FOCUS T25 Results: 18 Year-Old Cancer Survivor Loses 26 Pounds, Wins $500
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Ashley is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Ashley Sanchez lost 26 lbs with FOCUS T25 and Shakeology. She entered her results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for November 14th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I began FOCUS T25, I was uncomfortable in the skin that I was in. Not only did it disgust me, it was clear that it disgusted everybody else too. I did not want to have to deal with the emotional toll that being overweight brought. I felt like “insecure” was slapped on my forehead everywhere that I went, and being in a new school only made things worse. I thought to myself, “Who would want to become my friend?” I would choose to not eat lunch in school, because I was scared that my peers would judge me. Shopping was horrible. I would always look around hoping nobody would see me walking over to the “plus size” section. I began shopping at stores that catered to plus-size women, so I wouldn’t have to worry who was around. Once I was crossing a busy street, and a man yelled out from his car, “Hurry up gorda” (“fat” in Spanish). On the outside, all I could do was look over to my friend and laugh about how rude the man was, but on the inside, I was shutting down. It felt unreal.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
Surviving cancer at the age of 15, I knew I was given a second chance at life.3 This meant having to take better care of myself. In order to live my life the right way, I had to escape from behind the bars of self-doubt. So I ordered FOCUS T25, unsure that I would actually commit to it. But I did. Although I was in pain and on the verge of passing out, I followed the modifier, and in no time, my agility began to progress. I felt like, for the first time, I was in charge of the pain my body was going to go through. Before my journey, I was eating fast food multiple times a day, which made me consume around 3500-4500 calories a day. The layers and layers of fat began to melt off, and my jeans were fitting looser. But most importantly, my smile was getting bigger.
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 before beginning FOCUS T25 was strength, specifically the strength of my arms. When planks and push-ups were coming, I knew that this 192-pound body of mine did not want to hold itself up. So I would tumble back down to the floor, pushed past the point of exhaustion. As time went on, I began getting stronger and stronger, and more capable of holding my body up a longer period of time. Before I knew it, I was hitting every move at 200 percent. My arms were becoming less fat and more muscle. On my right arm, I have a scar from having a PICC Line, which is where I received chemotherapy from. This scar was a painful reminder to me, so I absolutely hated showing or looking at my arms. I no longer feel this way; the muscles on my arm compliment the scar. They are both proof that I am a strong young woman who can accomplish anything.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
FOCUS T25 was only 25 minutes. I knew I had no excuses for not completing a 25-minute workout. It was either 25 minutes of hell that would eventually lead me to a lifetime of self-confidence and happiness, or the rest of my life in shame and embarrassment of the body that I was in.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
The results that I achieved with FOCUS T25 are results I never even expected. Not only am I able to put my all into the workouts, I am able to walk around shameless. This body I worked my behind off for and the muscles speak for themselves. I went from a size 16 in jeans to a 7…that is incredible. From an XL in shirts to a size medium, and even small. I have never worn a crop top before and for the first time, I wore one this week! I am proud of my overall strength. From having rolls to now muscles and a toned body, I couldn’t be happier.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
My life has changed completely. I am the healthiest I’ve ever been, and finally confident and proud of the body that I am in. It is the best feeling for people to recognize the changes I’ve worked hard to make. Honestly, it pays off to adapt to a healthy lifestyle. I am no longer scared of stepping on the scale at the doctor’s office. Now it’s actually what I look forward to, because my hard work shows each time. The grass is greener on this side. Looking back at how my life used to be, I was slowly killing myself with junk foods and a sedentary lifestyle.
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.
3Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before starting any fitness program or nutrition product.