Working Father of Two Loses 45 Pounds, Wins $1,500

Donald Wendt, age 46, lost 45 lbs. with 21 Day Fix EXTREME and P90X. He entered his results into the Beachbody Challenge, and won $1,500!
Donald is an Independent Beachbody Coach.

Tell us about your life before you started the program. How did you feel about yourself and your body?
I had just ended a relationship with a high-paying yet highly stressful management job that was eating away at my marriage and family. My two young kids and wife are way more important than a paycheck. In August of 2014, I also lost my mentor and best friend, my mom, after a long battle with cancer. This stress brought me to the place I found myself in December. To be honest, I didn’t even realize how heavy and unhealthy I was at the time. Doesn’t everyone hold their belly in when they go by a mirror? But now, when I look back into the eyes of that person in the “before” pictures, I can see how lost I was, how sad I was, and how fat I was. It frightens me how fast things can change for the worse, but excites me how fast things can change for the better.

What inspired you to change your life and begin your transformation journey?
My wife pointed out a friend’s Facebook post about doing P90X. She obviously noticed how depressed I was, and I guess I wasn’t sucking in my gut as much as I thought. But really I knew I had to change what was going on in my life, and she agreed to do the workouts with me, so off we went.

What is the greatest challenge you faced before beginning the program? How did the program and Beachbody help you overcome that challenge?
Like I said before, we have two young kids. When we began, they were nine and seven. So the biggest barrier was finding the time to do our workouts, especially the P90X workouts, which could run up to 90 minutes. The second barrier was room in our modest house. Every night after the kids went to bed, I would take apart two pieces of our sectional in our living room and drag them into the dining room. We would then take turns or one of us would just be one workout behind when we had to do pull-ups. We only had room for one bar, and time would not allow us to work out during different times during the day. All of this was a suggestion by my Coach, and the accountability groups really kept us moving every night, because we didn’t want to let the other people down in our group.

What in particular did you like about the program you chose?
I will always remember Tony Horton and P90X fondly; we had a great run. I can do more pull-ups than I could ever imagine possible thanks to him. I love how the workouts never become easy, because you add weight or reps, or you are able to go deeper into your lunge or squats. Did I mention his humor? I could always count on a soul-stirring joke at the end of a workout that we would start to recite right on cue around week three. I am sure Tony and I would still be together if I didn’t meet Autumn and her 30-minute workouts with 21 Day Fix EXTREME that were just as intense as Tony’s 60-minute workouts. Sure, there may have been fewer laughs, but there was just as much motivation to keep pushing hard. I credit Tony with my first 30 pounds, but Autumn got to finish the job with the final 15.

Describe the results you achieved with your Beachbody program. Which achievements are you proud of?
I am a physical therapist assistant in geriatric care. A couple of my job requirements are transferring disabled patients and helping them stand. This was really taking a toll on my 45-year-old back. I was really beginning to wonder if I would be able to continue my profession. Because of my improved core strength and flexibility, my back doesn’t hurt anymore. I also play pick-up basketball with a bunch of other dads. During one game, I noticed I was a good four inches away from being able to touch the rim of the 10-foot hoop. I remember saying I want to be able to touch the rim again. Another dad jokingly said, “We don’t age backwards, Don.” Well a month into P90X, I ran from the foul line and I touched that rim! Maybe next stop will be a dunk?

How has your life changed since completing your Beachbody program?
I am no longer afraid to take my shirt off at the beach. I feel my wife is attracted to me again. I have become so inspired that I have started coaching myself. I can keep up with my kids on the soccer field. My kids have noticed my transformation; they are also eating healthier and sometimes they participate in my workouts. I am so happy.

How did participating in a Challenge Group help you reach your goals? How did your group support you and keep you accountable?
I think I mentioned this before, but for me, it was just not wanting to let others in the group down. If they were doing it, then why shouldn’t I be doing it? Now that I am running my own Challenge Groups, this feeling is enhanced as I am the one they are looking up to.

How did your Team Beachbody Coach support you on your journey?
Lauren was simply always there for me when I needed help. I could text her anytime, and she would get right back to me. The best story I have is … well I told you how my mom died back in August and that kind of started my journey. Well, as fate would have it, I lost my dad in February of this year. I completely lost my desire to work out again, and I quit for nearly a month. I was turning right back to the person I was back in December. I texted Lauren these issues. She calmly told me to not worry about the workouts right now, and to continue with the shakes and diet as much as I can, as well as to read my personal development. That is when I discovered “You are a Badass“ by Jen Sincero. That’s when I stopped my backslide and got back on track. It saved my life.

How did a Beachbody supplement, 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, or digestion/regularity?

Shakeology definitely kept me away from candy bars and other sweets.

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.

*Results vary depending on starting point, goals, and effort.