Before joining Life Time, Steve Coungeris was overweight all of his life. Although he lost weight throughout the early ?80s and ?90s, the results didn?t stick. ?I was definitely not happy with myself,? he says, ?I tried but was never able to repeat and maintain those losses of 15 and 25 pounds.?
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Steve?s son Nick was born in 1993, and Steve?s life seemed complete?for the most part. ?I had a wonderful wife, beautiful son and great job,? he says. ?I was happy with everything in my life except for my weight. It was always on my mind, but I was never motivated enough to do what was required.?
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In 2005, Steve?s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. After chemotherapy and radiation treatment, her health seemed to improve at the end of the year. By April of the following year, the cancer returned and spread to her bones, lungs and liver. She passed away in July 2006. ?Obviously, my weight was not high on my list of importance at that time or for the next three years,? Steve says.
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As Steve?s focus shifted to getting Nick through school, his weight reached 295 pounds. Horrified at the thought of weighing more than 300 pounds, Steve decided it was time to ditch the excess pounds for good. In 2009, he joined .
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After taking fitness tests like and assessments, Steve worked with a dietician and started sessions with Jason Miller. From September 2009 to February 2010, Steve met with Jason three days a week. He lost 20 pounds and gained a better understanding of exercise and nutrition. He also recovered from an Achilles issue that had prevented him from using a treadmill.
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Despite his progress, Steve was apprehensive about maintaining his health after Nick left for college. ?I knew it was going to be my time, but I still needed consistency, accountability and support,? he says. ?I decided only I could stop me, so I set milestone weight-loss goals in increments of 10.?
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Steve set a goal weight of 240 pounds, and Jason recommended that he join with MCA Coordinator and Personal Trainer Ross Harrison to meet it. Fellow TEAM members and Ross have supported Steve throughout the training. ?Ross is incredible,? Steve says. ?He pushes us to our limits and then asks us for a little bit more, but always with great instruction and guidance.?
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In addition to helping Steve step up his training, Ross introduced him to MCA classes. Steve started and classes twice a week with Ross and Virgil Strzelecki, Life Time Fitness Bloomingdale Assistant Personal Training Department Head.
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Steve?s MCA classes and personal training have vastly improved his fitness and overall health. Now, he weighs close to 195 pounds and has gone from 43% body fat to less than 20%. He participates in several obstacle races and 5Ks, and has graduated to with Personal Trainer Kevin McAloon.
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?Life Time?s trainers, staff and other members have supported and encouraged me to step way outside my box and try new things,? Steve says. ?Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could weigh less than 200 pounds, run races or take boxing and MMA classes at 54 years young. I feel like this is just the beginning; there is so much more to try and do!?
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Are you ready to commit to improving your health? Check out your local , or program today. And remember to put your commitment in writing and join us for the Commitment Day 5k on Jan. 1, 2013.
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