Christmas has come early for the Smith family.

Over the last two months my brother Wendell and I have been consistently working out at the Athletic Club Gym with a renewed interest in fitness.

Having made a friendly little bet to motivate each other we have both been very dedicated to losing weight as we found ourselves in a very unsatisfactory state of fitness.

So bad was our health that little things that we used to take for granted like tying our laces became difficult.

As Christmas approaches I want to encourage those who are overweight or obese to join a gym and give yourself an early Christmas present.

Often in life people wait until the New Year to make a New Year's resolution that they fail to keep.

Bermuda, I am being real with you, do not play with your health.

God has blessed you with life, so take advantage of it and live it to the fullest while you can. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so make a decision today that you will make a change for the better in your life.

Being a sportsman, or past sportsman, I can feel a major difference being some 32 pounds lighter. My agility has improved, and I have a lot more energy during the day.

This has made me realise just how much more I could have possibly achieved had I been 100 percent committed to my fitness when I was still actively involved.

To the sportsmen who are currently playing, and know that they are overweight, let me inform you that you are merely playing to 60 percent of your potential. If you are to maximise your ability, you need to make a conscious effort to get fit, especially if you are representing Bermuda in any sport.

The past two months have been challenging, but also rewarding. Many times I didn't want to get out of bed at 5.15 a.m., but I did. Monday to Friday hitting the gym at 6 a.m. rain blow or shine.

Going from week to week seeing the difference and feeling the weight come off was very inspiring.

Why am I writing about this one may ask? Truthfully, I realised that there are many other Bermudians who are in the predicament that Wendell and I found ourselves in.

I want to encourage you to take one day at a time and make a conscious effort to eat healthy. This Christmas may not be easy with so many parties and family gatherings, but it's not always about what you eat, but how much you eat.

Being overweight has enlightened me about the stress that extra weight can put on you physically and mentally.

My daughter made a comment to me one day: "Daddy if you don't lose weight you may have a heart attack, so stop thinking of yourself and think about your family." This was a hard thing to hear but sometimes the truth hurts.

Comments made by others are also hurtful, so Bermudians be more sensitive to overweight people and their feelings.

Here are some uncomfortable situations that overweight people can find themselves in.

¦ Have you ever sat in the middle seat on a plane and been frustrated, and uncomfortable the whole trip?

¦ Have you ever had some bright person park their car so close to yours that you literally had to open the passenger side and climb across?

¦ How about sitting in the movies and hoping that no one selects the seat next to yours so that you'll have some arm room?

Unfortunately, people who suffer through the difficulties of the above situations deal with a daily reminder of their weight concerns. It could be as simple as getting up off the ground, standing up from a sitting position, or playing ball with your child. Such simple tasks can be a real chore.

My advice – if you have ever had to deal with any of the above issues, give yourself one of the greatest presents you could ever imagine this Christmas season – the gift of a healthier you.

One key suggestion would be to find a partner, someone reliable with whom to exercise with. Find something you enjoy doing, and something that is medically appropriate, but challenging.

Most of all adjust your eating habits; if you are really serious, see a nutritionist. However, most of us know the basics: drink lots of water, avoid fatty meats, but instead have chicken or fish, with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, give up the routine of eating late nights to compensate for boredom or other emotional needs. It won't be easy as you may be someone who knows what it's like to consume a whole tin of cashews, or a large bag of chips.

The gift of a lifestyle change will impact your mind and your body in a very positive way. The reflection in the mirror will not be so hideous; you might even come to like that new man or woman in the mirror. And who knows that jerk who asked you whether you're pregnant might even find it in his heart to compliment you on your weight loss.

My final piece of advice – do it for yourself, your family, and friends, but whatever you do, JUST DO IT.

PS – I want to personally thank the Athletic Club members and staff for being so supportive of the Smith brothers. You gave us both some great advice and have continued to encourage us and for that we are both very appreciative.