Client Spotlight

The Fit Solution

Client Spotlight: Marc Porow
120 lbs. and Still Losing!

Maybe you would assume at first sight that the 6- foot-6 gentleman was an all-pro offensive lineman gearing up for this year's training camp....or if you knew him a little better you would know him as "The Legend" part of an influental christian hip hop duo. Sit down and have a conversation with him and beyond his commanding presence and stature you will notice a genuine niceness and a heart of gold. Today we are not focusing on the fact that he is a Sr. Financial Analyst for a large government contractor and a CPA candidate with a Bachelor's in Accounting from the University of Virginia, but the focus is on his outstanding weight (body fat) loss accomplishment.

Mark has currently lost 120 lbs and is still striving for his goal. He loves spending time with his girlfriend and sports. Make no mistake improving his fitness is a top priority but as a new pastor Marc has even greater aspirations.

I sat down to ask Marc a few questions about his fitness and success. I hope you will be inspired.

Why did you start a fitness plan? What motivated you at the start? I knew I had to try something different in order to get in shape and be healthy. I have been "overweight" since I was 7 years old and tried losing on my own. I knew I needed help; however, I didn't want surgery. I personally wanted the satisfaction of working off the excess weight (body fat).

What motivates you most now? The future. I want to grow old surrounded by my wife and family as well as have a huge, lasting impact in my ministry. I can't do all of that if I am unhealthy and cutting years off of my life.

What did you see as the common "pitfalls" or obstacles in this fitness journey? My biggest pitfall is my schedule. My second biggest pitfall is eating right, which ties into the first. Since I stay busy, I have to make concerted efforts to consistently work out and make better choices when eating out.

Did being in the process of becoming a pastor have anything to do with your fitness quest? If so, how? Yes. Being a minister, I know that God has a lot of work for me to do in the future. God commands us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to Him (Romans 12:1), and I wasn't giving Him a good sacrifice with the body I had. If I didn't get healthy, I'd die quicker than I should have, thereby depriving people in my latter years of God's work through me.

After losing over 100lbs. what major differences do you see or feel? Be specific. I see and feel major differences. I have lost many inches all over my body. I need an entirely new wardrobe because I am "swimming" in most of my clothes. I have much more energy. My sleep is more restful. I have much more stamina. And I'm still not done.

What have been the social consequences of you losing this weight so far? Is there any change in peoples reaction to you? I've had so many other changes happen to me at the same time that it's hard to differentiate what is attributed to weight (body fat) loss. However, I can say that I have gotten many compliments on the weight (body fat) loss and requests for my "secret." I also feel normal. Being morbidly obese in the past, I didn't feel like I fit in with society. I will always be a big, solid guy so I will always stand out, but now it's because of my height and budding physique and not a bunch of excess weight (body fat).

What would you say to encourage or motivate others to get the same results you are receiving? There is no secret to losing weight (body fat). All it takes is implementing discipline daily by following the advice that experts have been preaching for years such as: exercise, eat right, and don't eat too close to bedtime. It's well worth the work.

How did The Fit Solution specifically help you with your fitness goals? The Fit Solution has been a blessing to my life. The weight training program, food tracking and nutritional info and the personal encouragement and accountability have been paramount to my recent success and I have no doubt that I will achieve my ultimate goals.

When you reach your fitness goal what new things do you envision happening? I envision a much healthier, longer life. If time permits, I may play softball more or take up martial arts as a way to maintain my body.

Weight Training:

We offer a wide variety of high quality weights and exercise systems through our health club affiliates (and coming soon!!...downtown Silver Spring Studio), including both free weights and weight machines. Our weight room also includes efficient abdominal weight machines and benches.

Cardio Training:

The Fit Solution’s cardio training affiliate facilities are second to none. Bikes, steppers, treadmills and elliptical trainers - we have access to machines to fit all your cardio needs.

State-of the-Art Clinical Fitness Testing:

Resting Metabolism Analysis and VO2 Max Cardiovascular Testing are offered exclusively for The FitSolution clients. All of our consultants are highly qualified and can create effective custom designed fitness programs from the test results.