Lee Furbey
Fat Jibes Trigger Man's Weight Loss and Career Change
When Lee Furbey left his job at the bakery two years ago, he never imagined he would lose over three stone and get several fitness qualifications under his belt.
It was the final straw for the 23 year old from Urmston, Manchester, when he heard 'fat boy' remarks at his work. Weighing 16st 8lbs, Lee had enough of the nasty comments and joined his local gym. He immediately ditched the sweets, biscuits and takeaways. One year later, he is working as a fitness manager and is at the healthiest he has ever been.
Lee explains: "I was bullied at school for being fat and when I worked at a bakery in Tesco for six years I would get fat boy jibes from customers. Back then, I did no exercise at all. I would play on the computer and eat lots of junk food."
"Then one day I decided enough was enough and joined LA Fitness. In just six months, I shot down to 10 and a half stone and become too skinny. I got obsessed and started lifting weights despite having no idea how to train properly."
Lee's dramatic weight changes spurred him on to become a personal trainer so he would know what's right and wrong. He joined his gym as a placement student while studying at college and is now doing a level 3 NVQ in Personal Training with Lifetime, a leading leisure training provider. In just one year, Lee was promoted to fitness manager and is now at a healthy 13st 2lbs.
"I'm so happy to be fit and healthy - and doing a job I love. The personal training course with Lifetime has really helped me understand nutrition and training. I'm now careful with the foods I eat and I have even stopped drinking alcohol. I get a lot of stick from my mates but it doesn't bother me. I'm so passionate about fitness and am focused on helping other people too.
"Since losing weight, I have qualified in fitness instructing, core stability, boxercise, Spinning, first aid, pool operations and personal training. Working at the gym is just another type of training and I get to share my passion with other people. At work, I keep my weight loss quiet but I do tell some clients if I think it would help to inspire them. It makes them believe they can do it if I can."
Lee's lazy lifestyle is now a thing of the past. He exercises six times a week and follows a healthy nutrition plan to keep him in good shape. At the gym, he enjoys cardio exercise, weightlifting, core stability and boxing. And he's even got the better of his bullies.
"Bullying is by no means a good thing but it has spurred me on to lose weight and it's made me stronger. Many of the bullies don't recognise me anymore and if they do, they don't know what to say. They're amazed at the difference I have made. I've proved to people that I can be a better person but more importantly I have done this for myself and I love it!"
