Two things: first off, I’m not fat. However, for a while now I’ve wanted to lose “that last 10 pounds” which apparently set up residence in my gut and had been there long enough to start receiving mail.

Secondly, I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. If you have serious weight or health issues you should talk to a professional before doing any of the things below that worked for me. I’m only talking here about my own experience.

About a year ago my wife bought me three sessions with a personal trainer. Not sure what that says, exactly. It’s kind of like getting the gift of plastic surgery or a bottle of mouthwash for your birthday.

The personal trainer gave me some new workouts and really invigorated my gym routine. I definitely felt better and a few people asked if I had lost weight. However, I hadn’t dropped a pound and I still wasn’t where I wanted to be.

Recently, I had a personal training session with my friend Mark Nutting. We talked about how I was in better shape than before, but hadn’t come any closer to my weight goal. Mark gave me some structure and advice, and I’ve dropped 8 lbs. so far, and hope to reach (or exceed) my goal by the time my wife and I celebrate our 10-year anniversary with a trip to Aruba. (I don’t want to have to Photoshop the muffin top away.)