This is a personally run site. It is not TSA sponsored. There is no posting of any SSI/FOUO/PII on the site.

Gerard's pictures last year and now (August 2011)

I have lost 50 lbs. but that was over the course of 8 months, I went from a size 58 pant to 48 now (and I am on the verge of going to 46)!  

I started in December 2010 when my family purchased an elliptical cross-trainer for Christmas.

I started out horribly slow on the cross-trainer, barely 5 minutes. But I kept at it. Gradually increasing my machine time. I found that the pre-programmed workouts worked well. I discovered that the 50 rpms that the machine wanted was equal to 100 bpm of music. I made dj-mixes that mimicked the changes in the elliptical workout. The music changed speed along with the changes required by the machine. I was no longer trudging along, I was dancing. Making the workouts fun. 

I also increased my intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. I take the extra effort to buy and prepare fresh (nutrient filled) foods. I put them all together in plastic storage boxes. I make a week’s worth so I don’t need to scramble in the morning to prepare for the day.

What works/worked best for me? Water, water, water. The best help was the Presidents Fitness Challenge. I started going for the Active Lifestyle Award. I required that I do one hour of exercise for 5 out of 7 days in the week. It was tough doing that much time and scheduling it into my week, but I did the 8 week program and got the award. The tracking was very important, I had a record and I had results. I use the Wii Fit for a ‘biggest loser’ weigh in every Sunday. If you have a record and see the progress its quite a boost. I just achieved a Bronze award (over 49,000 points).

Pretzels and beer are the most challenging for me.

My advice to others? Start out slow. Don’t expect too much too quickly. I have lost 50 lbs. but that was over the course of 8 months. It’s a long-term goal you have to look at. And don’t let the plateau get you. I had almost 2 months of little to no weight change. After that its started dropping off again. Once again it’s the long-term you have to look at.