MySportsClubs | Tiger's Blog

September 15, 2006

My feeling is that surgery is the only way I’m going to lose weight. Gyms and exercise aren't for me anymore. This may be my last chance. No matter what, I will need to lose the weight to better my quality of life!

September 23 starting mark: 322 pounds goal: lose 42 pounds

I was feeling really down. The surgeon says no surgery until I lose at least 40 pounds. I don't know if I can. Boston Sports Clubs called offering to help—not only with a membership, but also the use of a personal trainer. I’ve decided to take them up on their offer.

I went into the gym and felt very intimidated…then I met my trainer, Jed Cronin. We talked a lot and I noticed he was a very muscular guy. While discussing the next steps, I turned to Jed and said, "Hey, I'm not looking to end up like you, I’m just looking to lose some weight and get ready for surgery." Jed said he could help. He asked me what I would most like to be able to do. “A sit-up”, I responded. We walked around and talked some more, then I agreed to set up some appointments with him to workout. I know inside that I have to do this and do it right.

October 5 weight: 305 pounds total loss: 17 pounds

I have started seeing a nutritionist and am working out 4-5 days a week. I feel like I'm training for a new Rocky movie. Jed must really believe in me because he’ll ask me to do different workouts and exercises I didn't think I could.

My mind is really playing tricks on me at this point. It's telling me that I'm hungry even when I know I'm not. This weekend is my 11th anniversary and I'm going to Disney. I have a lot of fears. Will I workout? Will I cheat? What will I eat? I have so many uncertainties right now. During my last workout before leaving, Jed said I could call him if I needed to. I am losing weight and don't want to jeopardize the road that I'm on. My mind is still fighting me on a lot of issues. But I tell myself, ‘the prize will be at 280, then I can get the surgery’.

October 13 weight: 303 pounds total loss: 19 pounds

I made it! I survived my anniversary and lost more weight. When my wife and friends went to Cinnabon, I went for a walk. Yeah, I was angry, but why shouldn't they enjoy themselves? I'm the one on a diet. It's my own fault. That's how I feel.

I worked out with Jed the last few days and am starting to get a whole new attitude. I feel myself progressing and actually liking the gym and the workouts. I even worked out in Florida and stuck to my diet. I really can't believe how much I am able to keep my mind on track. And it's finally starting to show.

Jed is becoming a real friend, too. He is very encouraging and is always letting me know that I'm doing a great job. My wife, who is going to start a weight loss program, is also excited about my weight loss. But anytime my mind tries to get me to cheat, I just think of my 4 kids—that's who I'd really be cheating.

October 27 weight: 293 pounds total loss: 29 pounds

I love working out now. The pounds are coming off and my self-esteem is going up. My wife is even going to the gym every day too.

I have another test that is scaring me…Halloween. I am scared of all that candy. And with four kids, there’s guaranteed be a lot of it too. I will have to try my best to resist it. That will be really hard because I love candy and sweets. Jed thinks I will be fine, letting me know he will be there to pick me up if I fall. He fills me with positive energy.

My wife is doing everything she can to make life easier as well. She gets up every morning at 6 to get my breakfast and lunch ready. That cuts down a lot of choices that I would otherwise have to make on my own. I am eating better and feeling great. Let's just get through Halloween and I know I can get through anything!

November 3 weight: 289 pounds total loss: 33 pounds

Halloween was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I looked at all of that candy covering the entire couch and really didn't want any of it. My mind is fully onboard now and it's all about making healthy choices and exercising regularly.

I’ve decided to adopt The Eye of the Tiger as my new anthem.

Jed has actually had to tell me to take a few days off to rest my aching muscles. He knows what he's talking about so I’ll listen. He thinks that maybe I can do this on my own—through diet and exercise. He told me that surgery isn't my only option. I was shocked that he said this. “Forget the surgery and let's do it in here”, Jed said. Inside my mind raced, “What if the old Tiger comes back? What if I'm not rid of my old habits?” I was definitely still scared inside, but I love this whole new me. I love working out. It makes me feel good inside. I like the people in the gym. Everyone’s in here with the same purpose: to live a better and healthier lifestyle. I am actually getting it now. Not a diet or routine, but lifestyle.

I am almost at my 60 days. Someone once told me that it takes 60 days to change a habit, and I am almost there. I am becoming a believer. My kids, family and friends are all so proud of my efforts. Can I really do this without surgery?

* Goal Reached!

November 17 weight: 279 pounds total loss: 43 pounds

Why did it take me 34 years to finally get it? That's what I keep asking myself, over and over. I now keep a picture of me at 330+ pounds in my gym bag and I never want to see that guy again! I am a day away from 60 days and I feel great. My blood levels are all perfect and that's without the help of medications. I am medication free! And I am truly happy with my physical appearance.

Jed is amazing. Funny how well he knows me in such a short time. He even knows to block my view of the clock when we're working out, saying, "we're on Jed Time now, and that's the only clock that matters!" I love it when he miscounts by one or two and I continue the routine. He’ll say "why the extra?" Then I respond, “You miscounted—but I'd only be cheating myself." I think that amazes him. I'm not looking for shortcuts or the easy way out.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I can't wait. I am thinking of healthier ways to cook our food.

I’ve been getting a lot of pressure from everyone now not to have the surgery. Even Mayor Menino said I’d appreciate it more if I did it through hard work and sweat. When Jed asked, I told him that if I make through Thanksgiving all right, the idea of surgery might be done.

I now want to do it in here, in the gym. I want to earn it. I’m feeling confident. It's a whole new Tiger. A better Tiger. A healthier Tiger.

November 30 weight: 274 pounds total loss: 48 pounds

Well, I made it through Thanksgiving with flying colors. I even worked out for two solid hours that morning on the treadmill and elliptical machines.

I’ve lost 3 pounds since Thanksgiving morning. Was it easy? Not really—not only did I have one Thanksgiving dinner to get through…but two. My sister, Michelle, had another dinner at her house. She called and asked how I would like the food prepared so I could enjoy it more. Very thoughtful if you ask me!

Last week had a lot of stress, other than food. On Sunday a car struck our dog, Ellie. While making sure the dog was okay, my daughter, Hannah, was bit in the face, requiring 12 stitches and plastic surgery. All ended just fine with her and the dog, and it’s especially nice to know that when I am falling onto hard times, food isn't being used as a crutch. I now turn to exercise to get out my frustrations.

I also made a decision this past week not to have gastric bypass surgery, but to lose the weight through exercise and diet. I rely heavily on the advice of my wife and my trainer Jed Cronin. Each push helps. Let's see what next week brings!

December 7 weight: 270 pounds total loss: 52 pounds

Today is a great day. I’ve set my goals at 10 pounds at a time and I’m making great strides in accomplishing my overall goal. I can't wait until I actually see the scale read in the 260's!

Jed had me workout with weights this week. I haven't touched a weight since high school. It was absolutely amazing that I could do it again. My confidence is building more and more everyday. The staff at Boston Sports Club in the South End does a great job of interacting with its members in a positive and encouraging way. They all make you want to take it to the next level, and they make you feel like you can.

My wife tells me I'm a new person—a healthier person, and I am excited to get back into the gym. I never thought I'd hear myself saying this, but I am. I say it every day! I have so many positive influences in my life right now and I love it.

December 14 weight: 267 pounds total loss: 55 pounds

I had a lot of fun over the past week. I learned some new math too: husband + wife + trainer = a really fun workout routine (that is also very competitive)! My wife is in the gym 4-5 days a week and Jed has taught us some things we can do together. It's nice to be able to workout as family.

As I watched the Biggest Loser, I noticed that when they left the ranch, the contestants had trouble developing a new support team. I have a great support team behind me. Friends, family and people I don't even know are encouraging me to stay motivated.

Tuesday I participated in a Sports Conditioning class. Rob Wood, who I always called “The Crazy Guy With A Whistle”, ran the class. I couldn't believe that I was actually running at full speed again. I was nervous about trying this. People in the class knew I was new and really made me feel welcomed. Even when I felt like my body couldn't take anymore, Rob and the others pushed me and helped me fight through the whole workout.

At the gym last night, I was introduced to a man that looked just like I did in the beginning. I know exactly where he’s coming from. And I told him that I still keep a photo of myself in my gym bag of when I weighed over 330 pounds as a reminder to never quit. But the people here at gym wont let me quit either. When they see someone struggling, they offer advice and words of encouragement. The managers should be proud of their staff.

December 28 weight: 259 pounds total loss: 63 pounds

When I woke up today, I really didn't know what to expect when I stepped on the scale. To my surprise, I've crossed back into the 250's. I haven't been at this weight since high school. I weighed myself again 4 times to make sure it was right!

With Christmas and all, this had to have been my hardest week since the beginning. All those sweets and junk food. I worked extra hard to make sure I didn't gain. I jumped into another Sports Conditioning class with Rob Wood. There was a lot more running than before. Again, a lot of the people in the class were encouraging me and cheering me on. I tell you this — that makes all the difference in the world. This makes the sore muscles the next day very much worth it.

With Jed away, my wife stepped right in for a very intense workout on Wednesday. I worked out for 2 solid hours on Sunday with my new friend Kevin from Holbrook. I think you work a lot harder when you workout with someone else. You push each other and encourage each other.

I am looking forward to the new Rock the Scales challenge at the gym. I think losing 1-2 pounds a week is healthy. I'd love it to be more of course, but so long as I keep losing, I'll take it. I still keep that old photo of me in my gym bag as a reminder. And now I keep my last 10 years worth of work ID's in there as well. I hope I never see that guy again. With the lifestyle I'm living now, I'm kind of figuring I won’t! But I still am just taking it one day at a time.

January 4, 2007 weight: 259 pounds total loss: 63 pounds

I am still at 259lbs. and it doesn't bother me one bit that I stayed the same. Jed told me that as I build up muscle mass, there would be times that my body weight will not drop. He also told me to judge my body not by what the scale reads every week, but how my clothes are fitting. This was great advice because up until he told me this, I was scale addicted. I would check my weight 2-3 times a day. Now maybe 2-3 times a week. I have increased my protein intake to help my body recover faster after workouts. This was also suggested by Jed and is also working well. I am definitely sore the day after I workout, but my body is still ready to go again.

The weekends are a great time to hit the gym. It's a little quieter and I really have no excuse to not be able to make time to get there. I really focus on stretching my body out and doing more cardio on the weekends. I am looking forward to the Rock the Scales Challenge. It creates a new challenge for me. My wife is also losing weight and working out together is really fun. We are really enjoying this new lifestyle.

January 11 weight: 254 pounds total loss: 68 pounds

Today is a great day. I weighed in at 254. I was nervous about getting on the scales today. Part of me thought I might stay the same again. A lot of people ask me about dieting. But I have to say, they ask me more about exercise. Dieting is great, but without exercise, dieting alone wont cut it.

My wife has now adopted the XpressLine as her number one choice of machinery in the gym. It's a faster way to get through and get a great workout. I am going the old fashion way. I am using free weights with a lot of stretching and bending exercises. We both love the elliptical machines, but I have now found that the arch trainers are much more tiring and burn a lot more calories in less time. My wife lost 2 more pounds this past week. I was able to drop 5. I am excited to get back into the gym.

We are buying and using new cookbooks to prepare our meals. I am still able to eat out. I really enjoy getting fish more now than ever before. I like the salmon, scrod, haddock and scallops. My favorite is still the Tiger salad at Dominic’s in Dorchester. I always get salad and veggies.

‘Workout and eat well’ is my new motto in 07! Can't wait to get back to the gym again today and hit the weights! This is a whole new Tiger.

January 25 weight: 249 pounds total loss: 73 pounds

I am down to 249...finally under that 250-pound mark. I learned a lot about my body over the last week. By last Thursday's workout, I was completely exhausted. My body had nothing left. Jed told me that the body needs rest as much as exercise, and that I may have pushed myself a little too hard. So I took two days off and went back to the gym on Sunday.

What a workout I had on Sunday! My body was totally refreshed. A tired body is no good in the gym because you are not maximizing your workout. I've also learned to channel positive energy into my workouts. Whether it is something Jed says or listening to the right song, I am always looking for that positive edge that gives me more drive. I was finally able to beat my wife in the BOSU Tug-of-War. I used more of my balance than my strength.

I see a lot of people going on diets now in the New Year. Diets are great, but without exercise, I really feel like they are not going to get the results they want. I've also learned a little more about my diet. I'm now avoiding fruit during the evening hours and adding even more protein to help burn fat and build muscle. I'm learning new recipes and making more meals at home. Fish is starting to become a major part of my diet.

A lot of my friends are now telling me how good I look. Everything is starting to get way too big on me now. I went out and bought some more form-fitting jeans today. None of this would be possible without going to the gym. My sights are set on 240 now. I can't wait until I get there. And I will get there!

February 1 weight: 247 pounds total loss: 75 pounds

Down to 247 today. I am extremely happy that I am still losing weight. A lot of people have been asking where I find the time for the gym and how long my workout sessions last? My answer is simple. You have to make time for the gym. I am lucky to have a wife that makes sure I have the time. It's also great that BSC offers daycare while you work out.

My workouts last from 60 to 90 minutes each time. I alternate which parts of the body I work. Tuesdays are always core. Wednesdays are legs. Thursdays are arms, chest and back. And Sundays are a combination of the other three days.

Sundays are a great test to see exactly what I've learned and if I have the drive and discipline to do it on my own. Everyday I do a cardio workout, either on the elliptical or the arch trainer. I also use the treadmill to warm up and the stair master to push my stamina. Still, when my wife asks what I do in the gym, my answer is "Whatever Jed Tells Me To Do!" The one thing that keeps me really motivated is the positive comments from my kids. As we all know, kids are brutally honest!

February 15 weight: 244 pounds total loss: 78 pounds

The scale read 244 this morning and I couldn't be happier. I can just see the 230's and can't wait until I get there. One-to-two pounds a week is fine by me. It took me 34 years to try to destroy my body, and the Boston Sports Clubs has helped me put it back together in just over 4 months. But we're still not done.

A popular question people ask is where do I want to end up? I'm really not sure. I set my goals in small increments so they are obtainable for me. My original goal was to get down to 250 lbs. Now I would like to get down to at least 209. Even just for a day! That number has a personal significance to me.

The last two weeks have been a lot of fun. I worked out with my friend Lenny Clarke. Lenny has lost 120 pounds. He also did it through exercise. I was a little embarrassed though when he saw my wife beat on the BOSU tug-o-war 2 out of 3 times. I know Jed gets a kick out that.

My wife has lost 31 pounds and is in the gym 3-4 times a week too. Our doctor's office is calling us their 'incredibly shrinking couple'. I say it's great that we're doing it together. Sometimes I wonder if Jed knows that he's also acting as marriage counselor? He gives us things to do that are fun and competitive. But what makes it so much fun is that he's never judgmental. You can be doing something completely wrong, and he finds a positive way to correct you and keep you on that mental high to push yourself harder. That's what all the trainers do at the Boston Sports Clubs.

My waist has gone from a 54 to a 42. My neck has gone from a 22½ to an 18. And my rings now have guards to keep them on my fingers. I love to run into people that haven't seen me in a while. Just the expressions on their faces tell me where I was and where I am. I feel like I've earned every pound and every inch the right way. That's what keeps me fired up, that feeling of self-appreciation and confidence in my physical abilities. I had lost that for a long time and I never want to lose it again.

March 3 weight: 241 pounds total loss: 81 pounds

I am now down to 241 pounds. It is still coming off and muscle mass is growing. All of the time and energy I am using in the gym is really paying off. I have never ran a day in my life and now I'm training for a 5K road race on March 18th. This absolutely amazes me. Some of the Boston Marathon's local runners, Jack Doherty, Tom McDonough, and Owen Judge, all of the L St. Running Club, are helping me with this new task. We are going to run 4 miles this weekend. We'll have to see how I do. And the answer is no. Jed Cronin is not cheering me on…that’s because he will be running this race with me.

This isn't the only cool thing — I've actually pulled the old ice skates out of the basement and took my family ice-skating. To me, that was getting another piece of my life back. I even took it a step further by actually skating in a hockey game with my friends. The only lousy part is when I got really fat, I gave away all of my equipment. Why you may ask? Because I never thought I would ever be able to do any of this stuff ever again. The best part was I was in great condition and never got too winded and was able to keep up with the play. That definitely comes from all of those hours on the elliptical machine and the arch trainer.

Going to Boston Sports Clubs has really changed my life in ways that are indescribable. It has brought back my self-confidence. I'm still taking baby steps and I feel like a kid again. The weight loss and training also make me look years younger. My brother Mike is 11 years older than me and at 330 pounds, everyone thought I was older than him. Now everyone finally sees that I am the younger brother. That's one of the biggest compliments I get is that I look years younger. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The wife is hanging in there too. Kristin is now down 34 pounds. The two of us are looking forward to the summer now. It used to be for the cookouts, but now it will be for the physical activities.

March 8 weight: 238 pounds total loss: 84 pounds

I am now in uncharted territory, down to 238 pounds. The 230's are great, but I'm already focused on getting into the 220's.

I'm starting to get into the whole running thing now as I prepare for my 5K road race in Somerville on March 18th. Jack Doherty has me thinking that I may be ready to run the Boston Marathon next year. In the past I would have said never, but now, Jed has me thinking that anything is possible. All his lessons are paying huge dividends for me. It is very important to not only stretch out and roll before working out, but also after. The Sports Conditioning Classes have made it so I can control my breathing when I'm running long distances and playing hockey.

I often find myself using the stairs instead of elevators, because even the little things can make a big difference. I will be logging extra time on the arch trainer and the elliptical machines this week, as my competitive nature is once again starting to take over. I don't just want to finish the race, I want to finish in a respectable time. I am very excited and very fired up. I will put all of that into my workouts this upcoming week!

March 15 weight: 235 pounds total loss: 87 pounds

I am happy to say that I am down to 235 pounds. Just when I thought my weight was leveling off, I am losing again. Once again, Jed was right when he told me the body would do this.

I am running the Ras Na Heireann Road Race this Sunday in Somerville's Davis Square at 11am. I am dedicating this race to my cousin Robert Czarniak who is in the United States Army and currently stationed in Iraq. I will also be wearing my new Team Tiger BSC shirt with my Autism Speaks logo on it. I am not running alone either. My friends John Meaney, Wilbur Brown, my cousin Scott Czarniak, and Jed Cronin are all running with me. I am not looking just to finish, but to finish in a respectable time. Run hard the entire race without taking a walking break. I never thought I would hear myself say it, but I am very excited to run this race.

There are a few some bumps in the road though. Last week I pulled a muscle in my lower back (bum area.) I am refusing to let this get in the way of my progress. The good thing is that BSC offers massage therapy. I now know that the body recovers faster with the assistance of massage therapy. I have to agree.

Even with my injury, I never missed a beat and was still shed a few pounds. I was still able to get out and run, and also stay on the elliptical and arch trainer all week. I find it very rewarding to work up such a sweat…and Jed knows how to make that happen. That's why I always rely on the advice of the trainers at BSC. They definitely know a lot more than I do, but I am still learning.

March 29 weight: 232 pounds total loss: 90 pounds

I'm now at 232 pounds. I even survived eating two boiled dinners over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Still no gain, which tells me that my exercise is really paying off.

I also ran the road race in 33 minutes and 48 seconds, just under 11-minute miles. I never stopped running. I felt great when it was over and I got my finisher's medal. This would have never been possible with the help of others. That is why I am excited about doing my first ever Meet and Greet at the Watertown Boston Sports Club this Saturday at 11am. I feel like I have a lot of useful information that might be able to help people. I'm sure that a lot of people out there feel the way that I did back in the beginning. I know I can help ease those fears from what I have learned so far, and yes I'm still learning. But as usual, I'm not doing this alone. Jed will be coming with me to pass on his knowledge from his side of things.

I've come a long way and I am continuing to go further. I have gotten a second chance at life and I never want to give it back. One major lesson I've learned is getting the mind on board. Once you have the mind on board, you can accomplish anything. I hope I can help people in changing their minds for the better. I know if I can do it, then you can do it. And yes, you can do it!

April 12 weight: 229 pounds total loss: 93 pounds

I've done it. I've finally cracked the 220's. I am 229 as of this morning. One pound at a time and one day at a time, that's how I'm doing it.

Jed has also intensified our workouts. It is getting tougher, but at the same time, much more rewarding for me inside. Things I couldn't do 6 months ago our now part of my regular routine. My wife is right on track too, as she is now down 37 pounds. We are both seeing our doctor regularly and all of numbers keep coming in perfect. When I say numbers, I am talking about blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and of course of weight.

On Tuesday at the Boston Red Sox opening day, I saw people that haven't seen me since last October. It was great to see that a lot of them didn't even recognize me. Even when I was right up close to folks that have known me for well over 10 years, it still took a double-take to figure out it was really me. It was another great challenge for me to be around all of the food at the ballpark that I was so used to eating. But unlike years past, my body wasn't craving it. I still enjoyed all of the smells, without the calories. My own baseball season has also started. What a difference for me to actually chase the ball and run full speed again. These are things I've really missed.

Everyone keeps asking me what my goal is. To be honest, it changes every day. One goal is make sure I pay attention to my diet and exercise for the rest of my life! And by no means am I starving myself through all of this. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm hungry a lot. I can still eat anything I want. I just know that certain food I may choose to eat may cost me more time on the Arch Trainer in the end. I have also learned that it's OK to have anything in moderation so long as I'm willing to put the time in at the gym to help take it off. But like I've said all along, I'm still learning.

May 10 weight: 220 pounds total loss: 102 pounds

I'm now at 220 pounds. The thought of actually being under 220 has never really crossed my mind. I didn't think it was possible. Now I want to get under 210. After passing the 222 mark, I feel like a little pressure has been lifted. That weight, I thought would take me a little longer than it did.

My lifestyle now is so much different than it was back in September of 2006. I eat what I want again, but I make better choices of what foods I allow myself to eat. Fish, chicken and salads are my foods of choice and always high-protein and less fat. One big question that everyone seems to ask me is, "Are you always hungry?" My answer is "No, never." The best thing that Jed has taught me is that the body is like a furnace, and it needs fuel (food) to operate. So when I am hungry, I eat. I just don't overeat. What I eat, I burn up in the gym.

Exercise has been the biggest part of my success. During my whole process of losing weight, I have read a few of the best diet books. The one thing they all agree on is EXERCISE! I still haven't bottomed out yet either. I'm still losing. The reason I feel like I can keep the weight off is that I learned too much during all of this. There were no extreme measures ever taken, no starving myself, no surgery…just hard work and a lot of sweat! It has been a long education process and retraining of my brain.

One of the greatest parts of this has been the fact that my wife, Kristin, and I are doing this together. She is down 40 pounds and is still losing. Weight loss has greatly improved our quality of life. We go walking and enjoy a lot more physical activities together. We are even looking forward to trying to water-ski this summer. What we are doing will also benefit our children too. We have more energy to do things with them and they love it. I also know that, by my wife and I working together, we’ll set better examples for them. I'm sure we've added years onto our lives too. I am still in weight-loss mode. I haven't hit that ‘maintain mode’ just yet. So I will continue to do what I am doing.

I have noticed that Jed has intensified our workouts, which is fine by me. He is still filling my wife and I with nothing but positive feelings. He makes us feel like we can accomplish anything. Without him, none of this would have ever been possible. Without Boston Sports Clubs, my life would have gone in a completely different direction. For that, I am extremely grateful. Their staff is always so welcoming and encouraging to everyone. I visit several different BSC locations and they are always there to help you. I have gotten a second chance at life and I don't plan on giving it back!

On May 16th, I will be throwing out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox game. I'd love to say a perfect end to a perfect story, but I'm not done yet. What an honor for me to be able to represent the BSC in such an extraordinary event. This is every Bostonian's dream come true! This is something I will never forget. So look out Jed, because here I come! Under 210 is coming, I know I can get there!

June 1 weight: 216 pounds total loss: 106 pounds

Down to 216. Losing is now becoming a battle. I think I'm hitting that leveling off stage? Still, I always look forward to my time in the gym. I find the gym to be a very therapeutic place. Not just for me either, but also for my marriage. It is a place where I can go with my wife and get out some of that aggression and even be a little competitive with each other. It's nice of Jed to jump in and play referee for us. He has taught us so much that we can do when we're working out together too. I still hate the BOSU tug-of-wars, probably because I can't win, but I am always trying. I think we'll be jumping into a few of the out door sports conditioning classes with Rob Wood. I just haven;t told her yet! They look pretty fun and a definite hard work out. Between my wife and I, we are down over 150 lbs. combined. Our diets are very similar too. She follows Weight Watchers and I eat whatever I want. Not like before where I would gobble down sweets and fats, but now I eat a lot of high protein foods and low fat foods. I never thought I would see the day when I wasn't craving junk food, or when I would want to eat fish over steak, but that's how I am right now. Also a lot less carbs and a lot more of the greener veggies. Still, a lot of people ask me what my goal is? My answer is now this: "to never see that 300+ pound Tiger again, except in old pictures." My body is still adjusting to my physical changes as well. I can't take the cold like I used to and I'm not sweating at 60 degrees. I'm not finding myself out of breath anymore and I enjoy taking walks and using the stairs. I went from being a bench player - designated hitter on my baseball team, to a full time first baseman and a league leader (for now anyway,) in my baseball league. Feel free to take a peak at

www.mibl.net and you'll find me in the Liberty Division on the Eire Pub Athletics. I also recently played 39 innings in the 100 Inning Baseball Classic that benefits Curt's pitch for ALS. None of this was ever possible before. My body just wouldn't have allowed it. Thanks to Boston Sports Clubs, I am in the shape of my life.

June 15 weight: 216 pounds total loss: 106 pounds

I am at 214 pounds today. A long time ago, I had said I wanted to weigh less than Jed, even if it was just for a day. He was 210 when I said that and I felt as if I was closing in. He must have been feeling the pressure and stepped up his game. He was at 199 today. I am still going to work at catching him.

My wife had a kind of graduation day of her own. She actually participated in Rob Woods' Sports Conditioning Class. I thought this was awesome. This is an extremely tough and very inspiring class. It really tests your stamina and makes me think of my high school football camp. I always tell everyone that if you want to really test yourself, the Sports Conditioning Class is the way to go.

As the seasons change, a lot of people's diets will also change. I am finding that spring and summer are a little harder than winter and fall. Cookouts are going to be tough. I was always so used to eating everything in sight. I have already been to a few and was able to work off everything that I ate, but my stomach isn't what it once was either. It tells me when I'm eating food that it no longer agrees with! I wonder why it never did that before…but am happy it does it now! I am still convinced that no matter what I eat, going to the gym and exercising is crucial to a healthy and active lifestyle.

July 5 weight: 216 pounds total loss: 106 pounds

Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. I was hoping for later! I am at 216 pounds today. This is the first time I have gained weight throughout my entire journey. I'm not looking for a cliff to jump off of or a corner to hide in because it's just temporary.

It's been a tough last three weeks with a couple of great moments for me. The one I am most proud of is that my wife, Kristin, has now lost over 50 pounds! I am so proud of her and I know Jed is too.

As for me, grilling season is a tough one. I was able to attend the Phantom Gourmet's BBQ Beach Party and actually enjoyed a little bit of barbeque food. It seems that choices are a little harder to make when you're at a cookout. Not everyone stocks up on fish, fruit and salad. I eat in moderation at these events: one burger, one dog and not much more than that. This is a far cry from my old days when I wouldn't even think twice before eating three burgers, four hot dogs and whatever else I felt like having. I actually now prefer to eat foods that I know my body will use as fuel.

I am working out three times a week right now and am playing baseball and softball. I still always make time for the gym. I need it more now than ever if I want to be able to enjoy cookouts. Even though I gained two pounds, my waist size dropped down to a 36, and my upper body is getting larger. I think I'm starting to get muscles! I even fit in a size large t-shirt now! This is a long way from my 54-inch waist and my size XXXL t-shirts.

The one thing I still love the most are my kids telling me that they're proud of me. Not just me, but my wife too. I really feel like I chose the right path to walk down and plan on staying on it and remaining focused. On Tuesday I will be having dinner with Mayor Menino. I may even order dessert. He has been very supportive of my efforts too. I think I'll try talking him into trying a few sessions with Jed and I…it would be fun!

August 3 weight: 214 pounds total loss: 108 pounds

I am at 214 pounds today. Still trying to get under that 210 pound mark, but it is becoming tough. I broke some ribs playing baseball, so my workouts will be on hold for while. I’m still doing some cardio to try and maintain my current weight. With my new muscle gain has come a slower weight loss, but I judge my body on how my clothes fit and not by what the scale reads. I still maintain a high protein and low fat diet. This is what my mind is now trained to do. I no longer crave the sugar my body once did and I even allow myself a dessert once in a while. Everything in moderation is what I say now.

I am getting ready for a two-week vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee. I think the new me will do a lot more this year than ever before. I plan on taking long walks, lots of swimming and kayaking around the lake. I hope my broken ribs won't put a damper on my plans to try waterskiing. This type of stuff was never possible before. Years past were very lazy vacations. I look forward to being a lot more active with my kids.

I must admit that the summer has been a lot harder on the diet plans! So many cookouts and barbeques, but I've been able to fight off the temptations and stick with the plans. I still have that occasional cheeseburger or hot dog, just not the 3-4 of each I would've had before. And to be honest, I really don't miss it either.

August 31 weight: 221 pounds total loss: 115 pounds

For the first time in all of this, I have gained weight. I weighed in today at 221 pounds. Now I'm not jumping out of any windows or getting angry with myself, but I will look to get it off.

When I returned from vacation I was actually at 226 pounds. I hadn't worked out in over 3 weeks due to my vacation and a healing body. I would like to say I splurged and ate everything I wanted to on vacation, but I didn't. I tried to eat fast food a couple of times but it made me feel really lousy. I found turkey burgers, turkey hotdogs, fish and even bison meat to be my new food of choice.

I was really nervous to get back to the gym too. I was curious to see if Jed would be upset. It was just the opposite. He was psyched to see me. He told me not to worry about the weight and we would work it off. Boy, oh boy, did we ever! The first workout Jed took no mercy as we did legs. It almost felt like we took a huge step backwards. Things that were so easy just weeks ago, were now a struggle. Jed just kept encouraging me and telling me that my body would respond faster this time. The following workout we did arms, chest and back. My body was sore all over again. It took two days of rolling out my muscles to get them to stop hurting. And what a sweat in both workouts! I love the feeling inside when you work up a good sweat. It definitely lets you know you are working your body hard.

Now I thought I had a very active vacation. As a matter of fact, I had the best vacation of my life! I went kayaking every day. I went hiking, rock-climbing, swimming, running, biking and water skiing. Although my ribs were sore, I was sticking to my plan of doing the things I always wanted to do. My kids had a great time seeing their dad be a lot more active. I even built fires for them at night to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. I took them to all of the amusement parks and this year I could fit on all of the rides! In years past by the end of vacation, I was ready to get home and back to regular everyday life. This year I felt like my vacation had not lasted long enough! I am now looking forward to my next vacation in October on my anniversary. I may even have something this year at Cinnabon? At least it's a maybe.

With everything I now do, I try to learn something. This vacation, I learned that even diet is not enough. Without my regular trips to the gym, cardio and following a training schedule, the weight will return and return quickly. And I know I'm not looking to let that happen to me.

Tiger working out with comedian

Lenny Clarke.

Tiger with comedian Lenny Clarke.

Tiger with his trainer Jed Cronin

at Boston Sports Clubs.