When I began my challenge 12 weeks ago, I had a different outlook on the physical and mental state of my body. I read Bill Phillips “Body-for-LIFE,” and as I read several of the past champions essays, I did not think I had a lot in common with them. It was not until a few weeks into the challenge that I realized how much I had in common with them. When I began my journey, my weight was 265 lbs., my waist size was a 42”, my cholesterol and blood pressure were both high and I wanted to fix those problems myself, without medication. Other than that, I had a very supportive family and friends, a great job, and I built my dream log home overlooking a beautiful lake. Life was good, or so I thought.

When I decided to take the challenge I set my goal to be the 2008 Grand Master Champion. One of the things that I realized is hoe competitive I still am. Somewhere in the past few years, I had forgotten this characteristic. Growing up I always played football, basketball, and baseball. I loved to compete and win. I also played baseball in college and always had several personal and team goals. I was a leader by example and was chosen as a team captain in every sport I played in high school and college. My priorities were always in check; God, family, school, and baseball (I would write that above my goals every season). I now coach high school baseball and even though I am involved in competitive sports, it is not the same as it was as a player. I have recently realized I still have to challenge myself physically to bring out that competitive nature that is still burning down deep inside me. The challenge, brought that back out in me.

There was something else I learned during the challenge that had been missing in my life the past few years; I had forgotten how to be committed. Unconsciously I had been avoiding commitment in several areas of my life. I let the pressures of this world drive me away from making commitments to myself, people close to me, people in general, and even worse, God. The challenge taught me to be committed to something again, and not to give up on it just because I was having a bad day. I know now I have the commitment it takes to be successful in all aspects of life again.

I realize now how much I was missing in my life and I thank the “Body-for-LIFE” Challenge for getting me back on the right path. I do not know when or where I got off track, but my overall outlook on nutrition, exercise, and goal setting have completely been transformed for the better.
When I set my goals before I started my challenge, I looked at the “Body-for-LIFE” web site and studied the past champions’ goals and accomplishments. Like I said earlier, I am very competitive and I know in this case I am competing against myself, and old bad habits. I wanted what they had achieved, a Championship. In saying that, I set my goals very high for myself because if they could lose 50lbs., drop my BMI from 33 to 27, get my body fat % to 10% or under, lower my cholesterol and blood pressure, take 6 inches off my waist and finally get ripped.

Several things in my life need adjustment, especially my view of myself. I thought I was fine, just out of shape. I was wrong. But thanks to the “Body-for-LIFE” Challenge I not only met the majority of my goals for fitness, but I was able to correct the other areas of my life that needed a jump-start in the right direction. The 12 weeks of 5:15 A.M. workouts and running on the treadmill were well worth it for what I received from the discipline and commitment of the challenge. I went from 265 lbs. to 216 lbs., body fat from 27.7% to 13%, a BMI from 33.1 to 27, waist line 42 in. to 35 in., and cholesterol 252 to 200 range, and blood pressure 118/70. Thanks “Body-for-LIFE” and EAS for everything. Even if I am not your next Grand Master Champion, I am living like a champion again!

Results: Lost 49 lbs. of Scale weight while decreasing body fat by 13% in 12-Weeks

Supplements Used: Myoplex Lite Shakes, Myoplex Deluxe, Phosphagen, Thermo Dynamx, Betagen, Muscle Armor, CLA, Phosphagen Elite.