“FOCUS T25 Was the Answer I Needed to Accomplish My Goals”

Meet Annette J. a 42 year-old mom of 4 from Columbus, NE.
She entered The Beachbody Challenge in October 2014 and won a $1,000!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
When I was young my brother and sister always made fun of me and called me fat. When we went shopping I hated to buy jeans because I had to buy the regular and husky jeans and my sister always had the slim jeans. I must admit that I did like to eat junk food. I did not really think about my weight when I was young even as I was called fat- I just thought that was me and there was nothing I could do to change that. In about 8th grade I think that just by being more active I started to slim down but did not try to lose weight. Throughout high school I maintained a healthy weight. As a senior in high school I was pregnant with my first child and was able to lose the weight easily. After a total of 4 children I did have extra weight but was ok with that and did not let it consume my life, I was content and used the excuse that I was getting older and that this is how my body was going to be forever. I just figured it was the normal part of aging and that I was as healthy as I could be.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My oldest son was to get married in March of 2014 and I finally decided that I needed to take time to take care of myself. After taking care of my family and running to all of the kids activities I decided that I needed to find a little time to take care of myself. I was not concerned about losing weight but just wanted to tone and get fit. I wanted to accomplish this before the wedding on March 22 so I decided I needed to get started because it was going to take a very long time and I did not want to look back and have regrets for not trying or not getting started soon enough. Little did I know that in 10 weeks, I would achieve more than I had expected to achieve in 8 months.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
The greatest challenge I faced before starting the program was making that commitment to just pick a day and start and to not allow any excuse get in the way. At the time I started I was working more than full time as a nurse doing day and night shifts and also picking up a huge amount of hours through agency nursing. For over two weeks most of the days I only had 2-4 hours of sleep, but with that I still did my workouts because if I used the excuse for those two weeks that I did not have time I knew that I could use that excuse all the time. I truly did not have time but I did my workouts anyways…no matter how tired I was. Beachbody was able to help me overcome this because of the 25 min workout program they have available. Focus T25 was the answer I needed to accomplish my goals.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
The program I chose was Focus T25 and I love the fact that it is only 25 min. It is a workout that you can continue to improve at . In the beginning I was not able to do everything and it was nice to have the modifier to keep me moving at times that were more difficult. I like the fact that the program is all lined out on a daily and weekly basis and you know exactly what workout you should do on that particular day. I love that on the videos when I am working out and don’t think I can continue on that there will be a random easier move to do…..the program is put together so well.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
The results that I got form this program were definitely more than I had expected. I was not even looking to necessarily lose weight but to tone. I lost weight and inches and I can even run now. I had a hard time just running less than 1/4 a mile and I can easily go 3 miles now without difficulty. I have not attempted to run further but am sure I can do that. I love that I finally can say that I feel fit and have tons of energy. Throughout my adult life I have not given myself the time to work out and I must say that I love to work out and will continue to use Beachbody programs to meet my fitness needs.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I am definitely much healthier and in the best shape that I have ever been In. I look forward to staying healthy, exercising daily, and eating healthy forever. I have always had a positive attitude and this just helps boost that positive attitude, drive and determination in all aspects of life. I do have goals of starting to run more-start with 5k and work towards longer runs. I have been able to help others in starting on their weight loss journey and fitness goals too. My husband has also lost weight and the whole family is eating healthier and getting more serious about their health and staying active. I am so happy that through this journey that my husband also drank Shakeology and did the workouts with me and he too has had amazing results with this program!

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My Team Beachbody coach was amazing. She kept me on my toes and made sure that I worked hard, never gave up, and kept the focus. Even though my coach is over 10 hours away that does not change the awesome support that I had through the 10 week program and the support that continues even now. Facebook is such a great way to stay connected with my coach and the team that she has below her. I am so thankful for my coach and that Team Beachbody has allowed coaches to help support one through ones fitness journey. It makes it easier and more fun to accomplish goals.I

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 used Shakeology daily while doing my Focus T25 workouts. I drink Shakeology every morning for breakfast. I never have time to eat in the morning so this has been the best thing for me. It is so easy to make the shake and out the door I go and I am able to drink it on my drive to work. I believe that the Shakeology was part of the reason to my successful weight loss and fitness success. I definitely had tons of energy and was never even hungry till lunch time and normally I had the shake at 5:30 in the morning. I continue to drink Shakeology and intend to drink it forever. I know that it has the nutritional benefits that I need every day so I know I am not lacking in that area. There are even days that I have it twice a day just because of how good it is. I would much rather drink Shakeology than eat chips or candy !

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.