Physically I was a mess, Cunningham says. I sustained a back injury while playing American football-yes, we play it badly in the west of Ireland- leaving me in lots of pain and unable to fully use my legs. Cunningham suffered a herniated disc, which affected his everyday life right down to his ability to walk. And in his old job as a casino manager, walking around the floor was a paramount task that quickly turned excruciating every day.
Beyond the injury, Cunningham explains that over the years his job also helped him developed some seriously nasty eating habits. Each night, hed sustain himself with either a burger, a quick kebab, or some type of takeout from the casino. Eating like this every day, sometimes multiple takeaways per day followed by numerous cans of soda, my weight ballooned.
He knew things with his health werent great, but a visit to the doctor gave him the harsh reality check he truly needed. He was a straight talking no messing kinda guy, Cunningham explained of the spinal doctor he met with about his injury. I needed to take off my shoes for him. I couldnt. Eventually, I got them off by using my crutches.
Watching Cunningham do this, the doctor decided it was time for some tough love. He told me that I had caused this injury myself by being so overweight and that I would possibly not see my 40th birthday if I continued along the same path, Cunningham says. I left the surgeons office that day upset, angry, and scared but decided that moment was the moment I was changing my life. This was my lightbulb moment.
This talk with a no-nonsense doctor, coupled with his weight and injuries, left Cunningham with one choice: Walk away from his beloved career, his clients, and his coworkers and focus on saving his own life full-time.
Of course, saying you want to lose weight and actually doing it are two wildly different things. Cunningham, an admitted gym novice, didnt want to go it alone. So, he did a bit of internet searching to find personal trainers in his area. Thats when he stumbled upon trainer Paul Dermody.
Something about this ad made me contact him straight away. I had seen one particular before and after picture that amazed me, Cunningham says. On their first call, Cunningham let Dermody know hed likely be the most difficult client hes ever had. Dermody simply texted back it would be no sweat at all.
During their first session, Cunningham learned a valuable lesson from Dermody: Weight loss isnt just about exercise, but about pairing it with healthy eating as well. To help him with a food overhaul, Dermody had Cunningham download the MyFitnessPal app to start counting his calories and watch his nutritional intake. Going from seven to 10 takeaways a week to eating clean was always going to be difficult. I found this extremely tough. But with time this improved a lot, Cunningham admits. As for his workouts, Dermody first kept it simple with his client, asking him just to walk to the gym for their weight sessions. Eventually, Dermody had Cunningham work up to
After a few months, Cunningham's friends and family began complimenting him on his new appearance, often telling him he looked leaner and healthier. But it took Cunningham a bit longer to see that in himself. I was so used to being so big for so long I almost chose not to see results or accept compliments, he said. This was a new phenomenon to me.
Cunningham continued to play head games with himself throughout his journey and admittedly self-sabotaged often. I lied to Paul a lot, he says. I would train hard after work and go straight to a deli counter or takeaway outlet and eat 2,500-3,000 calories, he admitted. Madness when I look back at it. I needed to rewire my mindset.
Thankfully, Dermody chose not to give up on him. The pair worked together to change Cunninghams habits, keep his goals realistic, and his gym sessions within moderation. And with Dermodys help, Cunningham dropped 165 pounds to hit his new weight of 273 pounds. He plans to keep going until he hits his goal of 200 pounds.
I feel amazing now, Cunningham says. Long gone are the days of buying all my clothes at an online fat guy website. I can now walk into most shops and leave with something. Even walking through Galway city, I feel much more confident, and the compliments from people are amazing.
He even admitted that hes learned to take a compliment every now and then. Im walking taller and prouder than ever before. As for what he hopes others will take away from his story? Go for it. Its never too late to start. Make the decision in your head, then make the decision to see it through.
He notes that regaining your health doesnt need to be expensive. Walking is free, MyFitnessPal is free, he says. Its not going to be easy. Its not meant to be. Its a test of character, mental fortitude, and extreme willpower. But there are no more excuses.