Larry Snead, 64, works out on his stair step machine in his Oak Island bedroom. Snead has lost 152 pounds in a year and a half. In December 2005, he weighed 450 pounds, but through eating right and exercising he has and continues to lose weight healthfully. Staff Photo By shelby sebens/Wilmington Star-News.
Weight lifted off of his shoulders Oak Island man improves health with 152-lb. loss
Oak Island | A little more than a year and a half ago it was hard for Larry Snead to walk from his recliner to the bathroom. His knees and hips would ache and his breathing would labor. By Shelby Sebens,
Staff Writer
Snead, in his early 60s, weighed 450 pounds. The doctors said his cholesterol and weight were too high and that he would eventually need knee replacements.
His only form of exercise was the walk from his truck to the Flying Pig Coffee House where he would visit with friends until exhaustion took over. He walked with a cane or crutches, depending on the severity of his pain.
"I knew I needed to do something," Snead said.
So at the advice of a friend, he went to see chiropractor Karen Fairfield on Dec. 1, 2005. He knew he needed to lose weight, so after Fairfield adjusted his neck, back and knees, he took her advice to write down what he eats and to exercise five minutes a day.
The next day, Snead got on his new stationary bicycle in his bedroom and pedaled for two minutes, took a break, pedaled for two more and used the last minute to cool down.
Much has changed since then. Snead has lost 152 pounds and can do much more than walk a few feet. Two weeks ago he rode 72 miles in two days during a bike ride for multiple sclerosis in Myrtle Beach. He works out two hours every day and is eating healthy and feeling well.
"I didn't need a replacement. I needed weight loss and exercise," he said Saturday after finishing his weight routine in his bedroom that now resembles a small gym.
Snead didn't need surgery, pills or fad diets. He lost the pounds naturally, through eating right and exercising.
"I'm so proud of him," Fairfield said. "He really did everything that I asked."
The biggest challenge, Snead says, is staying consistent with his workouts that include biking for miles, swimming and weight lifting.
"I'm sore a lot," he said, adding the first six months were brutal on his knees and hips.
But he has adapted well, surpassing his first two goals of losing 100 pounds, then 150. His next goal is to have lost 200 pounds by his 65th birthday in March.
Inspiring an island
Snead's accomplishment not only has improved his health, but it has also helped others.
"It's an inspiration to all of us to get in shape and stay in shape," said Ben Brooks, who joined Snead in the Myrtle Beach bike run. It was his first time riding for more than recreation, and he is already planning for next year.
Rebecca Jones, owner of the Flying Pig, said she has seen more people riding bikes around town than ever before.
"He is all over the island," she said of Snead, adding people will honk and wave as he rides by.
Jones has been so moved by Snead's weight loss that she is trying to get him on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Mark Meyer, owner of Suburban Cycles in Oak Island, estimates 50 overweight people have come in wanting to buy a bike, inspired by Snead's determination.
"He's my grass-roots marketing campaign," Meyer said.
Healthy living
There is no shortage of people who support Snead.
Many of them sat outside the Flying Pig on Saturday as a musician sang in the background. As Snead grinned from ear to ear, his friends spoke of a man who inspires and amazes them.
Oak Island Mayor Johnie Vereen said his longtime friend's spirits have never been higher.
"He's got a determination like most people don't have and should have," Vereen said.
Snead is diligent. He continues to write down every day what he eats and how much he exercises. His massage therapist suggests that he take a day off, but now he's addicted to the adrenaline-pumping workouts.
And his wife, Mary, couldn't be happier.
"I feel like he's extended his life," she said.
Shelby Sebens: 755-7963
shelby.sebens@starnewsonline.com
The above article and photograph was reproduced here by permission of the StarNewsOnline, which retains all rights.
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