By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Not many under a certain weight can identify with the frequently repeated moment in movies when the overweight, often comedic relief character, takes a seat in the chair and the legs buckle.
Throughout much of Devin Reno’s life, that was very much a reality. At 350 pounds, fitting into a restaurant booth was an embarrassing endeavor while locating proper fitting clothes became an all day affair. Reno had given up on himself and was convinced he’d always be obese.
Life was continuing down that path until Reno’s family decided to start the Weight Watchers program in 2012. He went to his first meeting at the Lake Orion location, ironically next to Jet’s Pizza, and took a liking to the health information they provided.
‘Weight Watchers taught me a lot about nutrition and accountability,? Reno said. ‘But really the key to success is realizing that there isn’t a magic pill or shortcut.?
The 26 year-old, Lake Orion native changed his regular eating habits instantly. Rather than a weekly barrage of Taco Bell, chips and soft drinks, Reno fueled his body with healthy meats and simple carbohydrates.
‘Before I was so convinced this was all I’d ever be and I didn’t have it in me to change he said. ‘Then one morning I woke up and I just thought ‘I can do anything. I can have victory.??
Reno had dialed in the diet part of his new health initiative and soon began a workout regime at the YMCA. For the first time in years he saw the numbers on the bathroom scale start to fall instead of climb.
Soon he outgrew the YMCA but in a good way. He finally settled at Powerhouse Gym on Lapeer Road in Oxford and from there his body and health began to truly transform.
Powerhouse introduced Reno to an array of strenuous and effective exercises such as sled pushes, burpees, and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
HIIT training utilizes exercise strategies of alternative periods of short, intense workouts that are aimed at building strength, speed, and power.
‘I knew I could find extra motivation because Powerhouse has a lot of people that train really hard and seeing that, motivated me,? Reno said.
He credits the diet and exercises but gives majority of the success on his faith and support system he built.
Reno surrounded himself with friends and family that pushed him through hunger cravings and tough workouts. One of his biggest supporters was fellow Powerhouse Gym member Dan Drwencke.
Drwenke pushed Reno through his toughest workouts and took on a trainer-type persona.
Weight loss wasn’t the only benefit that resulted in Reno’s lifestyle change. Reno’s blood pressure returned to a normal state after years of it being high. There were other added benefits that were expected and some that came as a positive surprise.
‘When you are that big it is difficult just going up and down stairs; I definitely don’t have that problem now,? said Reno. ‘I actually get a discount on my health insurance for it.?
When you add the numbers together, Reno has lost 130 pounds and has taken 12 inches off his waist line. His shirt size dropped from a 4X to an XL. Reno still allows himself a cheat day every now and then to ? as he put it ? help keep his sanity.
The temporary satisfaction of junk food hasn’t been enough to shake his commitment to a healthier lifestyle. He remains an active gym-goer and even participated in first 5K run last year.
Reno remains extremely humble about his total body and lifestyle revamping. He fights temptation daily but is constantly reminded on how much better his life currently is. According to Reno, there’s not much involved with becoming healthier, just a commitment.
‘Stresses in life make you want to go back to your old ways but you have to realize, it’s not going to bring happiness and it’s not worth giving up.? he said. ‘It’s never too late to change and make positive life choices.?