“I don’t want to eat bad because then I feel bad,” he said. “You are what you eat.”

Barrett takes high-intensity interval classes at Premier four to five days a week. He supplements those workouts with cycling and other cardio at another local gym.

Some days are tougher than others, but he’s never felt like throwing in the towel. Some inspirational books helped him push through. One of his favorites is “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins. And this winter, when he stepped on the scale and saw the numbers get lower, he knew his efforts were paying off.

“It’s all mental,” Barrett said. “...I’ve worked my butt off. I’ve earned those pounds.”

Alex Libby, who’s known Barrett for seven years, said his friend inspires him. Barrett took a risk by quitting his job to pursue his dream career. Libby said Barrett has great discipline, often turning down meals out or drinks at the bar to stick to his routine.

“He’s one of the most driven and dedicated people I think I’ve ever seen,” Libby said.