Beachbody Results: James Lost 41.6 Pounds and Won $500

James Antonuk lost 41.6 lbs. with 22 Minute Hard Corps and 21 Day Fix. He entered his results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for October 20th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I joined the Beachbody family, I was just finishing my apprenticeship. Four years of hard work and studying. Work, eat, sleep, pay off debts. Work, eat, sleep, stay focused. Work, eat, sleep, success! Finally… but somewhere down the line, I forgot about myself. I completely stopped exercising and was eating complete garbage food. After work, I’d come home and stuff handfuls of chips in my face. Even people at work noticed. I even had one of those moments when you’re just about to jump in the shower, and find yourself just staring in the mirror thinking, “What the hell happened?” Take my shirt off in public? Not. I remember getting winded putting my socks on. I honestly was completely disgusted with myself.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
One night I woke up at 3 AM in excruciating pain, from my knees to the tip of my toes. I’m not a doctor person, but this time I was genuinely scared. I went to see the doctor, and after a physical and some blood work, the doctor looked at me straight in the eyes and said, “Well, you have two choices: Starting right now, I can give you a handful of pills that you can take for the rest of your life, or you can immediately change your lifestyle.” That was it. Message heard loud and clear…

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
My greatest challenge was finding the “spark” or “desire.” I tried going to the gym and failed. I tried counting calories and failed. I took advice from a multitude of people about what diet/exercise regiment was the best, continuously failing and putting on more weight. Finally, I was introduced to Beachbody. At first, I hung out in the back just to see what it was all about, watching other people talk about their successes and struggles. I was shocked, a place where people are going through the same things I’m going through, but instead of being judgmental, they support you and push you to success. Now I have the confidence to talk about my own successes and struggles. After finishing the 22 Minute Hard Corps program, I feel like a new person. The easy-to-follow eating plan, straightforward get-down-and-dirty workouts, and boot camp approach is totally my style. “Hard Core, Get Some.”

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
The best part about 22 Minute Hard Corps is the no nonsense boot camp-style approach. Straightforward, but never boring. You use your whole body.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
During the last eight weeks, I’ve lost another 10 lbs., dropped two pant sizes, and now I’m wearing a 34 waist instead of a 36. My stomach is flat, and I can finally wear sport shirts. My chest, arms, and abs are starting to become more defined. But the one thing I’m most impressed with is my back. I used to have these jelly rolls under my shoulder blades, gone, and the definition of my muscles are incredible.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I now feel more confident about myself. My energy levels are ridiculous. My strength has increased. Both of which have helped me at work. I work in the construction industry, which involves lots of heavy lifting, climbing, repetitive motion, and fitting into tight places. Even the people around me are treating me differently. They see the progress I’ve made and acknowledge how far I’ve come, physically and mentally. I get a kick every day when people come to see what I have prepared for lunch. My whole outlook on life has changed. I feel recharged, like I have a new lease on life.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
Anytime I was feeling down and out, I could always count on Rene to push me to the next level. Most notably was when I hit a plateau. I just wasn’t losing weight anymore for two weeks. I was getting frustrated and starting to go downhill. We sat down, reevaluated my calorie intake, and brought everything back to basics. He encouraged me to stick to the plan. He explained to me that everyone at some point plateaus, but not to lose focus. Three days later, the pounds started to melt away.

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.