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Kyle’s Story…My name is Kyle and this is the story of how I reclaimed my health through working out with Anthony, my personal trainer at GoodLife.My weight had been noticeably increasing for several years. On one occasion in mid 2007, my doctor advised me that I was overweight and that if Ididn't take steps to stop gaining weight, I would be in danger of developing serious health complications. All the evidence pointed in that direction, andthe fact that I was an insulin-dependant diabetic (since age 2) who was already suffering from hypertension and high cholesterol (for which I was takingmedication), means my weight gain was definitely concerning.It was not until I was on vacation in Australia in January 2008, however, that I realized first hand how my weight gain and poor health had a noticeable andundeniable negative impact on my ability to enjoy myself. I lacked the stamina to enjoy the sights of Australia with my partner (whom I urged on severaloccasions to go ahead and explore Sydney without me), and my feet and ankles were always aching making it difficult to walk. I did not have the energyto enjoy the nightlife and I did not feel confident at the beach in Surfers Paradise. Despite the beautiful summery weather, I was always sweaty anduncomfortable. It made me vow to take control of my health and never let what could possibly be a once in a lifetime experience pass me by again.Upon our return from vacation, I tried a variety of activities to gain control over my situation such as walking more regularly and biking once and a while.Not surprisingly, I did not have any results. In fact, I gained weight between January 2008 and June 2008.At the time, my partner was training with Anthony, a personal trainer at GoodLife. I approached her about setting up an appointment with Anthony to see ifthere was anything I could do to stop the weight gain. Due to my previous unsuccessful attempts at losing weight, I was somewhat pessimistic about whatAnthony could do for me. I stressed to Anthony that my diabetes could be a hindrance in being able to achieve significant results at the gym. Anthony,however, was both positive and encouraging. I remember him saying "you can achieve any goal you set out for yourself, and we are here to help you dothat."When I began training with Anthony in July 2008,1 weighed 202.4 Ibs and my belly waist measured 47 inches. I had 37.5% body fat (which translates to76.0 Ibs of fat), a body mass index of 33.7Anthony asked me to identify a main goal, and some milestones we could track along the way. The goal I set out for myself was simply to lose my belly(or at least have my weight at a healthy level), but I did not set a date because I did not want to disappoint myself.We immediately got down to setting up a schedule of three days of resistance training; three days of cardio; and a meal plan for me to follow (includingkeeping a food journal). The results were instantaneous and in the first two months I weighed in at 180.4 Ibs and had lost 10.0% from my body fatpercentage (25.8 Ibs of fat). I had a body mass index of 30.0. Soon, clothes that were tight on me in June were becoming quite loose in August. Thedifference was noticed by close friends and colleagues whom I see on a regular basis as well as those whom I had not seen in a while.As for me, I could not be happier, I felt better about myself, I had more energy, and I was increasing in my confidence.The knowledge I gained through my discussions with Anthony had direct, immediate, and noticeable benefits in my diabetes control. The amount ofinsulin I was taking to compensate for my high blood sugar levels immediately dropped, and by a significant amount. Soon my blood sugar levelsbecame more stable, and easier to maintain/control. My LDL cholesterol level also dropped significantly (down from 5.9 to 2.6), and my blood pressureimproved from an average of 136/92 (with a resting heart rate of 90) to an average of 117/75 (with a resting heart rate of 72).After a while (around January 2009), Anthony noticed that my progress had slowed. While this was discouraging for me, Anthony kept me motivated andon track. He informed me that this was expected because I was putting on lean muscle tissue. In fact, Anthony was sure of it because my training sessionshad become more intense and I was lifting more weight. Anthony and I also modified my diet and continued to focus on key areas such as my corestrength, explosive power, cardio, and endurance.When Anthony did a body analysis in May 2009,1 weighed 161.6 Ibs, my belly measured 34 inches, I had a fat percentage of 15.4% (24.8 Ibs of fat), abody mass index of 26.9. That means in six months I lost 40.8 Ibs and 13 inches off my waist. Most importantly, I lost 51.2 Ibs of fat (almost threequarters of my total body fat) and gained 10.4 Ibs of lean muscle tissue.With Anthony's help I am now stronger, more agile, and much much more confident. I am happier, I have more endurance, and I know I will never missanother minute of a vacation again! I have gone through two belts since we started, and have reduced two notches on the belt I am currently using.Although I had to buy a new wardrobe, I was able to buy clothes that I never would have fit in a year ago. I have even been able to either reduce oreliminate the medications I take for hypertension and cholesterol.Anthony was right. "You can achieve any goal you set out for yourself." As a result, I have set new goals for myself such as putting on more lean muscletissue, increasing my endurance/stamina, strengthening my core, and achieving greater muscle definition in my abs, shoulders, and back. Anthony andthe staff at GoodLife were integral in keeping me motivated and on track when I began and they will be integral in the success of my new goals. Thedifference this time is I now have the confidence in knowing we will have no problem in smashing these goals.