PiYo Results: This Busy Mom Lost 85 Pounds in 8 Months!
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Rachel is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Rachel Greenholt, age 33 from Mc Sherrystown, PA, entered The Beachbody Challenge in April 2015 and won $1,000!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before PiYo, I was heavy, tired, and overwhelmed by the daunting task of losing 130 pounds. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic because of my obesity.3 I had lost myself, and felt helpless to take control of my eating, my health, and my happiness. I used the excuses of a busy life, husband and three kids, owning two business and running a non profit as a way to convince myself that I couldn’t improve. I lacked all self confidence and felt ashamed of my health, my size, and my lack of energy.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I was diagnosed as a pre-diabetic, my family doctor told me that I was morbidly obese and qualified for bariatric surgery.3 That was my wake up call. I knew that to become a better wife, mother, business owner, and ministry leader, I first had to take care of me! My health had been last on my list of priorities for ten years. My friend and now Coach, Heidi Watts, encouraged me to try clean eating and PiYo as a way to take hold of my health and fitness journey. She reminded me that to do all God had called me to do in this life, I needed to love and care for my body and health.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
Before PiYo, clean eating, and Shakeology, my greatest challenge in life was devoting time and energy into my family. I had no energy, no zeal for life, no confidence in myself or my abilities anymore. I weighed 289.9 pounds at 32 years old. Even tying my shoes, playing at the park, and helping my children with their sports activities was a challenge. PiYo had increased my flexibility and strength, cardiovascular stamina, and balance. I was able to sign up to coach my daughter’s soccer team because I not only have the strength and endurance to so, I now have confidence in myself again. Such confidence, that I no longer feel overwhelmed or defeated like I did before. I have been on this journey for just 8 short months, and have lost 85 pounds! I still have 45 pounds to go, but I can do it! This has been a complete lifestyle change for me. 8 months ago I was almost 300 pounds, today, I am on my way to reaching my goal!
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I loved that PiYo was a low impact exercise program that uses your body to shape your body. I needs all of the aspects of PiYo: flexibility, strength, balance, stamina, and control. My body responded so quickly to the exercises, and I truly love the workouts. I feel accomplished, encouraged, and stronger each time I complete a workout. This is a program that I will continue to do everyday for the rest of my life.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
During this 8 month journey, I have lost 85 pounds, and have completely changed the way I eat. I no longer eat any processed foods or grains, all whole foods, organically grown and prepared. My core was strengthened in a way I never imagined. I have gained my self confidence and have been able to be open and honest with others about my journey, and have already inspired others to do the same.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Since I have competed my first 8 month session of PiYo, my life has completely changed. I am now able to balance my priorities in such a way that I do not compromise my health and wellness. I no longer use my husband and three children, my two businesses and a non profit organization as excuses anymore for being too busy. They are my motivation! I will be able to embrace this one life I have been given and live it well! I will continue on this journey until I reach my goal, and will share my story, weaknesses and all, in hopes to show everyone that if I can do it, they can too! No woman who is 300 pounds will ever be able to say that there isn’t hope. I will be that hope and inspiration for them.
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
My Coach, Heidi, was amazon at sending daily motivational messages, nutritional advice, and encouragement. She would text me each morning at 5am to help hold me accountable for getting up to push play. She prayed for me, encouraged me, challenged me, and gave me the confidence to share my story with the Challenge Group so that we could all succeed! She did this for each of her Challenge Group members and encouraged us all to stay connected with one another. This was great motivation to do our best, one day at a time.
How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology was a huge benefit to me. I noticed right away that I as more energy and clarity in thinking. I could tell that Shakeology was fueling my body with the fuel it needed to succeed. I had cut all grains out of my diet, so I was missing some key nutrients and minerals that they provide. Shakeology gave those to me in one delicious, easy to prepare shake.2
How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have?
Shakeology helped eliminate my addiction to caffeine. I was a 5 cup a day coffee drinker, stopping at a coffee house three times a week. The natural energy I for from the superfoods and nutrients gave my body what it really needed!2
You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes. 
3Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before starting any fitness program or nutrition product.
2These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.