P90X Results: Isaiah Lost 74 Pounds!

^†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Isaiah is an Independent Team Beachbody Coach.

Isaiah Kerns, age 39 from Chesapeake, VA., lost 74 pounds with P90X. He entered The Beachbody Challenge in May 2015 and won $1,000!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
My name is Isaiah and I’m a recovering couch potato! I understood that P90X never claimed to be a weight loss program. But I knew that I needed ‘shock therapy’ for my body and mind! I was a smoker for many years during my time in the military. Through sheer force of will, I was able to quit on my own without patch or gum or aid of any sort. By remembering that tough journey, I realized I had the willpower to see through my fitness goals as well. But quitting smoking did bring with it a big weight gain. After I left the military and settled into married life, I became sedentary and my weight went up to 253 lbs. Not a good look on my 5’8 frame. I had to make drastic changes in my life. I became extremely self- conscious about my body. I had a mixture of high self-esteem and low confidence. I began having episodes of sleep apnea, I also was having terrible digestive cramping (or as I called it- “Thunder guts”) and I had absolutely no energy or motivation. I simply couldn’t find my spark.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
A peculiar point is timing. Much like smoking, even when I knew the benefits, and I had loved ones asking me to, I still didn’t feel the conviction of determination to change myself. P90X remained in the back of my mind as my ‘go to option’, but it took a long time to be ready. My wife is active duty military and told me last year about her upcoming 8 month long deployment to the Persian Gulf. When she told me, my mind sparked. I felt it in my gut that this was going to be the time I would finally do it! I knew I’d be able to get through a couple cycles of P90X while she was away and make some big changes for her, for our children… and for myself! I was also aware that she had her own fitness goals. At first I was going to make it surprise for her return, but I glad I kept her updated. This way we were able to motivate each other and feel connected. While away she was able to lose 40 lbs herself using her preferred program, INSANITY.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
The greatest hurdle I faced by far was my own mind. It came as a revelation to me how much the mind plays into it. Some days I felt strong, having the focus and energy, some days I felt too worn out either physically or emotionally. But I had to stay in it. Tony Horton’s voice kept going in my mind. “Get out of your head, just show up, keep pushing play, keep pushing play!” That line is what kept me going and in it. I got the work in and reps done. I didn’t cheat myself or waste my own time. I kept going. Of course there were ups and downs, but I am so much better for it and I really like life right now!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
The P90X program is just right for me. I don’t mind the investment of time and the 6 day per week schedule. I feel like it is the price I pay for neglecting my health for so long. I became accustomed to the routines but they are still complex and challenging enough to keep it fresh. I like the challenge of adapting the plan to fit my needs and the equipment I have available to me here at home. I wasn’t keen on starting with P90X2 or P90X3 programs because of the compound movements. I appreciate the classic simplicity of the original. It works for me. Tony Horton does make the program a lot of fun. Just the right amount of humor, and the pace is perfect for me. I was aware that P90X was intended for people already in some semblance of fitness, but I decided to go for it anyway. So glad I did.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
My results have been terrific! I never set a specific number for a goal. I simply started with the intention of getting in the ‘best shape of my life’. That journey continues. I feel most proud when I put old clothes on (they tell the story). Well… not any more, nothing fits me! (Donated everything!) I have completed two cycles of P90X and I still don’t feel like I’ve reached my pinnacle but the results are undeniable. As are the compliments! In 7 months I’m down from a size 44 pant to a size 36. My weight has gone from 253 lbs (39.5 BMI) to 179.5 lbs (25.4 BMI) as of 11 May 2015.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
There are so many unexpected benefits! Confidence, energy, libido, compliments, reactions (or lack of), and quads! (That’s all real!) Most importantly, I feel fantastic! I feel so much younger and happier and certainly healthier than I have in a very long time. I have the energy to run and play with my kids! That has been the best reward I could have ever wished for! I have also become a Beachbody Coach and I take so much joy in sharing my story with everyone I can. I don’t intend to become a fitness robot, but I do want to encourage everyone I can to make those healthy changes! There are only positives on the other side of determination

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.