2005 Hawaii Trip

Before

After

I've read where some people say they've been fat all their adult life. Well, for me it's been ALL my life, it seems. I recall being uncomfortable about my weight as early as age 10. It didn't get any better. By age 16 I wore a size 16, and at age 30 I was almost a size 30! I was a size 26-28, to be exact, weighing approximately 320 pounds. Needless to say, I was quite unhappy, and my self-esteem was on the floor. People would always say, "You have such a pretty face." They didn't comment on the rest of me, except behind my back.

At the age of 40 I was lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a bad case of pneumonia when my physician stated that my large chest was causing pressure on my lungs, making my recovery more difficult. I recall thinking right then and there that I would never again be told something like that by another doctor. I promised myself that my lifestyle would change. Also, there is something about turning 40 that makes one stop and think seriously about the future. I became more concerned about my health.

When I was well enough to exercise, I began going to the gym every morning before work, arriving when they opened at 5:30 AM. I walked the treadmill until 6:00 AM while watching the morning news. I counted every one of those 30 minutes because I truly hated exercising. What I didn't realize at the time was that I was simply doing the wrong exercise. Working out with machines just isn't my cup of tea. I hired a personal trainer from a while and paid a fortune! He helped me tremendously and I hung in there as long as I could, dropping approximately 25 pounds. However, I could not continue paying for a trainer, and the gym bored me terribly. I knew I couldn't last much longer, and that worried me. I refused, just COULD NOT gain the weight back! I was still far from my goal of losing 100 pounds. I knew I could never be successful without exercise. I was making healthy choices in my food, but exercise was just as important. While trying to figure out what to do to stay motivated, my weight began creeping back. I was distraught.

While seeking support on a fitness chat board, I read many testimonials about Beachbody. They were raving—Beachbody this and Beachbody that! Tony this and Tony that! Many had lost a lot of weight doing Power 90. I felt left out. I asked questions, was directed to the Beachbody Web site, and was immediately impressed! I knew I had found the answer to my problem. I ordered Power 90 because it looked great. Friends had gotten results, and I figured my husband could do the videos with me. I was so excited when they arrived, and we got started right away.

It felt good to work out in my own home, day or night, whenever I felt like it . . . rain or shine, sleet or snow. I didn't need to drive anywhere, take time away from home, or carry a large gym bag. I knew this was my answer. And Tony was so much fun. I felt encouraged and motivated all over again. I religiously Pushed Play and I loved monitoring my workouts on the tracking sheet that was included. I couldn't wait to move to the level 3-4 routine. Overnight it seemed my weight was falling off again, but faster this time. I finished the Power 90 program and started again. With the help of Tony and the people on the Beachbody chats and Message Boards, I lost almost 80 pounds in eight months. I later ordered Slim Series and P90X (great workouts!), and I lost another 20 pounds.

Thank you, Beachbody!!! Instead of a size 26-28, I now wear a size 12. Instead of shamefully avoiding eye contact with others, I now hold my head high and walk with pride. I look and feel better than I have in my entire life, and instead of looking age 45, people who don't know any better assume I'm in my thirties.

If I had known I'd discover Power 90 and lose the weight I did, I would have taken real "before" and "after" photos to proudly display, and I would have taken specific measurements. But the pounds melted off before I knew it. At times I am still in awe when I look in the mirror, and I can't believe that after years of trying, I am a real Success Story now. Thank you so much, Beachbody!

To those who are where I used to be, I say try Beachbody! Get started as soon as possible. You have nothing to lose but the excess weight and health problems.

Good luck,

Cynthia J.