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My Beachbody journey started in December of 2008 when I got sick and had to go to the doctor. I had some kind of winter cold. I knew I had been gradually putting on weight, which is pretty easy to do when you shovel fast food and good ole southern fried cooking in your mouth, but I had no idea how bad it had gotten. My weight had gone up and down over the years, but I had never been this heavy. I almost fainted when I saw the scale at the doctors office.I was hovering right around 300 pounds. I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I was even close to that! A tear rolled down my face as I left the doctor that day. Even now as I type this, that emotion comes back to me. Those emotions of being made fun of daily in junior high and high school. I grew up playing sports but I was still overweight. They called me Big Mike. For most it was just a nickname, but of course a few were cruel. Its not something that seriously bothered me at the time, but over the years it slowly crept up on me. That was my wake up call. Everything hit me at once. Being sick all the time, not sleeping well, feeling down, not being cast in the roles I wanted, etc, etc. I knew it was time for a change.

I had seen my friend, and now coach, Jimmy Nelson post all his success on facebook and when I would see him from time to time. So I got in touch with him and asked "what's this P90X thing I keep seeing?" Well that question changed my life! I bought it and the week before Christmas it arrived in the mail. I started doing simple workouts over the holidays and told myself I would start the X at the New Year. On January 2, 2009 I started P90X. Only 3 days later I had to stop. I was sick again. Not taking care of yourself takes it toll. So 2 weeks later on 1/19/2009 I started over determined to succeed. I was eating right and working out as hard as I could. The weight was falling off. I then started adding Shakeology, Recovery drink, Activit, etc to my daily routine and I'm not ever looking back!

I did 2 rounds of P90X and then started Insanity. I now do a hybrid of the two and I can't even begin to tell you how different my life really is! I've now lost 120 pounds and went from a size 44 pants to a size 32!!

The summers of 2005 and 2006 I did a musical called The Full Monty in Colorado. I understudied Dave, the fat guy, and got to go on a few times. Being naked on stage is an experience like no other! Especially when you are not comfortable with your body. Fast forward to the summer of 2010 and I had the amazing experience of playing the lead in The Full Monty, Jerry. I am the first actor to have played both roles. To have played Dave and then lose the weight and get to play Jerry was the most amazing thing I have ever done. That experience is something I can't even put to words. When we closed, I was so emotional because I had come so far. It was a moment I will always cherish and all that were involved will hold a special place in my heart.

I feel the best I ever have. I have more energy, I sleep better, I'm stronger, I have more confidence, and most importantly I'm so happy. P90X, Insanity, and Shakeology mean the world to me. Thank you so much to everyone at Beachbody, but especially Tony Horton, Shaun T, Carl, and an extra special thanks to Jimmy for bringing this into my life!! Let's keep pushing forward. Still a lot of work to do!