Lean Body Challenge Winners – 2017

In the past I've tried to lose weight and get in shape. I've always had this image in my head of how I would like to look and feel. The cover models on Oxygen magazine have always been an inspiration and a wild dream of something that I could one day look like. But time and time again I would start out strong and as the weeks and months progressed I would lose all motivation, gain the weight back and forget what the inside of the gym looked like. This time was different. I'm not sure if it was my age and the maturity that comes with it, or the other habits I picked up this time around. The materials provided by the Labrada team were invaluable. The weekly emails, and especially the Facebook group, were resources I leaned on heavily during the challenge.

There were so many motivational and inspiring women in the group that it would have been hard to lose traction. Any time there was somebody that was having a hard day those women were there to lift them up and support them. I'm very honored to have been a part of this group. Jamie was the first fitness woman I started to follow and has serves as an inspiration for years. Her videos, articles and especially her recipes have helped me tremendously throughout the years and this challenge. Her kind and down to earth persona has always resonated with me and serves as an example of the person I would like be be.

When the Lean Body Challenge began, I was a couple weeks post knee surgery #4 (with my previous knee surgery having been 4 months prior this one), so I knew I had an extremely challenging road ahead, physically and emotionally. The pain and frustration was very real, as being an active mother of four (5 years and under), used to having full control over most things, I didn’t anymore. Telling myself, “One day at a time, I’ve got this” and most importantly when I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore, “remember why you’re doing it and who’s watching”, kept the fire in my heart burning.

I am grateful and humbled to know those challenges have shaped me for who I am today. I am stronger and passionate for others to know that if you truly believe in yourself, you can accomplish more then you imagine. Showing others that the impossible IS POSSIBLE, is is the message I want to share with others.

In the last six years I have gained 40 pounds... so I made it my goal this year to get it back off. I also focused on having a body fat percentage of less than ten percent. I wanted this to be the year that I would finally reach my goal.

Fast forward twelve weeks – I have pushed myself harder than I thought possible. I made training a priority and can count the number of cheat meals on one hand. I set goals for myself and I am proud to say that I have achieved them. Not only have I changed on the outside but I believe it has equally changed me inside. I'm a much better husband, father and happier person. I have developed a passion for health and fitness and enjoy the journey its taking me on. I am excited to share my story with others and hope to help them achieve their fitness goals!

I set out to challenge myself to stay disciplined and see the finish through, not to get in the "I'll do it tomorrow" thoughts I had been using against myself for years. I wanted to use the the Lean Body Challenge to not only get in better shape but to change my approach to my daily challenges in all aspects. The lean body challenge helped to show me that discipline can become a habit as anything else can become. The success I have experienced here is the platform for broader success in my daily activities.

Even though the challenge is complete this does not end for me. I am excited about how much more work there is to be done and I feel I can advocate and help others to get motivated and make their own changes!

My right leg was crushed in an auto accident 3 years ago and can't bend more than 20 degrees. That make makes intense cardio and leg training a challenge. A doctor once told me to concentrate on the things I could do and not what I couldn't do. So I thought about the parts of me that did work well and how I could utilize them. I found heavy bag training and jump rope. Combined with rowing and 1 leg spinning, the fat cells had met their match. Most leg machines allow me to work with 1 leg or use my limited range of motion to make sure my legs don't get left behind.

I'm sure I won't be the leanest person completing this challenge, but I have succeeded in the goals that the challenge encompasses. I've lost a significant amount of body fat while building a better lean body. I love the gym and consider it a second home. I can't wait to get back and continue toward new fitness goals. I'm already a winner, but being a winner in this challenge would be icing on the cake!