Daily Success 4/20/2013 – I abusing my body, for the past 20 years, I allowed others to abuse me as well.

Standing at only 5 feet 5 inches tall, and weighing 223 pounds takes a lot of work. But unfortunately, it was a lot of destructive work. I ate whatever was in front of me (which was almost always junk), smoked a pack a day, and had a non-functioning thyroid. I became a self-employed photographer who tethered myself to home, grocery shopped at 2 a.m. to ensure I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew, removed all the mirrors in my place and would dodge my reflection in windows like a stalker was on my trail. So not only was I abusing my body, for the past 20 years, I allowed others to abuse me as well. I was in one abusive relationship after the other.
13-Kim-TJ
Emotionally paralyzed and disgusted with my body, I truly believed I had missed my chance at a healthy life. Night after night, I’d wake at 4 a.m. to the flickering of the TV filled with healthy and happy people working out and talking about transforming their lives. I’d watch with envy, wishing I was one of them. Then a friend posted on Facebook that she was recruiting people to join her Beachbody Challenge Group and said: “Healthy People Attract Healthy Relationships.” Not only did I want to be healthy, more than anything I wanted a finally have a healthy relationship. So I signed up—determined to lose weight and change my life.

Click here to find out more about the Beachbody Challenge and Challenge Groups

Turbo Jam was hard, and at first I could barely do any of the moves. But Chalene kept saying, “JUST KEEP MOVING, it’s ok”—it was as if she saw me struggling and encouraged me at the exact moment I wanted to quit. When the videos were over I’d pull out the cards and practice the moves very slowly. Chalene stressed it was more about technique than how high you kick, so I kept moving, and kept trying. On the days I didn’t do the videos, I’d walk, bike, kayak, or just dance around my house. The more I moved the quicker the fat melted away.

Over the past year, I’ve quit smoking and ditched the junk. My skin glows, I have tons of energy, my knees and back no longerhurt, and I can even cross my legs like a girl. So far, I’ve lost 55 lbs., 6.5 inches off my hips, 8 inches from my waist, and another 2 inches from each arm and calf. When I look in the mirror, I can’t believe it’s me!

Not only did Turbo Jam change my outer shell, but it broke me free of my inner shell and has given me the courage to take control of my life. I’m no longer in a dysfunctional relationship and now only surround myself with positive, happy, and healthy people. It’s crazy how things work, but once I made the conscience effort to try my hardest and believe in myself, everything just fell into place. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that whatever comes my way, I’ll be able to handle it. I’m so proud of all my achievements and truly believe that I can do ANYTHING I want. Thanks Beachbody, you saved my life.