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Lakeashea lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Lakeashea lost 65 pounds.  This petite diva is still on her weight loss journey and is determined not to go back to where she was.  Check out what she shared about what she did to drop the pounds…

lakeashea before and after

I’m Lakeashea and I started my weight loss journey back in April of 2011.It took about 6 months to loose every bit of about 65 lbs and counting. My starting weight was 225 pounds and then I reached 154 lbs. I gained a few back and I now weigh about 165 lbs at 5’2″ tall. I’m currently loosing again, so the journey never ends. It just gets better.

What made me wanna change was just be being tired if being the “cute fat friend”. I mean I was always a diva, just needed to make a few minor changes. Lol. What inspired me most was my daughter and keeping up with her. Also, I changed so that I could feel better about myself overall.

Now, I’m eating to live not living to eat. I do indulge a little because I’m human. I just always do it in moderation. I went cold turkey at first; No breads, No sugar and No pasta at all. I just ate more chicken, fish and more fresh fruit and veggies. Workout wise, I started out doing 7 days week a week and now I’m down to 5 days a week doing at least 45 minute workouts.

To others wanting to lose weight I say just believe in yourself and never give up. Let no one are nothing get in your way. I just tell everyone to do what works best for you.  Don’t let any one or anything stop you from being the best you that you know you can be. I still struggle from time to time, but I never give up. I’m only human, but I just know that I will never be that 225 lb woman ever again.

Instagram: @imon_some_newnew_shit

 

Tammi lost 141 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – We featured Tammi‘s story back in March 2015 (below) and she recently shared this update with us. “I’ve been running using my Gear Fit, Nike Run, C25k and Pandora. I love knowing how many steps I take per day. I average around 5 miles and try to do that a few times per week. I don’t do the mega circuit of activities that I used 2. I completed my 1st 5k run on October and also I wore my very 1st bikini this year. I felt so confident in it. This is by no means easy, this maintenance thing. I have my bad days and set backs, but I pick myself back up and allow myself that cupcake. I still use portion control and have my sweet tea as a treat. I also try to treat myself every so often, because after all I am human and have weaknesses. I’m still learning how NOT to be a slave to the scale and be easier on myself, but like this weight loss journey, it will be a lifelong commitment and I’m willing to take it on. I remember how I felt at 311 pounds and I never want to feel that way again.”

tammi before and after

March 2015 – Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Tammi lost 141 pounds.  This proud mom of 2 now weighs less than she did in the 9th grade and is never going back to not feeling healthy and free.  Check out what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

tammi before and after

At 5″11 I weighed 311 lbs. I’ve been overweight since the ninth grade and tried so many weight loss solutions. At one point I just decided to be resolved in the fact that I was gonna be that size forever. Even when my then 3 year old was sitting beside me, rubbing my stomach, and asked me if he was going to have a little sister that didn’t give me the boost to get up off my butt and do something about it. Before my divorce I started exercising with the intent on improving my relationship. That didn’t work. Then after my divorce I moved on and found the love of my life. I was loved for me and never asked to change. That’s when I decided to do this for ME a for nobody else.

My mom had gastric bypass surgery and I was there for every step. I used her diet and meal plan which started out strictly on protein shakes for a few months. It was hard and that’s no joke, but I was committed. Once I reintroduced solids, I started hitting the gym hard. I did kickboxing, water aerobics, spin, and walking. I am currently doing 60 minutes of exercise/day. I’m proud to say that I can now run!! It’s a slow run, but it’s something I could never ever do before. My annoying large breasts even shrunk. They were a bother to me and that was the one surgery I wanted prior to losing the weight. Well that’s money saved!!

I still feel like a “fat” girl as I call myself some days, but after a year and a half I reached my goal weight and have been maintaining it for a few months. I’m NEVER going back because even on my bad days, I’ve never felt this free. My men, as I call them, are 8 and 13 years old and think I’m too small. However,  that’s just because they were so used to fluffy mommy. They don’t understand that I am a healthier, happier, more comfortable in my own skin kind of Me. I now weigh 170 pounds and that’s less than I weighed in the ninth grade. It takes a lot for me to even post this picture, but I feel that I am now fearless about judgement and completely proud of my hard work. It may sound cliche, but if i could do it, anybody can! It is hard as hell, I won’t lie, but it’s sooooooooo worth it in the end. Keep the faith.

Lena lost 60 pounds

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Update 5/2016: A year later, Lena reports that she’s lost over 100 pounds.

“It’s been a year since you featured my story and I wanted to give you guys an update. I have continued to work on myself, both physically and mentally. As you know losing weight is a mental challenge just as much as it is a physical challenge. You have to maintain some sort of discipline if you want to be successful. After years of struggling to maintain weight loss, never exercising and never participating in any athletic programs, I have officially lost over 100 pounds. I was even able to overcome military physical requirements to join the United States Army National Guard as a Paralegal Specialist. I never thought that someone who was once between 260-280 pounds would be considered physically fit enough to be in the military. I am able to run, hike, crawl and much more, along side my peers. I pushed myself past what I would consider my own limitations. With discipline and staying motivated, I have been successful in keeping the weight off and being in the best shape of my entire life. I hope my story continues to inspire those around me.” New Instagram: @ChiChi_bangs

lena weight loss story

2/2015 – Weight Loss Transformation Story of the Day: Lena lost 60 pounds and gone from size 16 to a size 8.  This young lady had been battling being overweight all her life.  During her college experience, she started to take healthy steps to lose the weight and get fit.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Lena weight loss

Hello, my name is Lena C. I am 23 and I have been overweight my entire life. I had a bunch of health issues and was told in high school that I would have type two diabetes. During college, I finally had enough of being sick and unhealthy. I started running two years ago and I haven’t looked back since. I am currently training to run a marathon in October.

What continues to inspire me is my purpose in life. I have big goals and I want to be around to fulfill every one and to do that I had to start taking care of my mind, body, and soul.  I believe that everyone has a purpose and you need to have faith despite adversity. To do that you need to be in a constant state of preparation. For example, I started off running on the weekends in the morning just in my room. I couldn’t afford a gym membership or actual equipment, and I was way to insecure to run in my neighborhood. During that time, I was 20 years old and 230 lbs. I was  just hoping to get rid of my asthma. I would run a half a mile and be exhausted. I didn’t grow up informed on nutrition and health, but I believed that the work I was putting in would yield some results.

I then went on the Daniel Fast with my church and only ate fruits and vegetables (no grains, sugars, meats, and only water, etc). I noticed that it helped with my workouts and I felt better in my body. I have since became a Pescatarian (no meats, except fish and other seafood) and over the past 3 years I have lost 60 lbs.

I run at least a mile every other day and I participate in workout challenges such as the ones you post to help with strength training like the plank, squat, push up, and sit up challenges.  My advice to others would be set a goal and know matter what anyone says, if you have faith enough in your goal to prepare and sacrifice as if you already have it, you will be unstoppable. Patience, preparation, and sacrifice.

I love what you guys represent. I look forwarded to seeing others progress because it motivates me to keep going. Also. this February water challenge is working miracles.

Lena before and after

Patricia lost 111 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Patricia lost 111 pounds. After being told that due to heart problems being overweight could shorten her life, this mom of 2 transformed her health and lost weight with the help of a great trainer.  Here is what she shared with us…

patricia before and after

My name is Patricia Hawkins and I have lost 111 pounds. I am 5’4” and my transformation took about a year. I wanted to take control of my life and health, after being told by my doctors that I would need a Pacemaker by the time I was 50 years old and would probably not live to see my grandchildren grow up, if I did not lose weight. My heart was weak and having weight on did not help make things any better for me. I was on heart medication to regulate my heart beat and blood pressure medicine as well, but I’m happy to say today I am medication free. Praise God!

My inspiration was my two loving sons, who are 21 years old and 17 years old, and who constantly showed me lots of love. My family, friends, and extended Fit4Life family who stood right by my side and encouraged me to give it my all. Even when I felt like I could not do it anymore they were right there for me. I wanted to quit because the results were not happening fast enough, but I thought about my two sons and how life would be for them if something happened to me. I thought who would love them the way I do.  All these crazy things going thru my mind. I prayed and asked God to give me strength to take it one day at a time.

I was Vegetarian when my journey started. However, Tiffany Bush (Fit4Life owner) posted a 21 day Challenge, which consisted of 2 protein shakes and one meal (lunch) for 21 days.  It was designed to bring your eating habits under control and replace bad meals with good ones.  Also you had to consume at least 64 ounces of water a day.  You have full support from not only Tiffany Bush but other people when participating in this challenge online.  I went thru 4 rounds of the 21 day Challenge allowing me to lose about 40 pounds.  This was great for me because it pushed me over to being Vegan. Now I am completely Vegan and I eat lots of fresh organic vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and celery just to name a few. I also eat lots of fresh organic fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. I eat only raw tree nuts such as cashews and almonds. I love coconut, almond milk, roasted red pepper humus and salsa. Due to me being Vegan, it is important to get my protein so I take in about 3 plant based protein shakes a day. My protein for my shakes is ordered thru Fit4Life.

My workouts originally consisted of Zumba three times a week and walking/running. When Tiffany Bush announced that she would be offering more cardio classes, I quickly signed up. Now I do Zumba twice a week, kickboxing, “Butts and Guts”, and yoga. I have been in Bootcamp with Fit4life for the last 8 months, which allows me to lift weights.

My starting weight was 262 pounds and my current weight is 151 pounds. My advice to others that want to lose weight: First know and believe that you have the discipline and determination to overcome any obstacle.  Love yourself enough to take control of your health. Find a strong support group like the Fit4Life family, friends, and immediate family members that will be there to encourage you. Make a lifestyle change, don’t just do it to lose weight but make the change forever, so that you won’t go back to where you use to be.  Make your health a top priority in your life. Be patient there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t cheat yourself out of true happiness because when we are healthy it shows on the inside and out.

In conclusion, I want to just say I cannot thank Tiffany and Justin Bush enough for all their support and love. They are truly an amazing team. God knows who you need in your life and he will place them strategically where they need to be.

Instagram: @go_gochick

Sharon lost 113 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Sharon lost 113 pounds, down from 308 lbs at 5’4″.  After a wakeup call at the doctor’s office, she wanted to avoid any serious weight-related illnesses and live a healthy lifestyle. She shared with us about what steps she’s taken to change her life.

Sharon weight loss story

I began my weight loss journey after going for a routine check up, learning that I weighed 308 lbs and being categorized as “morbidly obese”! I cried like a baby! At 5’4″ tall and suffering from pain in my back and knees, I knew that I needed to do something. There was also the fact that my weight made me a candidate for health issues such as hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease.

In April of 2013, I begin to change my eating habits and incorporate exercise in my life. My doctor also provided me with a 1200 calorie eating plan that was very helpful. As of today, I weigh 195 pounds. I haven’t seen a number like that in over 25 yrs! I’ll be celebrating my 49th birthday next month and am in the BEST shape I’ve been in since high school (1984 graduate!!!) I continue to eat healthy, which for me is mostly proteins, fruits, veggies, and lots of water. I exercise regularly, whether I’m doing workouts at home or in the office, or going to the gym. I also make sure that I also get plenty of rest.

My goal is to get to 185 pounds, as well as tone my muscles. I know that this is a life long journey. As long as I continue to do the work, as well as with the support and encouragement I’ve received, I will reach my goal!

sharon before and after

Ebony lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Ebony lost 100 pounds.  After years of sexual abuse, depression and low self-esteem, she broke out of a cycle of comforting herself with emotional eating and began to heal herself, mind, body and soul.  Here is what she shared about her transformation…

Ebony before and after

Hi, My name is Ebony. I’m 28 years old and I’ve been overweight for over 20 years of my life. I began to use food as a comforter to cope with the repeated sexual abuse which started at the age of 8. From there my weight spiraled out of control. I remember the doctor and my mom making me feel so ashamed of myself for weighing nearly 280 lbs in the 7th grade. My dad was in and out of my life and never really showed me the love and support that I needed, especially after being sexually abused by my mom’s boyfriend at the time. I remember so vividly, him asking me, “Don’t you do anything else besides sit in the house and eat all day?” This was shortly after the abuse started and all I could do was run outside and cry my eyes out. Needless to say, these poor parenting choices on both their parts left me pretty broken and with the worst level of self-esteem imaginable for a little girl. All of this compounded with being teased and bullied because of my weight in school ultimately lead me extreme bouts of anxiety/depression and 2 attempts at suicide in my adolescent years.

As cliché as it may sound, all of this also lead me to looking for love in ALL of the wrong places. It wasn’t until I was 26 years old that I finally sought therapy to help me get through my emotional issues. When I tipped the scale at 398 lbs on 12/17/12, I decided I had enough that day and completely changed my lifestyle and FINALLY committed to it for more than a week! Since then, I am down 100 lbs and finally have a man in my life that loves me exactly as I am, flaws and all. Most importantly, I LOVE ME enough to treat myself that way with the choices I make for my mind, body and spirit daily.

I initially changed my diet completely for the first 30 days by cutting junk, fast food, soda, and pretty much anything processed. I did that cold turkey because it was the best/easiest option for ME. I didn’t count calories or carbs, I just ate REAL food and introduced green smoothies to my diet daily. After those 30 days, I slowly added back some of the things I enjoyed, but only ate them sparingly. I chose that time to strictly focus on nutrition to prevent feeling overwhelmed. After I had the hard part down, I hired a personal trainer and started working out 3 days a week. After spending so much money, I invested in home workouts. I did lots of cardio at first, but I eventually got in to CrossFit and weight training and the rest ISN’T history, it’s my future!

All though I’ve definitely still got work to do I’m extremely proud of how far I’ve come. My message to anyone that’s struggling with weight/poor self-esteem is this: No matter which avenue you take, be it therapy; life coach; or whatever, learn to forgive yourself and those that hurt you. Learn to love you exactly as you are in this very moment, then take action. Eat like you love yourself. Move like you love yourself. Know that, Yes, it is possible to change your body out of love, NOT hate. Love, peace, and happiness to all.

Instagram: @bodypositive_fitness

Consha lost 150 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Consha lost 150 pounds.  After battling with being overweight most of her life, this young lady made the changes necessary to see lose the pounds and get fit. Here is what she shared with us…

Consha before and after

Hi! I’m Consha and I’m 25 years old. I’ve pretty much been obese all my life but it got out of hand during my 9th grade year in High School. That’s when I found out I was 300 pounds. From there I decided to lose weight but emotional eating took control during that time.

My Mom was my inspiration.  Also, studying to become a Nurse and interacting with people at work explaining the risks of their overall health is was my motivation and STILL is.

Changing my eating habits took some time. I put myself on a 4/3 ratio where I’d eat what I wanted for 4 days and healthy the other 3 days.  Now, I’m down to one cheat day.  I gave up rice, bread, beef  and  pork.  I have 5 small meals per day and protein shakes after workouts. I trained with a personal trainer 3 days a week and ran on the 4th day.

I started my weight loss journey at 350 pounds. I am now 200 pounds at 5″6″ tall.  It has taken me about a year and 4 months to get this far.

To others I say, you’re the FIRST example of how the world is supposed to love you, so be the BEST example ever. Pray, Be Consistent, Eyes Forward, and Believe in yourself is my advice to others. I don’t have a fancy story, JESUS simply keeps me.

Instagram: @IamConshay inactive

Consha lost 150 pounds

Lorna lost 106 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lorna lost 106 pounds in 6 months.  Motivated by a diabetes diagnosis and wanting to live a long life for her child, Lorna is on a journey to lose over 200 pounds total.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

lorna before and after

My weight loss journey started on August 2014. I was diagnosed with diabetes and it really scared me. I’m a 38 year old mom of a 8 year old and I wasn’t going to allow food to separate me from my daughter early. My starting weight was 461 pounds.

I started walking about a mile a day and eventually made it to 4-5 miles a day with the help of my sister, friends and family. Also, I just started doing Zumba twice a week.  I stopped eating fast food! My daughter and I still eat out but only at places that have fresh food, like Subway, Waba Grill, El Polo Loco, etc. I still watch my portion sizes, and get kids meals.

To date, I have lost 106 pounds in 6 months with healthy eating and exercising 5 to 6 days a week. I’m not at my goal which is 235 pounds (don’t want to be skinny just healthy). My diabetes and high blood pressure are now reversed and that is best part.

I also joined a phenomenal support group of women on Facebook that want to lose 100 lbs in 2015. Several of the women already have lost that much weight before joining the group in January 2015. I love reading your stories on Facebook as well and I have found so many women to relate to. It truly is a blessing to the black weight loss community.

Instagram: @Sassybosslady726

lorna weight loss

Lee lost 70 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Lee lost 70 pounds.  This proud single mom and teacher made working out and eating healthy a priority.  Her main goal was to never see 330 pounds again, and I don’t believe that she will have an issue keeping with that goal for years to come.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lee before and after

Greetings!! My name is Lee Bryant, and I have lost 70 lbs and 33in. since April 2012. This journey has been long, and arduous, but with discipline, patience, guidance and support, I have persevered. I started at a size 24/26, and I am now a size 18. I have no specific amount to lose, but I will continue to work-out daily, and make better dietary choices.

My inspiration started when I saw my high school classmate on Facebook. We had maintaned intermittent communication, via the website, but one day I noticed how much of a transition she had made. Both of us had always been heavy in high school, and now she is a lean and an amazing body builder. Lynette Wade is her name, and she is my motivation and THINspiration, and I will always be thankful for her presence in my life. Also, as a single-mother of two, and a teacher, I realized that I needed time to myself. Initially, since I had chosen to lose weight, I chose to go to the gym to just have adult time, and have a smoother transition from working with my students to going home to my young children. I started my journey in April 2012. I am 5′ 7″ tall and I weighed 330 lbs; I had no real goal in mind, only to no longer be 330 lbs…lol.

In May, while sitting in my children’s pediatrician’s office, I chose to weigh myself. In doing that, I discovered that I lost 17 lbs. That really fueled my motivation to continue working out. My eating habit changes were gradual, as I felt it necessary to approach changes slowly. I stopped drinking soda and juice many years ago, so I was already ahead of the game. As my body changed, I began to not be able to eat as much, and my interest in sweets somewhat faded. I still eat them, as I don’t believe in denying myself, because that is unrealistic for me. I like being able to know when I am satiated, and drinking water, (especially Sparkling Poland Spring) at every meal definitely helps that. I just do not indulge the way I once did. I am really satisfied with having one piece of cake at an event, whereas years ago, 2-3 would have sufficed. When I go to restaurants, I usually order appetizers now, as my stomach can no longer hold what it once did. If I do order an entree, I take most of it home–restaurants love to give us more than we need. The biggest change I made when it comes to eating, was to listen to my body, and recognize its cues. Knowing when I am full, and knowing when I am thirsty, and not hungry, were cues that I began to recognize–they are really important cues that one needs to recognize in themselves. Also, I planned my meals, and regularly use the MyFitnessPal app to monitor what I was eating. Lynette was very instrumental when she told me to create a diet that I can live with–that was the best advice I was given, earlier in this process. Bringing my meals to work, and packing snacks that were accounted for in the MFP app, are also regular behaviors that I have adopted over time. Because I do enjoy sweets, I buy items that satisfy that craving, but don’t have ridiculous amounts of sugar. Reading labels is also a key to losing weight, as well.

When I first began working out, my routines were pretty basic. I would use the cardio machines for about an hour, and then, I’d go home. Over time, I began to include new exercises to my daily regimen. I incorporated squats with kicks, and other movements to improve my strength, and continued with my hour of cardio exercise. In July of 2014, I met the BEST TRAINER ever. Mr. Gregory Campbell has been a true partner in my weight loss process, and works with me to achieve optimal performance and physical outcome. He is knowledgeable, and supportive, and definitely a force to be reckoned with in the gym. We meet daily, and he continuously trains me with exercises that challenge, not only my body, but my mind as well.
My weight is fluctuates within the 260s, which is annoying, but it’s NOT 330!! LOL! My mother measures me monthly, and thus far, I have lost 33 inches. The best advice I can give to others is to start small, and to start slow. So many of us want the immediate quick fix, and although that works for some, it does not work for all. The changes we make for ourselves should be enduring, and unwavering. I also feel that to truly commit to anything, one’s head and heart must be in total agreement. If your heart is in and your head is not, or vice-versa, there is no way progress can be made.
Instagram: @absolut_lee_me
Lee weight loss transformation

Shayla lost 57 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Shayla lost 57 pounds since July 2014.  Not wanting to face a family history of illness, she decided to change her lifestyle.  She shared with us about how much she gained as a person and how much her life has changed during her weight loss journey.

shayla before and after

A few things contributed and are contributing to keep me motivated to lose weight. My father had a kidney transplant, has diabetes and high blood pressure. With me being 312 pounds at the time with no health issues, other than my weight, I did not want to acquire any illnesses. I knew I was overweight, but I didn’t know or didn’t want to admit that I was over 300 pounds. My fathers health concerns turned a light on for me.

My inspiration comes from with in. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s an honest truth. My progress continually pushes me. Not just seeing the number go down in the scale, but not being winded going up a flight of stairs, or walking small small distances. Being able to get into clothes I haven’t been able to fit into on over five years and them being too big. That feeling is Amazing.

shaylaI changed my eating habits by making sure I ate breakfast. That truly sets the tone for my appetite and how I eat for the day. I eat healthier snacks. However, I’m not so far gone that I don’t get a hankering for chips, or chocolate or something deep fried. I’ve just taught myself how to eat those things and not to eat the entire bag of chips or bucket of chicken. If I want that crunchy, salty fix, I would try for a better alternative, like kale chips or fresh veggies in a light Italian or balsamic dressing. If I Have to have a chip I would make sure I’d get a serving or half a serving of them. Put the chips on a sandwich bag, and when they are gone, their gone. For my chocolate fixes, I would have a chocolate protein shake made with dark chocolate almond milk. DELISH!!! For my day to day meals. I make sure I eat plenty of green veggies and proteins. I minimize my carb intake, but I’m not eliminating them completely. WATER, WATER, WATER!!! Drink it!!

When I started working out on July 1st I started with Curves. I ended up there by unknowingly signing up for a case study. I was obligated to work out 4 days a week for 30 minutes a day. I coupled that with my regular gym membership that I had been on hiatus from for who knows how long . I would go to the gym in the morning and do 35 minutes on the elliptical and weights. I would alternate the days between upper body and lowers body. Then I would do the 30 minute circuit training with Curves. If I didn’t make the gym, I made sure I walked for at least 30 minutes. After my 30 day case study with Curves ended, I had lost 16 pounds. I was still very active at the gym, but spending more time on the elliptical. Each week to two weeks, I did five more minutes than before and added a little more weight.

My starting weight was 312 pounds. As of today I weight 255 pounds. I am 5’10” tall. I lost 45 pounds between July 1, 2014 – November 1,2014. I did take a small break for about four weeks (that long of a break is not recommended ). I will never take that long of a break again.

My advise is to never stop!!! Don’t get overly discouraged, don’t lose hope, inspiration or motivation. KEEP PUSHING. We all get tired and frustrated because it may seem your work and effort don’t reflect on the scale. I assure you, you will be amazed at what you gain. You gain stamina, flexibility, courage, discipline and a better sense of self. It’s a true confidence builder. I did it alone. No quick pills, shakes or gimmicks. Nothing can give you the feeling or honor of knowing you worked your ass off, and accomplished something so difficult, by yourself.