Approximately 5 years ago, maybe 6, I was a fit and very active person,  used to spend a lot of time playing sport or going to the gym – unfortunately things changed and I slowly but surely put on the pounds and as a result had less energy and time at the gym went out the window. Eating all the wrong foods didn’t help but perhaps more importantly I was eating in copious amounts!

Concept 2 Rower - My pain ... but gain !

Crazy really but I just didn’t get it. Weight goes on slowly, it sneaks up on you and by the time you’ve noticed it you are twice the man you were – and not in a good way! The sad thing is, it takes even longer to get off!

As I mentioned, my weight ballooned and my confidence and determination were in tatters. I was kidding myself; I don’t look “that” big do I?

18 months ago I decided enough was enough and believe it or not an episode of “Biggest Loser” (NBC) gave me the nudge I needed. A series that’s famous for showing how larger than life people can shed a huge amount of weight made me realise that I wasn’t being true to myself. When a 35 stone guy can get on a treadmill, do some gentle exercise and lose weight with careful eating I knew it was time to train. Bob Harper (trainer) inspired me, not that he ever knew that but he just did. He comes across as such a passionate, caring and no nonsense kind of guy.

Following a change in my eating habits and a return to the gym I have today gone from 22 1/2 stone (or 315 lbs or 142.88 Kg) to 16st 5lbs (or 229 lbs or 103.87 Kg) last Saturday! Using my math skills (calculator) that gives me a current weight loss percentage of %27.30 – not bad!

I’m never going to be a stick and nor would I want to be, (I just want to be healthy). I have a natural big frame due to the huge amount of sport I have played as a youngster and adult but my original target of 16 stone or 224 lbs needs to be adjusted. I am now going to aim for a final target weight of 15 stone – so just 19 lbs to go. Who knows what will happen when I make it to 15!

New York Marathon

Careful eating with treats along the way, combined with rowing on the concept 2 has certainly helped. If I want chocolate or chips I still have them but far less often and in smaller quantities. I’m fortunate to have a concept 2 rower at home and therefore don’t need a gym but I want to push myself again and be able to sprint again. The days of running a 100m in 11 seconds are long gone but who knows I may regain them if I hit the gym and do some interval training!

Seven years ago I did two back to back marathons (rower) with a best time of 3 hours 15 and although I have no desire to do another marathon on the rower I would consider doing the London or New York Marathon!!!

Anyone else out there with similar stories?