Tom Terbrock: Down 110lbs

It’s been a couple of months since I last visited with my Tom Terbrock, and he’s dropped 11 more pounds during that time, giving him a grand total of 110 pounds lost. That alone is quite impressive, but it is the inches he shaved off which truly makes the difference.

Five days a week for 2 years, Tom has not missed one day of going to Powerhouse Gym for his workout. “It was tough making myself go everyday for the first couple of weeks, but then it just became a part of my life because I was so proud that I was actually doing it” Tom explained as he leaned back in his chair, put his hands behind his head, and shot me a big smile.

Tom has every reason to be proud. He has gone from a 3XL to an XL in shirts and dropped 10 sizes in pants. Best of all, his diabetes is in the normal range for a non-diabetic and his medicine dosage keeps decreasing. “I used to hate going to the doctor, but I don’t dread the visits anymore because I’m doing so well.”

This time of year is when people usually gain a few extra pounds. After all, who doesn’t want to sample every dish on the table at Thanksgiving? And what about all of the holiday parties and baked treats people love to share in the office lounge for everyone to enjoy?

Thanksgiving is always great with my wonderful family. Before my weight-loss, I would eat pretty much all I wanted…man, I loved the rolls, but this year all I ate was some turkey with vegetables and I was completely satisfied. That’s one of the greatest aspects about going to the gym everyday; getting fit makes your mind stronger and you gain self-discipline.

There are many aspects that go into making a fitness plan work and one of the most motivating things is feeling like you’re not being deprived. When Tom first began working with his personal trainer, Charles D’Angelo, he was told that one day a week he could eat anything he wanted. This was great for Tom because the other six days of the week when he had to choose the ‘right foods’ even when he didn’t feel like it, he knew that in a few days he could eat whatever was to his liking. “You would think that I would go burgers and fries on the days I can splurge, but now splurging is a baked potato or a piece of bread.” Tom said with a laugh.

This time of year can be stressful enough, so don’t overburden yourself with thoughts of impending holiday weight gain. Like Tom, when you’re faced with a myriad of delicious foods, just make good choices. And once a week, allow yourself to guiltlessly splurge. Of course, you understand that splurging only works when coupled with a work out routine. The best news of all is that losing weight won’t have to be on your New Years resolutions list for 2008.