Stay at Home Mom Loses 77 Pounds and Then Literally Gets Back on Horse

ennifer J, age 41 from Livonia, MI, lost 77 lbs. with FOCUS T25 and 21 Day Fix. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge and won $1,500!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before I started Beachbody, I was extremely overweight, uncomfortable in my own skin, unhealthy, and unhappy! I am a mother of twin 9-year-old girls and my weight affected my entire life. I could not run, I could not walk up stairs without being out of breath, the seatbelt on a ride at an amusement park wouldn’t fit around me, and I had no self-confidence. I lived sad, embarrassed, and miserable. I hated myself.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My family was my biggest inspiration. I wanted to be able to enjoy things with them and not let my size and weight be an obstacle any longer. I wanted to feel happy and I wanted them to be proud of me.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
Self-doubt and fear were my biggest obstacles! I did not think I had the self-discipline to stick to any program, and I was afraid to start because I was afraid of failure! My friend and Beachbody Coach, Tracie Wharton, played a major role in helping me overcome my fears. She encouraged me to start a clean eating and exercise program. I started off with T25 (in June 2014), then later moved on to 21 Day Fix in March 2015. I started to realize that I could follow this program, that I was getting stronger, that I did lose weight, and that I am (now) happy.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
What I loved about the 21 Day Fix were the daily workouts! I knew that I could do 30 minutes with the modifier and after I finished each day, I felt proud — so proud that I would cry and think to myself “I can’t believe I just did that.” As time went on, I noticed that I could do the moves without following the modifier, and that I was getting stronger and that I had more endurance! I also loved the portion-control color containers of 21 Day Fix. They took the guesswork out of how much of a particular food needed to be served in one sitting. This program showed me a new way to live!

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I am proud of the fact that when I now eat a meal, I know the proper amount of food to eat. I am proud that I do not crave sugar and sweets constantly anymore because of Shakeology! I am also proud of the fact that I have muscles! I remember stretching in bed right when I woke up one morning and I felt my side, and it was hard! And I was like OMG! I have a side ab muscle! I am proud of the fact that my body is smaller and tighter. I am proud of the fact that I can now go horseback riding with my twin 9-year-old daughters and not worry about weighing too much to ride a horse! I am proud that I can run in the yard with my kids, that I can walk up stairs and not be out of breath, that I have better balance and stamina, and that I can bend down, tie my shoes, and not be red in the face! I am proud that I am able to live and enjoy my life!

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I feel happy inside. I do not feel judged anymore. I am able to do things that I was not able to do before. I will wear a bathing suit in public without a cover-up. Oh, and I now get up at 5 AM everyday to workout — even though I am a stay-at-home mom and I don’t have anywhere particular to be at a specific time! At one time, it would be 10 PM and I would still be dreading working out because I put it off every day.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The Challenge Group helped me so much! I would get online and see that the other participants had completed their workouts or eaten a 21 Day Fix-approved meal, and I would think to myself “I am not going to be the only one who doesn’t succeed,” and it would inspire me to get it done! Every day! I loved the support, recipes, tips, tricks, and camaraderie that I received from the Challenge Group!

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach was my rock. She genuinely cared about my well-being and success in this journey! I would talk to her daily. She would send me recipes, and offer Beachbody articles and other information that would help me with food choices and finding the motivation to get my workouts in. She was kind when it was necessary and tough when that was needed too! Without my Beachbody Coach, I don’t think I would have been able to be this successful. I am forever grateful to her!

How did a Beachbody supplement, 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?
I know hands down that Shakeology played a key part in kicking my sugar cravings. I drink it regularly and noticed almost immediately that my cravings for sweets almost disappeared! I became more energized, which lead me to being more active! It definitely made me more regular! I also use Energy and Endurance every day before I work out! It helps me power through my early morning workouts.

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.