Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?

I have always been a dedicated teacher and coach.  I love my job as a middle school teacher as well as being a football, basketball and track coach.  I enjoy motivating, setting goals with, and encouraging my students and athletes.  I could do all that, but joining the Body-for-Life Challenge forced me to practice what I preach.  I had to see if I had the right to condition athletes and maintain high expectations.  Could I do this for myself?  Would I get the results I wanted?  Did I still possess the personal characteristics needed to complete the challenge?  The BFL challenge gave me just that…a means to challenge myself.

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge?

My fellow colleague, Susan Holt, wanted to make a change in her appearance and fitness level.  She mentioned the “group challenge” through Body-for-LIFE and our PE department decided it would be a positive thing to do in many aspects.

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?

I thought the program offered everything I was looking for in a body change.  It enhances the building of muscle mass and burns fat in a healthy, well balance way.  I never embraced or believed in the “no carb” “low carb” diets.  That didn’t sound right to me based on my background.  But I did embraced BFL, it looked promising but I was curious to see what my personal results would be.
 
Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?

I haven’t seen my abdominals since high school.  I wasn’t even sure they existed anymore.  Getting out of the shower one day (the lighting must’ve been perfect) I saw my upper abs for the first time in years.  That was proof to me that I was in fact losing body fat.  I did get muscular results before this happened, but seeing my abs for the first time in 30 years really motivated me. 

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge?

We got together for our “after” photo and went and celebrated.  It was
nothing like our “last day of school celebrations” we’ve had in the past.
We congratulated each other and realized we had done something that was
very challenging, rewarding and basically changed our bodies and
lifestyles.  We all felt like we accomplished something that wasn’t easy,
but it was WORTH IT!!!

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?

Some people thought I looked great and yet others didn’t recognize me.  They all asked, “What did you do for such a dramatic change?”  I would tell them I’m doing the Body-for-LIFE Challenge and to look it up on the internet. 

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program?

Yes, absolutely.  Eating 5-6 meals a day has become routine and I have faith my body is being fueled for life’s challenges.  Exercise in the form of lifting and running is also ingrained.  Basically, I like my current level of fitness and it is more practical to maintain or even improve my gains rather than fall back and have to do this all over again.  IT JUST DOESN’T MAKE SENSE TO STOP!

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that motivation, organization, commitment and support from others are key elements to success.  It does require planning and desire but it is not impossible to do.  It is a great program and I would recommend it to anyone who has the desire to make the change.
    
Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?

I am humbled completely by the way people perceive me.  I feel I am taken more seriously by my colleagues (outside the PE department) and my students.  It is obvious that people do understand that attaining and even maintaining a high level of fitness reflects someone who has self control, direction and vision in their life.  I think many people “wish” they could improve their fitness level…and when they see someone who has done it, it gives them hope.  With Body-for-LIFE anyone can get rid of the “wish”, decide to commit, and begin an adventure that is intrinsically rewarding beyond winning a challenge.    

Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?

I would be doing what I’ve always done the way I’ve always done it, and getting little or no gains.  To my realization, my way was not the best way to do things.  This experience of Body-for-Life has left me open to the idea of change and new ways to lift weights, balance my nutritional intake, and effectively achieve cardio-vascular fitness. 

Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?

I coach four sports at the Middle School level and I work on the golf course and do construction in the summer months.  I have been actively pursuing a 5 or under handicap in golf but that is another challenge.  Like Body-for Life, that is an ongoing adventure.

Q: After going through the 12 weeks, how was your mindset different than it was before? Were you able to face challenges in your life with more confidence?

I have always been goal oriented and welcome challenges.  At 48 years old I did have reservations about what was possible for my body.  There were some trying times throughout the challenge but my colleagues, the loss of body fat, and the fear of letting my team down kept me going.  But yes, I will always remember this challenge as a marker if/when I’m faced with new challenges.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

I’m a chocoholic.  Anything chocolate is my favorite…cake, ice cream, truffles, fudge, brownies…The list is infinite.  But the truth is the deluxe myoplex bar (chocolate/peanut butter) was a staple for me and it was my mid-morning snack.  I couldn’t believe it was authorized or even a meal replacement option.  It tasted like I was cheating but the proof is in the pudding (chocolate). 

Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-LIFE to other folks?

I have been approached at the gym, at work, on the golf course and by many people since the word got out that we won the group challenge.  I have handed out some brochures I have about the program and I’ve encourage them to visit the website.  I mainly direct them to a place to go for information (Body-for-LIFE book or website) and tell them BFL is proven and effective.  There are countless combinations of foods to create authorized meals and I recommend they look into it to see if it is something they might seriously consider.  And, I always tell people that this is the way to go if they are seeking to improve their fitness and appearance.

Q Being that you won the challenge in 2007. How have you continued to live this Lifestyle? And what has been the most difficult part? If anything.

It is most difficult for me when my routine gets changed when school lets out for the summer.  My work times change and therefore my time to run and lift also changes.  I have just had to get up earlier to fit everything in and stay committed.

Q: Current goals:

To improve my golf game to 5 or under handicap. 

Q: Quotes that Inspire:

“There is no greater strength than kindness” – John Wooden. 

My dad was a high school basketball coach and recently passed away.  He was my role model.  I had come across this quote after his passing and I just realized that my dad had great strength…he was truly a kind man. 

Q: Define Success:

Making yourself and those around you better.