Resident makes leaps in fitness competition

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Dave Ranes has only a few training sessions left in Nexlev Wellness Centre's Body Make Over Challenge, but with the results he has achieved thus far, his life has already changed for the better.

Ranes has lost more than 20 pounds since the competition started in December but, not only that, he has ditched some of the medication he used to take for his diabetes and has significantly lowered his cholesterol levels.

His months of hard work has paid off as he is seeing results across the board.

"It's life changing, there is not two ways about it," Ranes said. "I've learned a lot about how to work and what to eat, and (at the end of the competition) I just have to stay motivated."

Ranes received three months of free training from Herb Duncan, owner of Nexlev Wellness Centre, after being selected as one of two applicants to compete in the competition. He was struggling with weight and movement issues as well as taking several medications, including one to help with his Type 2 diabetes.

Now, the doctor for the competition has said his diabetes is adequately controlled and he is no longer on the medication.

"I feel 100 percent better. Things like yard work and day-to-day tasks, I would get worn out pretty easy before I started this," Ranes said. "Now it is completely different. It's amazing."

The 44-year-old father of two initially wrote an essay for the competition, which detailed his desire to restore his health for the good of himself and his family.

"My cholesterol was why out of control and I was diabetic," he said. "All the things I have done have changed the way I live and move in life. You have to do something, it's you're life and nothing will change or get better unless you want it to."

When the competition had started, Ranes was competing against another resident, who has seemingly dropped out due to a hectic schedule. The winner, based on the biggest overall health and lifestyle change, will receive additional months of personal training at Nexlev, as well as a few more prizes.

"It is really amazing to watch," said Duncan, who has been training Ranes. "Helping someone like Dave, motivating him to turn it around, it's why I do what I do."

To find out more about Nexlev, visit www.Nexlev.com.