THE FITNESS EXPERT By John DeFendis

Life can be a struggle sometimes. Sure, we all have our day to day victories and successes, but we also struggle with lifes dissappointments and hardships. I have met many people who had gone through a tough time or tragic incident like the death of a loved one or an illness in the family or even a divorce. Because of the circumstances, they fell into a depression. The depression caused them to develop bad eating habits and they gained weight. Their weight skyrocketed out of control and they became obese. Depression is a common denominator in the development of obesity. It is important to take control of your life. If you are not happy, change your situation or strive to make things better. Learn to be happy and then set goals. If you want to lose weight and be healthier than start your program immediately. Do not wait for Monday to come around. Don't even wait for tommorow. Start NOW! You are responsible for your own destiny. Make things happen. Strive to be your best.
When I was a teenager I met a man named Bob Gruskin. He was a genious in Nutrition, Vitamin Supplements, and Exercise. He was compassionate and caring enough to look out for me and educate me in the field of Fitness and Nutrition. Because of this great man I am now able to reach out and help thousands of people lose weight and attain their health and fitness goals. I still look to Bob for inspiration and knowledge on a regular basis and I thank God that he entered my life when he did. If I could have half the impact on peoples lives that Bob had on mine then I will feel blessed. It is my goal to emulate him and I would like to start by sharing with you a poem that he gave me. I hope that it has the same effect on each of you as it did for me.

"Winners Are People like You"
Winners take chances.
They fear failing, but they don't give up.
When life gets rough, they hang in until the going gets better.
Winners know that they are not perfect.
They respect their weaknesses, while making the most of their strengths.
Winners fall, but they don't stay down.
Winners are positive thinkers who see good in all things.
From the ordinary, they make the extraordinary.
Winners believe in the path they have chosen,
Even when it is hard,
Even when others can't see where they are going.
You are your own greatest asset.
There is nothing you cannot do.
Winners are people like you.

Always believe in yourself and your goals and never give up. I am here to help whether it be a question about your Exercise or Nutrition Program or just to lend an ear. And I thank all of you for letting me share my experiences with you.
Your Coach & Friend,
John DeFendis (The Fitness Expert)
NOTE: JOHN DEFENDIS IS A CONTRIBUTING WRITER FOR THE FORUM NEWSPAPER. HE IS A FORMER MR. U.S.A. AND HAS BEEN FEATURED ON "ABC T.V.'S 20/20", "GOOD MORNING AMERICA", AND "THE JOAN RIVERS SHOW". HE HAS BEEN A TRAINER FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND IS THE DIRECTOR OF EXERCISE WITH THE IFPA. HE DEVELOPED THE BURN FAT BUILD MUSCLE PACK AND CAN BE CONTACTED AT (561) 968-6578.