My entire life I have struggled with how my body looked. I was never fat growing up, but I was also not thin. You could say I was “thick.” I remember vividly being 18 years old in a JC Penny’s changing room sobbing as I sat in the corner against the blue striped wall. My mom wanted me to buy my first bikini, but I felt my body was too ugly to show that much skin. I hated how I looked, but I hated even more how I felt about my body. I yearned to have that “hot” bikini body I saw plastered all over the magazines, but no matter what I did my body never changed.
My weight fluctuated during my 36 years of life. At one point I weighed 168 pounds and squeezed into a size 12 when I should have been in a 16. Gaining weight is very easy for me and I struggled my entire life to keep it in check.
In December my husband Michael and I decided to do what most people do at the beginning of the New Year “get fit!” We bought the Beachbody P90X3 workout DVD system through our Beachbody coach. I was skeptical, figuring my body would stay about the same and that I would get bored and not even finish the 90 day workout schedule. I had no clue how much I would fall in love with it. I never thought I was capable of having a thin and fit body. I have tried many workouts, personal trainers, you name it, but until P90X3 I never knew my full capabilities.
During my P90X3 journey I was surprised with a fifth pregnancy while only a couple of weeks into the program. The morning sickness was intense and there were times I had no energy, but I had started the workout program and I was going to finish it. I remember one time when I was doing the Yoga X every time I did downward dog I got very nauseated and would have to run to the toilet. Having morning sickness did not make me stop, but then the entire family contracted the flu. The flu did sideline me for a couple of weeks and my old self would have lost hope and given up. This time was different though. This time I was in love with the workouts. I looked forward to them and I missed them if I could not press play that day. Sadly, 12 weeks into the program I went for my first well-baby ultra sound, and we discovered our baby had died. I miscarried two days later and I was devastated. I kept thinking how over-rated six-packs were compared to big pregnant bellies, but the baby was not meant to be. I gave my body time to heal, but decided I not only needed to get back to P90X3 to keep from losing what I had already gained, but to also not let depression take charge and hold me back.
I kept thinking how over-rated six-packs were to big pregnant bellies.
It took me more than 90 days to finish P90X3, but I am extremely proud to tell you I just finished the program. This is a BIG DEAL for me because I never thought I could ever finish a workout program. I have had gym memberships, personal trainers, and other workout videos, but I either got bored, gave up or never saw any results. I lost 11 pounds, 8 inches all over my body, but especially in my waist and hips, but I gained 3 inches in muscle in my quads, biceps and triceps. When I started P90X3 I could not do a regular pushup, nor could I do a pullup, but now I can do 15-20 regular pushups with no problem, I can do 15 pullups with a pullup assist bar. I have definition in my core I have NEVER had in my entire life. I am 36 years old with three living children that I birthed and my body is in the best shape it has ever been. I am in shock and I am in love with the way I feel and the changes I am seeing happen in my body.
I lost 11 pounds, 8 inches all over my body, but especially in my waist and hips, but I gained 3 inches in muscle in my quads, biceps and triceps.
I also found a new appreciation for working out, and I wanted to make sure I kept pressing play. I decided half way through my P90X3 journey to become a Independent Beachbody Coach. I love the Beachbody community and the Facebook challenge and support group I was a part of with my coach. I wanted the accountability that the Beachbody community provided me. Additionally, by nature I am a person who loves to help people, and Beachbody coaches help people attain their health and fitness goals. My P90X3 journey has not only brought me better health, but also many new friends and the ability to help others. If you want to know more about P90X3 or Beachbody in general feel free to contact me. I am in love with how I feel, and now I want to give back and help others do the same.
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Disclaimer: Amee Berecz is an Independent Beachbody Coach. Individual results could vary.
