Fitness was something I was raised to keep in my life. Life gets busy and sometimes taking care of ourselves is put on the back burner. There came a point, about 2 years ago, that I was so unhappy with my body. It hurt more. I moved slower. I got tired more easily. I was starting to get sick. So I started eating less and slowly began to see changes.

In May 2014, I got married and I was working in Longview, while living in Cathlamet. There was a lot going on and I found it was harder and harder to get to the gym. Eventually my wife is the one that made me go back; as my body was becoming more of what I didn’t want it to be, I was becoming grumpy. “Go back to the gym and talk about sports and politics with the guys and work out. You are happier when you are exercising,” she said.

When I walked into Forever Fit Gym, Greg was really excited to see me. He had been encouraging me for quite a while to come and work out. At that time I was happy to be able to do 5 minutes on the treadmill.

That 5 minutes on the treadmill was changing my life. My body was sore. I hurt so much that even my hair hurt sometimes. But I also was more focused on my work and a lot happier. Spending that time on the treadmill also helped me remember to be more mindful of what I was eating.

I had already started eating less for a few months and the physicality of my job as well as helping with the animals at the farm I was living at, was keeping me at the weight I was at. When I started going to the gym the weight started coming off. Slowly. In the last 18 months I have lost 70 lbs. My doctor is very happy about that.

Now I walk 3 to 7 miles a day. I have also started doing UFC training 3 times a week; on those days I have two workouts. I also join Greg’s ball classes at least once a week. Now that I have got most of the extra fat off my body, it is time to tone.

I am inspired by the people I work with every day to be a good example. I am inspired by my wife who has had several medical issues in the last 2 years; she works really hard to overcome them and has much more stamina that she did a year ago. She also encourages me to reach one of my personal goals; to see if I can have a 6-pack at 50-something. Greg and my friend Neal also encourage me. My team is helping me reach my goals.

This is why it is so important to me to work with my clients to help them decide what their path will look like, and to help them stay on their path; or get back on when they got distracted. Weight Management clients keep me motivated to stay fresh and always be learning more so I can help them be their best.

I am not perfect. I still love to eat hamburgers and french fries, soda and ice cream; sometimes I let myself have them. But I am mindful of serving sizes and creating balance. Creating the guidelines that work for me. I stave off cravings by not saying no, but wait and also eating small meals that are high in protein and vitamins and nutrients through my weak and allowing myself a little more freedom on the weekends; when I might take more time time to walk with my lovely wife, and clean the house; after that 7 am ball class. My imperfections help me understand you and celebrate the small steps toward your wellness. I am so glad to be on this journey with you.