Merritt Clubs Blog

Week 6!!! Can you believe you made it this far?? Hows it going? How are you feeling? Are you ready to quit? Have you quit? Why the questions huh? Well, next Monday will mark my one year "FINALEversary." This time last year I was on a flight to L.A. to prepare for the live finale episode. This was going to be the last time I would ever step on the Biggest Loser scale (as a contestant) and would show THE WORLD my progress since they last saw me on TV just a month before. What most people did not know was that leading up to that moment, there were weekly check ins that I had to have with the producers and trainers so that they could monitor my progress. As a contestant, I had a choice. I could have lied about what was really going on in Baltimore and tell them what I thought they would want to hear...all the good things of course, because I was so perfect. OR I could be 100% honest about what was happening. Letting them know about my good days, bad days and those UGLY ones we try to forget about. Looking back, I am so glad I chose the honest route....because I was honest about how I was feeling I was able to work through those things with people who could understand and help me get on the right track. There were some things that were happening to my body chemistry that had I not been honest about some things, I would have developed a severe case of gout which if you don't know anything about it, know that you don't want to know about it. So here you are, take advantage of this time to "check in" not only with yourself, but also with your coaches and fellow "Losers." I promise you will so glad you did.

Week 6!!! Can you believe you made it this far?? Hows it going? How are you feeling? Are you ready to quit? Have you quit? Why the questions huh? Well, next Monday will mark my one year "FINALEversary." This time last year I was on a flight to L.A. to prepare for the live finale episode. This was going to be the last time I would ever step on the Biggest Loser scale (as a contestant) and would show THE WORLD my progress since they last saw me on TV just a month before. What most people did not know was that leading up to that moment, there were weekly check ins that I had to have with the producers and trainers so that they could monitor my progress. As a contestant, I had a choice. I could have lied about what was really going on in Baltimore and tell them what I thought they would want to hear...all the good things of course, because I was so perfect. OR I could be 100% honest about what was happening. Letting them know about my good days, bad days and those UGLY ones we try to forget about. Looking back, I am so glad I chose the honest route....because I was honest about how I was feeling I was able to work through those things with people who could understand and help me get on the right track. There were some things that were happening to my body chemistry that had I not been honest about some things, I would have developed a severe case of gout which if you don't know anything about it, know that you don't want to know about it. So here you are, take advantage of this time to "check in" not only with yourself, but also with your coaches and fellow "Losers." I promise you will so glad you did.

When I was eliminated from the show (The Biggest Loser) during week 7, I had so many different thoughts going through my mind. After a good nights sleep, a long flight home from L.A. and being reunited with my family and friends, I realized I still had a job to do and that was lose this weight I started losing during production. Fast forward a year and I find myself in the real competition. NBC has wrapped season 15, I have settled back into my life as a professional speaker and college instructor, not to mention being a husband and father. That is the TRUE reality. While I was blessed to be afforded the opportunity to be trained by television personalities in a "state of the art" fitness center, that was a vacation compared to where the true competition is.

As you are embarking on this challenge, remember to keep everything in perspective. One of the biggest lessons I learned while on "The Ranch" was to make sure I celebrate EVERY single victory, no matter how great or small. During an on camera workout, Bob Harper was teaching my team how to do Thrusters. The other four members of my team got to do them with just the bar while he actually made me perform the workout with weight on the bar. This particular part of the workout was 3 rounds for time and I was very discouraged that I was the last person to finish my three rounds. Later that night, while icing following the workout, our athletic trainer Sandy Krum was talking to me about that workout and told me how proud of me he was. I looked at him as if to say, "are you kidding me?" and he IMMEDIATELY retorted that I did a great job! "How?" I asked and he said, "not only did you have the most weight of everyone to lift, but you were able to complete it and last week, that probably would not have been the case. You need to make sure you celebrate all the victories so that you can reflect on them when the times are rough or you need to be encouraged."

While I am not satisfied with where I am physically ( remember I still weighed over 300 pounds during my finale weighin), I look back at who I was a year ago and realize I have come a LONG way. Now, the key is moving onto this next challenge and getting to my goal weight which is going to take time.....but what fun it is going to be along the way.

Hey Biggest Loser Club, yeah, there is a $1,000 prize on the line and who couldn't use an extra $1,000? But remember what the BIGGEST prize is. Yes, for most of us, this is going to be one of the hardest things we have ever done. But there is a reason you signed up and I am almost certain that prize money was a secondary reason. What will your success story be when the April finale comes along? What are the goals you are setting for the next 2 months and how are you going to celebrate your victories (great or small)? I am so honored that I get to take part in this journey with you all....so what are YOU waiting for?!

When I was eliminated from the show (The Biggest Loser) during week 7, I had so many different thoughts going through my mind. After a good nights sleep, a long flight home from L.A. and being reunited with my family and friends, I realized I still had a job to do and that was lose this weight I started losing during production. Fast forward a year and I find myself in the real competition. NBC has wrapped season 15, I have settled back into my life as a professional speaker and college instructor, not to mention being a husband and father. That is the TRUE reality. While I was blessed to be afforded the opportunity to be trained by television personalities in a "state of the art" fitness center, that was a vacation compared to where the true competition is.

As you are embarking on this challenge, remember to keep everything in perspective. One of the biggest lessons I learned while on "The Ranch" was to make sure I celebrate EVERY single victory, no matter how great or small. During an on camera workout, Bob Harper was teaching my team how to do Thrusters. The other four members of my team got to do them with just the bar while he actually made me perform the workout with weight on the bar. This particular part of the workout was 3 rounds for time and I was very discouraged that I was the last person to finish my three rounds. Later that night, while icing following the workout, our athletic trainer Sandy Krum was talking to me about that workout and told me how proud of me he was. I looked at him as if to say, "are you kidding me?" and he IMMEDIATELY retorted that I did a great job! "How?" I asked and he said, "not only did you have the most weight of everyone to lift, but you were able to complete it and last week, that probably would not have been the case. You need to make sure you celebrate all the victories so that you can reflect on them when the times are rough or you need to be encouraged."

While I am not satisfied with where I am physically ( remember I still weighed over 300 pounds during my finale weighin), I look back at who I was a year ago and realize I have come a LONG way. Now, the key is moving onto this next challenge and getting to my goal weight which is going to take time.....but what fun it is going to be along the way.

Hey Biggest Loser Club, yeah, there is a $1,000 prize on the line and who couldn't use an extra $1,000? But remember what the BIGGEST prize is. Yes, for most of us, this is going to be one of the hardest things we have ever done. But there is a reason you signed up and I am almost certain that prize money was a secondary reason. What will your success story be when the April finale comes along? What are the goals you are setting for the next 2 months and how are you going to celebrate your victories (great or small)? I am so honored that I get to take part in this journey with you all....so what are YOU waiting for?!

I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes eleven years ago in my early twenties. Since then I have constantly struggled to get my A1C (three month average blood sugar) to a normal level. The average level for a non-diabetic person is 6.5 or below. When I was first diagnosed my A1C was 13, WOW. I always ate healthy and exercised, but my exercise routine basically consisted of cardio that was not that vigorous. Still my A1C crept down to about 9.

I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes eleven years ago in my early twenties. Since then I have constantly struggled to get my A1C (three month average blood sugar) to a normal level. The average level for a non-diabetic person is 6.5 or below. When I was first diagnosed my A1C was 13, WOW. I always ate healthy and exercised, but my exercise routine basically consisted of cardio that was not that vigorous. Still my A1C crept down to about 9.

I recently found myself unable to fit into the formal dress I bought right before Christmas that was perfect for a gala I was attending at the beginning of this month. The holidays had made it very difficult not to gain any weight. Not only did I want to fit back into the perfect dress I bought, I wanted to look fantastic in the dress.

I recently found myself unable to fit into the formal dress I bought right before Christmas that was perfect for a gala I was attending at the beginning of this month. The holidays had made it very difficult not to gain any weight. Not only did I want to fit back into the perfect dress I bought, I wanted to look fantastic in the dress.

I just want to write and say what an amazing time the holiday party at Merritt Athletic Clubs Downtown Athletic Club was last night. There were over 3,000 people there and the place did not even look like a gym. The food was fantastic and the band really kept the crowd moving!! I would love to hear what others thought of this party. The best thing was if you are not currently a member, Merritt is offering a special 72 hour sale exclusive for party goers. Check out the link! http://www.merrittclubs.com/membership/promotions/72-hour-special.html

I just want to write and say what an amazing time the holiday party at Merritt Athletic Clubs Downtown Athletic Club was last night. There were over 3,000 people there and the place did not even look like a gym. The food was fantastic and the band really kept the crowd moving!! I would love to hear what others thought of this party. The best thing was if you are not currently a member, Merritt is offering a special 72 hour sale exclusive for party goers. Check out the link! http://www.merrittclubs.com/membership/promotions/72-hour-special.html