the seconds.

2. Discipline beats motivation. Build systems that hold when your feelings don’t.

3. Tell your story. Someone needs to see what change looks like in real time.

4. Remember the dark. Not to dwell...but to never go back!

5. Mindset is everything. The world is hard; meet it harder with purpose.

6. Own it, and enlist a tribe. Admit the problem, say it out loud and ask people you love to hold you accountable.

Advice from Gravy:

“If someone is struggling I would tell them first to be honest with themselves. If it’s addiction admit the problem, in the mirror. When you’re ready to change, tell someone you love that you ae going to do it. Often timeswe let ourselves down easier than we do others. Build a tribe that will hold you accountable. Do it for you and do it for them!”

Why We Teamed Up With Gravy and Created the Always Forward Tee

It’s a reminder you can wear.  You don't have to be perfect, only present and moving. Put it on for the days you’d rather disappear. Put it on for the days you’re unstoppable. Same message either way:

Win the day. Then win the next.

• Gravy's Alway's Forward Fitness logo on the back with our PMB touch

• “Win The Day” chest print. clean, confident, accountable
  

• Always Forward Fitness logo & PMB flag logo on sleeves

For Veterans, With Veterans

Gravy is a huge supporter of Team RWB  and together, we want to donate a portion of all proceeds from every Always Forward tee to Team RWB.  They support veterans through community and movement. Your purchase helps fund real connection, real miles, real momentum. 

learn more about Team RWB here 👈

Call to Action

If this story hits home, if you’ve got a battle no one sees...claim your reminder.

PRE-Order dropping soon. subscribe to our emails to get first notice!

Subscribe to our emails here 👈

Follow us on Instagram here 👈

Follow Gravy on Instagram here 👈

Follow Always Forward Fitness on Instagram here 👈

Follow Team RWB on Instagram here 👈

Always Forward. Win the day. Stay Positive!