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

Before I started body for life I was in an accepting state of mind.  I thought that because I’m getting older that it was O.K. for me to be out of shape.  I was accepting of my gradual weight gain as “part of life” I pretended to be O.K. with the way I looked.  I started buying bigger clothes and didn’t care about the way I dressed.  I think I was hoping that nobody noticed me.

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

Lucky for me, I work with Susan Holt who was also gradually gaining weight but was not in the same accepting state of mind that I was.  She said that she was at an all time low point in her life and she needed help.   She thought that the contest would keep us (her co-workers) focused on our fitness and at the same time help keep her motivated to work out.  I actually didn’t think that the men would take the challenge.  I just said yes to Susan and in my mind I was thinking that everyone else would bail, making them look like they didn’t care and making me look like the supportive friend.  I had no idea what was about to happen to my life.

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

At first I thought that I was eating too much (six meals a day) I mean who does that and loses weight?  I was hesitant to lose weight the BFL way but because of my team mates I gave it a try.  In the past when I tried to lose weight I would starve myself and get on the treadmill for hours. 

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

I actually felt better right away I had more energy and I seemed to be more organized in life.  I didn’t see any physical weight loss until about the 4th week.  In fact I was actually disappointed that the scale wasn’t moving but I knew I looked and felt better.  Because of my team I just kept plugging away at the program.  Then gradually the weight started melting away.  I ended up losing 20 lbs.

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

I didn’t really have a last day of the challenge.  I’m extending the challenge and I hope I never see the very last day of the challenge.  I will never forget when we all got together for our “after pictures” my team look beautiful.  I couldn’t believe that the same people that were in that “before” picture were now standing in front of me with such confidence and beauty.  I wish I could have had a tape recorder of the “before” comments vs. the “after comments.”

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

Friends, family co-workers, were so supportive and they seem to be very happy for us, so many people ask us how we did it.  We tell them body for life and we are happy to pass it along.

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

I do follow the BFL program and I will keep making positive changes in my life.  I know that with this program I will be able to stick with it.  I feel so good right now I know that I am never going back to “accepting getting old and fat” I’m going to fight it every step of the way.

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

I would tell them to get someone to join with them.  Find a work out partner.  It really helps to have the support of your friends. The more people involved the better.  Talk to everyone (that will listen) about what you are doing you will be surprised at how they want you to succeed. Once you start the program you HAVE TO FINISH!!!  No one in our group thought for one second that we would win this contest.  We ALL started and we ALL finished.  I had a coach in high school that would say “the most important thing is your follow through.” If you follow through with this program you will be a winner.

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

Now I have so much more confidence and I really want everyone to feel like I do.  I know that the answer to so many health problems is…. Work out, stay fit, eat right.  I am an advocate for BFL.  I ask people to take the challenge all of the time. 

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

I would be at the same place I was before I started the challenge…gradually gaining weight, pretending that I am embracing my “new curves, and accepting my low energy life.

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

I am a mother of two teenage girls.  I coach volleyball, girls basketball boys basketball, track and a tournament volleyball team.  I teach school and watch my daughters play their sports.  Not to mention house work cooking meals and cleaning.  I have a busy schedule but I think the most important thing is to take care of myself first and then I am able to offer others a better me.  Working out in the morning before I start my day has become a very important part of my routine.   

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 so much more confidence I can stand in front of my classes and teams and feel like a better role model.  I can demonstrate with out getting out of breath.   I think that the students will take their workout seriously. They truly believe that everything that we ask them to do that we could do it alongside of them.  It is a great feeling to know that at the age of 48 I am in elite physical condition, and that I not only can keep up with teenagers but I now can still kick their buts!

Q: What is your favorite free day meal?

I must admit a Dorito is hard for me to pass up.  I just love them.  I think it is the perfect combo of salt and fat…yummy. 

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

I talked about the challenge to everyone before we won.  Now after being in the news and in the news paper people approach me and ask questions about BFL.

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 continue to live this Lifestyle, I work out in the morning I cook healthy meals in bulk so I can have nice meals all day long.  I think that the most difficult part sometime is just getting out of the house but once I start moving I just love it. 

Q: Current goals:

Keep working out and to find a kick ass dress to wear to the expo.

Q: Quotes that Inspire:

Strive for excellence, not perfection.
        H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Q: Define Success:

Body-for-LIFE!