INSANITY Results: This 52-Year-Old Lost 70 Pounds and Won $1,500!

Pat Fitzgerald, age 54, lost 70 lbs. with INSANITY. She entered her results into the The Beachbody Challenge, and won $1,500!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I had no idea how bad it was until I couldn’t even fit comfortably in a plane seat. Even then, I was still in denial. I just knew that I needed to make a change. I felt very insecure, and it was affecting how I interacted with others. I was embarrassed and made decisions not to go places, just because I had gained weight. I had lost a lot of weight before, and then gained it all back. I was ashamed, and I could see others not mention how bad it had gotten. I couldn’t go back to the gym and face all those people that saw me 70 lbs. lighter. I was so out of shape that it was humbling.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
Realizing the next size of pants I would have to buy would have been a size 20; seeing a picture of myself; being so uncomfortable while sitting; and making promises to myself that “today would be different” and then it never was. I needed to invest in me to get me healthy again. It was affecting my work, self-worth, and overall happiness. And I made a $100 bet with two co-workers. We gave ourselves six months to change our lives, not to diet. I had to prove to myself I could do it — I didn’t want to fail… again.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
I had lots of challenges. I travel a lot for work and used that as an excuse that I couldn’t exercise or for why I ate badly. But that is all it was — an excuse. I was embarrassed. So I dusted off my INSANITY program and said, “I did it before, I can do it again.” However, I did INSANITY when I was in great shape, and I had to find a way to do it in the shape I was now. The first few days I cried and wanted to give up. But then I remembered I may never be as fast as them, be able to jump as high, or do as many reps, but that didn’t matter. The only thing I needed to be was better than I was the day before. I love INSANITY (and now MAX:30). Because you don’t need weights, I could do it in the hotel room. I found ways to modify the exercises, do the upper body work using the sofa until I could make it to the floor, and it worked! 70 lbs. down. I didn’t lose the weight; I got rid of it. I have no intention of finding it again, and want to keep digging deeper!

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
The fact that I could modify it to meet my current fitness level. That I didn’t have to keep up with choreography or their timing. That I didn’t need extra equipment or a lot of space. It produced results and quickly. I love Beachbody On Demand so I can try other workouts and other trainers (sorry but Shaun T is still my fave). I like that I could choose a quick 20–30-minute workout or combine workouts. Being able to work out at home also ensured that I didn’t use excuses of no time, too cold to go to gym, etc.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I lost 70 lbs. and went from a size 18 to a size 8–10. I can not only fit in an airplane seat, I can cross my legs and be comfortable. But I think the one thing that has made me the most proud is the number of people who have said I have inspired them. I am over 50 years old and in better shape than people who are 20 years younger. If I can do it, anyone can.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
People always tell me, “You must feel so good.” Actually, my answer to them is, “I hurt, my joints ache, and I want a nap!” But that has more to do with the aging process. And it sure beats sad, lonely, hurt, and disgusted. I walk straighter. I have more self-confidence. I smile more. I try harder at everything I do. I continue to make time for me and don’t let excuses get in the way or try and take the easy way out.

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. What program are you committing to next?

^†Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.