Before and After

"The program works,
it REALLY works"

Age 34
Weight: 165 to 140
Body Fat: 23% to 12%
Time: 6 months

My Story

Let's cut to the chase. My self image was not very good a few months ago.

I didn't like the way I looked and it was mainly because I had some extra flab around the waist (and other places). It was there in the mirror every time I took off my shirt. I was 5'9" and 164 pounds -- not technically overweight according to my age, height and frame size, but was probably getting close. My body fat was at just over 23%, which is not unhealthy, but not good either. I just didn't feel it was the body I was meant to have. This was a source of frustration for me. My appearance was directly influencing my self esteem. I wanted to make it better, but didn't know how.

My problem basically stemmed from a lack of knowledge (and to a lesser extent, a lack of will power). I worked out occasionally and tried to avoid overeating, but nothing I did seemed to make much difference. Like many people, I realized the basic formula for weight loss involves burning more calories than you consume, but I didn't really bother to put it into practice. And this equation by definition presumes the knowledge of two important numbers: calories consumed (how much you eat and drink in a day) and calories expended (how much work and exercise you do in a day). It may sound simple, but I didn't know either of these numbers. And if I had guessed, I'd have been way off. The Balance Log software David set me up with made these mystical numbers suddenly quantifiable. And as soon as I began to quantify, I realized just how much I was eating and how it affected my body. The daily feedback and coaching he provided helped me to make sense of the numbers in a way that I could use to get results. I learned not just to count calories, but also to monitor the quality of what I eat, because it can either help or hinder my efforts.

I think the thing that sets David apart from other fitness trainers is his commitment to his client. He believes in positive reinforcement and I could tell he wanted me to understand the principles of the program so that I would succeed. David also helped me to get past the plateau I was on and raise the intensity of my workouts. Pounds began to melt away very soon. Before I knew it, I had taken two inches off my waist and was seeing abs for the first time!!. The jeans were getting roomier and I had to tighten my belt in order to keep them from falling down! That alone lifted my spirits remarkably. I can't wait to buy some new clothes. Yes, I'm definitely feeling better about myself these days.

Once I get a tan to accentuate the new bod, I'll feel even better. Be looking for the after photo!

- Mark