I was just starting my yearly "gotta loose some weight to bring down my cholesterol... again" routine when I learned there was a "Biggest Loser" competition at work between my boss and his boss. The contest was to lose 20 pounds in 90 days. The prize was a company-paid dinner at a nice restaurant and $100 from each loser. If you lost, you had to pay each winner $100. I figured since I was already going to do it to get my cholesterol count back down, why not get at least a nice dinner out of it, so I asked if I could join. Not to mention, the "mediator" happened to be a girl I liked at work, which provided some extra motivation and potential to spend a little more time with.
During the competition, I started learning about BMI, BMR, Target Heart Rate Zones, and healthy living in general. As I applied what I was learning, trying to find an efficient program to attain the goal of losing the weight, a genuine enthusiasm for fitness began to grow. A good friend and mentor of mine is a long distant runner, and provided advice, guidance and insight.
He provided some healthy recipes for various foods that I enjoy... foods that one generally shouldn't eat often. Foods like protein cheesecake that you *should* eat. During this process, I found more enthusiasm for the diet and nutrition aspect of health living. I began to experiment with my own recipes, attempting to make them healthy and flavorful. Some were successful, some were not.
Throughout this entire process, I did not have a gym membership. I had a used treadmill that I utilized every day, sometimes twice. As I became leaner, I realized how my lines were sort of straight. I didn't have much muscle definition, but I saw the potential in myself. I knew I didn't have the space of the money for a big free-weight training system, so I began to look for alternatives. I looked at Bowflex and realized I didn't have the space. I looked at the Total Gym and saw a lot of potential. The only problem I saw is I have to be at my home in order to use it. I wanted something that provided the variety of exercises, that didn't take much space, and could be taken with me if I had to leave home. I found Bodylastic Resistance Bands and The Resistance Band Store, 2 different types of resistance bands. These bands, together with my treadmill, provided a total body gym that allowed me the variety of exercises, without taking a lot of space.
Ever since the competition, of which I was the only winner (and I got the girl <G/>), I have had a vigor and enthusiasm for healthy living. I've set a new life goal of becoming a personal trainer and educating other people on how to live a fuller, healthier lifestyle.