Johnny McClendon, a Hurley employee, is a powerful example of someone who took charge of his own health. After he became winded playing with his 4-year-old son, he realized that his children mean the world to him. "The thought that I was struggling to run and play with my children was something that hit me hard," he said.

Hurley Employee Wellness screening: the beginning of his weight loss

Johnny went through the Hurley Employee Wellness screening in 2010 when he realized what bad shape he was in. Soon after the screening, he received a call from a Hurley Wellness Coach asking if she could help him with his health and fitness goals. “I was eager to get involved,” said Johnny. But when he found out he would be on a 2,600 calorie daily diet, he hesitated. “I didn’t think I’d be able to stick with it because I had a hectic schedule and I thought there had to be an easier way for me,” he explained.

A healthy diet was the key

Johnny began by cutting out all fast food and sugars, eating more fruits and vegetables, changing his beef and pork choices to strictly chicken and fish, and precooking his lunches and dinners. Throughout all these lifestyle changes, his family was very supportive, something that made a huge difference to Johnny.

110 lbs. lighter now...and counting

After a year of consistent strength training and moderate nutrition changes, Johnny has gone from 349 pounds to 239 pounds, decreased his waist size from 50” to 38”, and traded a 5XLT for a 1XLT shirt size.

“Even if the scale shows no weight loss, you can still be losing inches, so it’s best to track them both, as this may help you keep your motivation by seeing the positive changes,” he said. “I had a passion for playing football. I used that same passion to focus on becoming healthier and I had great results.”

Gained a new life

“This is a new way of life," Johnny stated, "and I am so thankful to Hurley and their resources which enabled me the opportunity to have and maintain this new and healthier way of life. I encourage all men to do the same.

Johnny added, "As a young man, I was told that it was all about being tough. But today I realize that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be around to take care of my family and my home."