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

Before the challenge I had a very hard time finishing tasks that took any significant time.  If I could start and finish something the same day then I could accomplish that task but I would get overwhelmed thinking of doing things that were long term type projects.

 I love my family very much and wanted to spend as much of my free time with them as possible but I ALWAYS felt so sluggish and tired I could hardly muster up the energy to do anything. That made me feel guilty, like I was letting them down.  I knew I was being a terrible example.  I was also getting very concerned about my health as we have a pretty negative health history in my family.

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

Well, it was my wife actually.  We both decided that we should do something to try to improve our health.  She had been talking for years about Body-for-Life and how she was going to try a 12 week program but she never actually did.  I wasn’t interested in BFL at the time because I didn’t want to lift weights and go to a gym (I was under the impression like so many others that it would take at least a couple of hours every day and I didn’t want to commit that kind of time).  Finally, almost out of frustration with her, I said “okay Teresa, I’m going to do this Body-for-Life program with YOU to help motivate YOU to do it and stick with it.”  I had no idea what was really in store for ME J

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?
 
For me it was actually liberating.  I was so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired I had lots of motivation to change my old habits.  Every time I looked at the junk food I was accustomed to eating it almost made me angry because I realized what it was doing to me. 

Concerning the weight training, at the gym I kind of felt like a fish out of water.  None of the weight lifting exercises felt good at first.  It took me a couple of weeks to work out the kinks and develop proper form.

Concerning the HIIT cardio……wow……..do I run to the bathroom and puke or stay on the exercise bike and hope the feeling passes?  That was hard to get used to at first but I was resolved to be a good example to Teresa so I just persevered.

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

I started to see changes about week 3 or 4.  I noticed pants starting to fit looser and muscles feeling more toned.  There was actually a time at about week 8 when it seemed like I was going backwards.  What happened was I was feeling much firmer in my belly area and proud of that but then I literally woke up one morning to a loose, jiggle belly.  I kind of panicked and called the EAS help line to find out what was happening.  To my surprise the wonderful trainer on the other end of the line said…….are you ready for this ……….”congratulations on your success!”  The expression on my face must have been just like if he had walked up and slapped me on the head.  I said “what do you mean congratulations, this is a problem!”  He laughed and said “let me explain.”  As it turns out guys, belly fat comes off in layers and the last layer blocking that wonderful “6 pack” hidden in all of us is the hardest and the densest of all. It must break up and become loose so that the body can dispose of it.  Therefore congratulations were indeed in order as I was on the last layer of fat!!!  Hallelujah!!!

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

I was very proud of myself, my wife and my kids.  We all did this challenge as a family project and it brought us closer together.  When I saw my after pictures I almost couldn’t believe it was me.  For a moment I felt like my project was over and my task completed but then I realized that it had really only just begun………Body-for-LIFE.

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

They were beside themselves.  I was literally getting approached every day by friends, family and strangers wanting to know what I was doing to get in such great shape.  My friends and family are very dear. They were proud and happy for me.

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

Absolutely yes! I am totally convinced there is no other program in the world that can net the same results and maintain those results for life.

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

Start with the goal in mind of going 12 weeks.  Don’t even worry about the results until the 12 weeks are over.  If you follow the program exactly, your results will be nothing short of incredible.  Don’t be overly concerned about if you are doing everything just right, just give it your all and let the program work.  Oh, and always remember that Sunday is coming!!  That’s my free day.  The one day EVERY WEEK when you can satisfy those cravings and celebrate what you have accomplished!!

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

I have gobs and gobs of energy that I never had before.  I love talking with people about fitness, especially the ones who are seeking help and advice.  I am much more disciplined to do necessary things and I have learned how to have fun doing them.  This is a great avenue to open up all kinds of relationships and conversations about everything life throws our way.  I’ve made lots of new friends and my wife and kids have a much happier and healthier husband / daddy.  Virtually everything in my life is better!!

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

Exactly where I was before I started….. little self-control, no energy, ashamed of myself, and definitely headed for major health problems.  I would be going downhill FAST.

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

I am very active in my church.  I do things there like sing on the praise team and choir, I like being in the plays and skits, fund raisers, missions stuff, anything that might help someone get to know the Lord is good stuff to me.  I spend as much time as possible playing with my kids and hanging out with my wife….they are awesome.  Of course I get ALL my workouts in, eat clean and enjoy life.

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?

It’s amazing what a Body-for-Life challenge can do for your confidence.  It seems like nothing is unattainable.  Setting goals (as many times as we’ve all heard it) and achieving them is the best thing anyone can do for themselves.  It would be impossible to do a 12 week challenge, giving it 100% effort and not come away a much more confident, assured, happy person.

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

PIZZA!!  Lots and lots of PIZZA!!

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

In the gym my wife and I are the people who carry our BFL success journals and record our workouts, that has stirred up a few conversations.  When anyone asks me about how I stay in great shape I always direct them to BFL (I feel I would be cheating them by leading them any other direction).  I have put the word out to my family and friends that BFL has changed my life and I have made myself available to anyone who wants help or encouragement changing theirs.

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 do the same things I’ve done since the beginning….. 6 small meals a day and 6 intense, efficient workouts per week.  I make sure to plan ahead for special occasions like birthdays, vacations, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc…so I don’t fall prey to cravings and potential bad habits. I am very cautious to keep my workouts within the prescribed timeline in the BFL book ( 20 min. HIIT cardio, 46 min. upper body and 42 min. lower body ) so I’m not in danger of getting “burned out”.  No problem;)

Q: Current goals:
Serve God with passion, provide well for my family, continue to live the BFL lifestyle and helping as many people as I possibly can along the way.

Q: Quotes that Inspire:
Abb Ansley 1997 BFL Grand Champion : “We are in the effort business, God is in the results business”.

Apostle Paul :  “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”.

Q: Define Success:

Running this race called life with joy and passion, teaching your children to love God. Loving much, laughing often, crying some and when it’s all over hearing the Lord say “well done”!!