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My story might not be dramatic in the sense of pounds lost or inches gained, but it is dramatic in terms of how the program turned around the way my fitness and my motivation to be my best had declined. When my 12-year-old daughter looked at my Day 1 photos, her reaction was, “Ooh – gross.” That was when it really hit me just how far I had let myself go, compared to the level of fitness I had once taken for granted.

Throughout my life I've been pretty active. Going to the gym 3 or 4 days a week, playing softball, studying two styles of Martial Arts and bowling have been typical for me. But, over the past couple years I had become less active, and I'd let my diet get out of control. I started to find that I didn't have the energy that I once did and it was affecting my ability to perform at the level that I was used to. I also noticed that I was starting to get kind of thick around the middle, and to look and feel soft overall. At 48 things were not going in the right direction and I knew that they were not going to get better on their own. I didn’t want to turn 50 looking like someone who had given up. I had to make some changes.

I started back to the gym after being away for a few months, but I didn’t feel motivated at all. I really wasn’t making any significant gains. Then I saw an ad for P90X on TV one day and decided to check it out on-line. After taking a look at the programs and products I decided this was the real thing--just hard work and a healthy diet (no easy quick fix promises). I also liked the whole idea of muscle confusion. I tried the fit test and determined that I could do P90X if I was willing to commit myself to this thing. So, I ordered the P90X training system and some of the supplements, got on the message boards and was ready to go.

I started doing the P90X program on 4/23/07. I pushed hard through the workouts, and kept my diet pretty close to the outlined diet in the Nutrition Plan book. I was impressed with how quickly my body was changing and how much better I was feeling. The 30 and 60 day results were really good, as my body fat % kept dropping and I was getting more ripped. After 90 days I had dropped a total of 9 pounds. But more importantly I cut my body fat nearly in half, as I went from 17% to 9%. At the same time I've actually added muscle mass. Never before had I been able to gain muscle while losing weight. This has been one of my goals since the start of the program. I want to lose body fat and maintain/increase muscle mass at the same time.

I've noticed other changes as well. My core is a lot stronger now. Because of this I'm having fewer problems with my lower back. I also have a lot more stamina when doing my other activities. Not just in my workouts and the sports that I do, but playing with my kids, working in the yard--all areas of my life. I'm becoming better balanced all around. And it’s not just a physical thing. I also feel sharper and stronger mentally. My outlook on life is more positive now, and I have greater confidence in myself.

I recently had some blood work done and the results were great. My cholesterol count has been in the 210+ range for most of my adult life, even when I’ve been in shape and watching my diet. After 90 days on P90X, my cholesterol has dropped an amazing 26 points from last year, down to 193 – the best it’s been in years! My whole lipid panel showed improvement: HDL up, and LDL and triglycerides down.

My goals continue to be the same as I move ahead. I want to lose body fat while increasing my strength and muscle mass. At the same time I expect to see continued advancements in my flexibility, endurance, etc. In turn I’m sure that I’ll see improvements in the many activities that I do.

Beachbody has given me a whole new perspective on getting older. I just want to be in great shape and stay active throughout my life, and this program has shown me that it's possible to not only stay in good shape, but to even get in better shape. I'm looking forward to the gains that I will continue to make using P90X. This is a great program; from the nutrition plan that is very well laid out and easy to follow, to the super workouts. I know that if I'm willing to work hard and stay committed I'll see great improvements as I make P90X, and other Beachbody products a lifelong part of my life.

Well, after a short break, I started another round of P90X on 8/20/07.

Thanks, Beachbody!