Michael's Story: Learning to Make Exercise a Priority

Throughout his life, Michael Brittain always had a love for food. But after stepping on the scale at his heaviest of 275 pounds, the Austin, Texas, native knew he needed to change. Looking for a solution, Michael dusted off the Bowflex TreadClimber^® he had been using as a clothing rack. Starting out, he committed to using the machine every day, walking for 10 to 15 minutes. Weight started coming off, and soon, he was using it for 45 to 60 minutes a day. In just eight months, Michael lost 100 pounds and has kept it off since.

Exercise is now a staple in Michael's daily routine. His fitness regimen includes lifting weights and using the TreadClimber at home, as well as going to the gym a few times a week. Michael shared with us his inspirational story of how he learned to make exercise a priority:

What continues to motivate you?

Michael: "Seeing people I haven't seen for years, and they are like, 'Oh my god.' I still strive to get in better shape. In the past three months, I've cut three percent of my body fat. Thinking about where I want to go and what I want to do motivates me.

More importantly, my self-esteem has improved; but I still can see the person I was three years ago. That keeps me motivated and I never want to be there again."

What are the biggest changes you've seen in your life, body, health, etc.?

"Being a guy who's over 40, but I act like a guy who is in his late 20s or early 30s. I'm fighting the age thing."

Besides the changes you described, what did you gain?

"Fitness proved to me that I can do anything I set my mind to. It does improve self-esteem, it does improve confidence. The confidence doesn't come overnight; it's kind of a gradual process. Four years ago, I wouldn't be caught dead walking around outside without a shirt on. Now that doesn't bother me."

What would be your advice for someone who is just starting out?

"The one thing I've had the most success with is scheduling stuff around my workout time. I don't need to try to find time for a workout. I like working out in the morning, but if I happen to miss a morning and I am supposed to go out that night, I go home, work out and then go out. I've made it part of my daily routine."

What does fitness mean to you?

"It's inevitable that we're getting older, and I want to live a long time and be productive. I don't want to be hampered by a broken body. I think fitness is about being healthy to prolong our lives."

See more of Michael's story in this video: