Folks who see my Facebook page know that I’m constantly “checking in” to Burn Fitness, so they see my level of dedication. But just so all of you know how dedicated I truly am to getting my workout on, the other day, I actually pushed a car out of the way to get to the gym.
That’s correct. You heard me right. Believe it or not, a woman ran out of gas just at the entrance to the public parking structure on Fourth Street, inconveniently blocking the way in. I had less than 10 minutes to make owner Tom Williams’ most intense class and you don’t dare show up late. The woman got out of her car (her dog following) lamenting her problem. I asked and confirmed that she had road service assistance and a working cell phone. I told her to take a ticket so the gate would go up and to get in her car and put it in neutral. She did as I instructed and I pushed her dusty Toyota Corolla safely out of the path of incoming cars and away from the entrance to the parking structure. Several cars behind me cheered. I then hopped in my car, found parking and made it to class with a few minutes to spare.
Just a routine day helping people with my new found strength. I can tell you, folks, I could not have done that a year ago. And it’s not just bicep strength I’m talking about here, it’s a little something extra you get when you start shedding pounds — it’s called confidence. Working out gives you confidence, confidence to kick off your day, to look for a new job, to make new friends, to find a mate, and to rise to the occasion, whatever that occasion may be. Working out makes you feel like you can do anything — even move a car with your bare hands.
Now, a couple weeks ago I told you I was determined to lose some more weight. I did just that. I dropped another four pounds. But it has not been easy. The weight I’m at now feels like a comfortable shoe, and while a comfy shoe is fine for trolling around the house, it’s not going to get you noticed when you strut down the Third Street Promenade. Know what I’m saying? When I step out I want to be wearing a sexy thigh-high boot. I’ve lost 30 pounds, I want to be noticed and I never want to put those horrible, nasty fatty-fat globs on my body ever again. In fact, I so believe in this program that I want to spread the word.
So owner Tom Williams and I sat down to talk about the Fat Burn program and what makes his program so special and doable and workable while others seem to doom you to failure; with rebound weight gain or impossible and extreme rules — such as a diet of only meat or grapefruit — which no one in their right mind could sustain.
“There’s only two reasons that a person will not lose weight on this program,” he said. “They’ve either got a metabolic problem or they’re lying about the food they log into the site.”
Interesting. That was not something I had considered.
But it does make me think of a friend of mine, a runner — no names involved here — who works out constantly but never loses any weight, and always seems mystified by my weight loss. Now I know firsthand that she works out constantly because on weekends, I run into her on the Fourth Street steps and she’s always drenched in sweat. In fact, she probably works out more than I do. When I ask her what she’s been eating she responds, “My diet is totally clean.” Hmmm, I think, OK. I have no reason not to believe her.
“Are you drinking any alcohol?” I ask, because alcohol is just empty calories and sugar. You might as well grab a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, a spoon and have yourself a night on the couch. “No. Never,” she responds.
“Do you eat late at night?” Again, I get a resounding, “No!”
A few nights later I had a very late meeting at a local restaurant. It was just by chance I ran into this gal. She asked me to join her and her friends. It was close to midnight and they were eating French fries, dipping beef tips into some sort of high-caloric cheese dip and sucking back appletinis. Sugar and starch and everything you don’t want to be ingesting. So, there you have it.
Look, if you aren’t losing the weight, it’s time to come clean about what you are putting into your body. There are many things in this life that you can’t control. But one thing you can control is your diet. In fact, Williams is going to be coming out with an e-book on the Fat Burn program. Finally you’re going to be able to get all his amazing health and fitness tips first hand. And best yet, the book will be available to everyone, not just Burn Fitness members.
Everyone should be able to feel good about his or her body. Everyone should be able to lose weight and keep it off. We should all be able feel like Superman or Superwoman. Go forth and grab the power, people.
Contact Taylor at tailfish@roadrunner.com.
By the numbers
Starting Weight: 182
Pounds Lost: 32.
Current Weight: 150
Goal Weight: 135
Pounds to Lose to Goal: 15
