End of the Body-for-LIFE program

End of the Body-for-LIFE program

Hey, guess what? We made it! We completed the program and have turned in all our entrance information for the competition. We actually finished the program two weeks ago. It has just taken a while to get around to writing the blog. All of our goals have been met. Of course we will have to wait to see if we won the competition.

LIZ'S ACCOUNT

So far after completing the challenge I have lost 16 pounds which was 6 more pounds lost than I had hoped for. I did complete the 12 week program without ever missing a workout or meal. I hope to win the competition but will have to wait to find out on that. The only chance I have had to be a good example to my athletes was competing in a 5k race at the end of the challenge that many of my athletes ran in. One of the parents of a girl I coach thought I was a new girl on the team and realized afterward that I was their coach. I also got some nice comments from my athletes so I hope this will give me more credibility when I actually get a chance to coach them next season. Finally, I think the photos show how far I have come on my belly. I can't believe how slimmed down my stomach has gotten!

As I worked through the program I noticed that I became more organized, developed extra energy and motivation, and gained a desire to help and inspire others. As a mom it is very hard to plan ahead for everything because the kids can make a mess or have a dirty diaper at any moment. However, I learned through this program that things were easier when I did plan ahead not only with the program but with house cleaning, errands, and time with the kids. In the evenings my husband and I used to watch TV and snack for two or three hours because we were worn out from the day. During this program I had more energy to clean up the dishes at night and take care of any last minute tasks for the day. I also slept better because I wanted to be rested and ready for my workouts in the morning. I think the biggest surprise was developing a strong desire to encourage others with their weight and exercise issues. I’ve had several comments from others about the changes they have seen in me and I really enjoyed sharing my journey with them. I especially love sharing how simple the meal plan is and all the good foods we have been eating. I know so many people, including myself, give in to food temptations easily. I developed the mental strength to easily resist these temptations because I always knew I had my free day for them. I also began to not really want the junk food even when I had my free days. I'm so proud of myself for completing this program and I plan to keep it up.

DAVID'S ACCOUNT

Well I completed the program quite well. I did miss a couple of days due to getting worn out between work and not sleeping well. I kept up with the eating plan everyday though. I think I had one meal mishap. So I would say goal one was a success. As far as becoming a Body for Life Champion, I will have to wait and see. Goal three was to gain 9 pounds of muscle and I gained 10 pounds. At about week three of the program I started feeling more energized. I was able to do hard physical tasks like yard work when I normally would be too exhausted to do them. My last goal was to support my wife through the program and she completed it successfully. We planned meals and cooked together. We had to work out separately but we would take turns watching the kids so we each could get our workouts in. So I think I did really well with my goals. I am so happy to have achieved all of them. I certainly hope I did enough for the competition to be a winner.

As I compare my before and after photos of this challenge I see how scrawny I was 12 weeks ago. I thought I looked healthy before the challenge but now I look and feel solid. What a confidence booster! I feel so proud to have completed this challenge and also to have met almost all of my goals. I learned how to set goals better by defining what I want and having a plan to achieve it. My imagination has run wild with ideas of improving my spiritual life, improving my career as a musician, improving my family and home, and so much more by setting goals and making a plan. I had one really big inner change during this program. As I was working out and trying to hit those high points I tried to think of what I really wanted. Early on I thought of the body I wanted and winning the challenge. This was motivating but after a few weeks I found that what I really wanted was truth. I am a Christian and believe whole heartedly in God and the Holy Bible. It is a daily battle to stay focused on God and I get so tired of myself not trusting and believing what I know is true. So when I was fighting for those high points I imagined that I was battling to stand up for God. By doing these workouts I was training my mind to fight not just in the workout but in my life. I only have one chance to live on this earth so I’d better fight for what I know I should be doing while I’m here.

AND FINALLY, HERE ARE THE PHOTOS

We were trying to figure out what to do next because we really felt good doing this and it certainly was a benefit to us.  So we have ordered the Insanity program (as seen on TV) and will start that as soon as we get it.  Thanks to everyone who supported us and has been praying for us.  May God bless you.