“I’m Happier, Healthier, and Doggone It, People Like Me”
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. James is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Meet James B. He participated in The Beachbody Challenge® and won the $500 Daily Prize for January 16th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?*
I was always active and in sports growing up and then as the years went on the weight started piling on. I tried to lose weight numerous times but always gained it back. Before I started Insanity in 2012, I thought I was just going to start another program like I had so many times before, would lose a bit of weight, and then probably quit. Before the program, I felt fat, lazy, unattractive and I had a huge decrease in energy. My blood pressure was getting higher and I just didn’t feel healthy.1
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?*
My kids!!!!!!! My kids mean the world to me. I love spending time with them and playing with them. In 2012, my kids where 4 and 6, and I was having trouble playing with them. My son would want me to wrestle with him and carry him around and my daughter always wanted to play tag. I couldn’t last. I got winded doing everything with them. It was terrible. In February 2012 we were sledding, and I could barely get up the hill (and they always wanted me to pull them up), and I couldn’t last. I was like this is enough. Then I was looking at photos from weddings and such, and I was always the FAT guy in the photo. Who the hell wants to always be that guy. Enough was enough. I needed a change.
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 before the program was always quitting an exercise routine. Also my eating had gotten very bad – not healthy choices and snacks late at night. For some reason (not sure why), I saw Shaun T and Insanity on an infomercial and was like “Well, if I’m gonna start a program and most likely quit it I might as well do the hardest one out there.” So I got it. I pressed play the first day and almost died on the warm up. Don’t know why I pressed play the next day or the day after that, but I did. Once I got going, I had to finish it. When I did finish the program, I was so proud of myself and so were my family and friends. After that I did Asylum, and then T25. Now, my wife is a coach with BeachBody, and I’m in her groups. I drink Shakeology and do a variety of your programs. Without Beachbody, I don’t think I’d be the man, husband and father I am today. 2 years later, I’m still in shape.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?*
I like Shaun T. He gets in your face and gets you to “dig deeper”. If I’m gonna do something it might as well make me sweat. Afterward, I felt so energized. I became addicted to the program. Almost didn’t want to take my day off 🙂 T25 was awesome in that it was only 25 minutes and there was such a variety between each day. You never got bored from week to week. It’s nice to have a modifier although I tried most days to stick to Mr. T. (“I pity the fool who doesn’t stick with him”).
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?*
Weight loss (I’d say over 60 pounds of fat). As so many say, and now me saying it, it sounds cheesy, but at 37 “I’m in the best shape of my life.” Who would have thought! My blood pressure is down. I have more energy than I know what to do with. No problems playing with my kids. I can play tag, throw the football around. I’ve joined a touch football league and play basketball. Wouldn’t have done that 3 years ago. I’m proud that I did it, I finished something. And once I finished INSANITY, I had the confidence to keep going and finished numerous programs since, most recently T25.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?*
I’m happier, healthier, and people like me. Silly, but that’s it in a nutshell. I’m happy to look in the mirror. Sometimes I feel like a cheese ball because I flex in the mirror, but it’s hard to believe that’s me staring back. I’m not supposed to look in shape, at least that’s what the old me would have thought. Now, I know I should look like that. I worked damn hard to look and feel like this. I’ve got the confidence to do more and like I’ve said before I can play with my kids. That’s the best part of it all. I’ve done what I can to be there for them (I don’t want to be on my death bed at a young age because of something I could have done differently – I’m not gonna cut my life short because of my health). Thanks, Beachbody and Shaun T
Would you like to nominate your TeamBeachBody Coach for the role that he or she played in your success?*
Yes
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I didn’t think I would like the Challenge Group. I’ve gone the programs by myself and enjoyed them. But my wife started to be a coach and asked me to be in a group so I agreed. And it was fun. If you had a bad day, eating working out or whatever, the group was there to keep you going. Angela was excellent at posting recipes and motivation in the groups. And if you didn’t post for a couple days, Ange and other members would be calling you back. There was no escaping.
How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My coach was also my wife so she was there since the get go. She has supported me more than you can imagine. But as a Coach, she pushed me to complete the program and stay on track and did so in a very encouraging way. If I fell down she was there to pick me back up. I enjoyed having her as my coach.
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?
Once I started using Shakeology, I noticed a decrease in craving. That seemed to be the biggest benefit for me. I didn’t have the urge to grab for treats all the time and wasn’t starving by 10 am. My energy was better as well but not sure it was the Shakes or the program.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 shirt and a chance to win cash & prizes.
1Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before commencing any fitness program or nutritional product.
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.