Inspired By Dad, Princeton Man Gets Serious To Lose Weight

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton native Frank Cruz turned a very sad moment in his life into a moment of inspiration.

Cruz’s father, who lived until he was 94, died over the winter. It was a "rough winter" for Cruz.

"My dad's passing gave me the courage to try something big," Cruz said.

He took at look at his own life and decided he wanted to be a healthier father for his daughter and a better role model.

"I realized that if I had any shot at being around until I was 94 years old I needed to get serious," Cruz said.

Cruz, a member at Life Time in Princeton, signed up for the gym’s Summer 60Day program.

With that goal in mind, Cruz joined Life Time’s GTX Burn program where the group empowered him not only during his workouts, but beyond. Cruz and other group members would share healthy recipes, recent accomplishments, and support and encourage one another.

"The group was great because we encouraged each other, send our weight each week which allowed us to really focus on our goals," Cruz said. "I would think do I really want to eat that doughnut?"

In the 60-day period, Cruz lost more than 26 pounds, shedding 21 percent of his body fat. With the amount of weight he lost, Cruz was named as one of two nationwide winners at the gym. He won $2,600 in prizes, personal training, and free membership.

"I absolutely totally shocked myself," Cruz said when he found out he won.

Cruz is not done though. He has set larger goals to achieve and plans to continue living a healthier lifestyle.

"You have to take care of yourself first to be able to help others," Cruz said. "I have to keep myself healthy so I can think clearer and be able to do more for the people I care about."

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