&inspiration: Chris

In January of 2005, I was told - no, warned - by my doctor that I needed to immediately change my lifestyle because I was in serious risk of developing threats to my health, such as hypertension and diabetes. At 5’11”, I weighed 261 pounds with a body fat percentage of 36%! I was only 28 years old.

Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to Judi Samuels, a NASM and ACE Certified Personal Trainer at Bethesda Sport&Health. Besides playing a few games of pickup basketball every year, I had never spent much time in a gym, let alone work out with a Personal Trainer. Working with Judi quickly became a life-changing experience. She began by laying out a simple diet plan for me, which opened my eyes on how to eat healthy. Then the workouts began. Without going into extreme details, let me just say that there were times that I wanted to quit early, but Judi continued to push and drive me to my goals.

She is without a doubt one of the most motivational people that I have ever dealt with in my personal or professional life. Her approach to fitness is inspiring. She is also incredibly patient...she had to be to deal with me! I began to see immediate results - not only in weight loss, but also with my overall body strength and endurance. No longer did I have trouble sleeping... no longer did I have problems with acid reflux... no longer was I tired during the day... and no longer did I have to wear oversized clothes.

I worked out with Judi 2-3 times per week for over a year and by the following January, I weighed in at 187 pounds with a body-fat percentage of 14%! Not only did I lose 74 pounds, but I became a much stronger person, both mentally and physically.

In the past 3 years, I have continued to follow the diet and exercise plan that Judi Samuels taught me, and occasionally she’ll get me back on track when I stray. I am proud to say that 4 years later, I weigh 182lbs!! I owe it all to Judi Samuels and I fully recommend that you let her help you to improve your life as well.

Connect with Chris' trainer, Judi Samuels