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

I’d been having a lot of trouble with my back. It was interfering more than ever with normal day to day activities. I should have been enjoying a great life with a bright future, but all I could think about was how limited I would be in just a few years if something didn’t improve. I was worried that I would lose the ability to do the things that I enjoyed. Add to this the warnings I was getting from my doctor concerning my blood pressure. I had allowed myself to decline over a long period of time and I used my back as an excuse. I felt deep down inside that I was nearing a decision point. I just didn’t know how I would get traction.

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

I was seeking advice from my family doctor as well as a surgeon about my back problem. It was my family doctor that looked me square in the eye and asked me “can you honestly say that you are doing everything that you can do for yourself?” That hit me like a ton of bricks. There was no way I could say that I was taking responsibility for my fitness or nutrition. I remembered reading the Body-for-Life book years before and I reviewed the section about self promises and honesty. I knew the Body-for-Life plan was intense, so I created a plan for myself. Physical therapy, then a 10-week walking program, and finally a full blown, “no excuses allowed” Body-for-Life Challenge. In the future if my doctor asks me if I am doing what I can to take care of myself I’ll be able to answer “YES!”

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

I had such great results in the first few weeks that I would have to say it was liberating. As far as weight training, I hadn’t put forth this much effort in well over 20 years. And Cardio is another story altogether. I had NEVER done anything like this before. As I learned what hitting a “10” really consisted of I was blown away. Every session was like I won a personal victory. I guess you could say that the struggle was liberating.

Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?

It was on day 7! The president of our company passed me in the hall and commented “your looking fit!” I thought “Wow! People can see it.” At the time no one except my wife knew that I was completing a BFL Challenge. I got a big charge out of that and entered it into my journal.

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

I felt amazing. My wife helped me with preparation for pictures and went with me to the photography studio. Immediately afterwards we went to lunch and both of us ate a healthy meal. For me this was a major milestone. The date had been picked months in advance and it felt as though I was a winner no matter what the outcome of the contest.

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

Everyone was excited and supportive. As I said before, initially I didn’t broadcast that I was following a Body-for-Life Challenge. But as time went on people began to ask me what I was doing. When co-workers started using the word “transformation” when describing my progress, I felt totally comfortable telling them what I was doing and what plan I was following. When people actually can see proof that BFL works, they want to know more.

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

Absolutely! As I write this I am on day 266 since changing my lifestyle. The only significance that day 84 had for me was the appointment to get pictures taken and a deadline for writing an essay and mailing in my packet. I made a promise to myself many weeks before that I would not treat week 12 as the end of my lifestyle change.

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

Once you decide to that you are going to do a Challenge, think about how you will deal with barriers and obstacles. Because things are going to happen! You need a plan to deal with them. Keep things as simple as you can. The Body-for-Life book even makes eating right pretty simple. Just choose authorized foods and watch your portion size. And if you do screw up, make corrections and keep going. Don’t dwell on it.  Keep good records of your progress. When you need some encouragement, being able to review what you’ve accomplished is important. Write down your feelings as well. If you get discouraged or overcome with doubt, write it down and move on. I remember making entries that indicated that I didn’t think that I could win. The next day my entry was, “I can do this. I’ll do this as if I can win!”

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?

I am healthier and more fit than I can remember. I have more energy, and I’m more motivated to get things done. I still have flair-ups with my back, but my core is so much stronger that I can deal with it very quickly.

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

 At least 30 lbs. heavier. I’d probably be headed for blood pressure medicine and feeling sorry for myself.

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

My wife and I went to the Sequoia National Forest. We walked 40 miles that week! I’m finishing my basement, which I could not have done before. When I travel now, I go to the gym after work instead of going to restaurants and eating late dinners. No matter where I am I have been able to find a place to get a good workout in.

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 feel as though I am more calm and collected. My mind seems clearer and it is much easier to relax and enjoy a few minutes of quiet.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

I enjoy a slice of pizza or a small soft serve ice cream cone now and then, but I kept things pretty much under control. I really never went crazy on a free day.

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

The change in my appearance has caused many people to comment. I am very open about BFL and what the plan has done for me.  Living the lifestyle seems to spread the word a great deal. Pull out a shaker cup in the airport or lunchroom and your going to get some questions!

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.

After my pictures were taken, I extended my workout log indefinitely and maintained the same workout patterns and eating behavior. I’ve increased the quantity of the food I am eating and have actually lost a few more pounds. I still have a lot to learn!

Q: Current goals:

1. Improve definition
2. Hike the Grand Canyon

Q: Quotes that Inspire:

“Folks, there are only two things in life you have to do. You have to die and you have to make choices. From these you cannot escape.”
From the James C. Hunter book “The Servant”.

Q: Define Success:

Achieving your goals without compromising the principles and values that you believe in.