“I Am Living the Life That I Have Always Wanted But Never Thought I Could Attain”

Meet Melissa T.! She participated in The Beachbody Challenge and won the $500 Daily Prize for January 1st!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
My pre Beachbody lifestyle was very unhealthy. I worked long hours. I never exercised. I had no concept of portion control or healthy eating habits. I had slowly gained weight since college. I made excuses and told myself that being overweight was ok. I think I did these things to make myself feel better. In truth, I was disgusted with myself, with how I felt and with how I looked.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I was desperately looking for a change. I tried hiking to lose weight, but it just didn’t work. I needed help. My life changed when my Beachbody Coach, Perry Tinsley, introduced me to Focus T25 and Shakeology. My life is forever changed. Shaun T has been inspirational and motivational. He is an incredible human being. It took me about 4 months to do the workouts without modifying or feeling like I was going to die after the 25 minutes. Now I’ve worked my way up to Gamma. I am back to a passion of mine, rock climbing, which I had quit 4 years ago because I had gained too much weight to climb safely. My skiing has soared to new levels, and I am now a member of ski patrol at my local mountain. I am living the life that I have always wanted but never thought I could attain. I am climbing and skiing harder than I have ever been able. I am fitter, stronger, healthier and happier thanks to Beachbody, my Coach, Shakeology and my determination.

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 was portion control. My stomach must have literally been huge. I could eat an enormous amount of food at any given time. I had no clue as to what I was doing to my body. Thanks to Beachbody and Shakeology, I am drinking one shake a day and pretty much eating anything I want. The key, I am eating less. I love food, and that will never change. I’ve learned that I can love food, but that I don’t have to be unhealthy in the way that I enjoy it. Shakeology helps keep me fulfilled.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I am proud of losing 90 pounds. I have worked hard for that achievement. I am proud of my muscle gain and my physical fitness. When I stopped rock climbing 4 years ago due to my weight, I was a 5.10a top roper climber at best. I’ve been back climbing for about 6 months and I am lead climbing 5.11a sport routes with comfort. That’s impressive, and I’m really proud of that. I’m also proud to say that I wear a smaller pant size now that when I started veterinary school in 2003. I’m proud that my BMI is now in a healthy range. I’m proud that I can be an example and inspiration for others, including my family members. That makes me feel so proud.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I’m stronger, healthier, happier. What more can I say? Life doesn’t get better than that. It has enabled me to start rock climbing again which you just can’t do when you’re significantly overweight. I feel more comfortable in my own skin. My marriage is stronger because I feel more confident in my own skin. I can run up and down the stairs at work without everything jiggling. I’ve been able to help others through the same process because of course everyone wants to know how I got these miraculous results and they want to know how they can do it to. I am now starting PiYo. That is an incredible feeling!

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge, for the ultimate motivation to get fit! Select any Beachbody program and once you complete it, share your results for your chance to win cash and prizes.