“I Found Happiness and My Smile Again!”
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Alicia is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Meet Alicia O. She lost 14 lbs in 10 weeks with FOCUS T25. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for June 9th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I have a fitness and nutrition background including competing in figure competitions. I lived a very organized, predictable, disciplined, and driven life. I loved being in control of me. I had accomplished everything I thought you were supposed to by the time I hit 30 years old. However, this alone was not enough to keep me healthy when my life started to unravel 3 years ago. At that time, my son was born, and I suffered greatly from adjustment disorder. I struggled with the lack of control after having a child. As I searched to find my way over the next few years, I found myself going through a divorce, moving states, being away from my son, isolated by family and friends, severely depressed, drinking alcohol obsessively, losing my faith and any hope I had for life. A perfect storm of events that could shake anyone. I was disgusted with my body, my mental state, and my daily choices. I’ve always been so strong, but sometimes strong girls get beat down and tired of fighting!
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I knew I could keep heading down the dark road I was on, or I could choose a better one. I sought out a dear friend who seemed to be a light amongst a lot of darkness. She was running a private Facebook Challenge Group, and in order to be a part of this group, I had to choose a Beachbody fitness program, drink Shakeology, and be accountable to check in daily. I thought it was simple enough, so I choose T25 & chocolate Shakeology. But, on day 1, I found myself drinking a bottle of champagne for breakfast. I felt discouraged even before I started. My friend told me to share with the group anyway, and that I could make small positive daily choices that would lead to great results. I ended up finding so much more than accountability (which I didn’t even think I needed). I found motivation, encouragement, support, my faith, and my fitness. These things happened day by day (most times moment by moment)! It was each individual, positive choice I made that moved me forward onto a better path.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge was battling depression aided by alcohol. However, as I focused on making very small, positive daily choices rather than negative ones, each day got easier. I still had hard days. There were moments where I just wanted to drown away the pain or where I just didn’t want to get out of bed, smile, eat well or workout. In each of these moments, I would just try to get my mindset right. I’d tell myself to just focus. I had to be accountable to myself and others. So instead of giving in, I’d read something positive or drink Shakeology instead of a cocktail. I’d find myself having more energy, fewer cravings, and a better attitude.2 Sometimes, I’d drag myself to the workout, but within 5 minutes I’d be ready to “get it done” with Shaun T.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
My most favorite thing about FOCUS T25 was that it was only 25 minutes. Anyone can fit that in. Anyone can push themselves for that long. It took all my excuses away. I also loved that it was 10 weeks long but split into two programs that varied daily. Shaun T is very motivating, I never got bored and my results are enough to show that it works! I was surprised that I could gain these kinds of results in spite of my personal struggles, in only 25 minutes, and in front of the TV just by pushing play!
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
In 10 weeks at the age of 34, I lost 14 total pounds (starting @ 133lbs to 119lbs). Down 21% body fat (losing -30lbs body fat / and gaining +16lbs lean body mass). I also lost a total of 17.75 inches off my body! I’m ecstatic about the huge improvement in my stomach, but I am most proud of the positive little daily steps I took in my faith, my nutrition, my fitness, and personal development. Literally, putting one foot in front of the other to pull myself from a dark place. I’ve always been an all-or-nothing type of girl, but I found such value in the lessons of balance and small steps! I got my body back, but more importantly, I found happiness and my smile again!
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
There are always two paths: one that’s easily followed and the one we choose to follow. I’ve learned that it’s the small, seemingly unnoticeable negative steps we take that can create a compounding ripple effect in our lives. The same is true when we take small positive steps. I got my spirit back and feel almost whole again, thanks to this Beachbody program and the few who became my accountability and encouragement towards a better me when I was at my worst. Even though my life has changed in some challenging ways, it was possible to shift its course into something great. On this recent journey, I’ve chosen to exchange every ounce of negative energy for positive choices. I’ve had amazing results in a short period of time but this was just the beginning. . . I’m not done yet!
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I ended up finding so much more than accountability. I found motivation, friends, encouragement, support, my faith, and my fitness. Daily check-ins, open honestly, motivational pictures/quotes and hearing about others daily weaknesses and triumphs were all apart of helping myself and many others reach their goals.
How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach and friend was simply amazing! She is a Coach who leads every day by example. She was full of daily passion, support, and inspiration!
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. 
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.