Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge? 
 
My life was full and content before BFL although I was settling for mediocrity in my fitness level.   Started to gain inches and feel aches in pains in joints that didn't have as strong of muscle support (knees, shoulders).
 
 
Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge? 
 
Susan suggested we all try as a group as she was getting discouraged with her ability to stick to a plan to lose weight.   I had been gaining a few lbs also so I jumped on board.  I had done the 12 week challenge before and saw great results with it.
 

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating? 
 
My first impression was that it required lots of eating!  I found the structure of the program to be liberating and especially the stories in the book to be very inspiring.
 
 
Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook? 
 
I think you notice changes in your energy level and over all feeling of well being in the first week.  I personally see physical changes after 2-3 weeks and drastic physical changes after about week 7.
 
 
Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge? 
 
I felt proud of the way we looked and like our whole team had really accomplished something major.  As I was walking across the street on the last day (dressed in tighter clothes) my neighbor did a "rubber-neck" on me and then screeched his breaks asking if it was me.  He said he thought it was a teenager. 
 
 
Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made? 
 
I remember after I did my first challenge my husband said he thought I was in better shape than when we met when I was 20.  That felt good, especially after having a baby. 
 
 
Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program? 
 
Since I first did the challenge 7 years ago, I still follow the basic principles of BFL even when I am not in a "challenge."  These are the principles I follow.  Cardio, weights alternating days.  Always hit my 10's-whether spinning, running, etc.  I always do a last set of twelve with a different exercise for the same muscle group.    I eat every three hours, one protein and one carb.  So YES! I do still follow the program.
 
 
Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?
 
I would say that if you want to be in the best shape of your life--do it.  If you want to feel energized for your day-do it.  If you want to see your skin clear from drinking water and eating healthy- DO IT.  If you want to feel proud of your body and stop beating yourself up emotionally-DO IT.  If you want to learn the tools to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle-DO IT.
 
 
Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge? 
 
It is amazing how much more positive our group is.  We spend out entire day together and it is all about good mo-jo!  I also feel physically stronger and better at the things I enjoy.  The women I golf with are amazed to see how such a "little thing" can drive the golf ball 50 yards past them easily.
 
 
Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?
 
If I had never heard of body for life I KNOW I would be one of those Americans who is 20 lbs or so over their ideal weight and accepting that as part of getting older.
 
Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?
 
My life stays full and busy teaching half time, helping in my kid's classrooms, coaching volleyball and basketball, teaching Sunday School, doing Book Clubs, laundry, dishes, laundry, dishes.  :)  Golf in the nice weather. Oh yeah--also trying to be a good wife to my husband who has a very stressful job as an attorney.
 
 
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 think that BFL gives you the mindset of "How am I going to get this done?"  Instead of fretting about what you can't change and "whoa is me", there is always a solution and the outcome is usually better than you even imagined it could be.
 
 
Q: What is your favorite free day meal? 
 
Mocha.
 
Q: How have you spread the word of Body-for-LIFE to other folks? 
 
I tell people to buy the Body-for-LIFE book because that is where I gained my inspiration to start the program.  I also tell them about the web site and I think it's awesome that you don't have to pay to "join" BFL.   The support on the website is amazing.
 
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. 
 
I have continued to live the lifestyle by following the basic BFL principals from the question above.  The most difficult part is the planning for food.
 
Q: Current goals:  

Lose body fat, increase and maintain strength.
 
 
Q: Quotes that Inspire:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13
 
 
Q: Define Success: 

Success is having a happy and fulfilled life.