“Beachbody Helped Me To Overcome Everything”

Meet Frank G. He participated in The Beachbody Challenge and won the $500 Daily Prize for February 25th!

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
In 2012 I was 6’8″ and 315lbs! At the start of my journey, I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life. I was miserable, and I fed that misery with food, drugs, and alcohol. I had severe lower back issues, to the point that I was laid up on the floor couldn’t walk for 6 weeks. If you looked at my core, I was literally twisted. I would be in the shower in tears of pain, just to go see the doctor for more pain meds. I had done everything from P.T., acupuncture, and chiropractor; I’ve even had 4 injections into my spine. I met with the chief orthopedic at Mass General; he said surgery was my only option, and that there was only a 50% chance I would be 80% better. I did not like those numbers, so I opted not to do it, and instead to try losing weight to take back control of my life!

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
I was inspired to not be in pain anymore. My son was 2.5 yrs old, and I couldn’t stand for more than 5 minutes without being in so much pain. I needed to get into shape, and take control of my nutrition, so that I could set a standard in my child’s life, and create healthy habits for my family.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge was everything. Time, proper nutrition, stamina, belief in myself, etc.. Beachbody helped me to overcome everything. My 2 rounds of INSANITY gave me the stamina, and belief, I needed to start my fitness journey. Focus T25 and P90X3 showed me that I can get a killer workout in 30 minutes or less. 21 Day Fix showed me how I can fuel my body with the right foods, in the right portions.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
Getting a great workout with weights in 30 minutes. I also loved the MMX video.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
My journey started with 2 rounds of INSANITY, which resulted in my loss 60 lbs. I then did 2 rounds of Focus T25 and lost an additional 45 lbs, followed by P90X3 where I lost another 10 lbs, but gained some muscle too. As of 7/18/14 I have finished my 3rd round of T25. I only lost 1lb, but really leaned out and toned up. I am currently in my 2nd week of PiYo, and have already lost another 4lbs but feel as though I haven’t sacrificed any muscle. The achievements I am most proud of are: 1. After all these programs, all these workouts, I haven’t missed 1) I committed to the programs, to myself, and I’m in the best shape of my life. 2) Going from a 42″ waist with a massive beer gut down to a 32″ with an ever improving set of abs.

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I have gotten off of all pain medications. I make better food choices. I do not have back pain anywhere near like I did before; nothing a good stretch and a workout can’t fix, my self image has improved dramatically, and I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary as a Team Beachbody Coach. I love sharing with others what has worked for me, and helping them make a lifestyle change.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The Challenge Groups really helped me “push play” everyday. Seeing the other participants posting their post workout pics, or food pics, really made me make sure that I was keeping pace with all of them. I would just feel too guilty if I saw that they had all worked out and I didn’t, or if they were all making good choices with their food I and wasn’t. Then by leading my own groups… well that really made me step it up. I had to lead by example.

How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach Nikki really helped me with staying accountable. Seeing her working out everyday, and the great looking healthy foods she was posting pics of, made me want to do the same. Her constant motivation, drive, and passion was and is infectious.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program (such as Shakeology® or Beachbody Ultimate Reset®) support your transformation? What are the greatest benefits you gained? Did you see benefits to your energy, sleep, mood/mental clarity, digestion/regularity?
Shakeology definitely played a huge part in my journey. I rarely ate breakfast, and if I did it was always something fast food. Shakeology really gave me the energy to workout everyday. I slept slept better. It reduced my craving for junk food at night, and curbed my appetite throughout the day.

How did a Beachbody Supplement or Nutritional Product or Program affect any existing health conditions you have?
With all of the programs I’ve done (2 rounds of INSANITY, P90X3, 3 rounds of T25, 21 Day Fix and now PiYo), my lower back issues are all but gone. I still have days that it bothers me, but those are mostly due to when the weather is bad. Nothing like it used to be, and nothing a good stretch and a workout can’t fix.

You can change your life, too. Take the Beachbody Challenge for the tools you need to Decide, Commit, and Succeed! Complete any Beachbody program, and enter your results for a free gift and a chance to win cash and prizes.