It can be quite challenging for someone to start living an active lifestyle when they haven’t been active earlier in life. But that’s not to say it’s any easier for someone who has led an active lifestyle before.

Kurt Martin, 38, of Stansbury Park, was active in high school and throughout his service in the military, but after finishing his service he began to relax his active lifestyle.

“I let myself go,” said Martin. “I gained about 50 pounds, and at 5 feet 11 inches tall, I didn’t feel good about weighing 250 pounds.”

Martin was also suffering from heartburn at night and that’s when he decided enough was enough.

In an effort to regain his former fitness level, Martin signed up for the Winter Fitness Challenge held by Stansbury’s new fitness center, “The Difference Fitness Academy,” in January of this year.

Martin participated in the academy’s “boot camp” where he was able to rebuild a good exercise routine, as well as learn about the nutritional aspect of maintaining a good fitness level.

“I had no idea how ignorant I was about my body,” Martin said. “That’s what I really liked about the boot camp. We had around 10 to 12 education classes about nutrition taught by specialists in the field.”

After working hard through the Winter Fitness Challenge, Martin lost 50 pounds and walked away as the winner of the challenge.

For his efforts in the contest, Martin was rewarded a one-year membership to The Difference Fitness Academy and a $300 check.

Martin has maintained his fitness habits throughout the year, balancing his exercise routines with cardiovascular workouts and strength training.

“I’ll go to The Difference and do some cycling or pilates,” Martin said. “Then I might do a strength training class there, or sometimes I head over to Anytime Fitness and I’ll finish strength training.”

Martin exercises three to four times a week, giving himself a break on Wednesdays and Sundays. When exercising, Martin prefers to do his cardio workout first.

“It just gets me pumped and going,” Martin said. “My energy level is up and I can go straight to strength training.”

Ever since Martin started exercising again, he said he’s been noticing the benefits that follow.

Not only can he eat a seven-course Italian meal right before bed without worrying about heartburn, but Martin said he’s gained more self-confidence.

“I’m back to my old self again,” he said. “I have a closet full of size 34 pants that I can wear again, and my dating life is better.”

compiled by Natalie Tripp

If you or someone you know would like to share their exercise habits, please contact Natalie Tripp at Natalie Tripp: ntripp@tooeletranscript.com