For this weight-loss winner, a picture was worth 122 pounds -
and a return to health
by LORRAINE EATON, The Virginian-Pilot
© April 25, 2007
Four years ago David B. Ward of Chesapeake looked at this picture of himself and could hardly believe he was the lug with the barrel belly. As luck would have it, around the same time a friend won a month-long membership to FineLines Fitness Center in Carrollton, near where Ward worked at the time.
The winner wasn't interested and gave the prize to Ward.
Now, at 50, he is a weight-loss winner - 122 pounds lighter and leading a way healthy lifestyle.
"I was sort of embarrassed the first time I went in the gym, as big as I was, but they are nice people over there. They helped me along the way."
Now, not a day passes that he doesn't either hit the gym or the pavement, where he logs nine-mile walks or runs.
"It's addictive," Ward says. "If I don't exercise or go to the gym, I miss it.
"I wanted to get back to the healthy person I was in high school. "I'm healthy as a horse now."
What was your breaking point?
I saw a picture of myself taken in 2003 that made me realize how overweight I was.
Your physical condition at that time and your goals?
My height is 5 feet 10 inches, and I weighed 260 pounds. I was on several high-blood pressure medications and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. My goal was to lose 100 pounds and get off all medications.
How did you achieve your goals?
I did a total lifestyle change - bad eating habits to good ones, and I exercised daily. I started walking and jogging, gym or the pavement, where he logs nine-mile walks or runs. "It's addictive," Ward says
What did you learn about yourself?
I didn't realize how much willpower I had until I started using it. I'm a very determined person.
What motivates you now?
Seeing the results that I and other members of Fine Lines Fitness Center have achieved in setting higher goals.
Wisdom for others?
Change your lifestyle and eat healthier. Get moving. Exercise every day. No excuses - just get up and do it! I really turned my life around. I love it!
"If I don't exercise or go to the gym, I miss it. "I wanted to get back to the healthy person I was in doing two-leg planks, Dave has to do a one-leg plank. "He's just incredible." Consult a health professional before getting started.
What part did the motivators play?
The photographic image of his body at 260 pounds was, and continues to be, a powerful motivator for Ward. But his comrades at the gym also helped him to achieve his goals, as did gym owner Tammy Harper. 'I made it a point to point him out to other people in the gym,' Harper says. She hung his "before" picture on the wall and frequently uses Ward as a motivator in fitness classes. "I push him harder. He's the example. If everyone else is high school. "I'm healthy as a horse now.'
Are you a success story? Take a look at the questions in today's feature. Send us your answers with your name, age, city and a bit about what motivated you, whether it be a book, a look, a sermon or a pro. Before-and-after pictures are required. Reach us at (757) 446-2332 or pilot.fitness@ pilotonline.com.
