By Dan Courtney, NIFS Correspondent

When John Gibson prepares his personal budget for the next year, he may want to allow a little extra money for clothes. Since January of 2004, he has lost over 200 pounds and has changed wardrobe sizes three times.

The 6-foot-8 Goodwill employee can thank his liquid diet, controlled eating habits and NIFS for the appreciable weight loss.

“When I joined NIFS in September of 2004, my body fat was almost 26 percent,” said Gibson. “When I was last tested at NIFS (in the Bod Pod), my body fat was 19 percent and I was 13 pounds lighter.”

Gibson said he used to drive by NIFS every day before realizing how convenient it was for him to exercise on the way home. He is now a regular on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for about 1½ hours per session.

“John came to me and I gave him some guidance and direction to get him at an exercise level appropriate for him,” said NIFS trainer Nick Linn. “The program allowed him to see the results instead of doing too much, too fast.”

The father of two said his routine includes using the weight machines followed by 20 minutes on the stationary bike. He said it was important for him to build up his leg strength for an upcoming sightseeing tour to England this fall.

“I’ve really seen his leg strength improve immensely,” added Linn. “He has been increasing his stability, agility and basically his maneuverability about the gym.”

Aside from driving past NIFS, the only connection Gibson had with the facility was the fact he knew it hosted the NIKE summer basketball camp. Now he’s purchased a membership for his wife.

“At NIFS it’s very easy to establish good workout habits,” said Gibson.

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