Mark was in excellent shape when he was young, but after the birth of his first son he gained 82 pounds. “I think they call that sympathy weight,” he jokes. “I have no excuse for getting fat. I just got lazy, loved to eat, and slowly packed it on.”
Over the years, Mark kept the weight on. “But I thought I was healthy. I didn’t see myself as being that big,” he says.
That is, until one day, when his doctor gave him a wake-up call. At 5’9″, he was almost 300 pounds and his blood pressure was through the roof. His first move was to quit smoking, which unfortunately caused him to gain even more weight.
“I was having a hard time just walking down the driveway,” he says. “So that’s when I decided I needed to do something.”
That was in 2013, and today Mark is down 86 pounds and counting! His journey started with IdealShake, replacing two meals a day with a shake, as well as keeping his eye on his carb intake. (As a side note, most people get too many of their calories from carbs and it’s a big culprit in weight gain.)
As the pounds started to come off with his diet changes, Mark found it easier to exercise. He began walking every day, and pretty soon that turned into running — which soon turned into running 5Ks and Warrior Dashes with his family!
We loved meeting Mark at the Ship Shape winner retreat in Park City, Utah, this past September. At 52, he says he feels better than he has in 30 years. How did he achieve a complete transformation in less than two years? Watch his very honest three-minute #MyIdeal video for the answer!
By Chelsea Ratcliff
Great job!! I’m so happy for you!! 🙂
Thanks Kelli!!! 😀
Great job Mark! You are such an inspiration! So glad I met you and your wife in Utah!
Thanks Chrissy, I feel the same way about all of you…you all are what keeps me going.
And Chelsea, you are the best! Thank you!
How long did it take to lose the weight?
thanks,
Wade
Mark said it was 16 months.
Oh, just saw he already responded 🙂 haha
Wade,
It took 16 months to get to 86 pounds gone. Seems like a long time but actually to me, it flew by. I concentrated at first on my cardio workouts, every day at least 6 days a week. Drinking my two shakes a day and walking as much as I could. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every minute of it. I run now, not because I have to, because I like to. It’s so nice to be able to do things now. Having the energy to move.
I encourage you to pick up the Idealshape products, and read David Meine’s book, THINK. It’s life changing, it’s thought changing, and will help bring enlightenment to your struggle.
Take care Wade,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the quick response, sharing your inspirational achievement, and your advice on the book.
thanks,
Wade
Absolutely anytime!!
Great video Mark – very touching! So glad we were able to spend some time with you and Lori in Park City. You are on a wonderful journey and I know you will reach your ‘Idealshape’ in no time at all.
Thanks Kate!! You guys have touched us both. We so much enjoyed the time we spent with you guys. Onward and downward!! (in weight that is!)
Hi dad
I know that we have had our problems but I want to tell you honestly from the bottom of my heart that I am proud of you and I am sorry for what was said last we talked. You look great keep it up.
Love
Your son Mark
Thanks Mark, I appreciate the words. I only wish for the best for you.
Mark – A VERY BIG CONGRATULATIONS from me. The video is outstanding and you made me believe that these testimonials can be and are true accounts on the part of these folks who have “DONE” the job and done it well. I know because I used to sit right across the partition from you not that long ago (when you took that beginning photo) and I can say that that was the Mark that I knew so well….the one who would go share a cigarette with me or a big lunch on occasion. YOU are an outstanding example of caring for yourself and as advertising for the IdealShape company. Way to go Mark!! Now I need to do the same. Sincerely, your friend Jon.
Thanks Jon!!!
You know me, if it was not true or for real, I never would say anything about it or have my face or name associated with it. I am a true believer in IdealShape and I have never met a better group of people who actually care about those people they are helping and can help. When we went to Park City it was more than just someone winning a prize. It was like coming home to see family. (You know the family that you like to visit). 🙂 I felt more comfortable and felt that they truly care. And you know I wouldn’t say it if I had a doubt. These are wonderful people, supporting an incredible product.