My client, Erik just reached his 25 LB Fat Loss milestone and we took some photos to celebrate! We started training together when he weighed 215 lbs (he’d lost about 10 lbs on his own before we began working together and had previously ruptured his Achilles tendon). This is a guy who takes discipline and commitment to a whole new level.
When he has a goal, not one thing stands in his way of achieving it- not tireless hours spent in the gym during his lunch break, or bland oatmeal and egg whites for breakfast each morning. Erik’s been truly unstoppable these past 3 1/2 months. Not only has he lost body fat (a little over 10%), he’s acquired more energy and whole body strength and endurance. Along with words of encouragement and direction from me, Erik is setting goals he’d never seriously considered before, one of which is running the Chicago City Marathon next year.
July 2011: 215 LBS, 31.4% Body Fat
Some people measure health and fitness success differently. Most often a fat loss number is a means to an end and often the vicious cycle of weight gain, and loss begins again after the goal is attained. Trendy goals are things like fitting into an outfit for a special event -like a wedding or birthday party. A beach vacation, or meeting up with people from the past are also great sources of motivation. But those are temporary. One of the most important things I incorporate into my personal training approach is to supply tools for permanent behavior change and make health and fitness an enjoyable, lifetime pursuit. Changing the mindset of a person is often more difficult than changing their bodies.
October 25th, 2011: 190 LBS, 21% Body Fat
Vital to success for anyone is consistently setting measurable goals. Erik’s goal of running the Marathon is something that really psyches him up, it gives him goosebumps. To run that Marathon and finish means a lot to him. But along the way it’s important for him to see his weight drop on the scale each week, fit into smaller-sized clothing (a new pair of Lucky jeans), have more energy and feel on top of the World every day.
July 2011: 215 LBS, 31.4% Body Fat
Congratulations Erik, I’m excited to see what awesome goals you’ll set in the future, and even more excited to help you achieve those goals!
October 25th, 2011: 190 LBS, 21% Body Fat