Jack's Journey- from Knee Replacement to a 32 inch Waist

In 2009, at age 49, Jack was obese (5’10”, 260 pounds, size 44 waist), had high blood pressure, and was experiencing chronic, severe knee pain. His physician was concerned about heart disease and was considering scheduling a stress test to evaluate Jack’s cardiopulmonary health status. Knee replacement surgery was a real possibility.
Jack says: “I was tired of the constant knee pain and the last thing I wanted to deal with was knee replacement surgery. I was really concerned about the possibility of coronary artery disease, too.” In mid-2009, Jack took the first steps by changing his diet and beginning a program of light daily exercise. After losing about 30 pounds on his own, Jack read the book Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Harry Lodge, and decided to follow the book’s recommendation to begin a program of aerobic and resistance training with the assistance and guidance of a personal trainer. Jack’s wife was already training with N2SHAPE, so it was an easy decision to begin couples training together with N2SHAPE Personal Trainer Michelle Boulay.
Fast forward to now, October 2011, Jack weighs 170 pounds, wears size 32 waist pants, and has normal blood pressure and knees that are completely pain-free.  Jack says: “At 52 years of age, I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in my life. I do aerobic training and resistance training regularly and go on 100+ mile bike rides just for fun. I have the resting heart rate of an endurance athlete. Michelle is great to work with. We train at a pace that is perfect for me, and my training program is exactly what I want it to be. I have hauled giant clothes to the thrift store by the truckload! What’s amazing to me is how easy it was to get fit once I started. Really, the hardest part was getting started. Looking back, my only regret is that I didn’t start sooner.”
Jack has some recommendations for anyone over 45 years old who is concerned about their health or their weight: “Whatever it is that’s keeping you from getting started, get over it and get moving. This is your time. Find a good personal trainer, and get busy now. The folks at N2SHAPE are really great to work with. Read Younger Next Year. Get a heart rate monitor and learn how to use it. Do an hour of cardio at least four days a week, resistance training at least two days a week, and watch the magic happen. If I can do it, anybody can! It is nowhere near as hard as you may think it is to get fit.”