Mike Whitfield is a trainer at Freedom Fitness in Acworth, Georgia. His story is about an amazing life changing weight loss of 75 pounds in just 6 months, and another 35 pounds soon after. He can also be located at his website: cranktraining.com

GROW: Mike, would you please tell us how it happened that you decided to lose your weight?

Mike: I was sitting one day playing Play Station and the controller fell on the floor. I leaned over to pick it up and saw that my stomach was touching the floor. Right then I knew I needed to do something about my weight. I weighed 290 pounds and didn’t like it at all. I’m 6 feet tall, so you can imagine how I felt and looked.

GROW: So, when you began your journey to lose weight, what was important in the process and where did you begin?

Mike: Once the change began and I started seeing positive results, I was motivated to continue. It wasn’t easy. Just because a person decides to lose weight doesn’t mean it’s going to happen over night. My diet had to be completely overhauled because prior to me making the changes, I just ate whatever I wanted. I started with walking and weight training. I really had such strong support from my family and friends that it made it much easier to keep going.

GROW: Now that you’ve met your desired weight goal, how do you maintain your healthy physical condition?

Mike: I remember how I was, “I was a lazy big boy.” So now, I am very conscience of what I eat and I keep up with my routine in the gym, that’s what helps me stay motivated, along with my son. I just want to be around for him and to be physically fit, so I can be active with him. To be honest, at first it was because I started looking good; vanity in other words, but now I know it’s because of a desire to be healthy and physically fit.

GROW: Currently you have clients who are working the “process,” what are some goals that you have for them?

Mike: First, I tell them that anyone can do it. I remind many of them that diet failed them, but something out there will work. “Never give up” is my constant motto to them. If they’ll begin with what I suggest they too can lose the weight, tone up their muscles and live a more healthy and productive life. When they see the transformation, sometimes it alone sustains them to stay with the process. Even small amounts of weight lose can be very inspiring. What is more important than just the weight loss is the reduced clothing size. Going down one or more sizes can prompt many people to stay with what they’re doing.

GROW: Thanks Mike for your time and helpful hints on how we can stay healthy and get physically fit.