‘Health Is Wealth: Barbers Weightloss Journey Inspires Others To Get In Shape

NORTH STATION, RI (WPRI) -- Ethan Pereira knew it was time to get in shape.

“I started with 300 (lbs),” Pereira said. "I knew it was important and I had to change my lifestyle."

Pereira, a barber at Love Barbershop in North Providence, told 12 News that he is struggling to lose weight.

The effort paid off.

"I lost 55 pounds," he said. "I feel like a new person."

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It hasn't been easy for Perera, who says he depends heavily on the support of family and friends.

“When you have support, it is 10 times easier,” he explained.

Sherwin Ramos, owner of Love Barbershop, has found a unique way to support Pereira.

“Every dollar you earn is equal to one push,” Ramos explains. "If I get a $30 haircut, I'll have to do 30 push-ups before I can move on to the next one."

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Ramos says push-ups are more than just cheating, Pereira inspires everyone to improve.

“He inspired everyone without even trying to inspire everyone,” Ramos said.

Supporting Pereira is a team effort, Ramos said, adding that other hairdressers also work between appointments.

Pereira and Ramos did hundreds of push-ups every shift. When asked how many push-ups he could do in one shift, Perera said about 350.

“Health is wealth,” says Perera. “At first you think, “Yes, I won $350.” But then you have to switch to push-ups.

"It's difficult," Ramos added. "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

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The tip is included in a number of hairstyles, which Ramos says are a great way to attract customers.

“We added our tips because everyone had a great time,” he said.

Ramos and Pereira hope to further inspire each other.

“I have seen people treat their cars better than their bodies,” Ramos said. “It just misses the word ‘sorry’. No more excuses.

Pereira plans to continue the process of losing weight as long as possible. He said that the more he loses, the more confident he feels.

"It's very important to make sure you feel at the top," he said.

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