Team Beachbody ¡preestreno!Español Guest

About two and a half years ago, I was not enjoying life. I was overweight, depressed, mad at the world and sick of my job. I felt like I was in a black hole and had no way out. I looked at my parents and older brothers and saw the pounds add up year after year. My dad has diabetes that was brought on by an unhealthy lifestyle and I saw myself heading down that same path. I knew if I was going to have any chance at a happy life, I had to make a lifestyle change for the better and soon!

I started out by simply walking. I would walk around the block, then around the neighborhood. Walking turned into jogging and I started to feel like I was accomplishing something. I next did something that would change my life completely. I joined a local gym and met Neil, my friend and mentor. Neil was the manager/personal trainer of the gym I had joined. He was very thorough in walking me through the ins and outs of the facility. At first, It was very awkward to work out there. I just kind of went through the motions, but Neil was there to answer any questions. It was a great help.

I started increasing my visits to the gym and began to enjoy it. Neil and I soon became workout partners and I learned how to truly train with a purpose. With hard work and Neil’s guidance, I began loving it. Going to the gym became the highlight of my day. I was getting results and feeling better about myself. I learned what to eat and how to eat properly. I knew that if I wanted to become successful long term, I had to make my own meals. I even discovered a little cooking ability I never knew I had. I never enjoyed cooking but I have learned to like it. I lost over 60lbs and added more muscle than I have ever had. I gained a new perspective on life. I increased my energy levels and had a better outlook on the future. I began to understand that the mind and body are truly one.

About eight months into it, Neil (who is from Ireland) offered me an opportunity to move to Ireland and work at a gym that he and his brother were going to start. I first thought, WOW! Could I make that kind of dramatic change in my life? After a few months of contemplating it, I committed to it. I thought why not? I don't enjoy my current job being a telephone technician. I love to travel. Life is too short to be in a situation that doesn't make you happy.

So I went for it. I quit my job of ten years and bought a ticket. I stayed there for over 3 months and traveled the beautiful country of Ireland. I also managed to go to Holland/Amsterdam, Germany and Italy. I loved it! The one problem was that the gym was not going to plan and I knew I had to come back due to lack of a green card. I needed the gym to be up and running to acquire it. The whole thing was an experience of a lifetime and I wouldn't change anything. It has made me who I am today.

So now I am back in the great USA and enjoying life. I am passing on good lifestyle habits to my family and have become a certified personal trainer. I know now that I want to give back the same joy of fitness that was once given to me. It has become a passion of mine and I know I can pass it on to others. I love to hear stories of personal triumph and want to help people make some of their own.