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'You Are Worth The Time, Effort And Investment'

Photos courtesy of the Tobin family

Patricia Tobin credits her weight loss to personal trainer Brian Boulware.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 6, 2008

Patricia Tobin, 44, Tampa

Height: 5-foot-4

Starting weight: 186

Current weight: 133

Why I did it: There are many reasons I decided to get serious about getting fit, but first and foremost, I wanted to break my lifelong cycle of classic yo-yo dieting once and for all. I have struggled with weight issues for as long as I can remember. I was tired of having a closet full of clothes that didn't fit anymore. Additionally, I simply wanted to get healthy, increase my energy level and avoid a future of potential medical issues as a result of neglecting my health. As the mom of two teenagers, it was finally time in my life to make taking care of my health and fitness a priority.

How I did it: Along with following a healthy eating plan on Weight Watchers, I made the decision to join a gym to get in shape, and Lifestyle Family Fitness was the best option for me. After three months of working out on my own, I was getting frustrated that the weight was not coming off. One of the gym's certified personal trainers, Brian Boulware, offered his services. I was initially concerned (as most women are) about bulking up through weight training. Brian assured me this would not happen, and he has lived up to his word.

I had always assumed that personal trainers are for serious athletes, bodybuilders, and a luxury for the privileged few. Nothing could be further from the truth! Personal training can benefit anyone who has the desire to get serious about fitness.

Hurdles: The biggest hurdle I faced occurred before I got serious about including regular exercise as part of my routine. I had hit a weight-loss plateau and wasn't seeing significant progress. If it wasn't for Brian, I'd be going through the same monotonous exercises and not seeing the results I have today.

Our training sessions are uniquely customized to my needs, targeting different muscle groups by using a variety of free weights, resistance training, weight machines and cardio. This variety of exercises keeps me interested, focused on my goals, and makes every workout a challenge, providing me with a great sense of accomplishment when we're done.

Going the distance: I know I will always have to devote special attention to keeping my weight in check. I've learned that the combination of weight training, cardio exercise and healthy eating is crucial to attaining and maintaining my fitness goals. I plan to continue my personal training sessions in my ongoing journey to get and stay physically fit.

Best advice: First, invest in yourself. Busy moms tend to put everyone else first. You are worth the time, effort and investment.

Next, follow a balanced, healthful eating plan that can become a regular part of your lifestyle. And remember: nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

Finally, hire a personal trainer. The structure and discipline a trainer provides cannot be duplicated. A personal trainer is worth every penny.

Keyword: Lost It, to tell us about a weight-loss plan that works for you. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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