Cancer Survivor Lost 14 Pounds in 60 Days
Matthew O’Keefe lost 14 lbs. in 60 days with INSANITY MAX:30. He entered his results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for January 16th!
Matthew is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I was introduced to Beachbody once P90X came out. I fell in love with the program, and the products your company has to offer. Since then, staying committed to working out and eating right has been a struggle. In 2012, a big surprise came when I was diagnosed with Nonseminoma Testicular Cancer. But luckily, it was removed and I have been cancer-free (knock on wood) since then. The chemotherapy was brutal and took a toll on me. After my initial recovery, I knew I had to start working out again, and be as healthy as I could possibly be. I was successful with working out more regularly, but my “diet” was still a problem. I was determined to get the body I always wanted once and for all.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
A big part of my inspiration was being a cancer survivor, and the intense rounds of chemotherapy I went through. Since there is a chance of the cancer possibly spreading or regrowing, I knew a healthier lifestyle can help prevent that from happening+. I desperately do not want to ever have to go through chemotherapy again. Also, with having a family, I want to be able to always be there for the love of my life, Mary, and my two-year-old son, Maxwell (he’s a Beachbody Coach in the making). Beyond all that, I have always dreamed of having six-pack abs.
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, I would have to say, is a two-parter. First thing was the intensive chemo session I went through, and trying not to lose my mind and push through the agony. Secondly, my diet. I have had a love for junk food and drinks for a long time. However, since I have been drinking Shakeology, my cravings have been drastically reduced, helping me achieve my goals. I can’t say enough how much I love Shakeology, and how much it has helped me feel so much better than I ever thought possible. I shake my head (no pun intended) now knowing how nutrient-deficient I have been for all these years!
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I have grown to love intense cardio workouts thanks to Shaun T. With this program, I really appreciated getting an incredible workout in only 30 minutes! With having a two-year-old son and a busy schedule, a 30-minute workout is the perfect amount of time to keep me pushing play every day. Also, I really love how Shaun T added the whole MAX OUT approach in this program. This really motivated me to push it as hard as I could to my max, rest, and jump back in — allowing me to reach new levels. Each week, I saw myself getting better, and now I incorporate that mindset with any workout I do.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I was able to drop 14 pounds, go from a 38-inch to a 33-inch waist, and get to 8 percent body fat! I was very proud to surpass my goal of 180 pounds, and I have not been 170 pounds in a very long time. I also always wanted to trim down to at least 10 percent body fat, and I reached that goal as well. I feel that I am now in the best shape of my life, and am very happy with closing in on getting the abs I always dreamed of.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Since completing INSANITY MAX:30 while drinking Shakeology, I have never felt better in my life! I have more energy, a better mood, less stress, etc. Some of my friends and family members cannot believe what I was able to accomplish, and wanted to know how I did it. Also, I am now a Beachbody Coach and love motivating others to reach their goals too!
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I was a part of Coach Greg’s message board Challenge Group. He helped me stay motivated and accountable while going through INSANITY MAX:30. Coach Greg encouraged us to post our after-workout pictures, healthy meal recipes and pictures, motivational quotes, etc. Coming back each day to post helped me stay accountable, and the others in the group were very supportive as well.
How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
Coach Greg is a fantastic Coach. Before he became my Coach, I had a different one that appeared to be inactive, as they did not respond to my messages or reach out to me for support. Luckily, Coach Greg messaged me about joining his Challenge Group. I was thrilled to see a top Team Beachbody Coach want to invite me to his group. I was so happy with his coaching that I asked if he could become my Coach. Shortly after, I had a very inspirational call with him that convinced me to go through with becoming a Team Beachbody Coach, as I was in debate about it for far too long.
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?
While going through the program, Shakeology has been my best friend. Even after the first week, I started to notice the difference in the way I felt. My energy levels went up, I was able to sleep better, and I woke up feeling refreshed.+ My mood and mental clarity definitely improved, and my digestion and regularity have never been better.+ I tried Shakeology when it was first released, but did not see the big picture, nor did I try using a blender. Now I love trying new recipes and mixing it up when I drink it each day. I also took E&E, which really helped me build up more energy and stick with Shaun T longer to achieve a better MAX OUT time. The P90X Results & Recovery drink was such a treat after the workout, and helped me come back strong the next day. The P90X Peak Health multivitamin helped me stay healthy and avoid getting sick while going through the program.+ Lastly, I am also taking the Joint Support supplement, and have been amazed at how effective it is.
How did a Beachbody supplement, nutritional product, or program affect any existing health conditions you have?
I dislocated my left knee in high school, and it hasn’t been the same since. About a year ago, I injured it slightly, and just battled through workouts with knee braces and ice. After about three months of taking the Joint Support supplement, my knee is just about 100 percent better.+ While doing INSANITY MAX:30, I felt great and my knee never acted up; I was simply amazed.
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.