Former weight: 235 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Height: 5 feet 9
How long he's kept it off: "I started around midyear in 2010 and got to my goal weight in September 2011," Estes said.
Personal life: "I graduated [in December] from Valdosta State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration," he said. "I am currently working part time at Abercrombie & Fitch and am seeking an entry-level position in the business world."
Turning point: "I went hiking with my brother while he was at the United States Air Force Academy and I remember how easily he would hike and run up the mountain and I could barely breathe. ... I knew I needed to change," Estes said. "It wasn't until I moved back home from college and [friend] Steven and I started working out together that my weight loss turned from losing pounds ... to getting fit."
Diet plan: "I didn't follow any diet, because what I've learned is you're not changing how you diet, you're changing your lifestyle," he said. He starts the day with cereal and a banana. Lunch is a wrap sandwich and dinner is chicken with salad and sides.
Exercise routine: "Our workout routine is circuit-based training," he said. Five times a week he's lifting weights, running, biking and swimming. "I still remember my first one-mile attempt took around thirty minutes," he said. "Today, my fastest mile is under six minutes."
Biggest challenge: "My biggest challenge was cardio at first because I physically hated running. ... I love it now," he said. "Around six months to a year into the first year, I reached what's called the plateau effect ... you have to overhaul your working regime and push yourself even harder."
How life has changed: "I know people who were mean to me and blew me off years ago when I was obese [who changed to] wanting to hang out," he said. "I barely had any confidence when I was fat. Today, I have a lot. Working out with a friend is one of the best things you can do. You push each other harder ... because someone's counting on you too."
Be an inspiration: If you've made positive changes in your diet and/or fitness routine and are happy with the results, please share your success with us. Include your email address, a daytime phone number and before and after photos (by mail or JPEG). Write: Success Stories, c/o Holly Steel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 223 Perimeter Center Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30346-1301; or email ajcsuccessstories@gmail.com.
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