Beachbody Results: Kevin Overcame the Challenges of Cerebral Palsy to Lose 103 Pounds!
Cerebral Palsy limits the mobility of Kevin Drennen’s left arm, but he didn’t let that stop him from taking on this fitness transformation journey, losing 103 lbs. at age 46 with The Master’s Hammer and Chisel, 21 Day Fix EXTREME, Body Beast, Shakeology, and the Beachbody Performance supplements. He entered his results into The Beachbody Challenge and won $27,000!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
My wife Tara, who had been using Beachbody programs for 2 years, was always encouraging me to begin my own journey, but I wasn’t ready. Then one day I was looking in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. How could I have let myself go and gained this much weight? I could not believe that I was fast approaching 300 lbs. 300? How?! Me?! Couldn’t be. How could I be a role model for my kids in the shape I was in? How could I expect them to do things the healthy way? I especially thought of my son Jake and how he was getting ready for winter workouts for baseball. How could I expect him to be motivated to work out when I was out of shape? I was on blood pressure meds. I was unhappy with the way I looked and felt. I gave the many excuses of I have no time, I can’t lift because of my Cerebral Palsy, etc. I hadn’t worked out in over 20 years; could I work out 6 days a week and follow a nutrition plan? I always tried to eat healthy, I would drop a few pounds but I wasn’t consistent.3
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
In Dec. 2015, I had a physical. I had been on blood pressure medicine but my doctor was looking at my lab results and was concerned about me possibly being pre-diabetic. He said that I might need to get on medicine. I said instead of medicine, I wanted a chance to lose weight and change eating habits to change my situation.3 I finally joined my wife in her journey of working out and eating healthier… I haven’t looked back.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
I thought my biggest challenge would be figuring out how to do these programs with my Cerebral Palsy, but it wasn’t. The biggest challenge was making sure my nutrition was on point in order to get the most out of each program I did. Each of the programs I did had a nutrition plan that made it easy to follow. I am very fortunate that my training partner, and Coach, is my wife Tara. Sundays have become a joint effort in food prep. We keep each other accountable for not just our workouts but nutrition as well. I would never had made it without my wife’s support, she is my motivation.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I’ve completed Hammer and Chisel, 21 Day Fix EXTREME, and now Body Beast. What I’ve liked is the ability to do all the workouts in under an hour and the nutritional guides, both of these reasons have made it easier to complete the programs.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I feel like a new man. Losing 103 pounds and 9.5 inchess off my waist has given me a new lease on life. I am no longer worried about being pre-diabetic, and I am off blood pressure medicine,1 and I have more energy and confidence. I make the time in the morning, 4:30 AM during the week, to work out. If anyone has seen my workout vids I post, I use a combination of cuff weights and light dumbbells on left arm to lift. I have built more muscle than I ever have had, my confidence, energy, determination, and motivation have grown by leaps and bounds. I actually did a minute straight of burpees! I feel healthier each day but the achievement that I am proud of is not the ones I just mentioned, but others telling me how much my dedication, drive, and results has inspired them. If you would have told me that just by doing this program and sharing my journey, I would inspire people, I would say no way. This has given me the greatest pleasure and pushes me harder toward my next goals.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Since starting my Beachbody journey, not only have I gotten physically stronger, but mentally and emotionally stronger too. I now feel I can achieve anything. In fact, I have a goal to participate in the 2017 Beachbody Classic and two obstacle course races (Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash). I know it’ll take hard work, dedication and pinpoint nutrition. It’ll be hard but not impossible, and I know I can do it.
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
All the people were on their own journeys, some experienced Coaches, some newbies. Seeing everyone post their ups and downs each day helped inspire and motivate me. Even on my bad days they pushed me to continue.
How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach, my wife Tara, was amazing. She guided me how to follow the program. Whether it was working together on meal prep or together working out, she pushed me daily to fulfill and exceed my goals. I could never have done what I have done, or continue to do, without her love and support.
How did a Beachbody Supplement or 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, digestion/regularity?
I could feel Energize working within 10 minutes after drinking, and it really helped get me going.2 I used Hydrate daily during my workouts, and felt it was way better than any sports drink. Recovery was a great after-workout drink. It helped my body recover from my morning workout so I could be active the rest of the day.2 Recharge was my nightly help. It allowed my body to recoup and be ready for the next day.2 And Shakeology? I loved this drink. It really got me through the day, kept me healthy, and allowed me to get the nutritional value I need.2
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.
3Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before starting any fitness program or nutrition product.
1Consult your physician before discontinuing or altering any prescribed medication.
2These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.