Beachbody Results: Ashley Lost 148 Pounds

Ashley McGuire lost 148 lbs. with Hip Hop Abs, TurboFire, INSANITY MAX:30, P90X, INSANITY, 21 Day Fix, and CIZE. She entered her results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for January 15th!
Ashley is an independent Beachbody Coach.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I started my new healthy lifestyle journey, I was a depressed, obese girl who used food as comfort to deal with life’s problems. I was never active and hated doing anything that involved activity. I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I would avoid mirrors, because I hated the way that I looked. When my friends and family wanted to take group photos, I would always be the one to volunteer to take the photo, because I hated to get my photo taken. My body was sore all the time, and the weight that I carried was not good for the rods infused in my spine when I was 14 from kyphosis. I smoked like a freight train, and just stayed holed up inside my bedroom all day hiding from the world. It was a very sad life, and I lived that way since I was 13 or 14.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
What inspired me was when my doctor told me that I was on the borderline of becoming a type 2 diabetic. He said that, with my awful eating habits and smoking, I would probably not see the age of 50. When he told me that, I remembered my grandmother who died from complications due to type 2 diabetes. She made me promise on her deathbed when I was 16 to do everything I could to lose weight and live a healthy, prosperous life. I felt horrible because I didn’t keep that promise to her. So one night, when I was depressed about what my doctor told me, I saw a commercial about Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs and I thought: “Well this looks fun enough. Let’s try it.” Once I started it, I couldn’t get enough. Once Hip Hop Abs was completed, then came TurboFire, INSANITY MAX:30, INSANITY, P90X, 21 Day Fix, and on and on.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I faced was having the determination and confidence in myself to start a workout and then to finish it. I tried many workout programs before, and I always felt like they were never made for someone like me, or I got bored fast doing them. With Beachbody programs, the trainers make you feel like you are really right there with them. Their encouraging words pushed me to keep going. When I felt like giving up, their words touched me deep inside somehow, and lifted my spirits to finish the program and give it all that I’ve got. The trainers in each and every program that I have completed taught me to believe in myself and to stay committed to exercise — and, well, to life in general. Because Beachbody trainers helped me overcome my lack of determination and lack of self-confidence, I was able to lose a substantial amount of weight, quit smoking, and feel healthier. Without Beachbody, I don’t think I would have made it this far.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
With P90X, in particular, I like the pace of the exercises. Tony Horton didn’t rush the sets or the movements. He also made it clear that you shouldn’t lift with your ego, but you should lift what you can with perfect form and safety. In general, with all of the Beachbody programs that I have done, I always liked how the trainers make you feel like you are their friend and that they are there with you. You don’t feel alone when working out to a Beachbody program.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
Well, besides the amount of weight that I have lost, which was amazing by the way, my body has become stronger than it has ever been. My body still has loose skin from my extreme weight loss, but P90X has helped me tone a lot of it up. Doing these programs has strengthened my core and muscles to where I can perform better outside of doing Beachbody programs. Like, for instance, I have completed three 5ks and one mud run obstacle course. I wouldn’t be as ready for these races if it wasn’t for the help of Beachbody programs. I am proud of being able to lift as much as I can and to do actual chin-ups now!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
My life has changed for the better. I love being out in the outdoors. I love to exercise and stay active. I smile more, and I am happy all the time. Even my family and friends have said that I have changed for the better completely. I don’t hate looking in the mirror. I love getting pictures taken of myself, because I don’t hate the way I look anymore. Also, the confidence and determination that I have gained from doing Beachbody programs have made my life so much greater, and I can’t say thank you enough. I love my life now, and I look forward to a brighter, healthier future with Beachbody and in all aspects that shall come my way.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
Participating in Challenge Groups helped me stay motivated in my goals. I also got to experience other people’s goals, which I also used alongside my goals. Working out in Challenge Groups gave me the shoulder I needed to lean on when I needed support from people who were trying (and still trying) to accomplish similar goals. It kept me and everyone else accountable, because we all worked together as a team. To achieve success, we all had to keep each other motivated to accomplish what we were there to do.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach has helped me so much throughout my journey, and still continues to do so even today. He has given me nutrition tips, workout tips, you name it. He has never once doubted me. I made a new friend in him, and I am glad that he came into my life. Without his help, I don’t think I would have been as successful as I have been.

How did a Beachbody supplement, 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, or digestion/regularity?
Shakeology helped eliminate my junk food cravings. Junk food was always my worst enemy. I always craved the greasiest, gross food imaginable. Drinking Shakeology helped curb those desires and made me feel full, which used to be a hard feat. I like the way Shakeology makes me feel healthier and energized. I feel like everything inside works like a well-oiled machine.

Did Did you achieve any other measurable improvements with a Beachbody supplement, nutritional product, or program (e.g. blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, etc.)?
With Shakeology and regular exercise, my blood sugar levels went back to normal.⁺

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.

*Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.

⁺These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Beachbody products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.