A trip to the doctor's office two years ago gave Tyrone Aikins a scare. The sheriff's deputy had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and his doctor gave him a kit to monitor his diabetes. That spurred Aikins, now 50, to exercise more, eat healthier, sign up with a personal trainer and start bodybuilding.
What was your breaking point?
On a doctor's visit, I was told I had high blood pressure and my cholesterol level was high. I was given a kit to monitor my type 2 diabetes. That was a wake-up call for me at such a young age, 48.
What was your physical condition at the time, and what were your goals?
I was 290 pounds, and at my height, 6 feet 2 inches, I was considered obese. I could not run a quarter mile nor do any type of physical activity for any extended amount of time without becoming winded.
My first goal was to lose weight and get out of the danger zone of obesity, which to me was a scary word. My next plan was to get healthy and lose the diabetes kit, lower my cholesterol and my blood pressure.
How did you achieve your goal?
I have a great love for bodybuilding and decided to go that route. I decided to diet with the help of a personal trainer. I knew I would need help and dietary expertise.
I changed to a low-fat, low-sugar diet. I could eat anything I wanted one day a week. I used to eat pancakes every day, but now I can do that just one day. It was my cheat day. Whatever I craved that week, whether it was fast food or french fries, I would eat on that day. It was usually on Saturday, but if there was a holiday, I'd rotate it to that day.
I now weigh 205. All my numbers for blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar are excellent.
What did you learn about yourself along the way?
That although I have great will power, I could not have done half the requirements without a support system. It is written that two are better than one, because they have a good, more satisfying reward for their labor, for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
By entering bodybuilding shows and running half marathons.
I usually jog four miles in the morning, six days a week. After I finish jogging, I do 20 to 30 minutes of stomach exercise.
After work, I go to the gym and lift weights for an hour and a half.
Your best advice for others?
Set small goals so you do not become overwhelmed or discouraged along the way. As you reach each goal, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, and that will help keep you motivated to continue.
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