“My Self-Esteem Is Back, and I Am Loving Life Right Now!”

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

Meet Ashley M., age 29 from San Diego, CA.
She entered The Beachbody Challenge in January 2015 and won $1,500!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?*
My life was a mess. I found myself with a newborn and in what should be the happiest time in my life, I was utterly depressed. I avoided mirrors, I avoided cameras, I avoided living. I was so ashamed at where I let myself get to. Honestly, it got to the point where I just knew that there was nothing I could do, that this was just my lot in life. That I was destined to be the fat mom, fat wife, fat friend. That I would just have to spend my life in this body that was foreign to me, that didn’t bring me happiness, that I was ashamed to call my own. I hated every second of living in that body.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?*
My daughter inspired me. As she started getting older I realized that I wanted to be able to keep up with her. Be able to chase her around the park. Be able to be active with her. Be able to show her how to live a healthy life. I couldn’t do the latter living this fast food/watch reality TV life so I knew I had to make a change. I needed to be around for her. I needed to be a role model for her. I needed to show her that mommy can be healthy and live life, not just coast. But most of all, I needed to show her that nothing can stop a determined woman. She deserves a mom that can be around for her. I want to give her that.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?*
Doubt in myself. I had literally been trying to lose weight for a year when I picked up Focus T25. Walking/jogging every day to no avail. I was broken. Like I said I had resigned myself to the idea that I was just gonna be fat forever. Shaun T saved my life. He, in an of himself, encouraged me, when no one else thought I could lose the weight. He did. For those 25 mins I had a cheerleader as crazy as it sounds. Did I hate him for all 25 mins? Yes, but every time he said,’ you got this’, ‘push’, I knew I could do it. Plus with the support of the Challenge Groups, whenever my dedication wavered they were there to pick me up

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?*
I love Shaun T!!! He’s my boo thang, lol. After trying all types of videos, he is the only trainer who I feel connected to. Between INSANITY and Focus T25 I had no choice but to be successful.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?*
My health is probably the biggest achievement. I was pre-diabetic, and my doctors were talking about putting me on blood pressure meds. Since the beginning of my journey with Beachbody, I’m down 70 pounds and feeling like my old self. That is the best thing. I have my health back. I can now run again, thanks to INSANITY. My endurance is thru the roof.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?*
Total 180 degrees. I am no longer a shell of a person. I want to go out, I want to meet new people, I want to live! I can run and play with my daughter and not feel like my heart is gonna pop out of my chest. I am able to go clothes shopping without breaking down in the fitting room, crying from the fact everything was either too small or didn’t look right. I am a happier person, in turn, all aspects of my life have turned around. My self esteem is back, and I am loving life right now.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
They kept me going! On days where I didn’t feel like pushing play, and I saw their posts, I pushed play anyway. I still talk to the ladies in that group. It was so helpful to be on this journey with a set of people who know what its like. Who you can celebrate your victories and they can push you through your hard times. The group was immensely important to my journey.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
She was a huge support. She pushed me, encouraged me. Gave me recipes when I was bored with food. She was just amazing. Just knowing I could reach out to her whenever was huge.

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.