Tim Leaman

NOTE: This transformation occurred from May 11, 2002 to December 28, 2002 (approx. 7 months). The differences in bodyweight is 237 pounds (before) and 227 pounds (after), thus suggesting the extent of both fat loss and muscle gain.

I grew up on fried potatoes, pop, and chocolate donuts. People in my family didn't exercise unless it was to stroll out on the porch to have a cigarette. When my dad was 63 he weighed over 300 pounds and died of multiple organ failure. At 48, I was well on my way to following him down that road.

I joined a gym in January of 2001 to get in shape and take off some weight. I went faithfully, three or four times a week, working out for 90 minutes or more at a time. Cardio! Weights! Cardio! Weights! I continued working out on my own until March, 2002, but all that work produced pitiful results. I was still thirty pounds overweight and no one who looked at me would think "There goes a physically fit man."

I met Brian Erickson (my fitness instructor, and I.A.R.T. Fitness Professional of the Year for two years in a row) quite by coincidence after being assigned as the technical engineer for a new radio show he was doing. I listened to every word, and started to realize this guy was talking about fitness in ways I had never thought: nutrition, supplements, hydration, recovery, and much more. He kept talking about the importance of working smarter rather than working harder (longer or more often). He had awards and recognition for his work as a personal trainer, and was a living advertisement for what he knew. I wanted to learn everything I could from him.

We began working out together at his workout studio. He not only showed me the "how" of effective training, but also gave me the "why." I came to understand why my year at the gym had accomplished so little. I learned how to get great results and how those results could be ongoing for the rest of my life.

One of the most fascinating things I learned about training with Brian was about slow twitch / fast twitch muscles fibers and how to improve muscle strength and endurance through testing and a specific type of training ­ a focus on time under tension (TUT). I wouldn't have believed how effective it was if I hadn't seen the numbers that showed the degree of improvement for myself. Since working with the TUT approach, my strength has increased steadily. My endurance has also become greater, as has my pain tolerance.

Not only has Brian imparted effective resistance training techniques and proper incorporation of cardio training to me, but also his knowledge of biochemical interactions and nutrition. Together, this has added up to fat loss, gain in lean muscle mass, overall improvement in health, and a better life. This is invaluable.

By the time this is posted (March 18, 2003) I will be fifty-one years old. Strange as it feels to say this: the truth is, I'm stronger now, and in better overall physical condition, than I was in my twenties. In fact, I'm healthier now than I've ever been. Brian's dedication to his profession has been my greatest inspiration. I am inspired to keep improving and to keep learning. As sure as the Sun will rise tomorrow, I know I will never go back to ignoring my body and my health. I will continue on this path of fitness for "me". I'd also like to be an inspiration to others who decide to give their bodies strength, endurance, and energy.