Merritt Clubs Blog

I think we’re all guilty of "falling" into the uphill battle of life during winter, or getting sucked into making our own health a second priority. And with more than 68% of Americans being classified as obese or overweight (with those diets we started, 95% regained lost weight after just one year), it’s becoming more obvious our attempts of weight loss/management need to change directions in order to see long term success.

Gary Desper adds back "The Healthy Years!"

“In my 20s, I was focused on starting a family, completing law school and beginning my career. I did not take anytime to care for myself. I ate what I wanted and exercise was something I dreaded. In August 2009, I weighed in at my heaviest ever at nearly 280 pounds and was very unhappy with how I felt and looked. Now in my mid 30s, I realized I was at risk of developing serious health problems that I might not be able to reverse and that could take years off my life. I became determined to take control of my health and change for the better. I knew I hadn’t put on the weight over night, so I wasn’t going to be able to take it off overnight either. I set realistic goals to improve my eating, exercise more and change my lifestyle. Early in 2010, I signed up for Merritt’s Biggest Loser and I have completed three rounds of the program so far. Through working with trainers Rob Stempel and Karen Martinez I have gained several new tools to help me with my personal fitness goals. Today I weigh 174 pounds. I’ve lost nearly 106 pounds so far. My young children have seen the changes in me and have become interested in making healthier choices. This is a life long journey and I will continue to work on being the healthiest I can be so I can fully enjoy my family and the many other good things in life.