“My Old Life Seems Like So Long Ago”
†Results vary depending on starting point and effort. Mary-Ashley is an independent Beachbody Coach.
Meet Mary-Ashley M. She lost 80 lbs with FOCUS T25, 21 Day Fix, and Ultimate Reset. She entered her results into The Beachbody Challenge, and won the $500 Daily Prize for May 20th!
Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
Before Beachbody programs and Challenge Groups, I was miserable, overweight, and feeling depressed. I hated my body and would cry almost daily. I lived in sweat pants and big tee shirts. I didn’t leave my house unless I absolutely had to. My relationship was struggling because of this. I avoided mirrors at all cost because I couldn’t bear to see how large I had become. Two of my three young boys have special needs, and I would often use them as a crutch (excuse) so that we wouldn’t have to go to family functions especially if there were going to be pictures taken. I hated how I looked, and I equally hated how my unhealthy lifestyle was effecting everything. I wanted to change but thought it would be too hard or take too much time from my kids. I self medicated with alcohol which just compounded my problems. I was lost.
What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My doctor booked me a consult for the gastric sleeve surgery. I have 3 kids, I don’t have time to recover from surgery! I was 252 lbs and knew I needed to do something. I have always eaten fairly healthy and was once athletic and active. My boyfriend told me he would support me no matter what I decided to do, but he couldn’t sit back and watch me do nothing and stay miserable. I wanted to change because I needed to be around for my family. That night I was up breastfeeding the baby, and I saw an infomercial for FOCUS T25. I said out loud to myself “this sounds perfect”. We have a free gym in the apartment community I live in, but my lack of self esteem and extreme anxiety kept me from using it. I knew if I just gave this home workout program thing a shot, it could be exactly what I needed. A few days later I saw a friend on Facebook post about how she was in something called the “Nailed It Challenge” and had lost 12 pounds in the first 5 weeks. I ordered that night.
What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody® help you overcome that challenge?
Portion control and timing my meals appropriately were big problems for me. I would not eat all day and then have a huge dinner shortly before bed. Now, the containers from 21 Day Fix make it so easy to plan my days meals! Before I began the Ultimate Reset, I struggled with a weight loss plateau and a serious caffeine addiction. I was having daily headaches, couldn’t function without coffee and my face was breaking out like a teenager’s.1 I knew that nutrition was a becoming a problem, giving in to my cravings way to easily wasn’t helping my case. Throughout the 3 weeks, I was continually impressed by how awesome I felt! I was sleeping better than ever, my face was clearing up and my headaches were gone! The recipes are so easy to make and the food is delicious. I tried foods I had never eaten before and they will now be a part of my regular diet. Now, I wake up early every morning fully refreshed and don’t need coffee to feel human.
What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
My favorite thing about T25 was the modifier for sure. Something about the way Shaun T pushes you without sounding like a complete nutcase really works for me. With 21 Day Fix, I love the simplicity of the meal plan and Autumn is a great motivational trainer which is why I keep doing her program over and over! Every time I repeat this program, I find myself getting more confident. This last round I completed, I did my first ever set of unmodified pushups! There was something about the Ultimate Reset… I knew that this program was going to change a lot for me. I didn’t realize it would change so much! I particularly like that it is broken up into 3 phases which makes it go by quick and kept me from getting bored.
Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
Recently, with the Ultimate Reset I lost 13.1 pounds and 8 inches! I eliminated my coffee addiction, my face is clear and I am sleeping better than ever. My results and photos speak for themselves, but I will say I do not recall a time when I have ever seen this number on the scale! What the photos can’t tell you is how amazing I feel. I wake up everyday with newly found joy. I am proud of myself for sticking with these programs and for making time to get the workouts done. Overall, I am most proud of the changes I have made to my life by becoming a part of the Beachbody community. I have lost more than pounds. I have lost the figurative chains that were holding me down and keeping me from even imagining a better life. I’m proud of the complete 360 my family has made with our health and nutrition. I’m proud that my 4-year-old begs to “play exercise” with me, and that I can run around the playground with my boys instead of sitting on a bench and watching them from a distance.
How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I am a different person since starting Beachbody programs. I am most proud of the changes my family has made. My boyfriend and I have lost a combined 133lbs since February! Since completing the Ultimate Reset I am so happy! I catch myself looking in mirrors and I enjoy going out with my family. I have bought new jeans, a shopping experience I used to dread, and was thrilled. I’m proud of myself for what I have accomplished. When I am invited to social events I no longer make excuses. I’m out in the world living life to the fullest, and I am glad to be alive. People call me “skinny” and “tiny” when just a short time ago I was “Big Mary”. I take pictures, lots of pictures! My anxious days are far fewer, and I go through way less outfit changes before heading out the door haha! My old life seems like so long ago, and I look forward to where this journey will take me next.
How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
The support of the Challenge Group was key. My very first Challenge Group was where I was finally able to come out of my shell. It was like having the support of a class at the gym, but no one had to see me sweat 😉 For the Ultimate Reset, I participated in all 5 of the Beachbody run groups. Having that support to answer all my questions before, during, and after is critical. Everyone in those groups helped to keep me accountable, and I loved sharing tips with people who have done the program before. I love the 21 Day Fix groups because the people in them are so creative when it comes to meal planning. I was not the cook in our household, so meal planning was a new experience for me. Checking in with my containers and posting pictures of my meals really helped keep me accountable. Knowing there were other people counting on me to post ‘done‘ for my workout was motivation to keep going.
How did your Team Beachbody® Coach support you on your journey?
My Coach is amazing! She is so supportive. I can message or text her 24/7, and she gets back to me within a few hours. She has helped me decide on programs to do and is a fantastic motivator. As a mom of 2, her Beachbody transformation has shown me what is possible. I’m very glad she has been placed in my life.
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. 
1Always consult with your physician about your unique medical needs before commencing any fitness program or nutritional product.