Meet our 3 soon-to-be fittest executives

In our Winter 2008 issue of BusinessQ, Gold’s Gym offered our readers a chance to shape up with a complimentary three-month membership and priceless guidance from the gym’s trainers. Nineteen people excitedly got on board, and BusinessQ will chart the progress of three of the participants.
Meet local executives Brent Fox, Terri Lawrence and Norm Wilkinson — and see their transformations in the upcoming Summer 2009 issue.

BRENT FOX
Company Wahoo Studios, Orem
Title Art Director
Age 38

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I have several heath issues the doctors tell me would improve if I got into better shape. I also would like to feel better about the way I look. Being tracked will provide that extra motivation to go to the gym on days I don’t feel like going.

What’s your fitness history?
It’s been well over 10 years since I’ve spent time in a gym for any significant period of time. I recently lost some weight by watching my diet and riding my bike, but I gained a lot of the weight back. I’m hoping that a combination of cardio exercise and strength training will provide even better results.

What’s your three-month goal?
I want to lose around 25 pounds. However, the exact amount of weight I lose isn’t as important to me as my overall level of fitness. If I miss my goal because I’ve gained muscle, I will be just as happy.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
When we first started working out I was really sore. It was obvious how out of shape I was. I don’t think there is much visible difference yet, but I can already do a lot more and I feel like I’m over the initial pain of starting. I now look forward to working out.

TERRI LAWRENCE
Company Utah County Attorney’s Office, Provo
Title Paralegal
Age 32

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I have been working out at home and haven’t seen results for more than a year. I wanted to see if going to a gym would make the difference.

What’s your fitness history?
I’m active at home, but I do have a very sedentary profession where I sit 90 percent of the time at a computer. I am able to get at least 10,000 steps a day, walk/jog on the treadmill at home and workout to fitness videos. But as for being a big gym-goer? I had never been in a Gold’s Gym before my assessment day.

What’s your three-month goal?
To look good and feel comfortable wearing a swimming suit.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
I haven’t seen any results in the past two weeks and my weight is still the same. I have tried to eat healthier also, but the drastic changes in my diet are not going well. I think cutting portion sizes and introducing smaller changes in nutrition is a better way to start. I have had stomach and leg cramps as well as headaches since I’ve started. My weight workouts seem to be great. I’ll just keep it up!

NORM WILKINSON
Company American Classifieds, Lindon
Title Publisher
Age 36

Why did you want to join
this fitness program?
I wanted some idea of how in the world to get in shape. I used to be a skinny guy, but after 14 years of marriage and four little girls, I fell out of the right habits. It got to the point where I had no idea where to start — and I knew I needed some direction.

What’s your fitness history?
I haven’t ever really been a gym-goer. I ran cross country in high school and used to swim, but I haven’t really done anything active since high school.

What’s your three-month goal?
To lose a whole heck of a lot of weight, and be on track to lose more weight. I also want to understand physical fitness better and build a foundation for a healthier life.

You’re two weeks in — how’s it going?
It’s been great. I’ve been going to the gym every day, and Mark Fuller at Gold’s Gym has walked me through a few workouts. I typically alternate between the weights and cardio. The hardest part is coming up with the time — between business and my girls, I usually end up going at 11 at night. The good news is I’ve already lost 10 pounds!

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