Thomas S. Simpson

Gym: Hilton Head, Beach City Health & Fitness

Start weight: 280 lbs.

Current weight: 248.5 lbs.

Weight goal: 220 lbs.

Inches lost: 7.75

Thomas' Entry: The frog is cooked! The proverbial frog in the kettle is boiled just as that frog didn't feel the gradual increase of the temperature; I didn't "feel" the gradual weight I gained over the years. I have allowed myself to get way out of shape and became fat. My motivation to participate in the "Battle of the Bulge" is love: love for my family, and competition.

This April, my wife and I will celebrate our 24th anniversary. Even though I try to joke that I've become twice the man she married, she says she would actually like to have me around for our 50th. My commitment and love for Felicia will be a great motivator for persevering through the program set forth by the trainer and nutritionist.

We also have two children that are sources of my motivation. My daughter Keely just got married in October, and she wants her children to have their grandpa there as they grow up. And our son Bill and I would like to play a doubles tournament together this summer after his first year in college. My excess weight could and probably will play a factor in both of these requests. My love for them will help me commit to carry on this total health program.

My faith does play in all my actions. I have for too long neglected the stewardship of my own body. As the caretaker of this body, I have abused and misused it greatly in the past. Out of love for my God, I desire to learn how to take care of myself from the professional staff that will be assisting each of us.

Lastly, I love to compete. Knowing myself as I do, having a goal before me, being accountable to others, and having an additional incentive of prizes are all huge enticements. I would be ideal for this contest.

I look forward in anticipation to taking part in the Beaufort County Battle of the Bulge. The opportunity to learn proper life skills that will help me make better choices in my eating habits and exercise is exciting. Working with the trained professionals and the other participants would be an honor for me. My humor and personality would also encourage others not only in the contest but throughout the county to learn to take better care of themselves.

Thomas' Photos

Posted 3/7: Hilton Head group gets ready to work out at 6am Monday. They are so hard working and motivated!

Posted 3/7: Squats!

Posted 3/7: A little ball work.

Posted 3/7: Push-ups!

Posted 3/7: Tom shows his strength!

Posted 3/7: Tom works his hamstrings.

Posted 3/7: Tom does calf raises in the circuit training.

Posted 3/7: Tom and Donnie Jo listen for instruction.

Posted 1/30: Beach City Health & Fitness owner Don Fox gives pointers to Hilton Head contestants Thomas Simpson, Yolanda Campbell and Donnie Jo Thibault.

Posted 1/30: Contestants Thomas Simpson, Yolanda Campbell and Donnie Jo Thibault work with a Body Bar.

Posted 1/30: Beach City Health & Fitness trainers demonstrate exercise ball techniques for Donnie Jo Thibault, Yolanda Campbell and Thomas Simpson.