Judson’s New Swolemate: Body Beast

Independent Beachbody Coach Judson Halbrooks gained 18 lbs. with Body Beast. He entered his results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for November 15th!
Judson is an Independent Beachbody Coach.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
To sum it up, I was completely out of shape. Eight months prior, I tried a local CrossFit program and quit a week into it due to a tear I received in my left shoulder. It was so severe that I wondered if I’d ever be able to work out again. I had more of an issue gaining anything, so I would get ripped quick. We have a basic home gym my dad built with weights and a few different machines. Looking at them collect dust only added to my depression during the eight months it took for my shoulder to recover. I seriously can say that I’ve never been in that bad of shape as I was at the beginning of the New Year. I felt lower than I’d ever been. I was in pretty bad shape, and it was plenty evident.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
Well, I have friends that have been with Beachbody for quite some time, and seeing their transformation photos was very inspiring. One after the other, I saw my old friends join. At first, I’m not going to lie, I thought they were all drinking some kind of Beachbody Kool-Aid (i.e. Shakeology). I was skeptical, but the results were obvious; there was no denying the products worked. It took me a couple years from the first friends I saw join to the more recent transformations to say, “I think I want to give it a shot.” After I lost my job and I was down to the last of my funds, I thought I better go ahead while I have some cash and invest it in something good for me. Not to mention, I was totally out of shape but by then, my shoulder had healed, and I was ready to start a program*.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
I was at my bottom. I had little to no money, and my health was the worst it’s ever been. I just felt if something didn’t change soon, I may be too far down in my own self-made hole to pull myself back up. With the last little bit of cash I had, I made a call to the only guy I knew that was currently involved in Beachbody, Ben Gentry. I purchased the Body Beast program on the first of February, and by mid-month the program had arrived. I was like a kid in a candy store. My shoulder had fixed itself over an eight-month period, and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. The program was unlike any workout I’d ever completed, and it was so hard the first few days that I didn’t know if I could keep up.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
There are so many things I loved about this program. The direct shipments saved time and gas. I’ve used some comparable supplements, but the bundle was cheaper. Also, I didn’t have to spend a lot of time reading labels, wondering if I was getting the best quality. I loved the at-home workouts. I’ve had a few gym memberships in my time, and depending on whether you run into a talkative friend or if the gym is packed, a planned one-hour workout can easily turn into two hours. Another aspect I liked were the Body Beast worksheets. I’ve always come up with my own workouts and kept a journal to see my progress. With this program, the sheets are available online to print. Also, I really liked Sagi’s enthusiasm, dedication, and humor. It made the program very enjoyable.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
Did you see my transformation pictures? I’m just kidding. Yes, the transformation of the body is the main reason everyone begins a workout program, but this program has increased my physical and mental strength. One of Sagi’s sayings in this program is, “Whatever it takes.” That can be applied to life as well as a workout program. I made the commitment to basic goals, and until this program, I’ve never monitored results on a personal endeavor quite like this. I’ve applied the concept of basic goals and reaching those goals to other aspects of my professional life, and I now have two businesses that are slowly taking off. I also decided to become a Beachbody Coach to help others not only learn how to transform their bodies, but to also transform their lives. I started this journey with a selfish state of mind wanting to transform only myself. Now I want to show others how to be healthy.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
How has it not? The obvious is the physical transformation. I get compliments daily, and people can’t believe I’m 34 years old. But this program gave me a reason to believe in myself again. It’s given me back the mindset I had when I graduated college — that as long as I believe I can make something happen, it’s possible. Also, it’s taught me not to quit and throw in the towel. So many times halfway through the workouts, I thought, “How am I going to make it?” I could’ve stopped the video and given up, but then I heard Sagi say, “We are not quitters, we are winners.” I’m currently in the middle of my second round of Body Beast, and I am anxiously awaiting the new program, The Masters Hammer and Chisel. I drank the Kool-Aid. I’m all in, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads. Truly grateful!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
It gave me a benchmark and knowledge to follow along my journey. We were all seeking the same goals, and hearing others’ questions, concerns, and complaints really gave me the sense that I wasn’t alone.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
She and her husband, Ben, have guided me throughout the onset of this journey. Seeing Ben go for his goals and attaining them with the P90X program helped get the ball rolling in my mind that this was not just for women. I, too, could be successful. On the other hand, Connie is my Coach, and she has always made herself available whenever I’ve had a question through text or video chats. I couldn’t have come this far without her directions and guidance.

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.

*Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before commencing any fitness program or nutritional product.
**Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.