Video: Saltillo Man Inspires Others With Physical Fitness Accomplishments

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SALTILLO, Miss. (WCBI) – One week from now, many people will be making resolutions to start 2015 and a good portion of those will involve goals such as eating better and working out.

Tonight, in the first of a two part series, WCBI’s Allie Martin introduces us to a local man who not only had the desire to improve his health, he took action.

Nearly everyday, Reggie Topp, is in the gym.

Last Christmas, the 48 year old Saltillo resident wasn’t happy about his appearance or health, so he decided to do something about it.

“I decided, I’m 252 pounds, I’m looking at a mirror, wearing a 42 inch waist. Took an aggressive stance on my health,” Topp said.

Over the next few months, Topp became a regular at SNAP Fitness, where he mixed up his workout routines, with a combination of weights, the Stairmaster and step classes, but he wasn’t making progress fast enough.

Then, a friend made a suggestion to torch the fat.

“Tanya came and said you need to start doing cardio, about an hour of cardio a day. I said ok. One day I finally got over and got on that machine, said ‘wow this is killing me but one day turned into the next, into another I said I can do this, started seeing weight slowly disappear, it’s a gradual process,” he said.

Topp now weighs in at 213, one pound shy of his goal of 212 pounds. Earlier this year, he competed in his first 5 k and reached a medical milestone.

“I was on blood pressure meds for six years, I got out here, started running, coming to the gym and I’ve been off blood pressure medications for four months now,” Topp said.

Topp also eats smaller portions of his favorite foods and enjoys competitive workouts with fellow SNAP member, Tanya Barnes.

“I love to be pushed, I love for someone to say Reggie, you can’t do it, I can do whatever I put my mind to. This is something I’m doing for myself,” he said.

Leah Justice is one of the trainers who has helped guide Reggie through his transformation and she even set up a medical screening for Topp, when she learned he had a family history of colon cancer.

“I do encourage people to have their physicals done, know your family history, you have to want to be healthier to live healthier,” Justice said.

For Reggie Topp, he has the desire, and with the help from trainers and friends, the knowledge to continue his journey and he has advice for those who want to make a change.

“Take the first step, get off the couch, quit driving around eating in the car, go to walking track. pick up a Frisbee, walk, run, I guarantee you will see a difference in your life,” Topp said.

Reggie Topp’s goal for 2015 is to run his first half marathon. Tomorrow, Allie has the story of Topp’s workout buddy and friendly competitor and how her life has been transformed for the better.