April 17, 2007

Let me focus this week on my girl Tess. Tess is fly, for real. She takes a beating in the gym like a medieval whipping boy. Tess has the kindest heart and the most overwhelming generosity I have ever seen. That being said, it was very difficult to see her get upset over a little weight gain.
We have since determined that the weight gain was not as bad as we thought, but still there was weight gain. Jackie looked down at me with her looming glare hoping that I would be forced to change my agenda with T, but I was not having that -- not today and probably not tomorrow. I ain't scared of no Jackie ... I'm terrified of Jackie.

I still, however, know what I'm doing. As the ancient excercise philosophy Moutonics would suggest: "You have to be at 30,000 feet to see my plan."











Comments
Princess wrote:
I just want to say that I enjoy watching you, you seem to be a very personal person which I am very curious to find more about you. I think that you are very spiritual. Your love for seeing people become more aware of their health is nothing short of awesome. I enjoy seeing you on the show. There is only one question I would like to asks you,.... What is your zodic sign?
posted on April 17, 2007 at 11:39 PM
crzykecia wrote:
Hey I'm from Garfield Hts. Go C town
I am feeling T so much in this episode I know what it is like to be disappointed when you are trying to reach a goal and you have a set back. I really would love to have you as some modivation. To get my booty out there and train too. You go Tess keep up the good work and don't let the numbers get you down.
posted on April 17, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Sarah wrote:
*Cough* GO BLUE!!! *Cough cough*.
Apart from that, (and I agree with you, Michigan and Ohio are two states with possibly the weirdest weather in the world-just a couple weeks ago we had 70 degree weather then the very next week about an inch of snow. You are lucky) I'm really glad to see you and Tess working on not only the physical, but also the emotional aspects of losing weight. Keep up the good work and you better hope the Wolverines don't kick the crap out of your Buckeyes next year... ;)
Namaste,
Sarah
posted on April 18, 2007 at 12:31 AM
workoutqueen wrote:
Wow. Wow. You know I'm a big fan of Tess. She is a rockstar in many, many ways. I have seen clients that speak about her - even before this season.
What happened? I can hardly believe that someone 'could' gain 15 pounds in a month - not with regular workouts. Did they step on the scale behind her for ratings? haha!
Anyway, Gregg - I (and so many others who watch) am so glad that you treated her plight with such dignity and confidence. Yes, your client is a reflection of you. But by sticking by her when faced with the Jackie crap, you really showed your colors. Makes me smile a little...
Stick up for your girl. She is a real inspiration to many, many people. And we all can't wait to see where you two go from here.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 3:44 AM
Courtney Ward wrote:
I watched last night and could relate to Tess, so I thought I might share my personal experience. I have thyroid disease and have had the same experience Tess had, but several times. I once gained 8 pounds in one week, for no reason that anyone could figure out. It sucks when your pants fit on Monday, but not Saturday. I have been to three Endocrinologists before I found one that is just awesome. I had to find one that would actually take the time and listen so I could get the proper help. The other two wouldn't prescribe a second thyroid medication because they felt my numbers were fine. My doctor now (who is listed as one of the tops in the country) explained that what is normal for one person, may not be for another. So he prescribed something called Cytomel on top of my Synthroid and it has been awesome! I work out regularly, I'm a vegetarian and eat very well, but none of that made a difference until he got my medication straightened out. Maybe she should tell her Endo to take a hike and find one that will listen to her like I did.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 9:44 AM
Mary Beth Poarch wrote:
I just wanted you to convey my support to Tess. It is difficult enough having to go through such personal internal struggles, but to have them broadcast in front of millions of people-now that takes courage!! I totally respect her for being so brave, and I do wish her the best of luck in her journey to self-love and well-being. Kudos to you as well for how you helped to soothe her, truly the mark of an excellent trainer, who focuses on the positive and reminds his clients that it is indeed important to look at the bigger picture. I know that with you in her corner, she will absolutely reach her goals!! Best wishes!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:12 AM
alyssa hicks wrote:
Gregg you are adorable. I know that Tess will be in great hands. As a trainer myself I deal with the struggles and all of the emotional issues that go along with the weight loss. Keep up the great work. I'm from Ohio too. Go Bucks!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Kismet wrote:
Gregg, I think you were so right on the show. Speaking as a person who has gainned weight, lost weight (OVER AND OVER I might ADD). It is REALLY hard!!!! To expect someone use to eating addictive fatty foods to just suddenly change is unrealistic!!! Food can be addiction, and unlike speed or alcohol that you can get off of and never touch again. . .YOU HAVE to eat!!!! So that means EVERYDAY is a 12-step process, everytime it's time to put something in your mouth. You were really great to Tess, it was nice of you not to beat up on her, and being really comforting towards her---great job!!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Augie wrote:
I also think the weigh-in was premature. Y'all should have been on top of your clients during the holiday, but it's never too late to start kicking butt.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Panda wrote:
What! Noooooo. I live in Ann Arbor (Go BLUE!!)) We haven't had nearly as much crappy weather as a lot of the Midwest and Northeast. Must be a karma thing.
I'd still train with you, Greg. I really identify with Tess and think you are a great team.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Kevin Hill wrote:
Boy the Kevin Hill sounds like he was some Mentor to you. Could you tell us more about him?
posted on April 18, 2007 at 2:54 PM
laino wrote:
I never comment on these things, but ew...Go BLUE!!!
That is all.
By the way...nice job with Tess. I see why she stuck with you, real supportive-like stuff. Now we just need to work on your taste in sports....
posted on April 18, 2007 at 5:07 PM
Heather wrote:
Hey Gregg!
I love, love, love your words of wisdom! I have fought my weight what seems like my entire life and sadly enough I had let myself go by eating and eating during my emotional rollercoaster ride. Food was my comfort... it didn't make me cry and at the time I didn't think that it "hurt" me. I was so wrong.
Last summer I was looking through some pictures from the previous year after I lost a little guy in my family and I can't even begin to tell you how shocked I was when I saw myself. Not only was I shocked but I was horrified. I was the heaviest I had ever been and definitely the most miserable I had ever been. I was in total and complete denial. I had no idea how huge I actually was, then reality hit.
Tess touches my heart, because I have to tell you I think we're a lot alike. She worries about everyone else and what makes them happy. We never put ourselves first, never.
Since last summer I've lost 65 pounds and I'm not stopping there. I still want to lose 60 more. After stumbling across Workout for the first time last weekend I have been sucked in and am utterly addicted. It is amazing how much drive it has given me. I am so thankful for your encouragement. Please tell Tess I'm pulling for her. She's so worth it and I know that she WILL succeed with an awesome trainer like you.
On one of the recent episodes Zen was referring to the both of you and your dating past. She said something like "well, he's 23...what was I thinking?" Well, let me tell ya - I'm 30 and I'd date ya in a heartbeat. Age is just a number. You are such a sweetie and you are so good at what you do. You seem to be one of the most comforting individuals I've ever seen on tv. AND you're HOT! What a bonus!!! LOL
Keep doin' what you're doin'. You rock!
Take care,
Heather
posted on April 18, 2007 at 5:12 PM
ALEXIS wrote:
Wow, i really am sad to see Tess's struggle, but it is SO very clear what is holding her back... her thyroid disease. I have hypothyroidism as well.... i have been a competitive athlete (swimmer) all my life, i am 27 now. i have been in a constant battle to keep my weight down... combine propensity to put weight on while eating MINIMALLY with having to be in a bathing suit nearly every day, well surprise surprise i fell into an eating disorder spiral. I have fluctuated from bony (overexcersizing, undereating) to 70 lbs overweight... over and over. But i can tell you the struggle was not for lack of hard work, and i for sure know what hard work means (2-3 hours hard training in the pool three times a day plus dryland)... eating small meals 5-6 times a day. It was all for naught.... simply because my thyroid couldnt produce what i needed to give me a healthy metabolism... no matter how hard i fought to force myself into one. The years of untreated hypothyroidism and forcing my body to work extra hard exhausted my adrenal glands (which handle stress) and has left me in a sorry state. Not sorrier, however, than the field of medicine*** Especially ENDOCRINOLOGY**** when it comes to diagnosing and treating hypothyroidism!!!!! A person is lucky (SO LUCKY) to get a good doctor when it comes to hypothyroidism today.... unfortunately, so many hypoT people have had to take their own health and treatment into their own hands, myself included, with the help of many online resources. And then, once people realize they've been un or undertreated for so long, many must deal with the residual anger of so many "wasted years" in an unknown struggle. My point in sharing all this is that TESS NEEDS TO DEAL WITH HER THYROID before she has any LASTING weight loss.... and i am sure the weight is not her only health issue, only the most visible one!! Gregg, you are an amazingly caring and passionate trainer... it is inspiring. You and Jackie truly seem to CARE ABOUT TESS and her spiritual and physical progress.... please please please, look into NATURAL thyroid hormone for her thyroid issue. SYNTHROID is synthetic, and what's more is that it only offers ONE out of the five thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid.... the crime is that taking synthroid will bring a person's "TSH" level (the guideline most doctors use) back to "normal range" (a range which in itself is controversial) while all or some of the person's suffering continues!!!! (By the way, TSH is a PITUITARY hormone, NOT a thyroid hormone.... why on earth would you use IT ALONE to guage THYROID HEALTH?). Ok, i hope this rant is not too long!! I love the show! It is just so painful to see such a sweet and driven woman try so hard and not know what is holding her body back. Hypothyroidism is so often insidious and unsuspected!!! I would hate to see her try so hard only to inevitably fail. I dont know who will be reading this, but i hope it somehow gets to Tess. ??? I desperatley hope it's not too long; this just happens to be a struggle i am going through as well, therefore i cant help but leak passion!! If you've made it this far, thank you, take care! (good luck Tess!)
peace,
alexis
posted on April 18, 2007 at 5:48 PM
Elizabeth wrote:
I LOVE TESS!!!! I think she is an amazing beautiful woman and I hope that she realizes how wonderful she really is!!! I hope that she achieves her goal, but more importantly I hope she knows she is beautiful no matter what!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Sharon Boies wrote:
I am concerned that Tess may have a thyroid problem i.e. a "glandular" issue. She appears to have the physical pronounciation of this ailment. Has she seen a Dr. prior to her workout regime? The reason I say this is that her eyes protrude in a fashion that are indicative of hyper/hypothalamism and her excessive weight gain is another red flag. Where are the physicians who should be working in tandem with these trainers to ensure their success and future good health?
A concerned Legal eagle
SLB
posted on April 19, 2007 at 3:42 AM
Char wrote:
Hey Gregg, I really appreciate the support you've Tess. I'm sure there is way more than we, the viewing public see. Please pass this message along to her....
Tess, you are a beautiful woman. You have such a warm personality and the most gorgeous, expressive eyes!!! If I were ever to have the honor to meet you and go on a date, I'd do so in a heartbeat! I'm not a weirdo or a "chubby-chaser". I'm a normal lesbo who appreciates what's on the inside and can see it reflected on the outside. Again, such amazing eyes! Good luck on your quest towards weight loss. I totally understand your struggle, because it is mine as well.
Gregg, take care of that girl! She's special (as are you)!!!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 4:01 AM
Jennifer wrote:
TESS ROX!
GREGG ROX!
You two make a great team - and even though we haven't seen a whole lot of you two together in the show, it's obvious. I hope you are still working together!
It was also so obvious that you were PISSED at Jackie for what she did to Tess at the weigh in! I laughed my ass off when they showed you with the other trainers outside!
I am also a sufferer of hypothyroidism. I have Hashimoto's Disease. That's an auto-immune disease where your body destroys your thyroid for no apparent reason. I struggle daily, even hourly, with my weight.
I could eat rabbit food all day, but unless I work out HARD every day, I just can't lose weight. Let Tess know that there are a LOT of us out here pulling for her. And a LOT of us understand. Tell her not to listen to Jackie and all those people making the show - LISTEN TO YOU. You seem to be the only one who is supporting her through her struggles.
Thank you,from all of us out here, for your kindness and caring. You really are a great guy. It shows.
posted on April 19, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Susan A wrote:
Hey Gregg, I really felt for Tess this week. I was shocked at the scale-only weigh-in... no body fat measurements, no tape measures, nothing else. Anyone who weight trains will gain muscle mass, muscle weighs more than fat. I couldn't believe Jackie would do that, esp knowing how upset women get in particular when told they have gained weight, when they're doing their best to lose it.
I don't know about Tess' thyroid issues, but that may be part of it. Anyway I don't blame ya for being scared of Jackie. She is rather intimidating, ain't she!!
Please convey all of our cyber-hugs to Tess. Glad you are there to support her.
posted on April 19, 2007 at 2:18 PM
ALEXIS wrote:
Per what "Sharon Bois" wrote, i think you are exactly right... most people think that bulging eyes (Thyroid Eye Disease) happens just with Graves disease (HYPERthyroidism), but it also occurs sometimes with Hashimotos (autoimmune disease leading to distruction of thyroid)..... it really does look like she might have this problem of inflamation of the tissue surrounding the eye. (not to say this makes for ugly eyes, tess... you do have really pretty eyes!) BUT, most doctors either miss diagnosing Thyroid issues, or once there is a diagnosis, they undertreat it... about 90% of the time no less!!!! Be careful when you assume that a doctor will automatically know the right thing for you.... a person with this issue must be proactive and do everything they can to fully educate themselves and help direct their doctor. DOCTORS ARE NOT GODS, they are only human with a limited amount of knowledge; what the good doctors know about thyroid was NOT TAUGHT IN MED SCHOOL... it was learned over the years in the field... so a "good doctor" is one that is willing to learn with you and from you!!!!!
"JENNIFER" (above) and other people with hypothyroidism visiting this blog.... DONT SETTLE FOR UNDERTREATMENT!!!! You dont have to simply "accept the fact that i will just always feel this tired, this depressed, always have to work harder than the next person JUST TO KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF!!!" The wrong treatment or UNDERTREATMENT is the most common mistake ppl with this problem make.... often under the care of physicians who only use lab numbers as a guideline, NOT how the patient feels. Be proactive,,, ask for them to test for your "FREE T4" and "FREE T3" levels when they do your thyroid blood panels (they should be in the top of the lab ranges for most to not feel hypo anymore). And as far as treatment is concerned.... T4 alone just does not cut it... most people do not really feel well until they get a combo therapy of T4 and T3. Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active thyroid hormone in the metabolism of EVERY SINGLE CELL IN THE BODY! anyway, my guiding light has been a website called "stopthethyroidmadness" (hehehe, i know the title is a tad dramatic!), but it is a forum run by patients dealing with this issue helping eachother out. It is a wealth of information, guidance, resources.... not a single add... no adds allowed! It is pretty pro-"Armour"... simply because "armour" is the most commonly available natural thyroid hormone, but people on the site are on many other natural thyroid hormones. It has anything you ever need to know to get your life back. I only mention it here because it took me a while to find... it does not come up right away if you google thyroid disease. But it is saving me right now... and for those concerned just about the weight loss, well that comes once you get your thyroid hormone levels up to normal (and thus gain a healthy metabolism).
I truly hope this info somehow gets to TESS, and any other people struggling with thyroid disease!! I also hope it gets to GREGG... no matter how hard you or tess fight, it wont happen until the correct level of thyroid hormones are getting to the cells of the body!!! It is not your failure as a trainer... it is a very real physiological problem!! By the way, TESS, stay away from SOY if you have a thyroid problem, it suppresses the thyroid further!!... USE COCONUT OIL!!! it is an awesome source of essential fatty acids and stimulates the thyroid (coconutoil.com).
SORRY, i went and ranted again! The fact is i dont even like reality shows (workout is just one of my guilty pleasures), and i like online blogs even less.(ha) But, i cant help but want to help other people struggling with this ... because help is few and far between in the traditional sense (i.e. going to a doctor, who you expect to solve your medical problems).
Anyway, i know the episodes have already been taped, so we'll see how it all goes, i guess. But i wish a bright and enlightened future for Tess and Gregg! Ignorance isnt always bliss :)
peace and love and all that,
alexis
posted on April 19, 2007 at 2:23 PM
Courtney wrote:
GO BIG BLUE!!! DOWN WITH THE BUCK..OHIO STATE S**KS LOL
and I even live in Toledo, Ohio
I just want to say Tess is my inspiration to be a better person and a healthier person. You guys should give her a blog to post about her ups and downs.
posted on April 19, 2007 at 6:23 PM
Jennifer wrote:
I have never posted to a blog before but I was watching the show tonight, and it made me realize .... Im over weight and why, I used to be a thin healthy person ... why what happened, when I started gaining weight about 8 years ago, I had a horrific experience, I never put the two together, this is very hard, expressing my emotions and to who? I was in an accident, where I hit and killed a pedistriation, I havent EVER been able to let that go! It was not my fault, i have been told he was wasted walking in the center of a major highway... but I still feel deep down, I wish I could have changed something, anything, everyday I feel pain, everyday I think of the man, everyday... I try and hide what hurts and I eat, and eat... I truly feel this show has made me see why I am this way, now, what to do about it?....
posted on April 19, 2007 at 11:19 PM
cardinal girl wrote:
i have fallen in love w/this show. the drama this season w/jackie & rebecca is hilarious and my prayers go out to doug. gregg has been such an addition to the group (in more ways than one)...WOW! tess is very lucky to be paired w/such a personable trainer. if anyone can get her to where she needs to be, it is gregg. wish it was me out there getting in shape w/him ;)
posted on April 20, 2007 at 4:09 AM
Shannon wrote:
GO BUCKS! I'm from Columbus and the mention of the Buckeyes brought a tear to my eye!! You Rock.
posted on April 20, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Melissa wrote:
Gregg,
Your vision to make other's feel better about themselves is priceless. I think you need to take a step back and look at what you offer people daily and realize your worth again. The battle you're fighting now is not worth your time and effort. You need to remember that your never ending efforts are rewarded at the end of the day when you lay down on your pillow each night. I've been where you're at and realized that my worth is what I have to hold on to each day!
Sincerely, Melissa Cayanna Haubert in Atlanta, GA
posted on April 20, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Jessica wrote:
to sara, I'm a Pennsylvania girl and we are right next to Michigan and Ohio for weird weather. We also had 70 degree weather and then got nailed with inches of snow! And now we are back to the 70's once again! Hopefully it sticks around!
Anyhow, I'm really surprised with the way things are going for Tess. I know it's a hard struggle, but for Jackie to point out that you (Gregg) let Tess gain 15 pounds and infront of the other trainers just wasn't cool! And I'm glad to see how well you interracted with Tess. You were supportive and not judgemental with her even though she gained weight. Way to be!
Keep up the great work!
posted on April 20, 2007 at 6:07 PM
Nikki wrote:
I have to say that I think you're an amazing person. Your compassion is refreshing. I wish I had someone like you in my life to motivate and encourage me. You are a beautiful person, and not too bad to look at either! :)
Much love!
Nikki
posted on April 21, 2007 at 4:47 PM
Robin wrote:
Hey Gregg
Just wanted to tell you how much I love the show and you on it. Me and my sister have become addicted to the show and never miss a weeks episode. You seem like such an awesome person and tess is lucky to have you as a trainor!!!
posted on April 22, 2007 at 9:20 AM
ayesha wrote:
gregg,
This week was a key episode because it seems to have been a turning point for the sky lab clients and the trainers. you said you did not need coaching from Jackie, but she owns the place. the bottom line was everyone had started slacking a little and needed a kick in the butt. So that is what she did. she is keeping her eye on the big picture and doing what she needs to motivate you guys. I did like how you comforted Tess. I felt bad for her because she seems to try so hard. I remember how happy she looked during season 1, and I am interested to see her progress more than the others this season.
posted on April 22, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Megan wrote:
Gregg, Gregg, Gregg!! Leah told me you were on the show but I didn't believe it, however now I see it!! It seems like yesterday that we were all at Kooma and now you're in LA! Glad to hear you're still working on your music career! Hope everyhing is going well!
posted on April 22, 2007 at 3:22 PM
PeachPie wrote:
You could say anthing and I'd nod my head.
Damn, you're just too georgous. : )
posted on April 23, 2007 at 1:19 AM
Deb wrote:
Mr. Music Maker,
Just wanted to say hello...I'm looking forward to watching you on tonight's show. I'm sure your plan for Tess is stellar! She is lucky to have you as her trainer.
Stay easy on the eyes and heart...you are sweet
Keep searching for that elusive schnauzzberry ;-)
Much love,
Deb
posted on April 24, 2007 at 1:20 PM
Claudine Buzzo wrote:
Just wanted to say you are the most down to earth and I love watching you. I'm a lesbian and you still are my favorite because of the way you handle your clients, and just people in general. You seem to have a good energy. I have a friend In L.A. I'm in Miami just wondering how hard it is to get sessions with you? I have tons of injuries from playing sports, you seem like the guy to help me out. I'm 6"1 and 190 I just can't seem to get the extra weight off due to the fact that when I start the gym serious, My injuries hinder me. Would love to train in the near future atleast to get the right info on how to train with injuries. Stay cool dude!
posted on April 24, 2007 at 3:15 PM
Courtnei wrote:
i just wanted to say THANK YOU. i have recommited myself to losing weight in the past month. at first i wasn't working out and just eliminated carbs. the weight was flying off. once i started working out, the weight loss slowed down significantly. i was feeling very frustrated and considered throwing in the towel and calling for a pizza. when i was watching the show, you said that when you are working out your body is changing and the last thing that happens is weight loss. that made me feel so much better. i have noticed that my clothes are getting looser and i'm trying not to get on the scale every day.
thanks again and best of luck in your endeavors.
posted on April 24, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Leslie wrote:
Gregg, I agree with the majority here - you are the BEST. I owned a gym for almost 10 years from my late 40s to early 50s and am a female. I was a body builder (natural) and have been an athlete all my life. Jackie has absolutely BLOWN her opportunity for exposure. Sad that the program has become about her lesbianism (who the heck gives a rat's ass) than her ability to train people. BUT, I can understand that NOW since she is clueless and would have NOTHING were it not for her great trainers - especially YOU. Jackie is sabotaging all of the clients right now BY weighing them - it's the LAST thing you need to do right now. I was extremely successful in what I did - from training olympians, football players, soccer players, etc. to training women like Tess and geriatric fitness as well. NO ONE asked Tess how her clothes were fitting - the scale doesn't mean a THING!!! You knew that from what I saw - stick to you gut instincs and remember - Jackie is NOTHING without you guys - she is horrible as a trainer! This show is just about her and her lesbians, her JOKE of a life and her ATTEMPT at her 15 minutes of fame - which she is blowing. I have a HUGE fitness community here in D.C. and she is considered a JOKE! You hang in there and I sure would LOVE to see a show about YOU!! Where were you when I had MY gym LOL!!!!! Jackie better get it in her head that she needs YOU guys not the other way around! Take care, Gregg, YOU ARE GREAT! BTW I trained my son from the time he was 10 and he is NOW playing professionally - so that is ONLY ONE of my testimonies.
posted on April 24, 2007 at 9:36 PM
Pammy wrote:
Gregg,
I just wanted to say I think you are gorgeous, but more then that you have this great spirit about you where you seem to genuinely care for your clients, and people in general. I really enjoyed the episode with you and Tess. I am quite sure you will help to get her with where she needs to be. I think you handled that whole thing very well and I liked how you spoke your mind and gave your honest opinion on the infamous "weigh in" I will keep watching and keep commenting. I am addicited to the show.Keep up the great work. I love the show, and I especially love watching you on it :-)
posted on April 24, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Nicole Sanchez wrote:
This episode was pretty emotional. I felt so bad for Tess, but I knew she was in good hands with you Gregg. I think you handled the situation very well, and I saw your point on the weight gain.
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