Prince DeesePrince Deese, an All American Wrestler, a Hall of Fame Football Player, and a State Champion Body Builder, is a certified personal trainer and strength conditioning specialist. Prince Deese and Gina Deese own A.C.T. by Deese, a Fitness & Training Center in Greensboro, NC.
The man’s name is James Baker. He’s a 69- year-old Greensboro resident who was experiencing life-threatening symptoms from seven years of diabetes, 35 years of high blood pressure, colon cancer, three heart attacks, and a blocked artery in his leg which was preventing his walking without extreme pain.
Trainer Tom Robinson with James BakerJames was obese, 240 pounds. He was taking five different blood pressure medications and 164 units of insulin daily along with his required heart medications. He needed the assistance of his wife for many of his daily personal needs like washing feet or putting on socks and shoes. He suffered the depressing impact of having lost a great deal of his independence.
But, the story began to change. James’ daughter, an active member of A.C.T. fitness, spoke with trainer Tom Robinson about her father’s condition. The trainer simply said, “Bring him in. I’ll talk with him.” And, she did.
It was the beginning of a transformation that completely altered James’ life; three months later in an interview with the fitness center’s owner, James talked about the change in his situation. The following are a few of his statements:
“I have lost 70 pounds”.
“Two weeks ago, my doctor took me off blood pressure medication and insulin medication.”
“Since I started exercise at A.C.T., my blood sugar readings improved and are in the 100 to 118 range.”
“I now walk a mile and ride a bike for two miles.”
“The pain in my leg has disappeared.”
“My waist size is 38 inches, down from 48 inches.”
“I had not mowed my lawn in seven years. Last week I had the endurance and energy to mow the entire two acres with a push mower.”
James speaks about his experience with warmth and appreciation. He says, “Mr. and Mrs. Deese (the owners of A.C.T. Fitness Studio) are caring individuals, and you can’t find a better person to work with than my trainer, Tom Robinson.”