Free of seat belt extenders that is! I've been training this amazing gentleman Jody since December 23, 2006. The day Jody arrived at my gym he weighed 316 pounds, and just the week prior he tipped the scales at 320. At 59 years old he was ready to drop down to 200 pounds and get his life back; I was eager to help him take it.

Jody signed up to train with me seven mornings a week. He's a real guy with real goals. He's not looking for 'ripped abs' or a chisel chest; he just wants to function in the world without complication and enjoy the regular things most take for granted. Flying without the humiliation of asking for seat belt extenders is one of them.

Jody has done a combination of walking, kickboxing on the heavy bag, strength training, and just recently we've added rebounding. He's shown up almost every day since and has worked like a dog. Gritting his teeth, huffing and puffing, cursing on occasion, and doing everything I ask him to do. More importantly he's been responsible on the 23 hours of each day that he does not spend with me. He's changed his eating habits dramatically, curbed drinking at the many social events he's invited to, and utilized fantastic will power over the holidays.

I adore Jody. He's smart, funny, always pleasant, and simply one of the kindest, most generous people I know. He's got a heart of gold and with every ounce of my being I want him to finally be happy in his skin. He deserves all the joy in the world and it's frustrating to know that something like his weight could have put a damper on one day of this perfect soul's life. Fortunately though, Jody and I have the power to get him where he wants to be. I harass him relentlessly, he makes wonderful choices as a result.

February 13th was a major milestone on that journey. For one, he weighed in at 289 pounds. That's 31 pounds in less than two months, and the first time he's been below 290 since 2001. He also accomplished something special off the wish list he gave me when he began training. He wanted to fly without seat belt extenders. That happened too.

Jody called me that night from Miami, where he was on a business trip. Bored in his hotel room because he didn't go drinking with his colleagues, he called to tell me about his extender-free experience . I'was thrilled that he was relaxing in a fancy suite with a Diet Coke and the peace of mind that comes with knowing he wouldn't have to ask for those extra straps on his return trip. Life is already getting better for that man, and I'm on cloud nine.