After
Before
Testimonial
One year ago this month, I participated in the company’s first blood draw. It was also my first blood analysis in about 5 years, the last time my wife made me get a physical. I sat down with Mark and reviewed the numbers:
Weight – 232, down some from 237 which I almost reached in Jan 2010, clinically classified as obese, I was large
Blood pressure - over the recommend 130
Cholesterol – over the recommend 200 level
I have been very blessed with good health and never been on any medications. I told Mark I have only one goal, “Not to be Medicated”. From the numbers above, I need to do something different to stay on my goal.
For the past several years, I have exercised off and on. The one thing I was not paying much attention to was my diet. I ate anything and everything. Zaxby’s and Thai Place would ring up my order when I walked through the door, never had to speak a word. Mark helped me realize that diet was where I was lacking, and some guidelines to go by.
The other issue I had was my back. I have had back trouble from time to time, but last September, I went to a Chiropractor for the first time. I was coaching Coop’s fall baseball team and I could barely operate the pitching machine. I knew if I wanted to keep up with him and Grace, I had to get in shape.
In January I started working out 4 to 5 times a week. I quit eating out, well almost. I began to limit and watch very closely what I ate. I monitored everything I ate on “fatsecret.com” and realized how many calories I was really eating. Everything seemed to come together by the end of April. I won’t lie and say it was easy, but working out in the gym, listening to Mark, and monitoring my diet has paid off.
Right now I am meeting my one goal. I still want to lose 12 more pounds. My back is better than it’s ever been. I’m eating better, but I revert back from time to time and eat the big 16oz. steak or chocolate bar, but I do it rarely. I’ve lost about 25 pounds, my blood pressure is well within normal limits, my good cholesterol is going up and my bad is going down. I feel better than I have in years. I even had to buy a smaller belt. But the best thing is the example for my kids. They work out with me sometimes at home, drink water (don’t buy Cokes and you don’t drink them), make them eat healthy (they only eat what you give them), and just stay active.
I think we are very fortunate that we work for a company that not only says they care about the wellbeing of the employees, but shows it. From the workout facilities, the blood draws, the challenges, Tom and the Board has tried to make it convenient and get everyone the information to start living a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately you know the old saying “you can lead the horse to water, but you can’t make him drink”. With everything that is available, you have to want it do it for yourself.
Several people have asked me “what have you done to lose the weight?” For some reason everyone seems to think there is a magic pill or the ab lounger for 10 minutes a day will do the trick. When I tell them “exercise more and eat less”, I can tell it is not what they wanted to hear, but they know it is the way to do it. I know it’s tough to change old habits, but if I can, you can. End the excuses, find the time and get started today, you never know, one day you may look as good as me (that’s what I tell my brother).
