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Was I overweight? I didn’t really think so, and nobody ever made any comments to me about my weight. But the evidence was mounting…my face was getting pudgy, my clothes were uncomfortable and increasing in size, and it was startling to see myself in photographs. I had become such a pro at sucking in my gut that it became an unconscious habit. At 5’9”, I was nearing 190 lbs, and all my research was telling me I should be around 160-165. My doctor had concerns about my borderline high cholesterol, and even though I tried to deny it, I knew in my heart that I wasn’t very healthy as I entered my 40s.

In early 2007, I finally decided to do something about it. I went into a local fitness club and inquired about signing up for a personal training program. Knowing myself, I knew that I would need to be held accountable, with someone pushing me, in order to have even half a chance at success. I signed on for a 10-week commitment, along with a gym membership, and I was on my way. I was given a meal plan, that I did a good job of following, and I started training with the trainer twice a week, and going in on my own twice a week in addition. I did start to see some positive changes after the first month, and at the end of the 10 weeks, I was down almost 10 lbs, and I had put on some muscle. The problem was, that they will only hold you accountable and provide motivation for as long as you’re paying them. Another $800 bucks, and I could start building on my gains, for another 10 weeks. I figured I’d try to go it on my own, using the good habits that were instilled in me by the trainer…only it turned out there really weren’t any. Apparently, nothing really hit home with me enough to be able to sustain any positive routine. It only took a month to fall back to my old, unhealthy habits.

Within 4 months from the end of my PT sessions, I was heavier and more discouraged than I’d been before I started. I still had a gym membership, but I just wasn’t going. Every now and then, I’d go for a walk, in an attempt to feel better about myself. I was eating horribly.

In early 2008, I was still wallowing at mid to high 180s in weight, and very unhappy with my health and appearance. I’d previously refused to buy new pants and belts at the next size up, instead choosing to be uncomfortable in my current sizes (the ones that I could still wear)…but I finally had to break down and get some larger clothes, as I was running out of things to wear. Then in March, what had been just a persistent cough that my girlfriend was fighting, turned into a significant pulmonary illness, and her activity level was reduced to nil. As her condition worsened, my need to be strong and mentally sharp for the both of us was heightened.

It was at that time that I happened to see while flipping channels late one night, like so many others before me, the P90X infomercial. It struck an immediate chord with me, and frankly, it just made sense. I Tivo’d it and watched it again the next day, just to make sure it wasn’t just some late night brain deficiency that got me all excited. It had the same effect on me the second time I watched it, and I went online to do the research. The more I found out about it, the more excite I got…and the more I realized that I wasn’t even close to the fitness level necessary to start such an extreme program. But my research also brought me to Power 90, so I ordered that…and I also ordered P90X at the same time so that I’d have the extra motivation of the extreme workout calling me out when I was ready for it.

I received my shipment around the middle of April, and was anxious to get started. I’d also found the message boards during this time, which was pivotal in my self-motivation. I’m usually a pretty modest person when it comes to public display of myself, but the endless inspirational threads on the boards prompted me to immediately take my “before” pictures and post them online. At that point, I felt like I was held accountable, no turning back.

To my surprise, my strength and stamina built very quickly, and I could feel the benefits immediately. The dietary resources were very helpful in the overhaul of my eating habits, and it paid quick dividends. I dropped just under 10 lbs by Day 30 of Power 90…the same amount of weight loss I’d experienced in 10 weeks with a personal trainer the previous year! In fact, before I even reached Day 60, down about 14 lbs and 7% body fat, I felt ready and anxious to start P90X!

I began P90X on June 10, and finished September 15. The program was intense and satisfying, and the results were incredible. I went from being able to do 2 pull-ups before P90X, to being able to knock out 17 with good form. My resting heart rate went from 88 in April, to 63 after P90X! And I lost a total of 30 lbs and 16% of my body fat! My drive and determination to stay healthy and fit is at an all time high, and these workouts and programs have become a key part of my life. Not a day has gone by in the last couple of months that I haven’t received a compliment or otherwise positive comment on my appearance and vitality. When I look at my current pictures compared to those from 6 months ago, it’s difficult to believe that I ever looked like that!

This is the kind of self-sustainability and positive habits that I was looking for from the personal trainer that I hired last year, and never found…until I signed on with my new trainer, Tony Horton…and all the other inspirations I’ve found since I’ve become a member of the Team Beachbody community!