Gastonia, North Carolina is nearly 800 miles from the Naperville/Aurora area.  And when Ben made a commitment to his health this January, his weight loss goal of more than 80 pounds seemed almost as far away as his home town.  “Three years ago, I had a lot of stress in my life,” Ben reflected.  “I stopped smoking, went through a rough divorce and gained a lot of weight. I topped the scales at more than 300 pounds and my health and appearance was the last thing on list of priorities.  Then, I received a Studio flier on my door with a 6-Week Challenge to get in shape.  I looked in the mirror, realized what I had done to myself and decided it was time to take action.” 

He picked up the phone and called his best friend, Vicky.  They talked about taking the 6-Week Challenge and agreed to take the first step together.  “The first 3 or 4 classes were so frustrating for me,” he said. “I left feeling like my heart was in shock – it didn’t know what was happening! I was overwhelmed, sore and frustrated … but I kept coming back and it’s become easier over time – in fact, I really miss it when I’m not able to make it to my regular classes. My body craves the exercise and movement.”

Since January, Ben and Vicky have attended two cardio classes and one hour of personal training every week. Ben focuses on the Bow Flex while Vicky challenges herself on the Pilates Reformer.  “Other people are noticing the changes in me,” he smiled.  “I don’t really see the physical changes yet, but I do feel stronger – I can lift more weight on the Bow Flex and maintain a rapid pace for a long time, I feel more energy than I did before and I pay more attention to what I’m eating.  I don’t crave junk food any more either!”

In addition to exercise, he’s made small, sustainable changes to his eating choices.  “I eat breakfast every day, I’ve cut down on (soda) pop and I don’t eat after 7 pm unless it’s fruit.”  These changes, combined with his exercise, have led to his successful loss of more than 10 pounds and 7 inches in the past three months. 

Setting goals is important to Ben.  “Knowing where I’m headed is a big motivator for me,” he commented.  “When I want something that is just outside of my reach, I feel energized and keep pushing to make the dream happen.”  Long term, his weight loss goal is to reach between 240 and 260 pounds.  “I’m 6’5” tall and have a large skeleton / bone structure.  For my body, I feel great at 260,” remarked Ben.  “If I can make it, I’ll be the happiest person in the world!  And I know it will not come overnight – it took me a while to where I was and it will take me a while to reach my overall goal.” 

His short term goals are to be prepared for a get together in June with some buddies he hasn’t seen for a while. “In September, it’s my 20th High School class reunion and I’m going to this one!” he laughed.

When asked for three nuggets of wisdom, this southern gentleman paused and shared:

• Stay positive and don’t get discouraged with the first 3 or 4 classes.  If you make it through the initial phase, you’ll make it as a lifestyle change. 

• Set a goal for yourself.  It’s important to know where you’re going.

• Exercise with someone you like and do it is a small, supportive setting.  Being involved in a place where everyone knows each other, has fun and supports one another in their goals is important.  You won’t find that in the commercial, mass market gyms –it’s the personal touch and genuine caring of a small community that is the glue that makes your commitment last.  

Our hats are off to you, Ben.  You're an inspiration to all of us – and we’re going to cheer you on as you make the 800 mile trek home for your reunion this September! Keep up the great work, buddy! 

I feel stronger, energized and much better about myself!"