Body Transformation: Fitness Addie

I was on a rollercoaster ride with my weight for the past five years. I'd get on a diet, lose a few pounds, and end up gaining the weight back and then some. My main focus was taking care of my two kids, so I wasn't thinking of myself. My divorce forced me to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our back. I had to take care of everyone's needs before mine.

Reality hit when I went to a birthday party in August 2011 and saw pictures of myself from that day. I knew I had to do something about my weight. At that time, I was 180 pounds and never realized how badly I let myself go. When you don't feel good about yourself, you don't pay attention to the mirror. I was comfortable in my skin at 180 pounds. I was totally out of control and decided to do whatever it took, but had no idea where to start.

I got up off my butt and starting researching gyms in my neighborhood that I could afford on my unemployment budget and one that I could walk to. I found a small gym that fit the criteria to get my new lifestyle started. It was time for a new beginning. Adjusting to clean eating was hard and my children weren't used it, but it was time for me to focus on me.

When I came home from the gym, my sons had my post-workout protein shakes ready. They supported me and always asked how my work out was. There's 24 hours in a day and two of those were dedicated to the gym and food prep. It's crucial to have food on hand so there's no excuse. Now my kids eat clean and my oldest son, who's 17, is my workout partner. I'm proud of my family for eating clean and making better choices.

I started walking 4-5 miles a day, five days a week, took a Zumba class once a week, and started watching my food portions. When I dropped 10 pounds, I upped my walking to jogging until I couldn't jog anymore, walked until I caught my breath, and jogged again. I received an email from Bodybuilding.com about the $100,000 Transformation Challenge, decided to enter with nothing to lose, bought a newspaper, and took before photos. I found Jamie Eason's 12-Week LiveFit Trainer and started on January 2, 2012 (the day my new life began).

I never thought I'd get down to 135 pounds (I surpassed my high school weight). My goal was 140, and to be honest, I never thought I'd get there. I ended the challenge four pounds short of my goal, but I was happy regardless. It wasn't easy, but I stuck with it. Now I'm in the best shape of my life and my blood pressure and cholesterol are excellent. No more medication for me, per my doctor's orders.

Bodybuilding.com chose me as "Contestant of the Week" for Week 7 of the challenge. The support I received from the Transformation Challenge BodyGroup gave me the motivation to continue. When I or others had issues or questions, we went onto the forum for help and support. My coach, Andrew Cost, provided motivation for me. After the challenge in March, he gave me a nutrition and workout plan to prep for the FitSciences Championship held in Atlanta, Georgia, promoted by Kendall Wood.

I'm happy and proud to say that I was the Transformation Challenge Winner for that show thanks to Drew's plans, motivation, and support. He made me believe that I could do it. I'm so proud of my plaque from the show and even did a radio interview after the show, which was awesome. I had another radio interview at a local radio station here in my city.

I just keep going and going like the energizer bunny. This has become my passion; it's something I can't live without. Everyone says I have a glow about myself and that I'm a much happier person. I feel good about myself and my future. This lifestyle change was best the best thing that ever happened to me. I found myself again.

My coach, Drew Cost, created this diet plan for me.

My coach, Drew Cost, created this workout plan for me.

I was challenged by all aspects of my new routine. The supplements (taking pills is a chore), eating clean, making time to train, the fear of failing, and the fear of people looking at me in the gym was a challenge.

My determination took over. I prepped my food so it was always available, which left no excuses. My fear of failing was replaced with determination to finish the challenge. I was determined to prove everyone wrong who doubted me. Those people turned into my motivation to push even harder.

Since my transformation, people ask me to train them and for advice. Their interest led me to get my certification through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) so I can be a personal trainer, but my true passion is competing. I'm prepping to compete in my first show next June. After being a legal secretary for more than 20 years, I got laid off and found my niche in life three years later. The fitness industry is where I want and need to be.

For those who may be struggling or don't know how to get started, I say this: You can do anything you put your mind to. Once you have the mindset in place, the rest falls into place. If I can do it, you can too. There will always be obstacles that arise. Life will get in the way, but it's all about how you go around those obstacles and continue.

Bodybuilding.com is where it all started for me. I'm so grateful to Bodybuilding.com. I set up an account on Bodybuilding.com and the first person I saw was Laura Bailey (the 2012 Spokesmodel of the Year). I immediately looked up her page, read about her, and saw her video. She became one of my main inspirations. It was amazing to receive this video from her. I also read Paul Hannah's article for inspiration.

I get all of my products through Bodybuilding.com and always get free products with my order. Whenever I call Bodybuilding.com, I get the best representatives from customer service. I met my coach, Andrew Cost, through Bodybuilding.com. He is a blessing in my life and checks up on me regularly.

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