Michael MacLeod

My Wellness Journey

Michael MacLeod
Honors 10 English teacher
Stevenson High School

As someone who has managed to drop 100 pounds in six months, I guess it is no surprise that so many people in my building wondered if I was sick or if I had gotten a little work done on the side. What had actually happened was I turned 29, and realized that the only way I could only face 30 would be if I could at least console myself with being in the best shape of my life.

I have never really been that athletic. I enjoyed walking, but I never really worked out much. My brother is very slim, and my parents have always been in decent shape as well, so it's not as if my weight gain was really genetic. It also doesn't help that I am a pretty good cook, and worked at a restaurant for 5 years prior to becoming a teacher. Working in a kitchen at a slow restaurant mean lots of free time and lots of food. By the time I hit 29 I had reached over 300 lbs

The real wake-up call for me came when I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was topping out at 190/120. My doctor basically told me to get into shape, or die. For a while I really debated which one I was going to do, but since I still owed so much money on my mortgage I figured I better live long enough to at least pay it off : )

Fortunately for me my good friend Jordan Tasich, a fellow teacher, used to be a personal trainer. With his support and guidance I began a workout program, joined a gym, watched what I ate, and began to notice some big changes fast.

It has been hard work, but since Nov 1st I have dropped 100lbs, gone from a waist size of 46 to 32, and a shirt size of xxl to medium. It's been a hard struggle, but now I know that I can face 30 with no problem. Well, almost no problem. Alright, I'm still freaking out, but at least I look good doing it.
 :  )