Welcome to the FIT FILES. My name is Dan Marsee and I am the General Manager of TNT Fitness (soon to be called your Suwannee Health & Fitness). This is the first installment of a weekly column that we will be providing to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Lately many people have expressed concern for my health. Many have assumed that my extreme weight loss and appearance change had to be due to some type of illness. Well let me clear the air and say I am not sick (at least not physically).

The rapid changes that many of you saw was the result of preparing for my first bodybuilding show. Those that know me best probably thought I had lost my mind when I said I was going to do this show. Only one person believed I would make it and that was me. My training partners were even making bets as to when I would quit the diet because they know I love to eat.

In thirteen weeks I was able to completely change by body through proper nutrition, cardiovascular training, and weightlifting. When this journey started on Aug. 15, I was weighing in at 258 pounds and 25 percent body fat. Exactly 90 days later on Nov. 12 I weighed 181 pounds while being under 4% percent body fat. Most people that approached me said that I must be starving myself, but nothing could have been farther from the truth. Believe it or not, I ate every three hours for a total of six meals per day. I even got tired of eating and remember I love to eat. However, my days of stopping by fast food restaurants and eating late night ice cream were no more. I had to plan and teach myself to eat clean. No need to get into everything I ate right now, that can come later.

Another common question I got was you must have to run everyday. Well that is another fallacy, I actual did no running or jogging. Due to knee injury years ago long distance running or jogging are out of the question. For cardio, I simply walked on a treadmill. Resistance training (lifting weights) was a major factor as well. I lifted five days per week, and yes that was extreme and probably not completely necessary, but remember that I love to lift and my goal was to compete in a bodybuilding contest where muscle is graded.

Like most Americans I have an extremely busy lifestyle. I have two children (Ashtyn -10 years old and Mattilyn - a one-year old). Basically I have two full time jobs (one as a physical education teacher and one as a gym manager) . So time was a major factor. I had to plan for the days ahead and make time for training at least one hour a day and on cardio days an additional 30 minutes. I also had to prepare my food in advance and carry a lunch box with me everywhere. Time management are the things that cause people to fail more than any other thing. You just have to keep your goal in mind at all times.

Why am I starting off my column with an article like this? Simple, I want everyone to know that if a busy, overweight man that loves to eat and hates cardio can change into someone that steps on a stage in his underwear and not be ashamed, anyone can make a healthy physical change. While your goal and my goal may not necessarily be the same, they both revolve around becoming more healthy. Just make up your mind that this is something you really want, contact and surround yourself with people that can help. Without my support group I would have failed miserably. If I listed everyone that helped me this entire story would just be a list of names. They provided motivation, understanding, and knowledge.

I would be honored to help you attain your goals. Don't hesitate anymore just come see me at your Suwanneee Health and Fitness. Just remember: What the Mind Can Conceive the Body Can Achieve!!!