Tony Bergman

About sixteen years ago, I was not enjoying life, I was overweight, depressed, and sick of my job. I felt like I was in a black hole and had no way out. I looked at the people around me and saw the pounds add up over the years. I saw myself heading down that same path. I knew if I was going to have a chance at a happy life, I had to make a lifestyle change for the better and soon!

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I started out very simply walking. I would walk around the block, then around the neighborhood. Walking turned into jogging and I started to feel like I was accomplishing something. I next did something that would change my life completely. I joined a local gym and met Neil, my friend and mentor. Neil was the manager/personal trainer of the gym I had joined. He was very thorough in walking me through the ins and outs of the facility. At first, it was very awkward to work out there. I just kind of went through the motions, but Neil was there to answer any questions I had. It was a great help.

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I started increasing my visits to the gym and began to enjoy it. Neil and I soon became workout partners and learned how to truly train with a purpose. With hard work and Neil’s guidance, I began loving it. Going to the gym became the highlight of my day. I was getting results and feeling better about myself. I learned what to eat and how to eat properly. I knew that if I wanted to become successful long term, I had to make my own meals. I even discovered a little cooking ability I never knew I had. I never enjoyed cooking but I have learned to like it. I lost over 70lbs and added more muscle than I have ever had. I gained a new perspective on life. I increased my energy levels and had a better outlook on the future. I began to understand that the mind and body are truly one.

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About eight months into it, Neil (who is from Ireland) offered me an opportunity to move to Ireland and work at a gym that he and his brother was going to start. I first thought, WOW! Could I make that kind of dramatic change in my life? After a few months of contemplating it, I committed to it. I thought why not? I don't enjoy my current job being a telephone technician. I love to travel. Life is too short to be in a situation that doesn't make you happy.

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So I went for it. I quit my job of ten years and bought a ticket. I stayed there for over 6 months and traveled the beautiful country of Ireland. I also managed to go to Holland/Amsterdam, Germany and Italy. I loved it! The one problem was that the gym was not going to plan and I knew I had to come back due to a lack of a green card. I needed the gym to be up and running to acquire it. The whole thing was an experience of a lifetime and I wouldn't change anything. It has made me who I am today.

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So now, back in the Rice Lake area, I am really enjoying life. I am passing on good lifestyle habits to my family and have become a certified personal trainer. I know now that I want to give back the same joy of fitness that was once given to me. It has become a passion of mine and I know I can pass it on to others. I love to hear stories of personal triumph and want to help people make some of their own.