Making Changes

Right before my 30th birthday, my doctor told me during a routine physical, “How you take care of yourself in your 30s will dictate what you can do in your 40s.” I was in decent health but overweight. From that point on, I made a commitment to change. Today, eating well and working out are part of my lifestyle. It’s easy to fall off course, but it’s even harder to start up again.

Cheat Meals

I’m part owner of a restaurant chain called Fat Sal’s, named after my best friend. While you can eat healthy there, it’s not really why you go: It’s more of an extreme culinary experience that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s the first place I go to on a cheat day. The Fat Jerry sandwich features cheesesteak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, bacon, fried eggs, fries, mayo, and ketchup!

Hoop Dreams

My favorite form of cardio is playing basketball. But it’s not the most balanced training method, so I switch it out for boxing or hikes. They’re not nearly as fun as reliving my glory days on the court, but neither is pulling, spraining, or tearing something.

A Proud Quitter

The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was quit smoking two years ago. I smoked heavily for 15 years. Now I’m able to work out harder than ever ­before. It’s the best choice I’ve ever made.

Proving Himself

Haters probably motivate me the most. Tell me I can’t do something, then watch me go ahead and do it in your face. It’s not always the best recipe for success, but it’s helped me stay focused.

Funny Girl

If I had to choose the most important trait in a woman, it would have to be a sense of humor. If a woman can laugh at herself, she has already started to charm me.