Robert LeMaster, a Stafford County resident, has lost nearly 170 pounds in a little over a year. Diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, LeMaster, decided in April 2010 that he needed to lose the weight. He knew that his health depended on it.

He wanted to be around for his children and future grandchildren. LeMaster explained, “Family and healthcare are good motivators. I wanted to get my diabetes under control and get off the meds; I needed to lose the weight to do that.”

So, LeMaster headed off to Stafford Sport & Health. There, he initially focused on riding a stationary bike for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Later, he began to ride the elliptical machine for 90 minutes at a time.

From Oct. 10 to Dec. 10, LeMaster participated in the Sport&Health Spare Tire Removal In Progress (S.T.R.I.P.) initiative — a program where each participant strives to lose 5 percent of their total body weight and those who reach the goal get prizes. He lost 26 pounds in that period of time.

LeMaster hasn’t stopped there. He still works out six days a week. He feels better since shedding the pounds.

LeMaster said he felt it was a “liberating experience.”

He laughed as he said “my wallet likes it better too.”

Such a drastic change has caused his whole lifestyle to alter. He said, “A classic meal for me before was a 12-inch steak and cheese sub with mozzarella sticks. Now it’s a four-ounce piece of chicken, broccoli and a sweet potato.”

LeMaster said he never denied himself something. At least once or twice a month he will have what he calls a “blowout meal.”

While leading a healthier lifestyle, he tracks every calorie and has educated himself about the different aspects of food and food labels. He also found a new workout partner, Michael LeMaster, his son.
 
The two do different walking exercises. They even go to Kings Dominion and walk around the park.

Robert LeMaster gives the credit to the support of his family, to Stafford Sport&Health and to his determination. He said he got “plenty of support” and made himself accountable, with a “No excuses, get it done” attitude.