We would like to recognize Captain Potter and his crew for taking charge of their health and wellness, and changing their lives. Throughout their transformation, the crew increased their stamina, strength, flexibility, happiness and self-esteem along with reducing their BMI – they lost weight and gained muscle mass.

How did they decide to get started?  The crew came together, held a meeting, and decided it was time to get healthy.  They decided to take on this challenge together – to do this as a team.

What motivated the crew?  Jason was motivated by wanting to be more active for his girls playing soccer and running around the house; Stephen wanted to go back to a healthy diet and exercise lifestyle; AJ was tired of being the skinny kid and wanted to support his fellow crew members; Chad was motivated by wanting to make a life change overall and didn’t want to be the “heaviest” crew member; and Andrew was motivated by the crews’ results and wanted a new nickname (not to be called “Noodle” anymore).

Everyone has their reasons for becoming motivated initially, but staying motivated is tough.  The crew’s ongoing motivation occurred automatically as the results started building. The stronger and healthier everyone became, the more they wanted to be stronger and healthier. The crew’s motivation was further encouraged by seeing constant muscle gain and friends’ faces when they went home.

What were their goals?  Along their journey, the crew members each set individual goals.  Jason’s first goal was to get from 296 to 240. Now he has new goals such as gaining strength and reaching 220.  Stephen’s goal was to gain 20 pounds of muscle and lose 5% body fat.  AJ’s goal was to have 18” arms and gain muscle weight.  Chad’s goal was to get from 250 to 220.  Andrew’s goal was to go from 135 to 160.  Everyone has either met their goals, or is very close to achieving their goals.

How’d they do it?  To achieve their goals, the crew changed their eating habits, closely monitored their carbohydrate and calorie intake, and made more conscience decisions on what they ate.  They also began working out 6 days a week.  Crucial to their success was the Captain’s positive outlook and commitment to diet and exercise.

What does the crew recommend to their fellow tow boaters?  The crew recommends getting healthy as a crew – to push each other.  They also recommend having fun with it, but making it a way of life to live healthy full time. They advise setting realistic goals as steps toward reaching you reach your ultimate goal.  They recommend educating yourself on proper diet and exercise – they say that the more you know the easier it is to obtain your goals, and also getting rid of as much junk food (temptations). The crew also recommends never giving up on your goals even if you have a setback.  And they remind us that “living healthy and meeting your fitness goals is not a 6 week program – it’s a way of life”

Join the M/V Wes Sellars and get healthy!