“You have three months to fix this on your own.” Those words were spoken by my doctor to me in the spring of 2016. I had just completed a physical, and the results were troubling. My cholesterol was high, my lipids were off the chart, and my triglycerides were in what the doctor called the dangerous zone. I was also worried that I may have sleep apnea. I was on track to have some major health issues. If I did not fix the problem, he was going to put me on medications.

I was 41 years old and 70 pounds overweight. My sleeping habits were awful. My diet was horrible, and I had very little energy. My three children were 13, 10, and 8. My wife was pregnant with our 4th child. My father died when he was only 68. His father died at age 58, and my father’s brother died when he was only 48. The history of men on my dad’s side of the family is not good. I felt like I had no other choice but to improve my health.

After a family vacation, we decided to join Life Time. The number one reason we joined was because of their great outdoor pool. Our three children were really excited about spending their summer at the pool, and my wife and I liked the idea of relaxing poolside while they swam. We were also impressed with all the amenities Life Time had to offer. I also thought I could do a little lifting and maybe get a little cardio in. That, combined with an improved diet, would help me lose the weight and get healthy.

After joining the club, I had a free training session with Andrew Seymour. I thought since I had not done resistance training for over 20 years I should get a little help, but then I would be on my own. I was not too sure this 22-year-old kid right out of college could do much for me. I had to humble myself and listen to this kid. Immediately I could see that Andrew knew what he was talking about. So I signed up for a few more sessions.

The Life Time staff helped me with nutrition. Andrew and the staff got me set up with supplements. I had a metabolic assessment done to give me direction on what I needed to do for cardio to burn fat. Andrew was there to help me with the resistance training, and he helped me put together a weekly workout schedule. I asked a lot of questions. If Andrew did not have the immediate answer he was great at finding someone who did. I respected his honesty. Andrew was always there to encourage me. He varied my workouts to avoid boredom and gradually increased the intensity to keep me moving toward my goal.

I entered the Fall 60-Day Challenge. Although the results were good, I did not hit all my goals. The first Challenge reminded me of some things I had learned in the past. I love competition and it brings out the best in me. The 60-Day Challenge also reminded me we all need someone to hold us accountable. The goals we set were a stretch for me. I was having a hard time envisioning hitting those goals. I needed that coach to help keep me on track. I needed a coach to stretch our vision and to exceed the limitations I put on myself. Andrew Seymour is that coach for me.

Despite the positive experiences of the Fall Challenge, I was not going to do another one. We now had a two-month-old baby girl at home. Our three older children were all involved in basketball and piano. I coached one of their teams. Almost every single night and most weekends were filled with games and practices. My wife was just going back to work after maternity leave. I had many excuses not to do another challenge.

Andrew convinced me to go for it again. I had great momentum and we both knew I could do better this time. I knew what it would take to reach my goals. This time we were going to achieve every goal. We had a goal. There was a deadline to achieve the goal. We had a plan and a tracking system in place. Most important, we both believed the goal could be accomplished. We executed the plan and have exceeded every goal.

The results have been fantastic. Since that first doctor’s appointment, I have lost almost 70 pounds. I weigh close to what I was my first year of college. I have lost over 75% fat. I have lots more energy. I no longer worry about sleep apnea. I like the way I look. My wife has said I look better than when she first met me. Most important, I feel good about myself. I feel empowered. It is a great feeling to have a goal, and it is a better feeling to exceed that goal. The discipline and commitment have been a great example for my children. The results I have achieved are giving me confidence in other areas of my life. I am excited about what I can accomplish in all areas of my life.

Life Time has become like a second home for me. It is an enjoyable place to be and the atmosphere is amazing. The entire staff is friendly and helpful. Life Time takes away the excuses. All of these factors have contributed to my success. You can truly change you life at Life Time. I know I did.