“My Biggest Achievement was Being Able to Keep Up with Shaun T”
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Michael is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Meet Michael C. He lost 85 lbs in less than 1 year with Focus T25 and Shakeology. He entered his results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for April 7th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
My story began with my depression during the summer 2013, with my weight and not being able to run after my children without my chest hurting. I started to feel ashamed of myself when I was at a Sesame Place amusement park in Langhorn, PA celebrating my sons 5th birthday, and was not allowed down a waterslide because I was too big. My son was crying because I could not go down with him, and had a line full of frustrated people behind us. Falling into a deeper depression, I continued eating, and increased an occasional cigarette habit to 4 packs per week.1 The only thing keeping me from suicide was my 3 children. My oldest is Brianna who was 12, Michael was 5, and my youngest, Matthew, was 2. I did not want to take photos and could not fit into regular clothing. Having to purchase clothing at the big and tall section in JCP was embarrassing. That Xmas I said I was going to start working out for 2014.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
One Thursday night, while channel surfing, I stumbled upon the T25 infomercial. Yes, I finally gave in to the infomercial. Seeing Shaun T, and the transformation changes, was getting me emotional. Do I regret it? Not one bit. After 3 agonizing weeks of T25 my weight went down 15 lbs. I connected with a friend of mine, Melyssa Perez, who is a Beachbody Coach, and she informed me about how beneficial Shakeology was. After the 3-Day Refresh of Shakeology, I dropped down to 296. My significant rapid weight loss and the persuasion of Melyssa and her Coach Yazmine, pushed me to sign up to be a Beachbody Coach. At the moment, I am 237 pounds and I am motivated by all the support from my family and the Beachbody community to continue my journey to my goal of 185lbs. Doing the same repetitive workouts and countless diet plans were not getting me anywhere.
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 was getting rid of that disgusting smoking habit. Though I did not quit cold turkey, I realized that I could get more of a work out in if I had more oxygen in my lungs. Knowing that I could go the extra mile if it weren’t for this habit was frustrating. Becoming part of the support groups and coaching, in addition to prayer, helped me overcome this habit. I have to say that my teamed cheered me on. Till this day I am cigarette free. Besides Shakeology and the workouts, the people and support helped me overcome these challenges.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
Shaun Ts Motivation. His body inspired me to get this workout, and seeing several interviews really showed that he cares about helping others. From the program, the planned workouts, and having a system in place enticed me to stick with it.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
My biggest achievement during this was being able to keep up with Shaun T. Since the beginning I had to use Tanya the modifier and now I’ve caught up. The fact that I can now go through the work out is amazing. Not to mention my weight loss of 85lbs.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
Drastically. I am purchasing clothes at regular stores, and do not have to wear pants with elastic on them. No only did Beachbody save my life, but it inspired me to be a coach for my sons soccer team. I ran with my kids and came in 3rd place. Huge accomplishment for me. Most importantly, it has taught me to be disciplined. To stick with a program and finish it. I have applied this same concept at work, and in my personal life, and it has made me feel a whole lot better. I am more confident now, I love taking pictures and posting on FB, and the last thing is that I now get to help people. I promised my Coach that if she took the time to invest in me that I would pay her back by helping others. I’ve helped one person change there life; my wife is now a Beachbody Coach as well, and is half way through T25.
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The accountability. Weighing in every Monday was difficult and helped me become disciplined over the weekends. Also meal prepping and sharing photos with the other challengers was exciting.
How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
Melyssa Perez being my direct Coach, and Yazmine Pernett (Diamond), were and are still phenomenal. Always following up on my eating, portion control, and getting me involved with he rest of the Challenge Group made me feel apart of something. Receiving text messages every day as a reminder to get out of bed was admiring. I’ve never had such a strong support system in my entire life. They helped me dig deep and find my dream which is to open up a healthy food truck. The result of this is that they taught me to help other people and build relationships. They are amazing women, and and have now assisted me in achieving success club 6 and becoming an emerald Coach in January 2015. They are pushing me for Diamond and are ensuring that I get all the training possible.
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?
The greatest benefits I’ve gained was being able to reject cravings, which is how Shakeology comes in. I have an enormous amount of energy, and I am going to the bathroom regularly now. I have also been sleeping better. In addition I have been taking E & E which helps tremendously prior to a workout and the Activit it is the icing on the cake. The combination of the 3 products is amazing.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 gift and a chance to win cash and 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.