DAN – AGE 65
When Dan decided to make a lifestyle change, he started working out and eating low-fat foods, but Dan’s weight, at over 300 pounds, didn’t budge. That’s when Dan made an appointment with Elin.
“I made an appointment with Elin Kanchev to give me an introduction to the weights and exercise machines. He carefully pointed out what each machine was for and described the safe way to use it. In the end, he said the best way for me to correctly use the machines and build up a regular pattern of safe exercise was to hire a trainer for a few 30-minute sessions.”
After those first sessions, Dan realized he could do more, so, with Elin’s support, he quickly graduated to longer sessions.
“In the first few months of working with Elin, I lost little weight. I did feel better and did lose a few inches around my waist, but there was no dramatic downward movement in weight. That is when Elin began questioning me about my diet.”
Elin quickly realized Dan’s diet was part of the problem and helped Dan figure out the best way to approach food. For Dan, who mostly ate healthy, it was all about portion control and limiting treats.
“In the first 6-8 months of just using the cardio machines and the initial exercises with Elin with no major change in my diet, I lost 10 pounds. However, once we began a more disciplined exercise regime and once I began taking Elin’s diet recommendations, the weight loss rate increased. In the subsequent year, I shed an additional 41 pounds. All told, since the initial weighing February 2016 at 341 pounds, I lost about 90 pounds as of early February 2018. At the same time, I lost 12-14 inches in my waist. I should also add that my cholesterol levels and blood pressure have also dropped, much to the joy of my doctor. My triglyceride count went from 310 in November 2015 to 188 in June 2016 to 107 in November 2017. My next checkup is expected to be even better. At the same time, my blood pressure readings went from 138/84 in May 2016 to 120/71 in February 2018.
It is clear to me – and my doctor – that the exercise and diet regime I have with Elin is paying off.”
Dan says, “I must admit I was worried that getting a trainer meant having some muscle-bound person yell at me to do more push-ups or deep-knee bends. (And I have always hated calisthenics.) But I have seen the dramatic loss of weight (and girth) from paying attention to exercises and diet. I would not have the willpower to be as successful as I have been if it wasn’t for Elin’s constant encouragement.”
