“I Made Myself Realize I Can Do This”

^†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Amanda is an independent Beachbody Coach.

Tell us about your life before you started the program.
There are no words to express how poorly I felt about myself prior to starting my new lifestyle. I had always struggled with my weight, but by August 2013, it had most definitely spiraled out of control. I had tried many “diets” but after a small weight loss, I would just put the weight back on, usually plus some extra pounds. I was the classic example of a woman with no self-esteem, and thought there was nothing that I could do about my weight except weight loss surgery, and I was not ready to go down that road. I hated the way that my clothes fit and would try to squeeze into clothing that was too tight just so that I could say that I didn’t go up another size. And let me tell you, putting on a bathing suit and going out in public was pure torture. If it weren’t for my two little boys who love to go to our community pool, I would have never been seen in a bathing suit.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
After reading a Facebook post from a friend of mine saying she was going to be starting a Beachbody 30-day FOCUS T25 Challenge Group, I knew I was interested. I decided that I was going to do it. But, then I told her that I was not going to be able to do that group because we were going camping. That was just an excuse. A couple of weeks later, my six-year old asked me why I had “3 sets of boobs.” He was talking about was my breasts, my middle stomach roll, and my lower stomach roll. I cried myself to sleep for the next couple of nights, then re-contacted Heather and started my first Challenge Group on September 4th. I haven’t looked back since.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program?
The greatest challenge that I faced before this program was myself. I always thought that since some of my family members were heavy, it was just genetics and I was destined to be the same. I lacked the confidence in myself to be able to change. That all changed when I committed to my first Challenge Group. I made myself realize that I could do this.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I really like that it is just 25 minutes a day. I work 12+ hours a day as a nurse, and I couldn’t find it in me to workout for hours. I also like the support that I get from my Coach and our Groups. She always tells me that she is just the cheerleader and guides us along, but without Heather and the other girls I’m not sure how far I would be. Lastly, I love my Shakeology. I cannot go a day without my shake!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
My life has changed in so many ways. The fact that I am within a normal BMI range, and that I am healthy and strong is a huge change for me.  I now know that I am a beautiful, healthy woman. I now try new foods that are healthy. I used to not try anything if I didn’t already like it. Now I’m eating and loving so many healthy foods!

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The ladies in my Challenge Groups are my rocks that keep me going strong. I know that if I have a bad day or just don’t feel like myself, they will all be there for the support that I need, whether that’s just a “Hey, it’s OK,” or the shout outs we give each other when we have a big announcement. We share recipes, words and wisdom, pictures, and more. We also post what we eat for all of our meals and our workouts for the day. They really keep me accountable because not only do I not want to disappoint myself, but I also don’t want to disappoint them!

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.