Our Biggest Winners for our Biggest Loser Testimonial contest are chosen!

Thank you to all who shared their inspirational and motivating storied with us! You are ALL the Biggest Winners!

#1 April Flood

Age 27
5'5'
Before Weight (As of Jan. 1, 2010): 263.5 lbs.
After Weight (As of Nov. 2, 2010): 158.5 lbs.
Before Dress Size (As of Jan. 1, 2010): 24
After Dress Size (As of Nov. 2, 2010): 12

It's never easy to consider yourself a failure, but that is what I was: a failure. One year ago, I walked into my doctor's office and weighed in at 263.5 pounds. At 5 ft 5 in, my doctor told me that my BMI was 44 which was in the obese category, and my blood pressure had risen to 130/95, so I was in the beginning stages of pre-hypertension. My toes had started to go numb, walking up steps made me winded, and playing with my children left me completely exhausted. Before I left his office, the doctor gave me two options: you change or you die.
On January 1, 2010, I knew I had to change. I looked at my children, and I knew I didn    t want to die. I remembered the two options the doctor gave me, and I knew I would change. Since January 1, 2010, I have fought and battled every day.

In the past eleven months I have lost 105 pounds. I currently weigh 158.5 pounds, and I have gone from a size 24 to a size 12. I am healthier now than I have ever been. To do this, I have greatly reduced my calorie intake, I drink plenty of water, and I make sure to eat
foods that will supplement and enhance my workouts at National Fitness Center (NFC). I must say it is not always easy. There are always temptations, but I always try to remember who I used to be, who I am, and who I want to be and that helps me get past the temptations.
My workouts started out pretty simple. I started out on the treadmill for thirty minutes. Then I worked my way up to sixty minutes, then on to ninety minutes. Next I went to the Elliptical for sixty minutes and then to ninety minutes. I also added in some weight training here and there. My workouts really went to the next level went I started going to group fitness classes in May. Group fitness classes at NFC have really made all the difference in my weight loss/fitness goals. Currently, I go to a group fitness class six days a week, and some days I take two classes. (When I have time left in childcare!) BodyAttack, BodyPump, and BodyCombat really push me to my limit, but they have made all the difference. The fitness instructors are awesome, and they push you to really give all you can! I don    t know if I would be at the
level I am today without them.

I can honestly say that I do not consider myself a failure any more. Today I consider myself a work in progress. I still have more weight to lose, but I am proud of how far I have come and of what I have accomplished so far.

#2 Andy Cotton

The Two Year Journey of a 491 pound man

I’m Andy Cotten, 47 years old and my height is 5’11”. Two years ago I weighed 491 lbs and today I am proud to say I weigh 240 pounds. I have lost a whole person. I have gone from a size 6x t-shirt to xl t-shirt I have lost 21 inches around my waist. I have gone from size 60 pants to 38 or 40 depending on brand.
My story began August 22, 2008 at an Alcoa High School football game I attended with my wife and son. My son had played all his high school football there. As the game progressed I started to have difficulty breathing. I told my wife I had to go to the car. As I made my way to the stairs toward the exit I realized I wasn’t going to make it. I walked over to a policeman and said I think I’m having a heart attack. He immediately called the EMT as things got dim and blurry they got me in the ambulance and started to work on me. As the ambulance pulled away to Blount Memorial Hospital, I could see the Friday night lights through the window fading into the distance. My mind raced. I may never see my wife and son again. As the ambulance sped
out of the parking lot, I thought God this must be costing me a fortune. We arrived at Blount Memorial Hospital and they got me stabilized and admitted me to the ICU. You guest it heart blockage city, I remained in the hospital for three days. While I laid there in the hospital I prayed to God    help me or let me die.
You see at 491 lbs. I got to where I couldn’t help myself, let alone my family or anyone else. Few scales would weigh me, I couldn’t tie my own shoes and could hardly fit between the seat and the steering wheel of my car. I was miserable, “How did I let myself get in this shape?”

After getting out of the hospital my heart Doctor signed me up for cardio rehab. My first day of rehab I had to walk with a walker to where it was located. Once there I could barely walk 50 ft before the bottom fell out of the oxygen monitor they had me hook to. They wouldn’t let me on there treadmills or cross trainers because I was to heavy. I had plenty of free weights at the house. When I first laid down on my weight bench my back was so fat I had a hard time balancing the weight for the fear I would roll off the bench. When I did finish bench pressing I did have to roll off the side of the bench because my abs were to weak to sit up. Down 80 lbs in 4 months, eating right and lifting weights. I graduated rehab. It was time to pump some serious iron. So I joined Courtsouth South thanks to a program they sponsored with the Knox County Government were my wife is an employee. All the time educating myself on nutrition and body building. Reading everything I could get my hands on. Became a huge fan of the Biggest Loser TV Show. At Courtsouth South I have learned you can work yourself to death if your diet is bad you will reap minimum gains or you can diet all you want to but if you don’t workout you will reap minimum gains. It is a true combo package. I will lift weights and superset until I drop with 100’s of crunches. To make a long story short pumping iron is almost spiritual to me. It saved my life. I workout six days a week pumping some body part. If I’m guilt of anything it is over training. I will never achieve David Draper or Schwarzenegger status but you know us iron guys never good enough, fast enough or strong enough. My advice to anyone trying to get in shape would be push it, pull it, move it, something is better then nothing. It works you might just get hooked. Before I close I want to personally thank my best friend and training partner my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from whom I draw my strength.

#2 Gloria Larson

I Regained My Life through Exercise at NFC Nov. 26, 2010 

Age 60
Height 5'5"'
Weight 2007 187
Pant size before 18
Weight Nov. 2010 172
Pant size 2010 14
(Mine is a story of regaining muscle strength, flexibility, core strength; improving my balance, and reducing my pain as I recovered from injuries--a challenge most of face sometime in our lives.)

Before joining National Fitness, I struggled to recover from injuries sustained in 2007. I could barely stir jello, lift a shirt to the closet rod, or walk 800 steps without tears followed by days of painful recovery in my recliner, even though I used prescription pills and ointments. I couldnaÌ‚    t turn my head without excruciating pain, so I did not drive for two years. After 18 months of physical therapy, I tested the water at NFC. It felt warm enough for me to continue PT by myself 5-6 days per week. Besides easing my pain, exercising in the warm water boosted my morale and gave me a social life. I took 3 sessions with a trainer to learn to use the equipment and set reasonable goals. I gradually began taking classes and using new equipment. After 16 months, I can fully participate in all the aqua classes, with improved balance, stronger core muscles, and more endurance. I do GCC using 5 pound weights with no difficulty. Exercise is fun for me; classmates and strangers alike note my radiant smile. When I joined NHC in August 2009, I walked halfway around the NFC track, clutching my husbandaÌ‚    s arm for support. Now, I can walk briskly for 2 miles while stretching my arms to rebuild my muscle strength and flexibility. I can again hike for 5 miles without pain. Since joining NFC, I have doubled the arm and leg weights I use, increasing my arm strength and mobility as well as avoiding a knee replacement. Now, I exercise 1-3 hours at least 5 times a week--a choice, no longer a necessity. NFC provides many options at my own level of ability. Caring instructors offer assistance and advice for my safety during workouts. Although I have not yet reached my weight loss goal, I intend to continue toning up. I have resumed my productive,satisfying life. Now that IaÌ‚    m off steroids and pain meds, I can concentrate on weight loss instead of survival. Once again I can drive, shop, cook, play card games, and clean houseaÌ‚    daily activities most people take for granted. My neck collar and knee brace sit in my closet, no longer needed. I have the support of former friends and my many new friends at NFCaÌ‚    both staff and members. I rejoice at the new pain-free independent me. Thanks for providing equipment and guidance. I have my life back, a dream come true.

Betsy Stinnet

My weightloss journey started after my first child was born in 2005. When I was pregnant, I gained a lot of weight due to gestational diabetes and toxemia. I gained from 150's to 237 at delivery. I lost some of the weight, then got pregnant again, gaining back up to 222 with the 2nd pregnancy. I lost 20 lbs pretty quickly but then gained it back plus more. I decided then that I would do everything in my power to lose the unwanted pounds. I started going to the weightloss clinic and got a membership at National Fitness. I was in a size 20 when I started and weighed 227 lbs. I have now lost down to 170's and in a size 12-14. I still have a ways to go, and it's very hard. I just keep telling myself I don't want to ever be that big again. I had lost down to 162, but I've held steady at around 170. My goal weight is 130-135. So I have to keep working on it.

Chris Kittrell

Hi my name is Chris.  A little over two years ago, I was 241 lbs and had over 25% body fat. I was drinking 4-6 cokes each day and eating tons of fast food.  I was unhealthy and extremely unhappy with myself.  One day I decided to do something about it.  I knew it was going to be hard work, but I was ready for a new transformation and a new healthy lifestyle.  Starting out was tough on me.  I had been out of touch with physical activity for over 4 years.  I started my transformation by running everyday and eating healthy (cut out cokes, its been over 2 ½ years since I have had a coke).  I built a tolerance to the workout by building endurance and running 9-10 miles a day 6 days a week. Initially I dropped the weight rather quickly, dropping over 100 lbs which put me weighing around 140 lbs and 3% body fat.  I had never been in such great shape in my life, but I was looking too small.  I decided to start building muscle.  Over the next year, I increased my weight  from 140 lbs to 165 lbs with 9% body fat.  Today I am in the best shape of my life. I am in National Fitness Center, working out 6 days a week and plan to keep that schedule as long as possible.  This proves anyone is capable of losing weight and feeling great.  All you need is to believe in yourself and you are capable of anything.

Before:
Name: Chris Kittrell
Age: 23
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 241 lbs
Body Fat %: Over 25%
Pant Size: 36 – 38


Mid Way:
Weight: 140 lbs
Body Fat %: 3%
Pant Size: 29 – 30

After:
Weight: 165 lbs
Body Fat %: 9%
Pant Size: 30-32


To lose over 100 lbs took just under a year to complete.  This returned me to ground zero allowing me to rebuild muscle.  Over the next year I put on about 20 lbs of muscle.  This was a life changing experience for me and I plan to continue my hard work and effort to keep healthy and stay in shape.

Danyelle Miller

Carolyn Danyelle Bledsoe and James Adam Bledsoe

My husband and I have been together for a little over two years. We started our relationship when we were 18 and 21 by working out together at National Fitness Center. From there we began dating and from 2003 to 2005 worked out all the time together. In 2005 I had a skiing accident that led to back surgery and sad to say a lot of weight gain for both of us, I went from 120 to 180 going from a 4 to a size 12 and my husband went from 160 to 270 from a 30 inch waist to 36 inch waist. We couldn't do much at the gym due to my long recovery time. Finally we were engaged and decided together it was time to get into shape. We began working out again dropping to 147 with 35% body fat and he was 185 at our wedding. Now we have been working even harder and have began a new work out at National Fitness where we are there three days on and one day off. We are now at 135 with 20% body fat and he is 150 with 8% body fat. We have a whole group of friends that we have met because of National Fitness that began working out with us. It is a great place for us to get away from work and relax and have a great workout. We came together by working out and will continue to connect through staying fit and healthy together.

Elizabeth Carter

I was almost 300 pounds and I was a size 24/26 because of the wonderful National Fitness classes
and having such great equipment for my husband to help train me on -- I am now down to a size 16 ... As you will see from the pictures I had a pretty big face and now I look back and cant believe I looked like that .. but thanks to National Fitness's classes and gym I DID IT AND AM ON MY WAY ..... NATIONAL FITNESS THANK YOU ........ I WENT DOWN PANTS :: 8 SIZES SHIRTS FROM A XXL TO A MED/LARGE...

Gabrielle Love

My name is Gabrielle Love and at this time last year I weighed in at 230lbs!!

I am currently at 148and still losing! I began my weight loss regiment shortly after the New Year. I was a new Mom and I refused to be a bad example for my daughter. I set my goal to be 155 By my daughters first birthday and my stretch goal to be 140 by the New Year. I am right on target. I told myself that I had to get the weight off so I could enjoy playing with my daughter, and every pound I lost, I gained more energy to put toward by growing daughter. I lost my weight by learning to eat healthier and learning to schedule in as much activity as possible. I walked on my lunch hour everyday, and shortly began running. I also committed to taking a strenghth training class called Body Pump at least once a week. I was shocked at how much the Body Pump class made a difference. I found that the weeks I missed that class I lost less. I found that building muscle helped lose the weight faster than the cardio alone. This year has been so bitter sweet. I have taught myself a new way of life that I plan to pass along to my daughter. I am so much more energetic and am able to do so much with my daughter! I hope that my story will help inspire others to do what is ultimatley the best thing they will ever do for themselves, take care of thier body! Thank you for considering my story!! :) I have lost 82lbs to date and am still losing. My daughter turned 1 on November 24th and I met my goal for that date, I weighed in at 153 on her birthday, 2 pounds less than my goal set. I am on track now to meet my end goal of 145 by the New Year, and I am currently training for a half marathon in Feb, and a full marathon in April.

Heidi Hoffmann

Age: 39 Height: 5'2" Before weight: 214
Before size: 18/20
After weight: 139 After size 6/8

I have been a big girl most of my life. I come from a long line of big people. I was harrassed growing up about being big. I hated it. I've had times throughout my adult years where I'd lose weight and then end up gaining it right back. I was so tired of the endless cycle I had come to be on.
In October 2008, a photo was taken of me at a company picnic. When I saw it I immediately started crying and knew I had to change my life forever. I couldn't diet...diets just weren't working for me. It took me a few months to gain the courage to start, But in January 2009, I started a journey for health. A journey that I'd be on the rest of my life.
I started making changes slowly at first; drinking more water, eating from a smaller plate, walking. I stopped drinking soda and cut out red meat from my diet (my Mom and maternal Grandma died from colon cancer and I was told that cutting back or stopping red mean consumption would be wise). I started feeling better and weight started coming off.
I won a short-term membership at Curves and started going there. I couldn't imagine ever wanting to go to a big gym. I was embarrassed to think what I'd come across as to other people. I loved doing the circuit at Curves and I saw more weight come off....but I knew I needed more.

By December 2009 I had lost 48lbs and was feeling great. One of my best girlfriends had recently taken up running and asked if I'd do the New Year's Day 5k with her. I'd never run a day in my life and was skeptical. She told me there would be lots of walkers and I didn't need to run. I hesitantly agreed. Not only did I finish that 5k, but I was able to run about half of it (mixing it up with the walking). I was SO excited...and SO hooked on running! I decided to train to run an entire 5k by Spring.
I have several friends that are members at NFC and they recommended I try it out. So in March 2010 I did, and loved it! With my new running addiction I needed a place I could come when the weather was bad or when it was dark (I work out at 5:30am each weekday...and trust me, it is still dark). I love the classes, the weights available, all the machines. I love Ronnie at the front desk greeting me every morning! I knew this was the right step on my journey.
Since March 2010 I have completed five 5k races and on September 25, 2010, I completed my first Half Marathon!!! And, I have lost 75lbs to date.

My journey is not over, I still have a little weight to lose, more muscle to gain, and a lifetime of healthy habits to keep up. But I am proud of the path I've taken so far, and when I look at that before picture now I smile and know that it is never too late to make a change. Today is a new day and I am blessed beyond measure!

Larry Snider

I started off at NFC on Oct 1, 2010. I was out of shape and not in such good health for my age(35) at
the time. I had ballooned up to 285lbs my heaviest weight ever. My blood pressure was borderline hypertension and Cholesterol was up. To say the least I was a mess and felt terrible. I started to train once a week with Sam Crenshaw and told him how determined I was to get back in shape and find my youth. I started to eat a very balanced diet as Sam had recommended. 3 meals a day and 2 snacks to start off with. I now mix in a protein shake in the morning and then 1 in the afternoon after my workout to replenish my body. I started out on the treadmill and could barely walk at 2.2 mph at 20-25mins without hurting. I now am up to over 3.5mph at 1hr intervals with a 30 min workout. Sam has showed me many excercises to use throughout the gym and even things to do on the basketball court. I now can play basketball with my youngest son and work with him on techniques. I hope to motivate others to show them anything is possible. NFC has helped me change my life around. After 11weeks I have have lost over 35lbs and almost 4in around my waist. I was wearing a size 44 and can now fit into a 38. My overall health and mind set has changed tremendously thanks to the help of Sam and NFC.I have alot more work to do but hope I can be the motivation someone else needs. Thanks NFC and staff!

Larry Snider

Liz Murphy

I can remember the moment when I had begun to struggle with my weight.  I was in the 5th grade standing in front of the mirror in a pile of clothes that didn’t fit me because I had put on a few pounds and it was the first time in my life where I had felt FAT.  Up until that moment I’d always seen myself as skinny.  I mean, I was a kid!  I ran everywhere I went, played sports and ate when I was hungry.  We didn’t worry about stuff like that!  We ate what we wanted and it wasn’t a big deal because we were kids.  But, the early stages of puberty had changed the game for me and I’d never been taught what it meant to eat healthy.  We had bread and butter with every dinner and I put cheese on everything and it really hadn’t mattered... until that moment.  The problem was I didn’t know what to do about it, so I didn’t know how to change it.  By the time I was in middle school, I was already trying my hand at experimental diets that had you eating Saltine crackers and grapefruit one minute and large amounts of peanut butter the next. I was starting a love-hate relationship with food.  I was associating crash diets with eating healthily.  I was learning how to hate my body. 
In high school it only got worse as my weight fluctuated between “skinny” and “chubby” and I exercised occasionally.  It wasn’t until I did Weight Watchers that I learned how to make better choices and that exercise needed to be a part of my lifestyle and not something I did when my pants got tight.  As they say, “knowing is half the battle,” but the other half is application and I went through college and the early years of my adult life not applying these important lessons to my life.  Why?  Because I thought it was hard.  I was afraid to fail.  I was afraid to succeed. 

I can remember the moment when I knew I had to do something about my weight.  I was standing on a hospital scale a day after giving birth to my first child and it flashed the numbers 241 in my face.  I remember being shocked and horrified that more of the weight hadn’t come off after I’d had my daughter.  I had spent the last 9 months “eating for two” and watching myself get bigger and bigger and feeling out of control.  I was constantly being asked if I was having twins or if I had gestational diabetes.  But I just sort of ignored all of it.  I honestly believed that the baby weight would just come off; like some magical moment I would wake up and the 80 pounds I gained would have just vanished.  But, there I was, 24 hours out and nothing had changed.  In fact, I was up a pound from the day before!  I gained an entire pound sleeping in the hospital?  Could that actually happen??  YES.  It was at that moment that I knew I had a problem and I was going to have to do something about it.
I remember I had become complacent in my life.  I remember thinking that my body was just destined to float around a size 12 or 14 and that was that.  When I found out I was pregnant I made no efforts to change my eating habits.  I gave up the things I was supposed to give up like alcohol and caffeine, but I stopped there and landed myself in a size 20.  I didn’t know who I was anymore.  I was embarrassed to go anywhere or see anyone.  So, I got a treadmill and I ordered an exercise video regiment and I went to work.  It took me a year and a half, but I had lost all the weight and then some!  I was a size 6 and weighed a 147 pounds. I was happy, but I wasn’t healthy because I hadn’t addressed my eating habits!  And, when I got pregnant with my second child I put on 52 pounds and was back to feeling lost.  It wasn’t until I joined National Fitness and worked with a personal trainer that I really changed my body and my lifestyle.  I focused on my eating and my choices and learned the proper workouts that I needed to be doing.  I still indulged, just not all the time.  I worked with a personal trainer for a year and a half and then began doing the Les Mills classes and Tread n’ Shed classes on a regular basis.  When I had my 3rd daughter the impact of what I had learned was more than visible.  I only gained 35 pounds my third time around and because I wasn’t so much as “watching what I ate” as I was living a healthy lifestyle and making healthy choices I had lost the weight in 4 months.  Not only am I a size 6 again and 145 pounds, but  I know I’m healthy.  My recent physical showed that I was the picture of health with normal blood pressure for the first time in my life and cholesterol at 121 points! I recently ran my first half-marathon and the Marine Corps Mud Run.  I feel strong.  I feel healthy.  I feel PROUD.  National Fitness showed me that it wasn’t about being skinny.  It wasn’t about working out to eat badly.  It is about being HEALTHY.  It is about LIVING!  And now that person that I was... that person is just a distant memory.

Michelle Hutchinson

Five years and five surgeries later I found myself larger than Ive ever been! 180 lbs! I could not
motivate myself to get up and lose the weight that I once use to be. Ive always been fit clear up till the last five years and then I just began to lose energy and self motivation. Eating all the wrong foods became a nightmare and my weight became my nightmare. When I noticed that NFC was being built in Maryville,TN, I determined in my heart that I was going to join and do something for myself. I was tired of being tired.Just in two months I have lost 3% of my body fat, and have lost down to 165 lbs. Thanks to my great fitness trainer Shanda for encouraging me to work harder, the other trainers for encouragement and the great personnel serving me them great smoothies!! I have more energy now, eating the right foods and have a better outlook on life than I once did. Thank you NFC, I wouldnt had made it without you and all the wonderful staff!

Ray Buttery

Hi! My name is Ray Buttrey and I just joined the NFC. I am in the process of getting myself back into shape. I have been yo-yo dieting for many years now and am trying to do what actually has to be done to get into shape and stay that way. CHANGE MY LIFESTYLE! Crash/fad diets do not work. I started work on my transformation in April of this year. I started out at 381lbs and a size 52+ pants. By cutting out sugar sodas, candy and junk, eating more fruit, vegetables, leaner proteins and less carbs along with regular exercise(walking). I am at 308 now wearing between 46/48 pants(73lbs so far!). I am expanding my exercise from walking to a complete workout regiment at NFC along with my daily walks. I have a PT that I meet with once a month to help keep me on track and I hope to achieve my goal weight and body and never go back. I know it has to be for the rest of my life and I am working hard to make it that way. My company is also very supportive with health and wellness incentives and our own Biggest Loser program. I am also active in these programs as well to help me along. Hopefully between my work and the NFC I can reach my goal. Thanks!

Shane Hill

My name is shane hill. Im 25 years old and i used to weigh 275lbs when in 08. I started martial arts training and joined national and lost well over 100 lbs. My weight got all the way down to 155lbs but i felt uncomfortable so i actually regained a little of it and walk at 175 to 180. Im happy with my hundred lb weight loss. I met a girl through this weight loss who also has lost 90 lbs and we are happy. I worked very hard at my martial art and have been blessed with several championships. I struggled in high school with being the big guy and i was very lonely but now through fitness ive found my niche and i work out 4 times a week as well as train brazillian jujutsu. I was in a size 42 waist but now i wear 32 with a little room to spare! My phone number is (865)323-2827. I also love helping others lose weight and currently helping by doing an online biggest loser on my facebook page trying to get my friends involved in the movement. My goal is to open my own martial arts fitness center and help people lose the weight.

Stacy Barnett

Since December of last year I have lost 75 lbs. I have gone from a size 18 to a size 8-10. I would still
like to lose an additional 15 lbs. This was achieved through both diet and exercise. I like to use the cardio theater and take the Body Pump class. I have used trainers in the past at Courtsouth that have encouraged this life change. My blood sugar levels have also dropped from an A1c high of over 13 to a normal 7.5. I am no longer taking 5 shots of insulin a day.

Steve Hutchinson

After many years of battling with gaining weight,I finally went to the doctor to find out I had a thyroid
problem. He put me on different diet pills along with thyroid meds to help me but to no avail. When NFC was being built I determined in my heart that instead of sitting at home and staying exhausted with no energy,I was going to go once the new place opened in Maryville, Tennessee. I started out at 300 lbs and in just two months I have lost 3% of my body fat and am now down to weighing 169. I have more energy, I now can run without losing my breath and now have a new outlook on taking better care of myself. Thanks to NFC I feel great and have gained confidence to keep moving forward and eating better. Thank you NFC and to my great fitness trainer Shanda for encouraging me to work hard!

Thanh Tran

height-5'6
age-23 before
weight 195 with waist pants size of 34
after weight 155 with wasist pants size of 28

My name is Thanh Tran, and i've been looking for a contest like this. I've always wanted to show my transformation and share my success with others. i was close to 200lbs in my first picture. Being 5'6, that was unacceptable and unhealthy. It first hit me when both my parents were diagnose with diabetes. That's when i started the change and changed my lifestyle. I never said i was on a diet when friends asked, always told them it was a lifestyle change. Seeing that diabetes ran in my family, i wanted to change everything to stay away from it.
The first picture was in the summer of 2008. the second picture i've added was the summer of 2009. I was able the cut down to 145lbs with a body fat percentage of 5. The 3rd picture i added is my most recent picture. Still going strong and added some lean mass. i'm about 155lbs right now. the reason why i added three pictures is to show with hard work and dedication you can lose fat or add lean muscle.
I manage to accomplish my goals drug free. I always wanted to know how my body work. I hope my transformation will motivate and inspire others.

Tim Foland

After over 10 years of struggling, I had finally given up.  “I cannot lose weight!”  Trying every diet from low carbs, grapefruit juice, soup diets, and whatever the latest fad was, did nothing more than give temporary results eventually leading to long term disappointment, lowered self esteem, and increased weight on the scales.  I had given up; convinced that I was just “born to be fat”.  I used to laugh & make fun of some friends who were “addicted” to working out.  Little did I know that their story would soon become mine.  And here’s how it happened…

The topic of weight loss came up while on a customer trip and I simply laughed and said that I can’t lose weight; I’ve tried everything….it’s hopeless for me.  Before long I was convinced to make an appointment at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Chattanooga where they had a resident nutritionist who could get me on the right path.  At age 47, standing 5’10”, weighing a solid 275+, with a 40+ inch waist, this guy really had his work cut out for him.

Patrick Wortman, the nutritionist at Center for Integrative Medicine, began teaching me about proper nutrition and made me to give him 25 minutes/day of an elevated heart-rate (plus whatever it took to get it elevated for that period of time).  EXERCISE..???  ME??? Join a GYM????  …NO WAY.. I did that once - didn’t loose a pound.   Remember.. I’m one who actually laughed at our friends for being “addicted” to the gym.  NADA.. ain’t gonna happen.  Famous last words. Famous last words for which I am most thankful.

It began simply enough.  I joined the gym and simply started on the elliptical for about 30 minutes each day.  With this simple exercise combined with disciplined eating, the pounds started coming off.  Little did I know.. this addiction to exercise.. this addiction to feeling good, this addiction to feeling good about myself and increasing my self esteem was developing in me.  After a few weeks I began noticing this “Spin Room” just beside the cardio equipment. I had to check this out.  Could be for real?  It was too much fun.. listenin’ to some really pumpin’ music for 45 minutes while riding a bike.  Needless to say, my addition soon moved into spinning.  I began to look forward to my gym time, my spin class, and the rewards that ensued.  Nothing, I mean NOTHING came between me & my gym time.  And you know.. it wasn’t that hard; in fact, on those rare occasions when I did have to miss my gym time.. I would feel sluggish and lazy, not to mention having a nasty attitude.  There were times when my attitude and outlook were so bad that my wife would insist that I get to the gym.  Not only was my gym time moving me into a healthy life, but it would change my whole demeanor and attitude as well.  It wasn’t uncommon, by the end of my day for the stress, pressure, and frustration of my career to take everything out of me such that what time I did have with my family was far from quality!

After losing roughly 75 pounds I was ready to add weightlifting to my exercise routine so I could build a bigger engine to burn those calories.  For the first time in my life I was beginning to firm up and feel better than ever before.  Yeah, the scales started going up some but my waist was dropping down.  I couldn’t believe this was happening.. and to me!

Now for the rest (and the best) of the story.  I kept meeting with Patrick Wortman for my nutrition coaching, and monitoring my health.  To my amazement, my health was making a 190 degree turn!  Before I began this journey of healthy addiction, I was pre-diabetic with high cholesterol, hypertension, moderately high blood pressure, and the overall defeated outlook on life.  All of those conditions are gone now, my body fat percentage has dropped by over 10% (and dropping still), my waist is still dropping, and my upper body is still developing.. but most importantly.. I feel the best, and have the best outlook on life than I’ve had in over 25 years.

Yeah.. those first few visits to the gym were intimidating and embarrassing.  I mean really.. what guy weighing over 275 with a 40+ inch waist  isn’t intimidated by those others who seem to have mastered it all.  But like my brother-in-law says, I simply had to “build a bridge…and get over it”; which is exactly what I did.  And while this transformation didn’t take place overnight, the fact is that it DID take place and continues to take place.  Today, I’m weighing a few pounds over 205 (depending on the holidays!), have a 35” waist, and 47” chest.

Going forward.. I will NEVER go back.  I can be found at The National Fitness Center or CourtSouth routinely and that’s not gonna change.  In fact, I’d like to become a spin instructor or maybe even a personal trainer so that I can give back to others what was given to me… hope, health.. and yea. even a higher degree of happiness.

Just a note to Patrick and to the National Fitness Center/Courtsouth leadership & staff:  if you ever, ever, think that you’re not making a difference, or that what you do may not be as important as say.. maybe a brain surgeon.. read my story.  If it weren’t for y’all and others like you, my fat would have killed me; and no brain surgeon in the world can fix that.  So thanks for giving me the workout routines, the tips & pointers, telling me how to operate the equipment, starting the video in the cardio theatre, mixing my protein shakes, making sure I have a racquetball to use, leading my spin class, and giving me a clean facility where I can feel comfortable enough to turn my life & my health around.

Go ahead a laugh at ME now.. I’m addicted!  ….and proud of it!

National Fitness Center provides everything you need to get and stay in the best shape of your life. We offer superior personal trainers that support you every step of the way. And because we care - you are our #1 priority! But don't take our word for it...

 And listen to THESE stories...do one of these people sound like YOU?

My granddaughter's trainer, Josh Crawford, has done an excellent job with her. She saw her pulmonary doctor this week and learned that her physical status had improved from her last examination in the fall. We are so happy with the results.

Joann, NFC Member

I have been on three trips in May/first part of June. In May, I went on a business trip to Belize, and I had to carry my luggage everywhere! No problem!  It would have been three months ago, but not now. Later part of May, we went on a cruise to Bermuda, rode a moped. Felt strong enough to drive it without feeling scared. In June, we went to Edisto Beach, SC. My husband and I rented a kayak and rowed all day. There again, I would not have been able to do anything had I not trained with Brandon these past three months.

-Robin Zachary, age 45, GET ACTIVE participant

I needed a place for a quick workout at lunch- time. National Fitness Center makes it easy to get in and out fast, not to mention the fact they are open 24 hours. Great equipment. No waiting. Trainers on the floor at all times if I need to update my program. It's great!
- Bob D., age 33 Member for two years

I took advantage of the trial membership because I'd never been a member of a club before. I didn't know whether I'd like it. I surprised myself by joining after the first week. This club is exactly what I wanted and needed!
- Mary, age 24 Member for eight months

I've always been told that the key to a successful exercise program is for it to become a habit. National Fitness Center has made it as easy as possible for my exercise routine to become an enjoyable habit. The facilities are first rate, both aerobic and weight training equipment, and National Fitness Center is extremely convenient both in terms of location and hours of operation. The staff is very friendly, but they also leave you alone to "do your own thing." Lastly, National Fitness Center has created a very upbeat, friendly atmosphere for all of its customers. It's simply enjoyable to work out on a regular basis at National Fitness Center.
- Bill B., age 42 Member for three years

After seven years of marriage, good cooking, and two children, I joined National Fitness Center at my highest weight ever . . . over 200 pounds. I just got tired of looking in the mirror and seeing what I saw, because that's not how I felt! How I perceived myself mentally and physically were two different people. Therefore, I decided to take the physical me and match it to the mental me, so I started moving.

I took it very slow, doing 20 minutes on a treadmill and gradually increasing the time and distance. After a month and a half, I increased my workout by adding weights. Before I knew it, I had dropped two dress sizes.

With persistence, and the staff and childcare at National Fitness Center, I'm well on my way to a life of health and fitness. In closing, I wish for "you" the prayer, health and exercise that National Fitness Center provided for me!
- Gidget S., age 28 Member for ten months

I am 80 years old and have been a member at National Fitness Center for one year. I average coming four to five days per week, and enjoy using the cardio equipment and machine weights. They have a wide variety of machines and I really like the indoor walking track. The staff is friendly and is always there if I ever need help with my workout. Working out at National Fitness Center helps me keep my blood pressure and cholesterol levels safe and gives me the energy I need to get through the day. I would strongly recommend NFC to anyone, no matter what his or her age. They can help you reach your fitness goals.
- Elizabeth, age 80 Member for 18 months

The staff does a great job of maintaining the club and equipment. It's always clean here. The equipment is always in good working condition. And there's always someone making sure the members clean up after using equipment. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that!
- Danny R., age 27 Member for five years

I've worked out in many clubs in the area with little or no results. I joined National Fitness Center six weeks ago and since then, I've already lost 12 pounds and feel considerably better.
- Cindy H., age 39