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Phenomenal...the first word that comes to mind when we hear the name Troy Raper.
Looking at his physique now you would never guess that at the lowest point in his life he was unhealthy, un-energized, and weighing well over 250 pounds. The high-performance machine that we see around here these days, has a contagious energy about him, and a. permanent smile on his face.
Troy has been a dedicated music teacher with Mesa County School District #51 for 15 years. In 2007, the district had offered several health screenings to teachers and he had decided to get tested. Overweight, overworked, and under-motivated he decided it was a time to make a change. What the results showed was more than just a mere number that said he was unhealthy, it was a serious warning. "If I kept going in the same direction, I. wouldn't be around to watch my kids grow up."
The Raper family has always led an active lifestyle, and Lon Raper, Troy’s wife, has been in the health and fitness industry as a Yoga instructor for 9 years. In June of 2008 Troy had gone to watch her compete at a fitness/figure/bodybuilding show. He never really understood the whole appeal to the fitness industry. However, when he entered the auditorium, camera and junk food in hand, what he experienced wasn't only a positive display of healthy bodies, but he noticed that everyone, the contestants, the coaches, the judges, and the audience were all smiling. The energy that filled that room was. unlike anything he had ever felt. Slowly he started to imagine a healthier, better life. But that wasn't quite enough.
With the reality of his health heavy on his mind and heart, he and Lori hopped on a plane to Mexico. While sitting on the beach next to his "chiseled babe" he caught glances of vacationers staring at them, and everything became crystal clear. "I told my wife I had to make a change, and I had to make it now!" That being said, Lori began running him up •and down the beach for the remainder of their vacation. Five days after they returned home, Troy headed up to Crested Butte with two coolers packed with portioned, healthy food, and began his journey to health.
Fifteen months of rigorous workouts and self-disciplined eating habits has helped him to lose a total of 94 pounds so far and achieve the health and physique he now possesses. "Even in the midst of a broken ankle, now fixed with eight metal screws, he prevailed on. "Being a musician requires a 100 commitment to excellence. Adopting that attitude to my workouts, eating, and lifestyle was the key. Your emotions motivate change, the logic follows after! Don't think about it, just do it!
Troy competed in his first bodybuilding competition last October.
Troy, we thank you for sharing your amazing story with us, and we are so inspired by your commitment and dedication!
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