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Note from Chris: "Three years ago, Julie and I went to Acapulco for spring break. Every afternoon, we would have happy hour before supper. From our 23rd floor balcony overlooking the bay, Julie took this picture and called it, "Acapulco Happy Hour." I have always been disgusted by it. So this year, I knew we would have our daily happy hour on the deck. I looked forward to taking another picture called, "Ixtapa Happy Hour." Heres the before and after.

We received the picture above, along with a nice note including the photo description in the caption.

We knew you’d enjoy hearing more about Chris’s transformation journey, so we’ve asked him a few additional questions:

What motivated you to want to change and how did you choose Farrell’s?

 I’ve been overweight all my life with the exception of about a 6 year period in my early thirties.  At 48, my weight ballooned to over 300 lbs and I had high blood pressure.  I hated the way I looked in my clothes and out of them.  I was out of control.  I drive by the Ankeny Farrell’s North every day on my way to work  and it was always busy.  I have always had an interest in martial arts so I checked it out.   It looked like something I would like to do in terms of the physical aspects and the meal plan seemed very reasonable.

What surprised you during your first 10 week session?

 I was surprised by how fast I started losing weight and seeing a difference in my body.  I lost 38 pounds my first 10 weeks.  I started at 300 and I hadn’t seen 262 in a few years.  It was a blessing.  

How have your changes impacted the people around you in a positive way?

 As a high school principal in Ames, our staff and students have noticed a significant increase in my energy level and confidence.  I have encouraged quite a few colleagues to do Farrell’s and one became a trainer.  My wife and kids are all very proud of the transformation and they tell me they love to hear me talk about the many new physical things I do now that I have never done before.  Who would have thought the fat band kid who couldn’t make it around the track without stopping would run 5k races and fall in love with long runs on the beach in his bare feet?  Not me.  That’s for sure.  That’s why I thank God EVERY time I run.    

How has being fit and healthy changed your life in addition to being unashamed to pose for beach photos?

  Do not underestimate the significance of me being able to do that.  Throughout my life, being at the beach or the pool and having to take off my shirt was the most uncomfortable feeling ever.  The beach is one of my favorite places but being overweight ruined it for me.  I was so excited about standing by the pool or on the beach knowing that I would be comfortable without my shirt for the first time in my life, it’s unexplainable.  I am motivated to continue my constant workouts and eating right so in two years when my son and I go on a spring break trip for his college graduation, I plan to look good then too … at 51!  

Heres Chris before, after 10 weeks, and more recently!