P90X Results: This Father of Five Lost 36 Pounds in Eight Months
John Dahlke lost 36 lbs. in eight months with P90X and P90X2. He entered his results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for November 18th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I was getting overweight and felt sluggish. I was always uncomfortable with my body. I enjoyed working out, but I was very inconsistent and had very poor eating habits.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My wife bought me P90X for my 40th birthday. I wasn’t even very familiar with the program before that time.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
Looking back, I think there were several challenges that I wasn’t even aware of before starting P90X. First, my eating habits were probably typical of any middle-aged man. A wife, five kids, and running a business did not lend itself to good eating habits — compounded with the fact that I “thought” I was working out on a regular basis. Little did I know, the years were starting to add up, and the bad habits were beginning to change my body to that typical, middle-aged, bloated look.
Why did you choose this particular program?
I didn’t choose this program; my wife actually bought it for my 40th birthday. I was attracted to the program, because it allowed me to work out at home and wasn’t pure cardio. I have always enjoyed resistance workouts! I decided that I would give the program a try. I put in the first disc, Chest/Back. The warm-up started, and I thought, “This is no big deal.” By the time I got through the first half of the disc, I was beyond exhaustion. I almost fell over when Tony said we were going to do it all again. Needless to say, the next 20 minutes was the most difficult workout of my life. I ended up going into my bedroom and dropped onto the floor. Exhausted and embarrassed, I realized I still had to do the Ab Ripper. My wife, who is a fitness instructor, said she would do it with me. Well, I couldn’t finish all the moves for about half of the disc. I was ashamed and embarrassed at my lack of fitness. It was that moment that I decided and committed.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I loved that I could do the program in my house. No more having to get up in the middle of winter and run through the snow all bundled up. Then work out, bundle up again (all sweaty), and run back out in the snow. I think Tony keeps it light and motivating. Looking back, I really believe it teaches how to work out properly. It teaches you that you cannot “outwork” your diet. And the ending results are a balanced body. Not big-chested or big-armed! Very well-balanced back to front, top to bottom.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
Since doing one round of P90X and one round Of P90X2, I have a well-balanced build. I started using Shakeology after about one-and-a-half months into the program. Now I have finished one round of P90X2 and continue with Shakeology. I plan on getting my bloodwork done again this fall. It will be one year of the two Beachbody programs, along with Shakeology. I am proud of my physique, as well as finishing both programs. And doing them exactly as instructed. No cutting corners. No missed days. And I brought it hard every single day.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
It has showed me what I can be, even in my 40s and beyond. It has taught me how to eat healthy. It has taught me how to work out. I, like so many people, have always thought I worked out. I went to the gym and did my routine. Now, after doing these programs, I realize I was barely working out at all. Not to mention that my eating did not coincide with my workouts.
How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach was a huge asset to me. He was knowledgeable, supportive, and always available. His involvement in my routine was a big reason for my success. In fact, after 30 days I was very disheartened by my results. At the time, I had a different Coach who really was not involved with my journey. I reached out to John and asked if I could have him as a Coach. His advice and motivation not only pushed me to continue, it helped me achieve my goals. He also suggested that I try P90X2, which I was extremely glad I did. I was going to continue another round of P90X. Instead, he got my wife to buy me P90X2 for Christmas. Yes, another wonderful gift from my sweet wife! I think the two are conspiring to kill me (lol). Now I have started a hybrid round set up by my Coach!
What tips or tools did you find most useful? What made them so instrumental?
I think you have to do exactly what the program says… Decide, commit, succeed. I truly believe the people who fail in this program cut corners and do not feel they have to follow all the steps. Whether they “don’t like yoga” or think they can miss a few days or think they can outwork their nutritional shortcomings. Find a good Coach and really follow the guidelines of the program. Take the pictures, use the workout sheets, and follow a nutritional regiment.
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 and effort.