When you transform your body, you do much more than lose a lot of pounds and shed a bunch of inches.
What happens is that you completely transform yourself.
- You become more confident.
- Your self-image improves.
- You gain control over your body and your eating behaviors.
- You realize that you are much more powerful than you previously believed.
- You find out that you have the power to inspire and motivate others!
- You discover that nothing can stop you when you put your mind to achieving a goal.
That's why Transforming Your Body in the next 12 weeks could be the most important thing you do ALL year.
And that's why I want to help.
So I'm having another contest...and I don't just mean the next Turbulence Training Transformation Contest.
Instead, I mean that for the next 3 days I'm having a contest here on my blog, where you can enter to win a 1-Year Platinum Turbulence Training Membership AND a Flip Video Camera to document your 12-week TT Transformation.
All you have to do is tell me what Transforming Your Body will mean to you.
- Does it mean finally overcoming a fat loss plateau?
- Does it mean that it will be the start of
- Does it mean that you will win the war you've been fighting against your body fat and eating habits for 5, 10, 15, 20 years or more?
- Does it mean that you'll have the chance to show to everyone who doubted you that YES, you CAN succeed?
- Does it represent another challenge in your life that you want to overcome?
- Does it represent a return to the "real you", the fit, fun, and fabulous you that you have been neglecting for years while you worked too much, ate too much, and gave all your time and energy to others?
Whatever it means to you, please let us know. Just post your story in the comments section below. Don't be shy!
There will be two prizes given out.
Prize #1 - This will go to the best beginner Transformation Story. Maybe you haven't started your transformation yet. Maybe you aren't even convinced that you will try. But deep inside of you, you know that you want to. I want to hear your story. So that's category #1.
Prize #2 - This will go to the best Intermediate/Advanced Transformation Story. You've lost some weight already, or you've even done a Turbulence Training Transformation Contest before...and you want to share your story to inspire and motivate others to give it their all and transform today! I've heard so many powerful transformation stories in the last year, and I want to hear what the Transformation means to you.
The contest ends Wednesday, Dec 31st at midnight. And I'll announce the winners on New Year's Day.
I look forward to hearing your story. I'm sure it will be powerful and will inspire other folks just like you to Transform their bodies and lives as well.
Be proud of what you can achieve,
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
PS - And when you are ready to Transform Your Body...
...join the hundreds of other men and women in the Turbulence Training Transformation Contest.
Click here to see past winners of the TT Transformation Contests
124 comments:
Hey Craig,
I've actually been getting your emails for some time and finally (5 minutes ago) signed up for TT and I am planning on joining the next transformation contest shortly. So when I saw this contest, I figured it was another added bonus (plus it would be cool to film something for you for my transformation contest).
There are a few reasons why I'd like to transform my body: I've always had the 'spare tire' around my stomach and would love to get a 6-pack. It hit me this Thanksgiving as I was shoveling ice cream into my mouth. My mother laughed and said “I remember when I used to have trouble finding slim fitting pants for you as a child, good thing that’s not a problem now.” Although I know my mother loves me, her comment hit a nerve and I knew I needed a change. So I’m making transforming my body my challenge, no actually my MISSION. I really think this will add to my confidence and finally teach me how to eat healthy (see ice cream comment above)!
BUT the most important reason to transform my body isn’t even about me!! It’s about May 29, 2009. In order to live a long healthy life, I have a tough road ahead of me as obesity, heart disease and diabetes all run in my family. I know that if I eat well and exercise correctly that I can help control these problems. So why am I talking about living a long healthy life when my main reason isn’t about me, but about May 29? It’s because on May 29, 2009 my wife and I are expecting our first child. So I need to transform my body so I can live a long and healthy life and watch my child grow! Plus, it would be nice to be able to run around with my kid and not worry about getting winded or fatigued. Transforming my body just doesn’t mean a lot to me but I’m sure it will mean a lot to my kid too!
What would transforming my body mean to me?
I think this would be easier answered by answering what wouldnt it mean!
- Does it mean that I will win the war I have been fighting against your body fat and eating habits for 5, 10, 15 years.
YES IT DOES!
- Does it mean that I will have the chance to show to everyone who doubted me that YES, I CAN succeed just in time for my 20 year reunion?
- Does it represent another challenge in your life that you want to overcome?
Of coarse it does - at least in my personal case.
Loosing the weight will not only give me another lease on "life" but it will "free" me of the emotional connection that I have made with my weight.
My weight is the crutch for everything "bad" in my life.
This will be my year. 2009 will be the year that I will accomplish this for myself - for my wife - for life!
Well losing weight has meant a lot to me and will continue to mean a lot to me in the year of 2009. I have always been overweight and decided to change my lifestyle in January of 2008. I lost about 20 pounds and then gained it all back. I became really sick and have changed my lifestyle for the better. Losing the weight to me has meant getting a lot of energy back. I have lost 22 pounds so far some of it not from my own choosing because I've been sick but I'm now eating right and choosing a better lifestyle. My self-esteem has improved. My friends and family are telling me that I'm the smallest I've ever been. I shocked myself the other week by picking up a size 14 just for the fun of it to discover that it actually fit!!!!!!!! I want to get down to about a size 10-12. That would make me really happy and I'm on my way to it. In the year 2009 I will achieve my weight loss goal!!
I bought my first TT workouts after seeing a friend look fantastic- he told me what he was using, and I bought it.
Buying something doesn't mean you use it....
My mom died of breast cancer early this year. I have worked my tail off raising money for breast cancer research and taking care of my mother's "business". Slowly, but surely, I've gained 20 pounds from not facing this loss head-on.
So I'm in my closet a couple days ago getting things cleaned out to have a shelving system installed and discovered all these CUTE CLOTHES that were TOO SMALL! If only that 20 pounds would disappear I would have so many things to wear!
So I pulled out my new TT CD's, previewed them and got my mat, ball and weights out.
I am READY to lose this weight, remember my mom the way she deserves to be remembered, gain back my confidence and get a smile back on my face.
Cheers to a great 2009!!! Thank you Craig!!!
Have you ever tried to so hard to achieve something but failed again and again, simply through being too weak minded to stick to the concepts you know to be true? I have. Everyday for the last 10 years or so I have eaten more than I have needed. Don't get me wrong, I exercise. In fact, as a cycle cop in the UK, my job is exercise and yet I still eat more than I need and have continued to balloon.
I know what I need to do to lose weight and I simply haven't done it. Until now.
I have put up with comments from people I arrest, I have put up with the insults they have used, the mocking voices that shout: "Oi, Pig, you need to lose some weight! You better do some training!" and my personal favourite: "I didn't know they made uniforms in your size!"
I have dealt with these, telling myself that they are only saying these things because of the uniform.
However, I have decided it is time to change.
On christmas eve, sat on the sofa with my four year old daughter next to me, I was playing a game on my Playstation 3. The game involves running around roofs and jumping across buildings. My daughter said to me: "You can't do that can you dad?" I said, a bit jokingly: "How do you know?"
Her reply hit me hard: "Because you're a fat dad."
I don't want to be a fat dad. I want to be a dad that my three little girls can be proud of.
That is why I have decided that now is the time to change. I have planned my meals and my workouts, am sticking to them and am looking forward to being a dad that my children, my wife and I can be proud of.
I have been "officially" diabetic for 2.5 years now, and I have dropped from 204 lbs to 165 lbs (the last 20 coming thanks to TT). My workouts have been fun, intense and even take less time, freeing me up to spend more time with my family. Additionally, I travel often, and I can take my workouts with me everywhere.
At my most recent Dr. appointment I decided to ask if I could come off the diabetes med, and the doctor said we can give it a try because I've done so well!!!!! She also said there's a good chance I've eliminated my diabetes completely!!!!
So, for the next 6 months, I will be watching my blood sugars a little more closely (and doing TT, of course) and come my next check up, I may be free.
For this, I thank you Craig and the other TT members. Craig, your workouts are fantastic, and the support and tips from the others on the forum are invaluable. Trying not to get too emotional, but THANK YOU ALL!
I would love to transform my body because i have been trying to join the police for about 8 months, only reaching progress with your stability exercises, I need to be in top shape for my Job i am going in to and this seems to be working. And i have to keep in top shape for about 30 years, since alot of police work out here in New Zealand is moving around alot...thats all i really have to say.
I'm a goal oriented person, and the goal I've had for a very long time is to transform my body from the chubby kid I was into the true athlete I've always pictured myself being.
My transformation has been slow and steady, finally reaching a point where I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Throughout my transformation I've received many compliments on how I look, many times with people hardly recognizing the "new" me. The ironic thing is that most people proceed to tell me "I didn't even think you were fat before, but geez, you look much better now!" (I think 30 pounds of fat loss and added speed and strength deserve a comment like that every now and then :)
The kind remarks received and added athletic ability gained are only thanks to proper diet and exercise. This has shown me that the "me" I've always seen myself being is finally starting to be real. I'm very excited to see how much these next few months will make a difference in completing my goal.
In the past, I thought my goal was a long term one or maybe even unattainable. Now with the help of people like Craig Ballantyne, I believe my goal to be not only attainable, but well withing reach in a relatively short period of time.
I want to show all the nay sayers that impressive results, REAL results can be achieved with the right mind set, dedication and exercise program. I want to prove that making yourself better can actually help make others better in the process. I believe that whether it be sports or just life in general, a healthy mind and body will always be better for the team and/or family. Take care of #1 (you) and the rest should seem easy.
All the best to everyone!
Cheers!
A.J.
Hi,
Transforming my body has meant a lot to me especially my life. A couple years ago I weighed 410 lbs I became diebetic and my triclycerides were so high (over 1000) they could not read my colesteral levels my doctor said I was endanger of pancrease failer. It has been a long journy but through programs like Craig's and hard work I am now down to 275 pounds my blood sugar levels are now a low normal hg1 4.9 and my triclyceride level is great.I still would like to lose another 50 pounds but I am very happy were I have got to now.
I've lost some weight and put on some muscle. I love working out and doing pushups and pullups weekly as well as leg and stomach exercises. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy the feeling. I enjoy the fact that I am learning a lot about fitness. What I regret is that I haven't reached my full potential yet. Looking out into the future hoping to reach it someday is becoming tiresome. I'd rather take action and reach these goals while sharing my successes with the world. Each day I know is an opportunity to strengthen my body, increase my health, and to be an inspiration to others. So lets do it.
What would this transformation mean to me, The chance to live a little longer and healther. I need
to lose at least 4 to 6 inches from around my stomach befor the local hospital will allow my doctor
to prefoum an operation to repair
my stomach and esophagus from acid
reflux.
Left untreated the holes in my throath could turn to cancer which there is no cure, then game over.
I,ve been workin out for over a year now at the YMCA. I lift
ride a bike and walk on the tread mill.I've lost 5 pounds of weight,
But I,ve increased my weight in lifting by 10 to 15 pounds and have increased my cardio by 10 to 20 mins.
I,m tryin this as a last resort
and I'll keep ya posted !!
Michael Small
Mt.Vernon Ohio
Hi Craig,
I'm writing to tell you about my story. I am not currently a TT member but have been following your tips and advice for a while now. I love the idea of shorter more effictive workouts. I currently work 10 to 12 hour days in a gym and the last thing i want to do is spend a few more hours working out there! Your TT samples are incredible! I walk out of the gym soaking wet and laughing at all the people that spend countless hours on the eliptical machines! I must cconfess that I do run intervals on the stair climbers but that's the extent of my cardio area use.
A little background on myself. I am 5'9" tall and weight 185 pounds. I have always been a big guy through my adult life. I walked into high school at 190 and eventually topped out at 260. I got a physical at that weight and decided that I needed a change. I have lost a considerable amount of weight and am over-joyed at my success thus far.
I wanted to enter the TT Transformation contest but I think I need to be a memeber to do so. Either way I'm not going to let that deter me from working out using the TT philosophy. This is also the year of my 10 year high school reunion and I am planning on walking into it weighing 170 or less. I have already achieved a lower weight than the day before I walked into high school but I know I can do better. I have more confidence than ever before and I owe that to the hard work I have put in in the past. I am also aware that now that I am reaching my target weight that it is going to be more difficult to hit my goals. It is now about working smarter!
This change has effected everything in my life! Not only do I have the confidence to take on the world I am noticing that I getting looks from the fairer of the fairer sex. And those looks are more in the realm of desire than the realm of disgust. Being able to lose the last little bit is going to give me the confidence boost that I need to not only be successful in my current line of work but give me the courage to start my own business and eventually live out my dreams for the future which include starting a family and raising healthy, active children.
So from this moment on I am going to document all my meals (I know you use twitter to keep yourself in check but I'm not able to access a computer through-out the day), I bought a few accounting journals so I can track meals, snacks and approximate caloric content. One is also going to be used to track workout progress so I can see what gains I am making as far as strenght. I also purchased a body measurement scale, I know it's not as accurate as skin fold measurements but it will only help me keep on track.
I'd like to thank you for giving me an arena to promise, not only to myself, but to you and all your members that I am going to be the fittest, healthiest Chris that I can be. Even if I am not selected as a winner in this contest I'd like to know if there is an area from me to keep you updated on my progress. Please let me know. Thank you and good luck to everyone in 2009!
Chris
I've had enough of having a fat belly and puffy face. I WILL achieve a physique transformation. And WHEN - not if - I do, I will no longer be ashamed to look in the mirror. I will feel sexier for my wife. I will look better in and out of my clothes. It's ridiculous that as an adult I am embarassed to get changed in front of my colleagues at work in the locker room. But I am. I don't want to feel that way anymore! And I won't. I am going to take action to improve myself and build a body I am proud of.
My fat and unfit body is the result of years of inactivity, stuffing my face with junk foods: take-away, chocolates, sugary drinks etc. No more! I am through putting crap into my body. I am through doing nothing but work and feeling like a warmed up corpse.
2009 is going to be a turning point in my life - both physically and mentally.
Watch this space!
Transforming my body means a great deal of self satisfaction and confidence all round. I was a very fat child eating all the wrong food and little or no exercise when one day when I was 14yo decided to do something about it even though all the family said "it's only baby fat, you'll grow out of it." How was I to grow out of it, when I kept growing sideways not up? I was very depressed and decided that I need to do something about my weight problem. I chose to go to a Diet class with my own pocket money, which I got from helping around house. And so since then I began playing the yoyo diet and gym junkie game to never ever getting those final results of never having yoyo again.
There are also some other issues relating to family obesity, cholesterol, Migraine headaches which I really don't wish to suffer from as I get older, because I watched what it did and does to my mother and sister and also Diabetes did to my grandmother and my inlaws.
I am now in my 40's and I would like to finally see myself transformed from that fatty body to a young looking 40's female. that I believe I need to be to achieve full self confidence and not to have all these ailments as I get older, as my family has had.
Thanks for listening,
Urzay
PS I am entering TC4
Losing weight and transforming myself meant being in pain for me, but now, it means giving hope to myself so that I can enjoy life again.
My story started to want to lose fat about two years ago after wanting a relationship and getting turned down.
In the beginning, I was very successful in losing body fat. I dropped about 40 pounds in three months. At that point of time, my life was wonderful. Not only did I feel more accepted by myself and others, I also felt much healthier and energetic. All that however, tragically ended soon after. Just last year, I decided that I didn't want to just slim down, but I wanted more, to perhaps look like a model. As I began my journey toward looking even better, I wandered off the right way. I slowly developed a eating disorder that grew worse and worse. Due to my obsession with food (Either starving myself, or binge then purge) and frustration of not losing fat after so much cardio, I even considered ending my own life.
One day, I came across your website on the net. If I have my own credit card, I would have already signed up for the TT membership. So instead, I just signed up for your emails. I was skeptical at first, but I needed help desperately, so I followed the tips that you gave in every email. Thanks to those tips and the support from my family and peers, I am now recovering rapidly from my eating disorders, and I feel like I can continue living and doing everything that I love to do.
Of course, I am in no way completely healthy right now, that is why I hope to continue using your tips, and sign up for a membership whenever I can so that I will achieve my goal of looking the way that I want to, but at the same time being healthy and strong.
2009 will mark the beginning of this new journey to transform myself once again. Thank you for your amazing tips, they have helped me in ways that most people cannot even imagine.
Have you ever turned down an invitation to a pool party because there was no way you were going out in public in a bathing suit? Have you ever sat around at an outdoor event in the summer, melting in the heat because you were wearing hot jeans and a big baggy t-shirt so you could hide all the fat? Did you ever wish that you were fit and trim and looked really good to give your honey something to be really proud of?
What does transformation mean for me? Freedom! Freedom to go where I want without embarrassment. Freedom to wear what I want. Freedom to do what I want. Freedom from fear, lack of confidence, doubt, guilt,ill health. That is what transformation will mean for me.
Transformation is something everyone can do. It is something you can take control of and make happen. It can change your life, and It will change mine. I will make this happen and I will experience the freedom I have wanted for so long.
Freedom. We all deserve it. We can all get it. We can all do it with the TT program.
Care to join me?
At the age of 41, I am 278 lbs, diabetic,hypertensive and i have a heart condition. I am the mother of a 10 yr old girl who is 180 lbs. My life will not go much longer as i have been hospitalized so many times since my daughter was born. So you ask, what does transforming my body mean to me? It means my life, it means that i get to live to see my little girl grow up, and it mean that i get to also transform her body so that she does not get all these diseases like me.
In April i was hospitalized for 6 days, and it was very frightening, I didn't know if I was going to make it home to my baby girl, she was so scared. I have never had to stay that many days before.
I know that i need to transform my body and especially the body fat around my belly, that has got to go as it negatively affects my heart.
I want to be able to climb the stairs at work without feeling as though i am dying. I want run in the park with my daughter and not just sit on the bench. I want to be able to walk in the city without wandering when are we going to rest.
Sure i would look better in clothing, and i would have more energy, and i know that i would get more looks from the guys because of the sexier body, but really that is all secondary to my wanting to live.
PLEASE HELP ME
Thank you Craig for giving me an opportunity to finally have a chance at transforming my body and also my daughter's.
Kita
Good Morning, In the past 3 yrs I have lost 30lbs and it really made a difference. I plan on loosing more because it makes good love to the wife. Another reason to loose more wt is to be able to hang around longer and enjoy the family and the life we made together.
HI Craig. First of all thank you for running yet another great contest for your readers. I am a 31 year old male in what I would say is above average shape (some may disagree:) ) I started to work out about 5 years ago and have made some great changes to my build but haven't nearly reached the level I wish to be at. In the past year I have made some really good progress and it has only stoked my fire even more....I know what potential I hold to get into excellent shape. Why should I settle for hovering somewhere between average and above average? It sounds like my only concern is how I look and how much muscle I gain...yet there is more to it. Those are serious highpoints in a big picture: being fit, healthy, happy and confident. I sometimes kick myself for not starting this process 15 years ago instead of 5. However, it is NEVER too late to start, whether you are 31, 51 or even 71. With your opportunity that is being offered I know I can push myself to the next level and show everyone what we can achieve.
I began using TT approximately 17 weeks ago. I'm guessing because I change routines every 4 weeks and I believe I'm on my fifth routine. When I began TT, I weighed 210 lbs.(I'm only 5'9" tall). I now weigh 188 lbs. I have done the excercises faithfully, with the exception of the past week (holidays with family and friends). A few months ago, I started fasting two days a week using the ESE program. Neither TT, nor ESE, have been too difficult to use. In fact, my day seems totally out of whack if I do not follow my typical routine. I love both programs and have a goal of losing an additional 30 lbs. I already need to have my dress slacks altered due to losing several inches off of my waist. i feel healthy and everyone comments on my healthy look. As additional motivation, I have set a goal to climb to the peak of Mt. Whitney with my son, and my younger brother and his son this summer. I love the conditioning which does not include hour upon hour of cardio, but instead is roughly 20 minutes of strength training and 20 minutes of cardio 3 days a week. On rare occasions, I may add another day of activity, but for the most part, I have a sedentary desk job, five days a week, with long hours. Even though I'm 55 (almost 56)I feel like I'm in my early twenties! I'm the healthiest I have ever been in my entire life! If I can have this kind of success, anyone can. It is the one program from which I will never depart. Incidentally Craig, my membership just recently expired a few days ago, but I'm still doing the workouts!
What does transforming my body mean to me?
It's the simple things.
I lost my breath tying my shoe this morning. I thought I would pass out.
I watched my son play at a childrens' museum yesterday...from a bench. I did walk the stairs, but had to stop to rest.
I'm not the heaviest I've ever been, only 4 lbs short of that, but I have zero muscle. So I'm in the worst shape.
I want to sleep in my own bed. I have been banished until I stop snoring. I have been on the recliner for a few months now.
I feel my confidence at work has suffered.
I cannot afford, and refuse, to buy "fat" clothes.
I also look at my parents and don't want to get that way. My mother HAS to take a nap every day now. My father just does. I'm so exhausted, I feel I'm on the same path and I'm only 31.
I disgust my wife. She has told me so. This isn't good for a relationship.
I guess the ultimate thing is being able to play with my children. Everyone says this, but it's true.
Jeremy
To me it means as simple as Taking Complete Control of your own Life. I have been in & out of various training programs & the biggest lesson I have learnt is that unless you have the will you will not find your way into transforming your body to how you want it to be. The most difficult task was to find the "Starting Line", after which everything was a cake walk.
I have always hated exercise and dieting. Some people do diet, not realizing it is a lifestyle change. They think they can change for awhile, then go back to their old habits. I think my fear was always that once I started, I would have to continue forever, and be miserable eating healthy and exercising all the time.
I have always eaten junk food, since I was a kid. My weight has fluctuated, especially after having kids.
I am now 46 years old, and I realize that if I do not change my eating and exercise habits, I will face a myriad of health problems in the future.I have already had some back problems, and sinus problems that have been alleviated by change in diet and exercise.
My husband is now on board, and is encouraging our family to eat better and exercise. Unfortunately, he thinks the perfect exercise is cardio.
I have lost about 15 lbs, but gained a few back during the hoidays. We had more parties to go to this year than usual, and it was difficult to resist all the bad food. I will say, though that I did better than usual. If I wanted several different things, I took only a bite of each instead of a full size (or oversized) portion.
I also have a friend who has cancer who eats poorly, and is now too tired to exercise. She has not changed her eating habits, and the treatments are not shrinking the cancer. I cannot help but feel that if she would eat right, and had been in better shape, the results of her treatment would be much better.
Now that I have the support of my family, I want to change our habits. I feel we have made some progress, cutting out alot of processed foods and eating more fruits and veggies. I mostly want to pass on this pattern to my children, because I know what a hard time I have had changing as an adult. I don't want them to struggle with eating healthy and hating exercise as I have. So transforming my body means transforming my patterns,priorities, attitudes and thoughts. Getting up and going outside to exercise even when it's freezing cold, or I just don't feel like it. Moving stuff out of the way in the den to do planks or stability ball rollouts, or whatever else is on my workout for the day. Eating better foods, and not giving in to buying junk at the grocery store. Planning ahead and taking a lunch to work instead of going by a convenience store for chips and coke. Drinking water instead of less healthy choices. Standing firm when my kids whine and beg for things just because some other family does it. Realizing that, yes, I have to give up some things, like eating too much and being lazy, but that this is a GOOD THING!
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. And it's not about quantity - no one knows how much time they have left. It's beyond our control. However, it is about quality, and we can all be in control of that!
I have ordered some cosmetics so I can look good with my new body.
Now, I feel that I am going to be lean as it will mean I can live for another 50 years.
If you have some one you love then do it for them.
Transforming my body means many things.
1. It means I am taking back some time from what should be "graceful aging."
2. Proving to my friends and family it can be done!
3. Getting others excited about the TT I did.
4. Proving that at 54 I can still look like I did in my 30s.
John
Am a 106 pound skinny man so tranforming my body means a lot to me. Hoping to get to at least 185 pound of solid lean muscle. I been io6 and skinny all my life. So i been disspointed at my stats. My life goal is to gain solid lean muscle mass and be 185 pound happy guy. am only 29 years old. Hoping to reach my goal before summer 2009. I work out every week.
As a 40 years old, I have experienced several ups and downs in my life, all of which can be tied to my struggle with bodyfat. It basically begins with my childhood, and the "finish everything on your plate" mentality. I entered kindergarten at 89 pounds and ballooned to 5'9" & 200 by the time I was in 6th grade.
I had a passion for sports and, in fact competed in wrestling, basketball and baseball. To give you an indication of my athletic success, I began wrestling in first grade and didn't win a match until my 6th grade year. Despite competing in other sports, football was passion, but was shelved because I couldn't participate in youth football because of my size.
As a 12 year old, I entered 7th grade football at 5'11" and 220. By the time I finished football I had managed to get my weight under 190. Wrestling season started and I managed a 20 win season at 155. When Middle School ended and I entered High School as an athletic 190 pound kid. High School ended, and at 220 I managed to become All-Ohio in Football and managed 110 wins with 3 state appearances in wrestling. I started a family during my senior year and passed on Football and wrestling scolarships to become a father.
In July of 1989, I entered the Navy to become a Deep Sea Dive Medical Technician. Boot camp and Dive school kicked my ass and had me at under 200 pounds again. I wrestled for the All-Navy team and 220 with moderate success. I struggled with my eating habits and weight, and managed to be placed on remedial PT in 3 different commands. I loved the Navy, so in 1995 I made the decision enter a resident "Fat Farm" to save my Navy Career. To no avail, I found myself being seperated from the Navy one year later. I lost my dream career all because I couldn't control my eating and exercise habits. I had reached an all time psychological low.
I returned to my home state in September 1996 and continued with my poor eating habits. Exercising was completely out of the question. By the end of 1998 I had managed to balloon to 355 punds and basically felt terrible. With my wife's support I set out to do something about it and dropped to 250 within the following twelve months.
I began competing in Submission Grappling/ BJJ in 2004 and have managed to stay between 240 and 265but still feel like I can accomplish much more. I have set my goals to qualify for the World Championships in 2010 at 215 pounds. This weight will put me at an weight I haven't seen in 17 years.
The program started a week ago. I have designed my own strategies on the mat and in the weight room. In essence, I am taking a "Holistic" approach to my health, with proper nutrition, exercise and ART therapy to keep my body in order.
After 22 years I am still married to the same wonderful woman. Although, I still miss the Navy from time to time, I know that improving my life gives something back to those who supported me. My goals are simple, improved health, wellbeing and stepping on a Brazilian mat in 2010.
Two kids, 4 marathons, numerous bike races, and weights 3 times a week and am still holding on to those last few pounds of body fat. I would love to try out the tranformation.
I'm a full-time volunteer missionary in Mexico, so I haven't had the personal resources to actually sign up for the website. (I've REALLY wanted to though)
But just the e-mails and blog posts have been keeping me going for a good 6 months, during which I've lost 20 lbs!
I've always been told that I'm not athletic and just "built big" but after years of back problems and feeling like a hippo I decided I no longer wanted to be "built big" and that I could be athletic if I wanted to.
Now, I've changed so much that all my missionary co-workers are asking me what to do!
I hardly have any back pain and I can almost do a full, unassisted chip-up! (a big deal for my 6-foot female frame)
Because of our full time volunteer work - we don't get much time for ourselves, so the length of the work-outs is fantastic and helps us to have so much more energy for our work of helping others during the day.
I'm a big talker and am spreading the word about the vices of cardio and how to actually make a difference in your body.
Old mindsets die hard though and I'm not exactly a welcome pontificator, but I think I'm whittling down people's reserves.
I will continue to do this until the day I die as I feel like I've been given a new lease on life and all I want to do (besides my chosen volunteer profession) is help others transform their bodies as well.
I'm actually HAPPY from the inside out.
Continuing to transform my body will mean having the energy, strength and health to continue devoting my life to helping others.
It's a gift that keeps on giving!
Thanks Craig!
Oh boy. I got a scare during these holidays. I am 40 and have gained even MORE weight. Weight I previously lost. I had lost 60 and now..it's back. I even avoided visiting some relatives because I didn't want to see the "looks". Family can be the harshest you know:) Not only am I embarrassed about this. This last little while, I have felt like my blood pressure is on its way up...again. I have felt awful and I hate it. I have wasted 20 years planning to lose wieght. I don't want to die a young death from a fatty liver like relatives.
It has taken too much of my life! Losing weight would mean above all..freedom. It would mean a long life, not being too big to white water raft, go to amusement parks, hike a mountain. Sit in a aluminum chair in summer. It affects
everything. I want to LIVE.
I am drawn to 2 things. A traditional model of eating, and your program. If Jillian Michaels and many other people in the industry like it, it must be awesome.
I have done it before and I know with your support system and vast information, I am going to remove 80 pounds of barrier to life.
Wow! Amazing transformation posts so far. Thank you so much!
Mike – congrats on the upcoming baby. You will be fit and ready!
Kevin! – great stuff, Kevin!
Aimee – get well and hope you reach your goals
Shelly – welcome shelly, I know you are going to do great. Your mom would be proud!
Alex B – You are going to make your daughter proud!
Dan – Very proud of you Dan!
Scott – Keep up the great work, you WILL reach your goals!
AJ – Great stuff, excellent point about taking care of yourself!
Keith – congrats on your progress. You are an inspiration!
Daniel – You will reach your full potential. Stay strong!
Michael – Keep up the great work. You will succeed. Stay strong and get support!
Chris – Great work. That is inspirational and congrats on your past success. Keep it going!
Leyton – Awesome stuff!!! I love that attitude! Looking forward to your results!
Urzay – Great stuff. You are going to be a great success in the contest!
DY – That is a powerful story. I wish you a fast recover and look forward to helping you however I can!
Sherry – Well put! I look forward to hearing about your new found freedom…and I hope lots of folks take you up on that offer to join you!
Kita – Thank you for your message. I’m proud of you for taking action. Please keep getting better one day at a time to improve your health and to continue to be there for your little girl. Stay strong!
Hogger – Great stuff!
Achtung – Well put! Keep up the great work.
Deesdl2 – What a great success story. You should be very proud of yourself. Thanks for the kind words! Stay strong!
Jeremy – Thank you for sharing. I hope today is another step in the right direction, towards losing that weight and getting fit and healthy. Remember – one day at a time…every day better than the last. Stay strong!
Syed – Great point about getting started. Once you do that, you’re already winning the battle!
Jan – Excellent advice! Thank you for sharing your story. You are making the right choices for you and your family, and I wish you success. Stay strong, and consistent!
John – great points. Age is not a barrier, and you are proof!
Jahdo – You can do it. You need to eat and train consistently and you will build muscle. Great stuff!
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing more from you!
Craig
I am 46 years old my height is 5'1". I have been overweight most of my life and since getting your emails and also others, I have decided to change my body. I started taking your advice and has begun the transformation. I weighted 180lbs at the beginning of October and have changed my eating habits and began excercising using mostly my body weight. The results are very encouraging. Apart from now being 160 lbs, I also fell better about myself. I feel stronger, my skin tone has greatly improved, my body feels and looks better. Everyone is asking me what the secret is. They do not believe me when I tell them. This is truly what transformation means. It has been difficult, very difficult at time. Especially with the change in by eating habits and the workouts, but has been worth it. I have not bought any of the programs I see advertised but I am thinking about trying one to see even greater results. If just taking your advice can give this result I can just imagine what following the actual program will do. Will keep you informed of my progress.
Looking forward to 2009 with great hope.
Rosemarie
As we grow into an adult, we carry with us certain aspects of our youth. We buy the same Jiff peanut butter that Mom did. We even mimic behaviors that we witness from our parents; like stopping by the store and purchasing a candy bar to eat before arriving home to cook dinner. Those actions can form us into the 'grown ups' we are today. Daily I fight those memories to become a better person, a healthier person. I have participated in a few TT contest and I have managed to make some changes for the good. However, daily I still fight those past demons. Transforming my body is allowing me to become the role model my children need to live a healthy lifestyle. I do not want to be the cause of my children having a weight related illness. I want to give them memories of Mom encouraging the family to go for a bike ride & teaching them about portion control. I want them to buy the 100% whole wheat bread and the 1% milk. I hope they ask for the Salmon Recipe and a copy of my workout plan when they go off to build a life of their own. Yes, mimic my behaviors because they are healthy... they are good... they are worth it. That is what transforming my body means to me. Turbulence Training has given me the tools I needed to transform my body. Yes I am doing it for me; however I am also doing it for 'the greater cause'. A legacy!!!
Thank you Craig!
Shantay
Hi Craig!
I've been lurking on your website and blog for a couple of months and even ordered the trial of TT, but for some mental reason I just don't stick with it. I am tired of wanting to get the most fit I have ever been, I am tired of wanting to eat healthy, I am tired of wanting my clothes to fit better and not doing anything about it!! 2009 is the year for me to stop talking about it and do something. I know with your help and the help of others on the boards I can do what it takes this time to be successful. What would that mean to me? EVERYTHING! It would give me the confidence I need knowing that I finally said what I wanted to do and did it! That would be a priceless gift to myself this year! Thanks for your help!
Here I am at yet the beginning of another year where I have promised to achieve my goals. Except this year it's going to be different.
Yes, that's what I say every year but the last few months have been quite difficult in our house and now it's become imperative that I reach my goals.
My teenage son has been diagnosed with some emotional / mental issues. He's having a very hard time coping, which means the rest of us in the house have been walking on eggshells trying to keep him happy. But as much as we try, we can't possibly understand how hard it is for him to hear over-and-over again that he has to change his lifestyle, habits, etc. so that he can get better.
Well, I want to take this journey with my son. I really believe that if he sees me change my habits and stick to a goal no matter how hard it is, no matter how tired I am, that I can be an inspiration to him.
I love my son and it has been the most difficult thing in the world to watch him suffer. The few bits of exercise I have managed to squeeze in these last few weeks have been therapeutic to me.
I know beginning an intense but balanced workout in the new year will be a win-win situation for me. Not only will I be making time for myself and focusing on my physical, mental and emotional health, but I am looking forward to the day my son is proud of me and is inspired by me to overcome all his challenges.
Transformation means...
Totally changing my view of myself
Respecting myself enough to make positive changes
Adding quality years to my life!
Never again being caught in the diet/binge cycle
Shopping for new clothes in regular-size stores!
Feeling great
Owning up to the fact that I allowed myself to put on 100 pounds
Realizing that I can lose those 100 pounds and never see them again
Making every workout count
Always doing my best
Tackling obstacles as they arise instead of diving into a pint of ice cream out of frustration
Inspiring others
Ongoing - this journey is for life!
Not giving up when things are tough
Two summers ago I couldn't find any work in the States so I went back home to Greece to work with my uncle at his little retail store. I got up every morning at 6:30 to take a 1.5 hour bus trip to work. I wouldn't get home until about 5:30 in the afternoon. The work was hard and the summer sun was blazing hot but no matter how I felt I would go for a workout immediately after I got home. I would do abs work at home and then go to the park for circuits of pullups (explosive, 300-style ones), dips, box jumps and pushups. Then I would either go for a 4 or 5 kilometer run or run intervals on a huge dip in the road. I did this about 4 times a week. I was extremely careful with my diet, eating only healthy grains, meat and vegetables during the week and at most a little popcorn and a bar of dark chocolate on the weekends. In the evening after my workout I would have a protein shake with yogurt, banana, peanut butter and juice. After just two months of this training I had lost 15 pounds of fat, put on 11 pounds of muscle and went from 26% to 17% body fat. By the end of the summer my abs were beginning to show, I felt comfortable doing my workouts without wearing a T-shirt and my high school clothes fit me again.
I went back to campus (I'm a senior in college) determined to keep up the good work. Unfortunately I was struck with a series of intense headaches whenever I would try to work out (I still haven't figured out why). These headaches continued for months and I began to lose my cardio edge. At the same time I was becoming looser with my eating habits, giving in to the perennial college diet of burgers, fries and pizza. After the headaches stopped I kept promising myself that I would get back in the saddle, but to no avail. I kept wandering aimlessly from workout to workout, suffering from 'analysis paralysis' as I tried to find the perfect one for me. It was always the same story, though: I'd stay with it for a week or two weeks at most and then find an excuse to postpone and then cancel my gym appointments. I've steadily been putting on weight until now I'm the heaviest I've ever been, around 200 lbs (from 179).
Now as the new year approaches, though, I can't keep up business as usual. I know that each year that passes will make it harder for me to lose the weight and keep it off. Even if I don't look too bad at 200 lbs I know that if I keep up a diet of soft drinks, burgers and fries it's going to make my heart a ticking time bomb. What's more, when I graduate in the spring I will have to serve six months in the Greek military. It would be such a shame to suffer through basic training when it could be a breeze for me if I start working out again consistently in the new year.
Transforming my body means more to me than reducing my risk of heart attacks or making military service less painful, however: it means getting back that feeling I had two summers ago when I'd be sprinting up those hills in the cool early evening breeze in nothing but my shorts, lungs working like a bellows, sweat pouring off my back and chest and being astonished that despite all the rounds I had already run I could do more, and more, and more...It means building the kind of discipline that can translate into other areas of my life, including my academic and screenwriting endeavors. It means getting into the best shape of my life, not just to impress the girls (though I admit that would feel pretty awesome!) but also to be a good husband when the time comes, able to do the heavy lifting around the house and even defend myself and my family if it came down to that (I have done four years of Tae Kwon Do and want to take more self-defense oriented classes). It means becoming the kind of man that others could feel safe around, a man of integrity and commitment.
One afternoon over Christmas break I went back out to those hills where I used to sprint. I only managed two rounds up and down the hill before I lost my breath and I couldn't go on. Enough is enough. I want to turn the clock back on my deteriorating physique and feel again the exhilaration of knowing that nothing is too hard for me.
Wow...where to start. OK,six years ago at the age of 46 I was smokin, I wore a string bikini, had defined muscle, and made heads turn. Two years ago, I still wore a bikini but, well it didn't look near as good. As I turned 50 I hit a block wall. I wear a woman's size 2 and I look good, lift a lot of weights and do cardio training, but the pounds won't come off. I want to get back that defined, lean muscle mass. And I'm willing to work for it. I just need the right guidance. Thanks for listening.
The tranformation process has given me (among other things) a very practical way to show my kids by example, the character traits my husband and I want for them--commitment, hard work, dedication and positive choices. I want them to see that they can achieve any goal they set out to achieve. They have been watching me work out when I don't want to, stick to my diet, encourage healthy habits...The process has also helped me be an inspiration to my friends--that they can do it too! The transformed body is just the prize at the end of the hard work.
I have been an athlete all my life--ran track in highschool and college. I have always been relatively "fit" but I was approaching the whole thing wrong. My goal (aside from winning events) was to be skinny. I thought I should just run and fun in order to lose weight, and try not to eat very much. That had worked for me until recently.
I am 39--a stay at home mom to our 4 kids, ages 5-11. I home school them, so...I don't have a lot of time to work out!! I found myself putting on extra weight and just feeling "thick." So, I started with my crazy old habit of endless cardio combined with starving myself...I couldn't make the scale budge, no matter how many miles I was running, and how little I ate! I thought, "This is a miracle...How can I run mile upon mile and eat almost nothing and not lose any weight?!"
I got on the internet and did a lot of research. That's when I found TT and started doing it. In a short time, I started becoming cut and lean--like I had never been able to do all my life! People I didn't know were coming up to me and asking what I was doing to get so lean!
An injury forced me to take 2 months off from working out, but now I am back in the game, and I am starting the transformation contest #4 today! My new goal is to become lean and cut again in a healthy way where I am eating good foods and doing short, but tough workouts. It works!! With TT I am finally transforming my body in a way that has never happened for me my whole "athletic" life!! I feel like I finally "get it!" I am working out less and am getting such better results. With my life-style, I really don't have time to waste on hours and hours of cardio and single-joint gym exercises.
The transformation is a mindset. It's being determined to see your goal reached, and believing that if you apply yourself and don't give up, you're going to make it! It is so fun to have a lean body, and it's fun to help your friends get there, too. I love showing my kids this process of going after a goal. I am so far off from my goal right now, but I know the TT works, and I'm excited to see my transformation at the end of the contest!!
Thanks, Craig!
Lora
Hi Craig...
Well loosing weight is the battle which I am fighting since last 3 years. I have been overweight since I was a kid. But took the war against weight seriously just 3years ago. I was 85kg when I started in may 2006 since then I have lost 13kg on my own without any supervision and currently weighing 72kg.I am still around 20 pounds overweight But now since almost 8 months I am stuck on plateau struggling to loose weight.
I bought TT in sept 2008. I didnt enter any TT transformation contest but I kept working out with TT and I lost around 4 pounds and 2 inches from my waist and my body started becoming firmer and my stamina increased. Then a tragedy struck and I was completely broken. It took me around one and half month to resurface. I got my focus back on weight loss with help from you Craig. I have again started with intermidiate program.
This time I have decided to enter TT transformation contest and determined to give my level best because I want to discover my real self because even I havent seen my real self till date. Many of my personality traits or my life in general is infuenced by my weight be it my clothing sense, self confidence, my social life, my love life. I mean no aspect of my life has been untouched by my weight. But deep within I know this is not real me. So it will be like new birth, discovering my real self. I know after loosing weight I'll make different choices, I'll get the power to choose what I want and not just settle down with things just because I am overweight.
Yes just to get the power to choose and set myself free I wanna loose weight. And I know most of the people will agree with me.
Thanks Craig while writing this I realized that I actually never let it hit me how deeply n emotionally this weight has affected me. For me I have already won the contest thanks to your innovative ideas. Now I know why you insist on writing everything down, its the most powerful tool in self realisation.
Thanx again
Sonal
Several years ago, I had an epiphany: "My life would never be different If I never DID anything different". So, I quit my job, packed my car and moved to Missouri (I am/was in California), never having been east of Arizona, with no job, no place to live, and $700 measley dollars in my pocket.
Well, I found an apartment within three days, and I found a decent job at a warehouse as well. It was the first truly physical job I'd ever had, often walking 20-30 miles a day. I knew that it was time to finally lose the weight that had been plaguing me my whole life. So, I started a diet and did a LOT of cardio... and the pounds FLEW off! I lost 30# in one month, and 90# total (from 267 to 177).
I moved back to San Diego, proud of my accomplishment. But I wasn't prepared for 'exisiting'. If you've ever been a fat guy before, you are aware of what invisibility truly is. It was fabulous at first... guys actually hit on me and gave me compliments. It was incredible... for a time.
I quickly became uncomfortable with the feeling of being in a microscope. I didn't have the luxury of sitting unnoticed in a corner when I wanted a quiet moment (This sounds more egotisitcal than I mean it). And it began to stress me out... I didn't know if I could keep it up. I wasn't a different person, I just looked different. Yet people who wouldn't give me the time of day before would actually converse with me.
Then on my 29th birthday my appendix exploded (sucky present, huh?). And shortly after that, I was diagnosed with multiple Melanomas... I spent every other week for about seven months having large chunks of my cancerous flesh sawed off. The treatment, combined with pain from the surgeries made it impossible to exercise... and I used the excuse to get 'fat' again (back to 255).
I've been cancer free for about six months, and I decided it was time to get my rump back in gear and get into shape again. I started lifting weights this time, and I lost 15% body fat and about 25#. I acutally have less body fat now than I did when I weighed 178!
I also went back to college, as it was a good reminder of my mortality. I just finished my AA two weeks ago, and I'm on my way to a dual BFA in Acting/Musical Theatre (my passion since I was 5 years old).
Some of the same doubts are creeping around the corner of my mind still, but I believe that I can overcome them. Your posts have been very motivating for me, and I do want to thank you for that, Craig.
Sincerely,
Richard Grant Muir
RichardGrantMuir@gmail.com
Craig:
I think I am a pretty tough dad, demanding more from my 16 year old daughter and my 16 year old stepson, it dawned on me that it is always easy to give advise the advise "be better" so I am taking my own advise and showing them what it means to be better.
Then I have lost 25 pounds from last year I don't want this weight coming and I want to be much firmer than I am today. I love wearing smaller sizes in my clothes because I look younger in my clothes.
Working out for me does help me with my moods. I need this because of what is going on in my personal life.
My wife is thinking of throwing me out with the bath water, I really want this marriage to work and I want to be the best man for her. If she decides to throw me out then I want to say to myself that I did my best and I will live with this. If it turns out that it time to do things for myself then I will be a much better man all the way around.
Hi there Craig,
I saw your blog challenge as I was about to go check in at TTMembers.com with an intention of committing to your new transformation challenge, scary/intense/exciting as it may be.
Transforming my body would mean to me more than I can say in words, but I will try. For the past 6 years I have tried all of the fad diets and workouts, and my weight has went up and down and is now the exact same number it was six years ago when I first decided to lose weight. I have been unsuccessful on my own. I have failed at efficient weight loss and that is an uncomfortable truth. All through out my attempts I've bounced rapidly back and forth between loving my body and hating my body. It has been a sickeningly twisted carnival ride of getting moderately fit, and then losing all my progress and giving into feelings of shame and guilt.
I am an active, very busy young woman. However, I am overweight. And nothing I have done has changed that yet, without a yo-yoing effect.
After my last failed attempt (which was a horribly dangerous diet) I realized I couldn't keep this up, and if I didn't find the right path I would designate myself to a life of being overweight. I went into intense information gathering mode, learning as much as possible about health and nutrition and how exercise affects the body. Now I've spent too much time in information gathering mode, I'm beyond ready to finally transform my body.
Transforming my body does not mean just losing the much needed 25 pounds, or being able to run a 5k race comfortably, or being able to fit into my 'skinny jeans'. It means all of those things and more. I want to lose weight, yes. And I desperately want to be able to fit into my old jeans again. In fact, I have about 40 pair of my old gorgeous 'skinny me' jeans under the bed. I can't fit into any of them, but I refuse to throw them away because that means I'm giving up, and I most certainly am not!
Transforming my body means being strong, fierce, capable, beautiful, confident, happy, and healthy, and finally being able to wear shorts again and wear a bikini without trying to cover my thighs up discreetly with a towel or wrap. Transforming my body means finally learning the meaning of true consistency. Transforming my body means that I will never hear this phrase again, "Wow, she's really pretty... if she would only lose a little weight...". Or, "She has a pretty face and would have a nice body, but those thighs...".
I am ready to turn these overweight flabby thighs into strong long lean tools for my body.
I am ready to wear a bikini or shorts with joy and pride, instead of shame and dread.
I am ready to no longer be the 'She's pretty, if only...' or the 'She's pretty, but...' girl. I am ready to be the woman with the great legs! I am ready to pull out all the old jeans under my bed and be wearing all single digit jean sizes again! I am ready to embrace my body and appreciate my body for all it does for me, and work as hard as I can to give back to it, so that I can be in the best shape I can be in.
I am about to turn 25, and I realize that NOW is the time to get my body in good shape and keep it that way so that it may carry me healthily through life. The longer I wait, the more difficult this will be, and the more days I walk around with too much weight on my precious body. I am ready for this transformation now, it means having the life that I want instead of the one I've settled for.
~Stevie
OH Grappler – That is a powerful story. You should be very proud of yourself for continuing the fight. Great to hear you have a wonderful woman helping you out!
Rachel – Wow, keep up the great work. You are doing amazing for being such a busy mom!
Gazzipo – Thank you for doing such great things! And for spreading the word about TT. Stay strong!
Sunnydays40 – Good to hear from you. I know this is going to be your year to change. Stay strong!
Rosemarie – Congrats on your success. You are an inspiration!
Shantay – You rock! You are an excellent role model and thanks for being such a great TT’er!
BJ – This is the year! You’re going to succeed in 2009. Keep getting social support!
Andrea – Thank you for sharing. You are right in knowing that you need to take care of yourself in order to help take care of your family. Stay strong, and best wishes.
Amanda – Very creative! You rock. That post was a keeper!
JD – It is good to hear from you. Time to regain your fitness and stamina. You will succeed because you know what it takes. I look forward to hearing about your success!
Linda – Welcome! It sounds like you are already an inspiration. I look forward to hearing about your success in 2009.
Lora – You rock! I can’t wait to see your results. Stay strong!
Sonal – Thank you for sharing. I know that will inspire others to take action!
Richard – Glad to hear you are well again. Thank you for sharing that story.
Ernie – Good to hear from you. Thank you for sharing. Your dedication is impressive, and I wish you the best of luck. Stay strong!
Craig,
Your contest prompted me to think about why I'm interested in the TT method of fat loss. I've battled my weight all of my life, except when I was in highschool football. Working out that hard that often really left no room for failure. After college I got married and have been working long hours ever since. The weight crept up on me, and now I'm about 100lbs overweight. I'm 39 and have tried walking, aerobics, etc but nothing worked well. I felt good and I felt stronger, but no visible results to spur my motivation. I'm very interested in getting my body back in shape and getting lighter. Why? Because I have two beautiful children who want to play with me, ride roller coasters, roller skate, ride horses, etc with me. I'm looking at your program because I want to be a better husband and father. I want to be around for my kids when they need me, and I want to feel handsome again.
Bill
Hi Craig,
I may not have a weighloss story but I have a story from a different point of view.
Back in jr. high and high school I was always the skinny kid. Usually around 6'3 and 165. Never seemed to put on weight no matter what I tried. But I still had a love for basketball. I would play guys in my district that were 6'8 and 280 lbs. Didn't realize this until I saw their stats in the newspaper.
But during the transition to college I eventually put on the weight I always wanted to. I was borderline forcefeeding myself just to get to 205 over the course of a whole semester. But as I got there I realized that it really wasn't that great, I felt sluggish on the basketball court. And my bank account for school was hurting from all the food purchasing to get there.
Being an engineering major I also usually didn't have the countless hours I thought I needed to be in the gym.
But than one day I stumbled across Turbulence Training. I instantly loved the concept of being in the gym for shorter period of time and getting the great results. I could easily do this just between my classes. I've been trying different TT workouts since this whole semester and have yet to get bored with any of them. I slimmed down a little but have kept all the strength and actually added some. I also find that I feel healthier than I have before. I feel lighter on my feet and on the basketball courts. I am at what I consider my healthy weight of a lean 188. I realized that I'm no longer in competition in high school and should be more worried about living a healthy life and taking care of my body now in my early 20's instead of waiting before it's to late.
I picked up on a lot of the nutrition advice that came with the programs. The energy I have with all the extra fruit and vegetables is amazing.
I plan to continue with the endless amount of programs you offer and living the TT life. I actually have been persuading my parents to also consider this lifestyle and helping them lead a healthier life through TT. Almost made me consider changing my major in college because of how fulfilling it felt to help people I care most about.
So thank you Craig for teaching a skinny engineering kid about true health and training.
My weight has varied for years. I've gone from be being the super fit, trim girl in high school to being the overweight 'blob' in College. I've had to go through buying all different sizes of clothes that go along with that.
When I was overweight, I realized how much happier I was when I was fit and could do so many more things effectively. I realized that I wanted my life to be like that again. I wanted to fit back into all of my cute clothes from high school. So I started recognizing what did go in my mouth and exercising more. After months and years I cannot describe how good it felt to feel myself getting smaller again, to be able to now fit into my high school clothes, and to even be too small for some of them.
I've seen the positive effects it has had in my life too. My mood has improved, I have more self-esteem and am not afraid to go up and talk to that cute guy. I feel so much better and will try my hardest to continue to be in this great shape for the rest of my life.
Hi Craig,
I've been a fan of yours for years, even ordered the TT Bodyweight workouts (as I didn't have a gym membership at the time), but have never been able to motivate myself. What's changed? Well, a couple of things. First, I have achieved some amazing results in my work and personal lives just with positive thinking and affirmations, which resulted in me taking action (the REAL key to it all). I also started running again (I like running, unlike some folks) and lost about 45 pounds in the process, but maintained my muscle as well (there isn't really much there!). The holidays crept up and brought me back a few pounds, and eating and exercise have gone out the window again, but despite all of that, I've maintained my stamina. I ran a 5K race a couple of weeks ago in 27:30, about 30 seconds off of my fastest 5K race (done at the height of training).
What would I like to accomplish this time around is to build a better body overall -- keep the stamina from running, but add some muscle to help burn fat and give me the strength to do the physical things I like to do. Ultimately, I want to look like I feel -- young and in shape. And I don't need anyone else's comments to do it -- I've got enough voices in my own head telling me it's time!
Hi Craig,
In addition to the overall health benefits I’ve taken away from the program, I’m hoping to use Turbulence Training to save a life. I know that might sound a little dramatic, but hear me out. My father had his first heart attack when he was 45 (way too young for that sort of thing) and required quintuple bypass surgery. Then almost ten years to the day of his first heart attack, he had his second. He won’t survive the third one that he’s headed towards. After his first heart attack he went through a period of taking care of himself: he lost a ton of weight, he was working out regularly and he went on a diet. The problem was that it wasn’t a sustainable plan. He did the low-carb (but high fat) thing and drove twenty minutes each way to the gym. Eventually, and not surprisingly, he burned out on the restrictive diet and busy schedule and went back to his old ways. Now, after one diet attempt that didn’t go so well, he doesn’t know where to start or who to listen to, and whenever I bring up the subject all I get are the “I’m too busy” excuses. This is where I’m hoping to show him how Turbulence Training can help. To give you some background on my experience with the program, I’m a 6’2”, 27 year old male who works full time and has a fairly busy schedule. With TT, I’ve been able to maintain my weight (185lbs, down from 215) and have watched unwanted body fat disappear and give way to steadily increasing amounts of muscle. I was amazed at how rapidly the initial results started showing, and I’ve been continually amazed at how quickly my reps have increased for things that I could barely do one of, let alone the 12 I can do now (pull-ups, I’m looking at you). And all this has happened without ever once setting foot in a gym or spending more than 45 minutes working out in my basement a few days a week. I’ll be totally honest too…I don’t always do the intervals when I should and I might cheat on a meal more than once a week, but I’m still getting impressive results. What I absolutely love is that the whole plan, diet included (if you want to call it a “diet”), doesn’t require a lot of thinking or stressing about. Instead of a rigid, restrictive schedule, Turbulence Training provides a framework that can fit into anyone’s schedule or be modified for anyone’s ability level. Which brings us back to the original question. Why is transforming my body through TT important to me? Because for the first time I can point my family and friends to a simple, sustainable (emphasis on sustainable) way to lose weight and stay healthy and know 100% that it can work for them. It’ll be hard for my dad to argue with the results I’ve gotten (even though I know he’ll try), so here’s hoping that soon there’ll be another TT success story to brag about.
-Joe
I get the emails every week and read them. However, I don't put them to good use. I teach StrollerFit which is an exercise with your baby concept and a pilates based class call restore the core. I am helping moms shed their baby weight, increase self esteem, make friends and best of all set healthy examples for their kids. Many ladies in my core class have put on jeans that they never felt possible or are wearing a two piece bathing suit. I have had moms featured in Self and Women's Health for the amount of weight they have lost just by taking my class. However, after I train the women in my class I lose sight of my own personal training. I have two boys and my oldest at just 4 yrs old is into being very fit. I feel like I spend my time helping so many other people get fit and achieve goals that I have left the desire to have my own successes way behind. Sure, I am in decent shape. I can run a mile in a decent time, bench a decent amount of weight etc....however, I am in a rut. This transformation challenge is going to allow me to put me first in my fitness goals and hopefully by doing that I will be able to help more women in their fitness goals.
Katie Rhodes
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hi Craig
I am at the moment just receiving your emails but do enjoy them very much. I have been introduced to TT by a Personal Trainer that I have been working with. I have always enjoyed exercise and actually teach aerobics classes. I therefore do not necessarily need to lose weight and many people question why I have been attending personal training sessions, however, since I have and since learning about TT the comments I have received have been overwhelming. People are noticing that my body is toned and lean in a short space of time. What has surprised me most is that I have given up my daily 6-8 mile run that I thought was keeping me fit to using the shorter interval training sessions on the cardio equipment and what a difference these have made to my fitness levels. Unfortunately I cannot afford to keep up with my personal training sessions but I now have the knowledge to carry it on myself and look forward to enjoying more of your hints and tips. Of course I am currently enjoying the festive season but look forward to 2009 and continuing with my training. You are a credit to the fitness industry.
Mo
Hi Craig,
I believe that the way I look on the outside reflects what is going on inside of me. I have given up on myself for many years now and have let the circumstances of life get the better of me. I know I am capable of way more than I'm allowing myself to be right now. I know because I've been there before.
So... what would transforming my body mean to me? Not getting winded when I play with my dog, being able to wear fashionable clothes again, loving who I see in the mirror, becoming sociable again, knowing that I can be and do anyting I set my mind to, living a l-o-n-g healthy, active life, and knowing that no matter what circumstances life throws at me, I am strong enough to handle it.
--Julie
Stevie – Powerful stuff. I love your positive attitude. 2009 is going to be your year!
Bill – Well said. I’ve heard that from many other men like you just before they transformed their bodies. I’m sure you will do the same!
Jazzy_JW – Thanks for the feedback and kind words. You should be very proud of your success!
Kim – Great work! That’s going to be very inspirational for many other women. Keep up the great work!
Christopher – Good stuff! Nothing beats internal motivation. Let me know how it goes!
Joe – You should be very proud of yourself. You are on the right path, and congrats on your success. Keep up the great work, and thanks for the kind words!
Katie – Good to hear from you. And good to know you are re-committing to yourself. Great work on helping so many others!
Morag – Thank you so much for your kind words. That means a lot!
hey there,
i'm ready. i know it.
two years ago, my platelets decided to go away. no one knows why i ended up with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP.) all i know is that i ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks looking like i met up with someone mean in a dark alley (i was so black and blue, one of my best girlfriends took a look at me and said i looked like someone on crack.) for several months thereafter, i had to go on steriods. i gained a ton of weight; however, as someone who has two shell-shocked children, i figured it was way better to become a blimp than to die.
i've been in remission for nearly a year and a half, but during that time, i discovered what may have been the key to why my platelets went vamoose: i have an immune system deficiency called common variable immunodeficiency. docs believe it may be genetic, but again, no one really knows why this happens to some people. basically, my body doesn't create enough of certain antibodies to help me fight infections. there's no cure, but i now get hooked up to an IV of gammaglobulin goodness every four weeks for the rest of my life, stuff that supplements what my body doesn't create. it helps me not get sick every 10 seconds.
and lo and behold -- after starting this treatment, i am beginning to feel a lot more like myself :-) (oh, and thanks to everyone out there who donates blood, plasma, platelets -- you may never know the person whose life you saved. it may have been mine :-)
so now, here i am, getting back on track. i have a ton of weight to lose -- i'm embarrassed to tell you how much -- but i do. and i have two little kids who need their mom to keep up with them, to be energetic in every aspect of her life. (oh, and exercise apparently has benefits for the immune system, too!) i've been reading about turbulence training for a long time. i just haven't gotten to the point where i was ready to jump in with both feet.
i am now.
i was once a strong chick who kept up with my kids, who kept up with my life. getting seriously ill made me feel like i had no control over my life, my body, my self. i desperately want to regain that control. i know now that sometimes, life throws us curveballs. with luck, with support, (and, in my case, with decent health insurance ;-), and with a lotta heart, you can at least regain control of certain things in life -- which would be so important for me and for my family.
i am ready to transform myself into the strongest me i can be. i need to do this. i have bigger things to fight in life beyond fat, but to conquer that would certainly help me feel like i will one day conquer this immune deficiency. and maybe, too, WHEN i do this, i might give other people in similar circumstances the courage, the kick in the pants, the strength to do it, too.
thanks for the opportunity :-) good health to you, craig. thanks for inspiring so many people to be at their best. i hope to be one of them soon!
It would mean finally making some time to take care of myself again. I had just begun losing weight and improving my diet when I learned I was pregnant. I was able to keep eating well for a while until food aversions and morning sickness took over. Still, I didn't gain much weight, only 15 pounds during the pregnancy, but I started out overweight.
So, things were going well after we had our new baby. I weighed less than before I got pregnant and was beginning to work out when my new son started losing weight. I spent the past 3 months focusing on his weight gain (which is just fine now) and suddenly find myself 7 months post-partem and just over the weight I was when I started dieting a year and a half ago.
A TT Transformation would mean for me, a change in my total day's activities. I would begin to take care of my needs for healthy food instead of just grabbing something to stop my stomach from growling on the way to a household chore or to play with my son. I have been putting my needs for exercise and a better diet on the back burner while now. As the pounds have quickly packed back on, I've been feeling worse and worse about myself. But I realize that my son deserves a healthy, active, fun mom! My whole family will benefit from my transformation! I'll be able to go on more frequent long hikes with my husband and son without hurting for days after.
Please help me make this transformation for myself and my family! (And by help, I mean choose me and guide me with the TT program) I'll do the work!
I used to think transforming my body was all about feeling better, looking better, and being healthy. Now I know that there aren't words to describe how changing your body changes your life--in every single way imaginable, as well as some ways that are UNimaginable.
I've done a major body transformation, but I'm not finished. It's been happening for the past five years...slow and steady. I've changed my diet and exercise routine so many times during these years, I've lost track. I've NEVER had as much success in such a short period of time until my trainer (and good friend) introduced me to TT and EAT-STOP-EAT. I lived the first 27 years of my life as a severely obese person, always hoping--but never really believing that I could be anything else.
To date, I've lost 111 lbs., gone from a size 28 to a 12, and have even begun working in the fitness industry. To most, it would seem the worst is over, I've beaten the odds, I've jumped that hurdle. Yet here I am, five years after REALLY starting--and it seems that the biggest transformation is yet to come, right in front of me--this HAS to be the one. It seems like I've stopped and started so many times. At the end of each year, I'm a little smaller, a little faster, a little better. I've been inching toward my goal ever so slowly but never reaching it. Now I can SEE it. When I weighed 300 lbs, I thought I'd be happy to just be less than 200--I'M NOT. I've seen what my body can do as I get fitter and fitter and all I want to do is push it further. For the first time ever I don't feel restricted, I don't feel like there's something I can't do. The fat is no longer an excuse for why I can't do something--it's just an obstacle I need to cross so that I can try.
Many people that start these transformations are typically in OK shape to start--maybe want to lose excess lbs., maybe want to shed baby weight--and those are admirable goals. But very few people know what it's like to go from obese and sedentary to normal and extremely active. NORMAL isn't something you'd necessarily strive to be, unless you've never been it. If you've never been able to shop in a NORMAL store, it's awesome. If you've never really fit into a NORMAL chair, it's awesome. So now I've gone from obese to normal. It's time to go from normal to extraordinary. That is the goal for my next body transformation.
Angie
Are you an aerobic freek?
If you have ansered yes, than you are making the bigest mistake in your life, like I was doing it!!
I was obssesed by aerobic trainings. I just done that for the whole my life and I was told that aerobic sports are better, than weight lifting. Because you can injure yourself in the gym. So I did what they have told me. I ran, cycled, swam, walked... , every day for 2 hours. And I did not get any success. So I done more and more, for 3 even 4 hours a day. I was devesteted, bored, frustraited, totaly burned out, my sociality was zero. I just sleept, ate, and went to work every single day in the year.
Then I saw the TT training on the internet. I just smiled, what the s...t. Where is the world going now? This is stupid! But than one day I thought about it. And finnaly after a month reading over and over the blogs, comments, success storys... I said: just give it a try. What can you lose? You will not die from that, I hope!! So I started training, and after a month doing TT, I saw a change in the mirror. I just wached myself for a half an hour. I could not belive it. I saw a diffrent person, with a diffrent body in the mirror. Who is that? I said to myself! That is not me! If it is not me.... Than I realized what that meant. I was getting a six pack, my biceps, triceps looked bigger, stronger than ever. And I have trained only a month, for 6 times a week. 3 days weigt lifting, and between that 3 days of sprints. The whole workout did not last for a half an hour a day and I get such success? That is immposible! I was never overweight, but I had not the body I wanted. My % of fat was 12%. Now I am at 8%. Huge diffrence. I feel power. I am in shape and not burned out. I can do 30 chinups and 50 push ups with out resting. That is unbelivable.
I thank you Craig for this wonderful TT training, because you get the body you want in minimal time with out burning totaly out. I am always in shape now, my socialty has grown, I fell better, stronger and lively. Thanks again, your the best!
urban
Transformation is not about what one looks like or how many pushups, pullups, bench presses etc. one can do. Total "Body" Transformation is much more.
I have been trying to stay in shape and kepp my weight down for many years and in the begining like many others i exercised to try and get the physique of an Adonis, and like others i constantly had my ups and downs. I would become stronger but then put on weight. I would get leaner but loose strength. Each time i tried something new i was initially encouraged but soon became discouraged when i hit a plateau.
Until one day i took a look back on all that i had done for myself and was amazed. i had lifted weights for a few years and loved it but hurt my shoulder and could not lift (bench press)any more and was discouraged. Shortly afterwards i joined a Kickboxing Gym and to my disbelief i was not as "strong" as i thought. they made us do pushups and squats until it hurt and in the begining it hurt all the time. Until one day things changed i was still getting sore but i didnt think it "hurt", it felt good! I began to find new ways to do similar exercises to make them a little more challenging, lifting a leg here an arm there, turning sideways, going slower or faster. All the while having a great time!
Now i can do the pushups and squats with the best of them and have even been asked to lead some of the conditioning drills.
Transformation comes in many forms but a "Total Transformation" to me is one of body, (i can do the exercises that some think are to hard or crazy) mind, (never quit or get discouraged you can always do one more rep, or change an exercise to suit your body) and spirit (be strong internally, know who you are and what you want and work towards that goal).
I may not have the physique of an Adonis but i will keep trying new and different ways to reach that goal and complete my transformation and then when i reach i will set a new goal to transform myself yet again.
Thank you Craig for all of your insight and daily emails they keep me on track and offer excellent advice.
-Dovi
WHAT TRANSFORMING MY BODY WOULD MEAN TO ME
I just celebrated my 71st birthday on December 19, 2008. I have messed around with weights for years and years but never had a structured program like the Turbulence Training Program. Back in 2000 I had a heart attack and I knew then that I needed to change my lifestyle immediately. So I started walking. Eleven months later I had walked over a thousand miles. My cholesterol dropped from 279 to 127, and my blood pressure dropped from 267/110 to 122/72. I even lost over sixty pounds, but since then I have gained back some of it.
Hiking has proven to be my newest “hobby” now and I love it. I hiked local mountains, and even Mount Whitney in California. The more I hiked, the more I wanted to hike. My hiking goals continued to expand and in August, 2008, I did my first extended hike. I hiked 12 days and covered 142 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. I packed up to 42 pounds on this trek. (The weight varied as I consumed food and water and resupplied along the way). My present weight is 190 lbs. I am 5’6” tall with medium build.
I started the Turbulence Training Program on December 22, this year. I am doing the intermediate program and I am feeling great. When I first looked at the program, it didn’t seem to be what I thought I wanted. When I saw all the before and after pictures on your website and after reading hours and hours from all the material you have sent me, I decided to take the proverbial plunge..
Since 1967 I have been in the martial arts. My kicks are getting lower and lower, but I feel that I am still very strong for my size and age. I have received ads from a lot of exercise programs and have done a lot of research. The end result is that I decided that the Turbulence Training Program is the one that I choose to invest in and to give my best effort.
All my life I have described as very competitive. My wife says I am “rise to a challenge” more than anyone she has known. Meeting my goals with this program is definitely a new challenge. Now that I have made the commitment, it is almost as though my reputation for competitiveness is at stake. I must win this one!
I have taken the “before” pictures and have them where I can see them everyday, I must admit I am very disappointed with what I see, but I honestly feel that in twelve weeks I will make fantastic progress. I look forward every day to getting involved with the program and can hardly wait to take those same pictures again on March 22, 2009! Some times I feel guilty for feeling so young and strong while others in my age bracket are in nursing homes or restricted to their homes.
Thank you for all the emails that you send out to spark our interests.
Fred Murphy
Monmouth, OR 97361
Craig,
When your email hit my inbox it served as the culmination of a weeks worth of nervous anticipation and guarded optimism. I purchased your program last week and ever since I’ve been scouring the message boards and trying to mentally prepare myself for jumping into this challenge. Today is my start day for the challenge and last night I poured out a very personal prose to myself in my journal. When I read your email asking, “What would transforming your body mean to you?”, I tentatively decided that I would do something I have never done before... Share my writing and with it, my innermost feelings.
------------------
-The End and the Beginning-
Today has to be the day. I can not tolerate another minute with this overwhelming feeling of discomfort and discord. I am not myself but where did I go? I am just a faint shadow of the girl I used to be and nothing like the woman I hoped to become. It has to change... everything has to change.
As I sit here in contemplation, pain and sadness are my constant companions. I hurt from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. My fingers ache as I tap the keys. My back and neck throb from the simple work of the day. My feet are in spasm from nothing more than holding my children. My jaw aches with tension and all the muscles in my body feel as if I’ve run a marathon. If only it was from running a marathon. Oh... to be free enough to run a marathon.
I’m not free but rather I’m trapped in a prison:
Stage IV Endometriosis . Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome .
Anxiety . Myofascial Pain Dysfunction . Type II Diabetes .
Fibromyalgia . Depression
To me they are ugly words and I’m ashamed that my life has been defined by them. Today I take back control. No more falling prey to hopelessness and apathy. No more giving up and giving in. Today is the end of my story of pain, sadness, and desperation.
It’s time for a new beginning.
---------------------
So, stripped down to the most basic level, transforming my body would literally mean transforming my life and setting my thirty-four year old body and spirit free from years of chronic pain and failing health. It would be my families new beginning.
Thank you for listening.
Dutty
If I’ve learned one thing in my life, it’s that all visible results begin with an idea. A spark in the intangible world that ignites us. A desire, a motivation, a revelation. From there, we apply the building blocks of sweat, dedication, and patience to transform it into reality.
I’ve had the fortune to change my body in ways that were supposedly impossible. I have eliminated my asthma with the Buteyko breathing method. I have shaved points off my myopia with the Bates method. I have learned to work wonders with my body through Kung Fu. I have packed on muscle through the rigors of weight training. And I have transformed from a 145 lb. stick man to a 190 lb. athlete. I am in far better shape at 41 than I was at 18.
Now it’s time to torch off the fat that has come with the muscle gain. With the right tools, I know that it can be done. I know that there is no failure, only benchmarks that indicate if I’m on the trajectory or not. If I’m not, I need to tweak. It’s as simple as that.
We are far more capable than we tend to believe. And the motor of change is a simple switch to hit within. A commitment to ourselves. The rewards, in time, are so far greater than the sacrifices, that we look back in awe, amazed that it took us so long to get started.
As a Zen master said: there is one joy in life, and that is to begin. Let us begin 2009 with a new motivation and purpose. And let us approach every moment as it truly is: a new beginning, a chance to rewrite our future in any way we see fit.
Time to go, there is an ass to be kicked!
Peace
Nicolas
Well, what does a body transformation means?
This is kind of a metaphore... You change your body as you may change any other issue you have. Personality, fears, conficence... anything can be overcomed with effort.
When you want to change your life, you need to make big efforts to take control of any issue you have. At least, changing your body is something you can actually see changing, but, in the long term, all changes will be seen in the same thing. All changes will be seen in how you feel with your new you.
If you change to be liked by others, your reasons are wrong. The real reason to change, the one that will make you succesful, is changing to turn yourself into a better you that YOU really like. To be the best possible you.
This is what i intend to get in 2009. I want to be the best possible me. And I WILL change, no matter what it takes.
Sorry if it was too long, and I hope i didn't make too many errors, as I'm not a native english speaker.
Transforming my body for better health would mean a certain freedom from fear of death, at least by my own doing. I'll be turning 29 on January 7th and kids are on my mind. I don't have any of my own yet and I would not want to be that 300lb mother who can't do anything exciting with her children. All I can think about is the mother on "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." I've been married for 3 years and have been overweight for all of them. I've actually be obese for most of my life. I don't remember ever being "thin."
I came to know about TT through my husband's aunt, who won 3rd place in the 08 winter transformation contest. I couldn't believe something like this would be possible in just 12 weeks, and after seeing her during the holiday festivities, it hit close to home.
Through her and her husband's example, I've become inspired to finally stop depending on "miracle pills" or constant trips across the border for the latest "Lose weight fast" craze. My body doesn't deserve to be put through God-knows-what so I can be thin. Joining the TT team and taking my health into my own hands would mean that I would be thinking about my future children, being an example to my husband (who is also obese) and obtaining the quality of life that I am meant to have.
At 5'3" and at 190lbs, this is quite the feat. I'm not proud to say that I'm not savvy in the kitchen either, but TT would give me the key to completely revolutionize my life in a proactive way, instead of a reactive one. I'm very grateful and proud to say that I've signed up for the TT 21-day trial for beginners and that I am going to take this opportunity to lose weight and get healthy the right way, for good.
When I was in High School, I was gangly geek who always wanted to look more fit. All the time, I would resolve to change my body, but it never happened. Even after having my toothpick arms made fun of after appearing shirtless in our school play, I still lacked the confidence and determination to make the changes.
College was no different, except I started to gain weight. Not alot, but enough. My sense of humor was the only thing I had that kept my confidence level up, but I wanted *that* body. And I never went and did it. Maybe I was lazy, maybe I lacked the confidence. Either way, it never happened.
Marriage kids led to a little more weight gain, and still no real determination to change things. I woudl stand in front of the mirror, thrust my chest out, suck in my gut and kid myself.
Until a few years ago. Finally sick of it, I started to lift, to work out, to make those changes. Yet, after five years, I'm still not there. I still have the fat around my waist. My arms are still skinny. I'm still not the person I've wanted to be since High School. Now, at 40, I refuse to wait any longer, and I'm looking for TT to help me get there.
Transformation. I have been in a period of transformation regarding several areas of my life for quite a few years now. It ebbs and flows but never totally stops. After years of "knowing" everything I needed to to change my body (from "okay" to "Great!") I finally started to believe that change CAN happen for me. It's been a process - last year I worked out regularly for two months but then stopped when another long-held dream of getting back into dance ate up much of my free time. And that in itself was a very transformative process - not only am I now performing fairly often, and recognize myself (finally) as pretty darn talented, but I also addressed a big issue of mine, spending "big" money on MYSELF (versus say the kids or family expenses or frittering that same total away on small stuff with no shelflife).
Rather than spend way-too-long letting myself piece together a workout program for myself, I went ahead and bought "Afterburn", and have recently started the workouts. Of course, it is in babysteps right now - I'm just not strong enough to do everything just yet - but I am pleasantly sore right now and finally have the faith in myself to continue. It helps a lot that my husband is doing it too - but I would do it even without him. In fact, I've been doing a raw-food diet for the past three months all on my own! Which I am pretty proud of myself for lol. :-)
It has taken me a long time to get to this point. Not because I am not capable of working out, or because I didn't know what to do, or even because I don't enjoy it (actually I love working out, always have), but because psychologically it has been easier to stay where I am. Change is hard, it is scary, being fit especially takes away any "cushion" you have between you and the world. It also makes you face up to past failures (couldn't I have succeeded as a danceer if I had just embraced this earlier?) and current fears (what is holding me back from making a career change, etc.) Dealing with these issues is never easy, but I have made steady progress and I can say that I am proud of who I am now - and even prouder of what is to come.
Hi Craig,
Actually I have needed your plan all my life. For the first half of my life I used chemical substances to control my weight, but that got completely out of control and I found myself a substance abuser and 16 years ago had to change my ways or die. I have been clean and sober since.
But,
I need my body back and have had no success in establishing continuous good eating/exercise habits.
I am in a great deal of denial about this as I have learned to change how I eat/exercise for a week or 10 days to get a modicum of change happening, but then I slide back to no exercise but work, overeating and bad eating habits that destroy the gains in as little as two or four days.
I am really at my wits end.
It is affecting my self esteem, my work – which REQUIRES a thin svelte body, my relationship, as well as creating unending depression.
I am an art model, have been since I was 18, I am now 64 and still that is my main means of support. The artists/students tell me I am really a great model
BUT
They draw what they see and often it looks like tofu, or a sack of potatoes.
And as my weight goes up my jobs go down; as they no longer love their drawings and paintings. Go figger!
I have wanted to join your turbulence training contest for a couple of years now but the money to do it has not been forthcoming. I have been receiving your emails though and they do give me hope.
I have been a smallish lady for half my life, 5’3”/104 lbs until I got pregnant with my son. Then the weight went up to 174. I struggled, fasted, danced and rode a bike to get back to 130 but then life happened and for the past 16 years I have been steadily putting it back on again.
I have been fighting to get back to ‘normal’.
I need to be less than 130 and maintain it to work continuously/confidently/successfully (otherwise I have no waist).
I have a few (6 to 8) weeks until work begins again after the holidays, I need to go back to work as the person I can be: thin, strong, lean and lovely; full of enthusiasm, energy, passion and joy.
WrekeHavoc – Wow! You are a survivor. Your story is very powerful, motivating and inspirational. You should be proud of your positive attitude. I look forward to hearing about your success in 2009!
Frog – Glad to hear your little boy is doing well. I love your positive attitude!
Angie – Congrats on your past success! I look forward to following you as you make even more changes.
Urban – Those are amazing results. Thank you for sharing your success story!
Dovi – Powerful stuff. You perseverance is motivational!
Fred – You are an inspiration to us all. Great to hear that you are feeling so fit and healthy. I look forward to your success!
Dutty – Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to see your progress over the transformation and see you get free of some of the pain and suffering. Stay strong!
Nicolas – Very impressive accomplishments! I look forward to hearing more.
Luis – This is great. Thank you for sharing!
Wenndy – So nice to hear from you. Your aunt is a great role model, and I love your positive attitude. Stay strong!
Huss – Thanks for posting. I promise you that TT can help you reach your goals. Stay strong, be consistent, and you’ll succeed!
Gingembre – You deserve it! Give a little extra time and energy to yourself, and everyone will benefit!
Wende – You are an inspiration to be doing what you do. You must have a lot of self-confidence. Stay strong!
Craig -
Thanks for all your work on TT. I really appreciate it. Your straigh-forward practical approach is refreshing.
I joined early last summer, printed out all the work-outs then got sidetracked with life.
Its been challenging year for me as my mom passed away after a lengthy illness, the estate was dificult to settle and I have a very busy high-stress job.
I finally got a breather and decided in August to try the workouts. I was determined to establish a routine to get back into good health. It took me a while, but I've seen an improvement - I've lost a bit of weight and inches so that my clothes feel better.
I just keep thinking of my mom and how sick she was and hadn't enjoyed good health and the ability to get around for many years. I don't want that to happen to me. I want to continue to be active and enjoy my grandkids (I have 4 of them).
2009 is the Transformation year for me in so many areas - health, fitness, career. I feel so confident now, that I'm going to enter the TT Transformation contest and really focus on my results.
Thanks Craig for all your encouragement!
Hi Craig: I should probably be in the intermediate group. About 3 years ago my wife and I decided that the best educational choices for our 3 kids were in Israel. I then figured out that I'd have to work forever. I was 56, 5'8, and weighed over 190. Much too much and my weight was only steadily going up so I decided I had to do something. I looked around and chose a boxing gym because the work outs were fun and productive. It's taken my over two years of hard work to lose about 20 pounds total and several inches around the middle. I'm now 59 and ready to hit the big six-zero. I want to be no more than 165 by then and maybe even closer to 160. I started looking for help and found you and some other on-line exercise advisors. I've been doing exercises at my office in between boxing classes, I bought a stability ball which I keep under my desk, and I've been jumping rope so much that I wore one rope out already. My six-pack is still a work-in-origress, but I can see improvement already. I also have altered my diet significantly. One of the reasons I entered your contest was the camera. I have a very simple digital camera and took one "before" shot, but want to keep track of my progress. Your videos are great. Thanks.
Bill
Well it would mean the clothes tht looked fabulous just a couple months ago, would fit again. After doing a reno on my place I was so happy with my trim fit body!!! but having to move into mom's after leaving that place to my renter, I have been drinking cream in my coffee, watching tv and just not doing my usual routine. I think these web pages are a great motivator and have got me to look at how my Wii Fit is using intervals, feeling like I am back on track! Thank you so much!
Transforming my body means to me that I Love Myself and my Family enough to be the best that I can be!
I have transformed my body. Is it perfect, no. Do I still have goals, yes. Specifically I would like to have a nice lifted set of glutes.
At this momement, I live in an isolated village in the Austrian Alps. I rely on the Internet and fitness forums to get support. It is great and I couldn't have done what I have done without that support.
About 2 weeks ago, I thought how nice it would be to inspire someone else to transform their body with me. So I talked to a friend who has wanted to start a fitness program for awhile and didn't know what to do.
I introduced her to TT and we have been getting together and doing workouts to launch her into her transformation.
I was SO proud today when we spoke after the holidays and she has been working out on her own for several days since Christmas.
I inspired someone and she thanked me for making her start. Now I have a workout partner and I can feel my own enthusiasm increase.
For me transforming my body means inspiring others. It is a win-win situation.
Jennifer in Austria
Hi Craig
I’m a 47 year old mother of 2, originally from Montreal Canada, now living in Macau China. I’ve just completed TC3 with results I never thought possible in 12 weeks.
What transforming my body means to me:
- It means getting the healthiest body possible in order to live a long life with my husband and kids. I had my kids when I was 38 and 40 years old, so they are only 7 and 9 years old now, and I’ll be 48 in March. I want to be a mom that can keep up with her kids, play soccer, badminton, rollerblade, tennis, skiing…. And not constantly be tired and out of breath. I want to have fun with my kids, and enjoy life with them….
-I’m an osteopath, and my goal is to get people healthy so their bodies can heal themselves…. Well I want to have a body that can heal itself too….. which means low levels of bad cholesterol, normal sugar and insulin levels, normal blood pressure, low risk of cardiac problems….. My mother and her father have/had type II diabetes… so I am slightly pre-disposed to also get it, but with a healthy body and weight, I will avoid getting diabetes type II. And TT will help me achieve this.
- I’ve had a weight problem since I was a child. My mother would always call me “ma grosse” (my fatty in French) and that has been a black cloud over me since. My weight has always been a major concern and obsession in my life. I’ve gained and lost weight so many times…. But I never maintained the weight loss… lack of confidence and emotional eating always took over. I would like to have, by the time I’m 48, the best body I’ve ever had, and one that I’m VERY proud of…. No more hiding behind baggy clothes. No more feeling ashamed of what I look like. And I can now see that Craig’s system will actually help me fulfill this life long dream of mine…. Thanks Craig!!
-I’ve done TC3, and for the 1st time in my life I actually completed a workout program til the end, did the full program. My workouts actually took priority in my schedule, and the great thing is it usually lasted 1 hour or less, and because the WO are always different, you don’t get bored with them. And the support on the forum really kept me hooked and dedicated to this program. I couldn’t wait at night to go read on the forum, what everyone did, their challenges and how they overcame them, and also see what people wrote on my thread… people that are now my friends, (even Craig answers your questions personally!)… That is quite the amazing program that he has established, and I finally feel that I now have control over my body and mind. I gained muscles in lots of places, muscles I never had, and it felt totally awesome…. People are still saying comments and asking me what I’m doing… someone even said I looked “athletic”….you cannot even imagine what that meant to me…. My whole confidence level was increasing at the same time as the muscles. “Everyday things” got easier to do, that’s so nice. And, most importantly, I felt HAPPY and PROUD.
-I got my sister hooked and she will be doing TC4 with me!! That says it all!!
-I still have some transforming to do, but with TT, I know I CAN do it!
Thanks Craig for sharing this system with us, and helping us get healthy bodies…
Nathalie
What would transforming my body mean to me? It would mean opportunity!
Opportunity to stop saying “I’m going to” or “I need to” and finally say “I did”!
Opportunity to show my wife and children that my love for them is so deep that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be here with them as long as possible.
Opportunity for me to be an example to others, and to use the platform I have as a Pastor to teach that God calls us to live holistic lives, healthy spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Opportunity for me to stand before others and feel confident in my gifts and in the person I am, both inside and out.
Opportunity to prove to myself that I can achieve anything I put my mind to, even reaching a goal that has been 15 years in the making!
Anne7777 – Thank you for sharing. I am very proud of you and look forward to your success in 2009!
Bill – Congrats on the results so far. Working on your diet is key. Stay strong!
Anyssa – Glad to hear you are back on track!
Jimmy Dean – great work, keep it up!
Jennifer – I am so proud of you for inspiring others. Keep up the great work!
Nathalie – great work! Glad to hear you are getting others involved. And thanks for the kind words!
Chris – Excellent stuff! Keep up the great work and stay strong!
Transforming my body has meant a commitment to the transformation of what I put into my body and what I expect from it in return. Using a trainer and the body weight exercises and ideas in the Turbulence Training manual, I've lost 8 pounds, 7 inches, and three percent body fat in the first six weeks.
Equally as important, transforming my body has meant the transformation of the priority and commitment that I have given to regular exercise. Now, it's not a matter of "If" I'm going to work out but "When." No longer looking upon working out as a chore but as a challenge and a means of both gaining strength and stress relief has driven this transformation.
I'm a forty-four year old high school teacher, wife, mother of two, and graduate student who is gaining more then words can say from this transformation.
Hey Craig,
I just started University this year and with that I never knew i would be the girl to gain the freshman 15! My whole life I've been active doing track, rugby,cross country and wrestling. I just automatically assumed since i was so active i wouldn't gain weight.
Everybody kept telling me the weight would pack on eventually. I started overeating and worked out less. I started eating boxes and boxes of food and lots of junk food. As I gained weight I felt horrible about my body and my self esteem was lower than ever. I started hanging out with people that were negative ( they ate lots junk food, were not active). I guess I started to feel comfortable with people that were in the same boat as me.
In the beginning of November 2008, my roommate told me i had gained ALOT of weight, and that my face looked swollen. I felt so hurt, I knew i had to change my life. I looked at the mirror, my stomach was bloated i had body fat that I thought I would never have, my legs were jiggly, etc.
I started searching for fitness sites and came across fitness black book. The site helped me so much. I read an article about Turbulence Training and i knew i had to do this! I usually did long slow cardio, so i knew this would be exciting.
On November 5, 2008, I started the TT beginners workout. It was actually very quick and did it ever make me sweat! I began to get stronger and enjoyed working out more than ever! I started the TT intermediate workout and I am loving the challenge. I have lost 10 pounds in 8 weeks ( November 5,2008-December 30,2008). I wanted to thank you for creating this workout. I went from 122-113 pounds! I've learned TT is lifestyle. It has changed my perception about food and working out. I now have a high self esteem. Overall I am so happy with my life. I still struggle with eating chocolate or sweets but i now can control it.
I still can't believe it. I started doing HIT at 8 on treadmill and it was one of the most difficult challenges. Now i cant do HIT on the treadmill at 9.8 for a minute! I have gained strength, endurance and peace of mind. I have incorporated yoga in my workout to and love it.
I wanted to Thank you once again for changing my life. Turbulence Training will always be in my life! I want to run a marathon this summer, go hiking, start biking and do more outdoor activities! It has changed my perception on life, not just physically but also mentally.
Faduma
Hi Craig,
I am from India. Offlately 6 pack ABS has become a craze here as many bollywood stars endorse the same.
Its sure a healthy fashion but I strongly believe that TT training would take us there if we strictly follow, within a few months.
A body transformation to me would be live healthy. If you are happy with yourself you make the world a happy place to live. You would have less of depression, low confidence, jealousy, irritation etc which in turn would show upto others and sure the reciprocation would be the same and this world would be a happy place to live. I hope everybody starts using TT. :P
I mean just imagine a person using a drug/drinks/smoke/sex, nah lets keep sex apart from this. The enjoyment is momentry however the next day you feel the repercussion and your day is blown however you do TT for the prescribed minutes you stay active for the whole day and eager to better it out the next day. You stay healthy for the rest of the life.
2009 I am going to have 6 pack like Craig or like the previous contest winner. I am going to walk by the beach half naked with my Killer Jeans and Raybon glasses. I would get some dog as well and do a baywatch run. If photographed I would post it here.
No hospital or clinic visitation. Less junk food/limited booze geez
Guess I would be saving money here as well. Great!
Thanks Craig for everything and to everyone posted. :)
Craig,
What would transforming my body mean to me? It would mean that I am no longer riding my Harley through the Cow Pasture.
For the past couple of years my Harley hasn't been running well. It has been fed a low grade fuel and it has accumulated this outer layer of "junk" that has really taken the shine off when it comes out of the garage. It is sluggish and it's kind of hard to see the special details.
Starting this contest for me is like pulling the bike out, giving it a complete tune up, washing it and then taking it out on the road to run it hard wide open - and feel the wind on my face with no worries because I have a finely tuned machine.
The past two years have been a hard battle agains a few metabolic disorders and I know that if my body is fit & healthy, then it will be better positioned to fight the disorders. They won't go away, but I believe that if I am in better shape (lower weight, lower body fat & higher muscle mass) I will feel better, look better and help my body to focus on staying well. I am fed up with feeling sluggish, feeling sickly and looking soft & fluffy when I can and should look vibrant & well-toned.
So, this contest to me means a return to the healthy and vibrant person that I want to be (and can be again).
I plan to be smokin' hot and unstoppable in 12 weeks!
Jori Neys
Turbulence Training has been the key for me to change my life. I'm 50 next year, I have been in the same industry since I was 18 - with more downs than ups!! I have also been overweight for almost all of my life. Early 2008 I began Turbulence Training and have lost as much weight as I want and my body image and self esteem is at an all time high. I love to eat!! and thanks to my fired up metabolism - I can now do exactly what I always wanted to do - eat as much as I want. But hey! I don't want to eat junk anymore - I still occasionally drink too much wine and pig out on chocolate like on Boxing Day I had 1670 calories worth of crappy chocolate as a self indulgent treat - did it feel good? - yes in a way because I shared the experience with my family whilst watching rubbish films; did I want to do it again on the 27th? - no way!! and that's the difference - you just need to get back in control - a bad day or two is really no problem. I put on a couple of pounds from the
22nd to the 27th but I just KNOW that it will be gone by the 1st. I did a TT intermediate on the
22nd, 24th and today(29th) and I will do another tomorrow and I will be just fine. What is the most amazing part of this and why I wanted to share my experience is that after a pretty dismal career, this year I have made a new career happen in the fitness industry. No-one else did it for me - I did it - I took an open university course on Nutrition, found a part time job in a local gym and when the gym closed (poor financial management)I set up my own and guess what is my secret ingredient? Turbulence Training and all of the tips I receive from Craig and his pals regarding exercise and nutrition. The best £12 per month you could ever spend. I've always been in business - always made money a priority and now all I want is to help other people feel as good as me - if I make money at the same time - great, but when you experience changing lives - it's far more addictive than money. I'd LOVE to come to your seminar Craig but I can't afford the air fare - come to England -I'LL COME ANYWHERE IN ENGLAND TO SEE YOU AND THANK YOU - and in the meantime keep up the excellent work!
Pauline - Shropshire, England
C. Toomey – Wow, thank you for the feedback, you should be very proud of yourself!
Faduma – Amazing results! Great work and keep it up!
Franklin – Thanks for the great post!
Jori – Great to hear from you. Here’s to a successful transformation! Looking forward to your 12 week transformation!
Pauline – Thank you for the kind words, you are amazing! Keep up the great work and I’m sure I’ll be in England soon!
For me, getting in shape would mean I could run again.
Four years ago, when I was married, my husband and I ran every morning - even on our honeymoon we ran 10 mornings out of 12. We ran up hilly streets and through beautiful parks - it felt great to be alive and powerful to just be able to get out there and run.
Since then I've slowly lost the capacity until recently, when I joined a boot camp - which I never finished because it was just too damn hard - I was lucky to run a kilometre without feeling like I was going to pass out (or pass away).
Most mornings I remember my dreams, and the best ones are the ones in which I've been running. In my dreams I can feel the power of my legs, the wind through my hair, the joy of seeing the beauty in everything as I pass it at speed. Of course, when I wake up I realise this body isn't going to be able to do that without a LOT of work.
Yes, transforming myself is about my self esteem, fitting into my clothes (it's expensive buying a new wardrobe), feeling confident to go out to parties with friends and with work.
But for me, it's also about being able to bring my dreams of running back into reality.
Yvonne
Australia
You’ve heard the phrase, “Wow, that person has one healthy appetite.” The comment didn’t necessarily mean they were eating healthy but more like having a large appetite and eating a large amount of food. Well, I’m from a family of “healthy” German eaters but there is nothing healthy about it. More like, obese overeaters sufficed to say. This includes my uncles, sadly my mother and one aunt who even though she never seemed to eat, still couldn’t beat the battle of the buldge. With a family of unhealthy eaters, there was no one to teach me sound nutritional habits. I ate myself to 210 pounds. However, I always knew that, that wasn’t who I really was. There was someone so much better inside me. At 19 my transformation began. 80 pounds later I am not only physically transformed but personally transformed as well. I’d love to say this happened overnight, but in reality it has been about 9 years to get to where I finally am today. I went through a lot of trial and error in the process. However, I am proud to say I never gave up. I kept going and made it a way of life. Even though it took me longer than some people, does it mean it was done in vein? Absolutely not. It was a learning process. It has brought me to where I am today. I have learned sound nutrition and the most effective ways to work out such as through Turbulence Training.
With that being said, what transforming myself means to me is being able to step out of my comfort zone and leave behind the things that were not serving me for the better. It’s being able to continue forward when people on the side lines are telling you, you’re taking this too seriously, you’re fine the way you are. But I knew better. I knew where I wanted to be and I wasn’t going to let anyone prevent me from attaining it. All too often we blame other people or outside things for our circumstances. While it is true we can’t control other people and their actions, the one thing I feel I have control over as we all do, is control over ourselves. The one thing we have complete and total control over as individuals is ourselves. We have control over what we say, what we think, what we do, what we eat and what activities we involve ourselves in. So what greater reward is there to have a vision, set your sights on it and achieve it only to have yourself to congratulate.
The only reason we ever want anything in life is because of how we think that thing is going to make us feel. It’s always the feeling we are after. The feelings of accomplishment, determination, discipline, will power, dedication, passion, freedom, CONFIDENCE, motivation, achievement, being in control, proud, happy, self love, sexy, empowerment and exhilaration are just a few of the feelings I have felt associated with transforming myself. I can’t think of any other thing that carries so many wonderful feelings with it like when one reaches their personal and physical fitness goals the way that myself and so many others have. It means being able to do and accomplish anything. We are our own worst enemies and if we can get past that and focus on what it is we really want and where we really want to be, then we can conquer anything.
Not too long ago while working out at my gym, one of the women I know came over to me and told me how she was talking to this lady nearby where I was working out and told her that I once weighed over 200 lbs. The lady being surprised initially, responded, “You mean there is hope for me?” If this person hadn’t told me this conversation had taken place, I would have never of known how my weight loss success effected someone else for the better. My point is, my transformation doesn’t just serve me and your weight loss success doesn’t just effect you. It effects those who are all around us that we may never know it effects. Having transformed myself means being able to reach out to someone else, even if I’m not aware of it and have the opportunity to give them the push, motivation and drive they need to do the same thing. It’s almost a way of paying it forward. And when we feel confident, good about ourselves and carry all of those other positive feelings mentioned above, the world becomes a better place. When we are feeling good about ourselves we set off a vibration of positive well being which gets sent out to others and returned to us 10 fold.
Working out and eating right is just about the most important thing in the world to me. I’m proud to say I am completing my certification in physical fitness and am interested in becoming TT certified as well (when its available.) I do admit it feels great to wear that really great outfit and look good in it. But it also means being unique and knowing I’m doing today what others won’t so I can enjoy tomorrow, like they never will. That’s what I feel makes me and anyone else who dedicates themselves to a life of health and physical fitness unique. We are willing to do what it takes and put the work in where others won’t.
And in closing what my transformation means to me is being able to stand up tall with confidence in myself knowing I did it.
Rhonda
Chicago, IL
I am in the process of transforming my life so transforming my body is one of the steps I need to take in order to get to the next level. I want to reach my personal best in every aspect of life.
Thanks to consistently following the Turbulence Training techniques for over a year, I am already extremely fit. At 40, I am in excellent shape but want to lower the bar...about 10 pounds.
I believe in the Turbulence training program, I follow it, it works. I am joining the contest so I can lead by example, encourage clients through competition, and succeed in tightening my weak links. I am a wellness consultant and fitness coach but I am also human, constantly growing and learning. Check out my fitness lifestyle: here.
Transforming my body would mean I have the self-discipline to go the final mile. The extra effort to lose the last ten. Those stubborn pounds that come down to one bad habit, be it giving up a food or a beverage, adjusting to smaller portions, moving more, something.
For me, transformation would increase my confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Kelly
For this contest I dug deep into my journal archives and found this. I think it may be helpful to others. My apologies that it is so long.
“June 27th, 2005
I had my session with the trainer at the gym today and it went pretty well. There were a lot of people at the gym so I had a hard time trying to make myself feel like I belonged. I know it sounds weird but I always feel like people are judging me based on my weight. The trainer was REALLY nice though and she wrote down all the exercises I should be doing. I have 12-13 machines to do in total, with 3 sets of 12 each time. She’d like me to stick to this program for 6-8 weeks then make another appointment with her to change things around a bit. Based on the crowd at the gym tonight I think I’ll try going early mornings when there are typically older people and smaller crowds. It was a lot of young people tonight.
Wendy (trainer) recommended that I do at least 30 minutes of cardio, 3 days a week. She was impressed when I told her I already try to do that everyday. In terms of weight loss she said this will help me out a lot. The weight lifting is also a good part to help. I really need to concentrate on the exercises and make sure I’m doing things right. She warned me that a lot of people come into the gym, go quickly and end up doing the exercises wrong. I’m in this for the long haul and I want RESULTS so I’m going to make sure I do things RIGHT.
I was asked to name two reasons for wanting to lose weight aside from just wanting to be smaller. My immediate motivation is the kids. I want to be here a long time for my children, and I want them to have a happy, healthy mom. My daughter is only 3 but I spent many times being too lazy to run around and play with her. This summer we’ve been getting out to the park, running around and it’s just great. My kids deserve an active mom.
My second reason for wanting to lose weight is to feel happy about myself and my body. I’ve spent a long time hating the way I look and it’s time I make changes to improve things. I’ve always shied away from getting my picture taken because I didn’t want to see myself. I wouldn’t go out to social events because I could never find anything nice to wear that fit me. I was also ashamed of my size. All the other girls were prettier and skinner. So much hiding and missing out. I don’t want to go through that anymore. I absolutely HATE that the only spot I had to shop for the longest time was Penningtons here in Canada. I was too big for the plus size stuff at Walmart, and we all know how fashionable that stuff can be *laugh*. I can’t wait to lose more weight and finally fit into regular clothes from ANY store. “
This was written a few weeks shy of 3 years ago. I can barely believe it’s been that long. I was logging my food journal this evening and decided to read through my older posts. What an eye opener. It’s easy to forget just how far I’ve come since that early post. So much hope - wondering if I could really do it this time around. I admit now that I had my doubts. I always had the “want” to lose weight but never the “follow through” to keep at it. I’m so glad I did.
Reading the older entries really brought back my feelings of fear when I first started at the gym. Feeling like all eyes were on the “fat” chick trying to work out. Worried that they were laughing at me secretly and wondering why I was “wasting” my time. I realize now that this was complete paranoia and nothing but negative self talk - but it was so hard. I know all too well how hard it must be for new people starting at the gym. There was a girl attending the Rock the Scales challenge that I’m doing at the gym now….she’s around my starting weight. She was doing really well but struggling due to her size. I haven’t seen her in 2 weeks. I’m worried she has fallen off track. I wish I had her name or number so I could call her up. I recognize the fear in people’s eyes when I see it and the sense of shame and embarrassment. There is NOTHING to be embarrassed about at all. Yes it sucks to be overweight but at least you are at the gym TRYING and DOING. Sigh. I wish I could get through to more people - it’s such a passion of mine. I want to help more people with losing weight. I need to win the lottery so I can take some training courses and become a trainer.
I wanted to share this post with everyone to show just how scared I was starting out. It wasn’t easy - it still isn’t easy - but it can be done. You can change your life around for the better with making that first step in the right direction. You don’t have to run 10 kms to be a winner - you can start off slow. My first blog posts on Calorie King are filled with thrilling posts of making two trips around the block here in Montague. That’s less than 0.5 km but hell I did it. Small steps and dedication one day at a time will get you the results you want. You build from there. To steal a quote from Tony Robbins “You don’t plant a seed and expect a flower the next day.” It all takes time.
Anyhow I just wanted to share this post. Anyone reading this who wants to lose weight please know that you CAN do it. Don’t put it off waiting for the beginning of a new week or waiting for ‘X, y, z’ before you start. Start NOW, NOW, NOW. There will always be a reason to NOT start so don’t settle for excuses. If I gave up 3 years ago I would be sitting here at 265 lbs (or higher) still “wishing” and “hoping” for a better body and feeling miserable. Wishing didn’t get me where I am now - hard work did. If you really want it you have to work for it. It can’t be given to you - you have to earn it. Don’t waste another day - follow your dreams and work to achieve them now. You will thank yourself later (3 years to be exact)
2 1/2 years ago I suffered a back injury. Years of practicing my golf swing over and over again finally caught up with me. A disc bulge caused me severe leg pain and drop foot. As a result I was unable to do more than walk for 3 months. Once I was feeling better, I decided to work with a Personal trainer to correct my muscle imbalances and increase my overall strength to prevent re-injury. During my period of inactivity, my weight started to creep up. At 5'7", I weighed 155 lbs.
I have always been active, enjoying golf, skiing, soccer, curling, running and walking. My activites never led me to a gym so I was completely unfamiliar with weight training and cardio machines.
After several months of working with a Trainer, people were telling me how good I looked. My trainer suggested I try a fitness show as a Bodybuilder or Figure Athlete.
My first reaction was... absolutely not! I was terrified of going on stage let alone doing my manditory poses and a routine to music. After giving it some thought, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and challenge myself by competing.
My workouts increased from 3 to 5 days/ week and I started my competition diet in March 2007.
By my first competition I had lost 25 lbs.
My first show in June of 2007, I came in first in Open and Novice Bodybuilding. I loved the experience so much that I decided to do it again. In October 2007,
I competed in Figure and Bodybuilding and finished 1st in both. I also competed in the spring of 2008 with two first place finishes in Figure. I managed to place first despite being twice the age of some of the other competitors.
I will never forget at my first show, a woman in the audience approached me and told me that "I was an inspiration". It was then that I realized how significant my achievement was. Not only did I meet my personal goals but others were inspired as well.
Now, I have taken my passion for health, wellness and fitness to others. I spent a year working on my CPTN Personal Trainer Certification. At age 50, I am now working with my own clients, motivating them and helping them to achieve their fitness and weight loss goals.
My plans are to compete again in May of 2009. The diet starts next Monday!
It is not about working out, completing intervals, eating 6 ‘clean’ meals a day – it is truly about transformation. Most people think I am in good shape as I start into my first transformation contest, but I am carrying extra fat around my belly. This is the unhealthy fat and it has reached a point I need to transform my life. I need to follow a good workout program, eat healthier foods, drink less alcohol and better manage stress. I am starting my transformation so I can be there for my family and friends – for a long time.
Mike Neys
Yvonne – Thank you for sharing. I hope 2009 is the year you get back into running!
Rhonda – great work! I’m very proud of you…and it’s great to know that you are an inspiration for others!
Kelly – great stuff. Keep it up.
Kimmy – You are an inspiration. I wish you could have helped that other girl too. Keep up the great work and stay strong!
Vicky – Powerful stuff! That is so great to hear that you achieved amazing results AND that you are inspiring others. Keep it up!
Mike – Great to hear from you. Wishing you the best success in your transformation. Stay strong!
Just saw your twitter on almost 100 posts, blog is lookin good as always I love seeing your stuff.
-Matt Holmes
A brief intro: I’m a 20-year-old student in New Zealand. I was raised on TV dinners, McDonalds, and other packet meals. I used to think people who took protein shakes after the gym were unhealthy and harming their bodies (I put it in the same league as injecting yourself with testosterone).
I’ve always been lucky in that I’ve had a slim body no matter what I’ve eaten. However, I haven’t been lucky in my muscle building goals. I joined a gym in September ’07 with the hop of achieving my goal: to get a model-like muscular body. Sadly for me, after going to the gym twice or three times a week, for well over a year, I’m not even close to my goal.
I’ve put on a lot of muscle. But I’m hardly defined and still don’t’ have a six pack or any major definition. I can run 10km with relatively ease now. I can’t imagine telling my previous self I’d be able to do that. When I first began running, I had to take a break every 100 or so meters.
Only in the last few months have I really started to gain a lot of knowledge about how everything works. I’ve discovered that diet is crucial to getting the body I want. I’m frustrated that I wasted away all my results at the gym by eating pizzas with my friends and snacking on sweets. When I begun, I didn’t even used to drink while exercising! Oh how I’ve changed.
The plan for the New Year is to turbo charge my body. I’ll be moving out of home to change my diet to one consisting of lots of vegetables and lean meat. NO softdrinks! After reading numerous sites, I think the 12-week program will be for me, due to its simplicity. I often hated the programs trainers made for me that were complex, as there’s nothing more de-motivating for me trying push myself to failure while wondering “am I even doing it right?”
By making the necessary sacrifices and getting the body of my dreams, I’ll not only be excited about showing my body off at the beach, I would have proved to myself that I CAN achieve anything I put my mind to. (There was once I time, not too long ago, that I believed the people with the hot bodies were essentially born that way)
I’ve taken my before pics, so bring on the New Year! :D
Transformation is the mark of accomplishment. It proves to the world that you've actually done something, and once you get there, your confidence boosts substantially. Suddenly, you can climb mountains higher than you ever imagined, reach peaks you never dreamed possible. and yes, you prove others wrong....but you, after doubting yourself for a long time, also prove yourself wrong.
As a teen with juvenile diabetes, and always having a broad build, I always envisioned myself with a little bit of a stomach and no abs, definition, anything. As a baseball player, I assumed that I could start lifting eventually and would have to in order to continue to compete, but didnt know what to do or where to start.
In gym, there was a challenge to perform 40 v-ups in a row. I struggled to do 15 without doubling over in pain after because of my weak abs. after that day, I vowed to change, vowed to get stronger abs, vowed to get that coveted 6 pack. People always assumed I was this weakling with no abs and no strength, and gave me lots of crap for it, and I was determined to prove them wrong.
starting slow, I began doing 40 v-ups a day until I could do them all in a straight shot. soon, I eclipsed 100, and realized I could go really far. I started seein some definition down the middle, and that boosted my confidence in my abilities and programs.
2 months later, I commenced lifting. I started by bench pressing the bar....
2 years later.....
I get comments about the size of my arms. I get many comments about my 6 pack and upper and lower body definition. the people that doubted me for so long have finally began to respect me and my baseball ability. Last year, I increased velocity on my fastball by 14 mph in 4 MONTHS! I am now maxing out at 190 lbs on the bench press! The programs work!
My friends brag about their personal trainers, and how they'd rather do something else than train. I maintain my motivation based on my results and drive to perform at a higher capacity. I strive to always better myself. I am a warrior, and I will outdo all the competition. I devise my own programs. I set up my own system. I WORK FOR RESULTS AND A HIGHER LEVEL OF PLAY (and yes, it always helps the time at the beach too ;)
I'll leave everyone with the quote I told my cross country coach when he mentioned how I always give 100% in everything I do:
If you dont train hard, why train at all?
Thats my story thus far. I'm going to continue my improvement, through my lifting routine and now my kettlebell routine (which I highly recommend to everyone; I've increased my shoulder press by a ton in 2 months), and drive to be the best I possibly can.
Shoot for the stars, and have a plan, and you wont be disappointed
It's pathetic really. I've had this program for quite some time, yet never got it fully going. Fell off the bike. False start. Got back on a while later. Fell off again.
Pisses me off. Wanted to be in shape by my 30th birthday last month. Didn't happen. Started TC #3...barely got going before I quit again.
It's a tough battle with something in me...ego? subconscious? life? gut feelings? I don't know and I can't explain it.
All I know is with the transformation I seek, it will change me for the better and get things going in the direction I want to go in. Sick of being overweight. Sick of being sluggish. Sick of looking like crap. Very dis-eased with things.
Not seeking the magic pill. I know that won't work. But I digress a bit. Took the first step over the past several months by changing eating habits. Ditched all the crap that's "bad"...potato chips, fast food, lots of the breads/carbs, sodas, etc. Sure I get a kick for a little once in a rare while. Most would (few kick it completely). Dropped a few pounds.
Not enough though. Got to get this thing going and into full gear FAST before everything catches up and says procrastinate again. It's the perfect time. New Year. Motivated again. But feeling like it's now or really never. This is it, let's do it, get it out of the way, then enjoy the results and parlay it on to bigger and better things. (BW 300 anyone?)
So pick me if you can. Yea it's tough with all these awesome entries on here. Heck, if I can't live up to things, I'll send the money in and pay for the stuff outright. Put my money where my mouth is.
Rock on.
My name is Sarah. I started writing this post by listing the roles I play in the lives of those around me and realised that there's little left for me except work, family and truck loads of exhaustion. I am 6' nothing and weigh close to 242lbs or 110kgs.
I grew up thinking I was fat (I wasn't looking back at the photos) but I had that mind set. Now after many surgeries for multiple injuries, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.I want to be strong - I'm hoping that using TT I will get there and be in better shape than ever before. I've always felt that I was in my siblings shadows in spite of being the eldest. They were/are tall, slender and gorgeous and can wear anything fashionable I on the other hand have trouble finding clothes to fit. I'm not in a paid profession and I'm measuring myself by wordly standards. I long to be fit and strong, but I'm not sure I can do it/see it through. I'm used to hard work and not afraid of challenges when it comes to proving doctors wrong. But as for doing something for me...I don't know...maybe I don't think that I deserve it - maybe it's time to challenge that mindset...Good luck guys you all deserve to do well - so do I; I'm seeing that now - The Maori have a saying "Kia Kaha" which means be strong, courageous in the face of opposition. So to all of you 'Kia Kaha"
I have been working out since January 15th of this year when my husband deployed overseas for the Army. I started by wanting to look good when he returned. I started with basic cardio and some weights.
Craig, it wasn't until I found your program that I GOT IT! Intervals to me is not just using my time wisely and getting an awesome workout, it is hitting the intensity my body needs to release my stress and downright function.
I have lost 65 pds this year while going to school full-time, raising four children and worrying about my soldier overseas.
I am super excited for the next 12 weeks. I am down to my last 15 pds and my husband returns home in 14 weeks, so perfect timing to mix it up a bit and hit the intensity hard.
Thanks Craig, without your program I would probably have gone insane and been an Army wife that lays on her couch and worries for 15 months.
THANKS!
Liz
Hi Craig,
I am a 36 yr old 175 pound guy who has been at this weight for the last 10 yrs! I promised myself that I'd lose 25 pounds before I got married - that was 7 yrs ago. I always thought "slow boring cardio" was the only way to lose the flab. I have been exercising off and on ever since but with no results to show. I have been a regular reader of Mens Health mag etc..basically I had all the "knowledge" but never knew how to implement them and the thought of pounding the treadmill day after day was just not my cuppa tea. All that changed when I googled "Craig Ballantyne" after reading a Mens Health article. Thats when I stumbled into the TT world and your credo - "say no to boring cardio"..I downloaded the free reports and signed up to receive your emails. Although I am yet to buy the book, your emails have motivated me enough - a BIG THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart...In the last 2 months I have lost 12 pounds, am so much fitter and to top it all off - I did not exercise for 1 whole month while I was holidaying and yet I dropped another 2 pounds!!! Thats the power of your program. Thank you for sharing your daily tips and motivational emails - bless you and happy new year.
Hi,
I'm Linda and I am 49 3/4 years old. I have had MS for 30 years mostly my attacts are mild and last 6 weeks. I might lose the feelings in my hand or one leg etc.
Any way I was an aerobic instructor for 12 years before I got my sit on my but job with medical benifits. I walk at my lunch 4 miles and try to get a run in once in a while. I believe you have to walk today so you can walk tomorrow.I have always played safe in my mind it is because of my MS but actually I think it is just an excuse to not push myself to my best. TT gives me a different look at exercise, I have always ate wrong and then would do lots of cardio because that is what I know. At my age it does not work anymore. I look at TT as a new avenue for me hopefully one that I will do too my best.
I purchased TT and I wasn't sure if it was right for me. So I returned it. I'm a 21 year old female who has had trouble disciplining myself to make exercising regularly a part of my lifestyle. At the age of 19 I had a baby and ever since I was never able to get rid of extra fat that has build up on various parts of my body. Although I am not over weight knowing that my body is not in the best possible condition it could be in kills me. I have the determination however I never had the consistency. I even thought about getting a fat removal procedure done as an easy way out but something keeps telling me that's not the route I really want to take. So through ton of research I tried to find the best methods for fat loss and for a program that is right for me. Somehow TT has been coming up. I personally like body weight exercises and interval training and I think I will give TT another chance. But, for me it's not just about getting rid of the fat but I want to be able to make exercise a part of my lifestyle. I don't want to do this behavioral change for anyone but myself. It has been the only personal goal I could not achieve and it fustrates me. Transforming my body would mean so much to me. It would be physical proof of me overcoming a personal obstacle that has affected myself esteem and so much more. It would also be proof that I can achieve my ultimate goal of self discipline. Believe me I've tried everything and every approach. Dieting (eating healthy not starving myself) too. I know nutrition and physical activity goes hand in hand so I have the knowledge and the will and I believe I am ready to make this change. Winning this contest can further motivate me and I think it will be cool to document my progress.
Happy New Year to all!!!
Ok so I guess I am a beginner story.
I was going through some old boxes and found a picture of me after the birth of my daughter 18 years ago. Man was I HOT!!! I had major self esteem issues then and honestly I stunned myself by how beautiful I was yet didn't know it. I kept thinking... Man if I only had that body now, knowing what I know now - WATCH OUT WORLD!! Cuz I will own you!!
I've had liposuction and the fat still came back!!
So pick me please so I can show everyone how even at forty one can regain the best body they ever had!!!
Blessing and Good Luck to all!
Karyn June
Bristol, CT
I am a 46 year old mother of 3 girls. I have always worked out as long as I can remember. The last few years I have seen a major change in my body and my endurance. I have suffered many injuries that have set me back on any workouts I attempt. I have basically given up the past year and gained at least 15-20lbs. I'm too afraid to get on the scale. None of my clothes fit me, I won't shop for new clothes. I don't go out anymore because I am too self conscious.
My ex boyfriend started TT a few years ago and I have been trying to get on the bandwagon. I read the emails everyday and started watching the You Tube videos.
This is my year to get it all back and start to strengthen my body and stop the cardio plateau I was on while running miles an miles. I am committed this year to follow every TT workout and lose the fat that I have gained in places I have never gained before. I want to be able to do things with my daughters with confidence and be able to go out again with friends and who knows maybe even go on a date again!
Cheryl
Richard Wilson – Looking forward to the results after you turbo-charge your body! Great work!
Ben T – Awesome stuff. You’ve truly shown what can happen when you commit to transform!
Matt – This is going to be the year. C’mon bro, you can do it. No reason not to. I believe in you!
Sarah – You do deserve it! You truly do. I look forward to helping you prove everyone wrong!
Liz – You rock! I love your positive attitude. Keep up the great work and stay strong!
Jas – Awesome stuff! You are almost there. Keep up the great work!
Linda – I am very proud of your commitment to fitness. Stay strong! You are doing great.
MIS – Great to hear you are giving it another try. I agree, it really is neat to document your transformation. Good luck and let me know how things go!
Karyn Jane – Great to hear from you. You are going to make amazing changes in your body in the New Year. Stay strong, and I look forward to hearing about your return to hotness!
Cheryl – Thank you for sharing. 2009 is going to be a great year for you if you commit to transforming. I know you can do it and you’ll love the increased energy and fitness you get.
I am 46 yrs old and have been married for 25 yrs. Raised two kids, one going to the medical school, other in pre-med. I not only raised my kids, I feel I raised my husband in the past couple of decades sending him to school full time to finish his degree. I feel spent as I never took care of myself. The married years have been far from easy as my husband comes from an abusive family and is emotionally and verbally abusive to us. I used to be able to stay positive and just keep doing what was necessary to run my family, taking care of my husband, household, kids, work full time but in the last few years have lost that sense of self and confidence. I've gained 50+ pounds, am hurting all over, my back is giving out, my knees hurt and I cannot walk in the mall from one end to the other.
Just in the last year I gained 22+ pounds and I know most of it is from the stress eating as I also lost my dad earlier this year. I feel I am falling apart so transforming my body will mean transforming my life which is a must at this point 'coz if I don't, I will have a heart attack or something and the kids wont be around to help me and he may not even call the ambulance to get me to the hospital. That scares me.
Trasformation will mean I won't have that fear. Getting in shape and good health again will mean I will be able to live long enough to see the result of my hard work -my kids' graduations and it means I will see their weddings and perhaps one day see my grandkids.
I am proud of myself for raising great kids but deep inside I'm completely tired and shattered as I don't look and feel as good as I used to, I dont have the confidence I once used to have. So, in 2009, I want to turn things around and look and feel my best.
Wishing you and your readers the best for the New Year.
My whole life I have been bigger than I should be. I have always battled with my weight, always felt tired and crappy both mentally an physically. I have never really submitted to a workout regimen but I have been succesful in losing weight here and there by cheating or using quick-fixes only to gain back more and look worse than before. When I met my husband eight years ago I weighed about 145lbs and slowly put a little weight on each year. When I quit smoking I got up to my worst ever - 205lbs (and I am only 5'4") - after two years of quitting, stress, financial difficulties and generally feeling bad, I started smoking again which caused me to lose some weight and I have been sitting about 180lbs for the last two years. I don't fit into hardly any of my clothes I have been stockpiling for years - hoping - our sex life is almost non-existent (though he is being patient with me)... I just need to be able to show myself I can commit to something and see it through to the end - to prove to myself that I can finish something I start and feel wonderful when I get to the end of that line, and ultimately feel wonderful the rest of my life. Also, I would just like to feel as beautiful myself as my husband always says that I am.
What does transforming my body mean to me?
You would think after writing several TT contest essays that this would be easy for me, but I still have trouble putting into words exactly how thankful I am for how my body has changed in the past year. I am stronger, leaner, and ultimately healthier. I will reap the benefits of this lifestyle change for years to come, as will my children. They are at that perfect age right now to learn about good foods and bad foods, and that exercise can be fun!
I am truly humbled when people tell me that I have inspired them. I don’t believe I have ever inspired anyone before in my life prior to this year. This has been a transformation both inside and outside for me, and I am still learning new things everyday! I will continue to transform and grow as a person as I discover new things about myself that I didn’t know yesterday. And I have obtained tools that will help me change and adapt to overcome challenges that I will face tomorrow.
Thank you,
Abby
Transforming my body would mean I have finally been successful at clean living and eating and getting rid of the demons in my head. When I was little the boys would call me fat. I wasn't, I was a normal girl but those names have stuck with me and made me feel like I am stuck this way. Last year I lost 15 lbs and I have 20 lbs left. I know it is totally doable and I want to do it with lifestyle changes of eating clean, exercising right and living well.
Wendy
It would mean no longer losing my breath when I bend over to tie my shoes, shoveling snow, helping others to get unstruck from the snow.
Living with more energy to help others around me, volunteer in my church, be a leader in my home.
To fit inot some older clothes I have that are in good shape rather than buy new clothes.
To encourage others that they can improve their health and walk along side them as they begin their journey.
To be successful in a area I had no problems with when I was younger.
To have more fun in life.
That is what I'm hoping for this year.
Timothy
I don't think my first post worked...not to mention I was signed in as my husband!! Hope this one works!
My transformation began last year on Christmas Eve. I vividly remember my turning point that night. I really wanted to wear a pair of jeans, but every pair I tried on, I found I had "outgrown". Out of frustration, I gave into pulling out my bigger "comfy" pants to wear. That evening after eating all the snacky crap that is so popular at holiday time, I felt absolutely awful. It was at that moment I knew I needed a change and right away.
I was about 5-10 pounds overweight and extremely out of shape. The day after Christmas I started working out with long "power walks" with the dog and treadmill workouts. I was doing 45-minute workouts (4-5 times a week) on the treadmill by walking really fast at high inclines. I was feeling awesome!
At the same time, my husband had the same realization about getting into shape too. He decided to look around on the internet and found the "Belly Off" program (written by Craig Ballantyne) on the Men's Health website. He started doing this workout with incredible discipline in his diet and never missed a workout. He tried to convince me to do this workout with him too. I looked at it and said "Ahh...no, I like what I'm doing, but thanks!"
Fast forward 8 weeks...Anywhere we went, Jim was getting comments on how different and great he looked from people we knew. I was just standing by thinking "Hey, what about me?? I've been working my butt off too!!" I was working so hard doing my workouts, but nobody noticed any changes in me...NOBODY! Although I felt much better, my body hadn't changed at all. Who in the world wants to workout that hard and not see any changes in their body?? Not me!!
Ding! The lightbulb went on and that is what convinced me to try Turbulence Traning. Jim told me about the 2nd Transformation contest coming up and I knew I needed to get into that one. I cleaned up my diet by using FitDay and started the workouts. I lost 7 pounds in the first 2 weeks! I was shocked!
About 6 weeks into the contest, I was at work when a gal came up to me and said "Wow, Erin, check out those biceps!" Whoa!! I never felt so happy! Someone finally noticed!! Then more things started happening. I was happy to find my work pants nearly falling off of me (you know what I mean). So, instead of struggling to button them, I was looking for belts to wear with them. It was a great feeling! I finally felt confident wearing a bikini to the beach and wearing shorter shorts again.
I was so excited to post my "after" photos because I was finally able to see that I had ABS!! I couldn't believe I finally found something that worked.
I can't tell you how many times I hear about people doing those same workouts I was doing and achieving no results like I was doing. I want to scream out to them that I found something that really works!!
I would have to say that the physical transformation was important and fun, but the real transformation was the way I approached exercising and what will work for me. Turbulence Training works...period! I think Craig is a flippin genius with what he has created here.
Thanks!
Erin
Almost 5 years ago I finally took control of my life and started the journey to good health by taking time out for me. I had an incredible time and was finally in the best shape of my life. Since then my life has changed completely. I became a single parent and had major surgery, I took a fall and had many illnesses that resulted in my taking steroids. As a result of all this, I have been taking antidepressants and have ended up back where I started with my weight. I feel sick, uncomfortable, and totally disgusted with myself for falling all the way back here. Only this time I am all alone. Maybe this could be the push that I seem to be incapable of starting myself.
I'm gearing up for TC4 which will be my 2nd transformation contest.
TC3 was a big turning point for me b/c it gave me an actual date to affix my goals to and work toward. I've been in the gym off and on for just over 3 years now. I would make ok progress and then slack off due to a lack of clear goals. To make matters worse, I bounced around from program to program every couple of weeks.
TC3 taught me a lot about myself, some good and some bad. The good was that I can transform my body and that I don't have to be satisfied with being over-fat. The bad, which is good to know now, is that I have to plan ahead and stay locked into my routine to be successful. I say that it is good to know now b/c it tells me that I have to really make it a lifestyle, and not just a workout program.
TC4 is going to be killer. I'm going for serious muscle gain to make good progress towards the body that I want. My ideal body comp (right now *smile*) is 170lbs at 9-10% bodyfat.
For a long time, I didn't think it was possible for me to do, but now I know that it is possible if I workout hard, eat properly and live the TT principles.
I know it is not going to be easy, and it won't always be fun. But, I know it is worth it. I've decided to do it and that's all that matters!
One of the things I have struggled with over the years is WHAT IF? See, I was in the Navy from 1986 to 1992. I was accepted to go to the Elite Navy Seals School BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition School) in Coronado California in Feb. 1990. My class I started with was Class 169 and later due to an injury I was bumped to Class 170.
I ended up dropping out of the BUDS for my family. I had a wife a son and a daughter. I made a decision that I did not realize affected me emotionally to my core. I basically gave up taking care of myself and it shows. Within a very short period of time I became heavier than any other time in my life. I arrived at SEALS training at 205 Lbs, left there at 185 Lbs, and was 220 Lbs in Aug. 1992 when I got out.
Prior to the Navy when I graduated from high school in TX, I was an All State Choir Bass, and an All Central TX State 1st sting Left Guard. I was very athletic and my main goal in life was to be a Navy SEAL and serve my country. I joined the Navy after High School.
I am 270 Lbs today and recently made my mind up that I am going to do something about it.
I didn't realize how depressed I have been over the years for not completing SEALS. After all, it was a dream, but that dream has haunted me for years.
Being 40 years old now, I realize I made a decision and I made it for the right reasons. I will never be able to become a Navy Seal now due to my age, however, I can become a better man, husband, and Dad to my children. I owe it to them and I owe it to myself that I do have what it takes to start something and finish it to be the best I can be.
There are a lot of deserving people out there and I do hope you find someone that is very deserving. I for one recently got a membership at a local gym where I live in Arkansas. I made my mind up that no longer will I allow myself to remain unhealthy and out of shape. I won’t stop doing that I am doing; however, I would like to have an edge of knowledge that will give me that focused approach to reaching my goals. My goal is to be 200 Lbs again in as short a period of time as possible.
I have the drive, I have the motivation, and I am teachable. Let’s have a generation of folks that can continue to pass the torch to the next generation so they can avoid the pitfalls that we have allowed ourselves to fall into.
To the Navy SEALS that are out there, I Love you guys and your families for the service and sacrifice you have given for our great country. Even though I am not a TEAM member; I am at heart and always will be.
If you choose me, I will follow exactly what you say to follow and do exactly what I need to do. I need the coaching and tools to help me and I believe your system is that very edge I need to accomplish all of my goals.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
God Bless
Tyrone
Hi Craig
,
I have been receiving your emails for a while now and I am no ready to make the commitment to turbulence training. I have struggled with my weight for the last 10 years I would say. I am a stay at home mom and love it but I feel with all this extra weight I am not the best mom and wife that I could be. I have tried different things in the past to lose weight, low carb being the one that usually worked for me but never stuck to it and eventually gained the weight back. I have also tried exercise but never stuck to it. I really just want to lose the weight and get in shape the right way. I really want to start TT because it won’t take a lot of my time, which I don't have a lot of :). I'm just so tired of feeling like I do, not being able to go buy clothes I like or dreading putting on a bathing suit. I refuse to go through another summer being embarrassed to wear shorts or tank tops and especially a bikini :). I honestly would like to lose about 60 pounds total or at least be able to fit into a size 8 or 10 again.
So to answer the question “What does transforming my body mean to me”, It would mean me being a healthier person on the inside and out . I know it would make me a better person. It would also help me teach my family a healthier life style. I’m tired of being overweight and sluggish. I want to be a lean mean fighting machine hahaha
Thanks,
Bonnie
Keshvi – thank you for sharing your powerful story. Please take a moment to feel proud. You’ve done amazing. Now it is time to take care of yourself. We are here to support you!
Muzikfreek – thank you posting. You have support, and that is what is the #1 factor to success. I hope that you’ll join us all in transforming this year. I truly believe you are right on the edge of success.
Abby – You rock! And everyone knows it! Keep up the great work.
Timothy – Thank you for posting. Welcome to a place where we will help you transform.
Erin – Thank you for the kind words. It is people like you and Jim that make Turbulence Training the amazing place that is. Thank you!
Anonymous – You are not alone! We are here to help. Please let us know what we can do.
Matrix – My man! Thanks for posting! Looking forward to your success.
Tyrone – Welcome! I know you will succeed fast. I look forward to hearing about it!
Bonnie – You are going to be a lean, mean fighting machine. I believe in you. And you should be proud of transforming with your family in mind. Keep up the great work!
Transforming my body...what does it mean?
It means that I will be setting a good example for my children.
It means that I will be improving my health so that I can be around for many many years and see them grow.
It means that I will look forward to having my picture taken, because I know it won't be embarassing.
It means that I will be able to inspire others who right now don't think a transformation is possible for themselves.
It means I will be strong and tough.
It means there will be men who will be jealous of some of the things I can do in the gym.
Tranforming myself is my way of giving myself my life back. I used to be thin and strong (not skinny). I didn't think it was possible to get there after two children, but my first transformation showed me that it IS possible. My second transformation is going to be even better!
Thanks Craig for the opporunity to commit myself to a total body (and lifestyle) transformation in 2009. I'm looking forward to those "after" pictures!
TRANSFORMING MY BODY was the most important thing that I did all year of 2008!
Dear Craig Ballantyne:
Exactly one year ago, I promise myself to return to my "Real me", that I will be better than I had ever been, better, stronger, fitter, faster, leaner, never firmer, losing fat, better shape in my life. Have been negleting for years while I worked too much, ate too much and gave all my time and energy to others.
Here I am a year later, improved myself day by day. Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day, saying....."I will try again tomorrow". Everyday I thought, things are going to change - me is going to change, and in ways that I could never imagine.
Started as a dream, NOW it`s a reality!
* Became super confident!
* Myself-image improved 90º!
* I have completly the control over
my body and my eating habits!
* The only things that stand
between me and what I want in
life are the will to try it, and
the faith to believe it`s
possible!
* My goal was achieved, became
leaner, healthier and happier
person!
I definitly feel that I have the power to inspire and motivate others with these Simple Secrets:
º It is of the most beautiful
compensations in life.....that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
º Change you thoughts and change the world.
º If you don`t stand for something you`ll fall for anything.
º Burn brightly without burning out.
º Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction.
º It`s a choice - not a chance - that determines your destiny.
º Even is you are on the right track, you`ll get run over if you just sit there.
THANK YOU CRAIG FOR YOUR 2008 TURBULENCE TRAINING TRANSFORMATION!
I´m ready for my 2009 Platium TT Membership.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
e-mail from a VERY HAPPY woman, whose life has changed dramatically
I must say a sincere thank you, Craig Ballantyne, for the women specific exercises! Being 31, having three children, the third just 9 months old, and breastfeeding has definitely taken its toll on my body. There are no "magic" pills you can take or any instant solutions when you are nourishing your child the best way possible. I hear a lot of mothers who say that you lose the weight when breastfeeding. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. It isn't true for everyone. Transforming my body would mean a boost in self-confidence and worth. It would mean the world to me.....
I'm not going to put all the blame on having a baby. I'm a teacher, and believe it or not, it can be a very stressful job. There seems to be no time to work out or go to the gym. Unlike other jobs that you can leave at the job, I am constantly bringing school home with me. Exhausted and disgusted with my self-image, I searched for something safe and natural that could aid a breastfeeding mother in losing weight. That is when I found your site!
I was so encouraged by the fact that you stressed that you needed no expensive equipment and that you could do the exercises at any time during the day or night. I was also encouraged by the fact that the length of the exercises is relatively short. Let me say that as a mom and teacher my time is very precious and "me" time is few and far between. So, it was a blessing to find your site! I just purchased the training manual and I am very eager to start seeing some results without compromising the very special relationship that I have with my infant.
Lastly, I need to mention the added health benefits to losing the weight and the fat. I have a strong family history of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The strong desire to be around for my children when they are older is also a very big motivator to get in shape and stay in shape. Whether I win or not, thank you again, Craig!
I only recently decided to make a change in my life and get HEALTHY. I was tired, quite simply, of being tired. Yet, to lose weight and become fit only seemed to be possible to those who had more time on their hands, more motiviation, more whatever. I was too busy giving in my role as a mother, wife, and career person to take much care of myself.
Like they say in the airline industry, put the oxygen mask on YOURSELF before you attempt to help the other person. It was time for me to do that, and I set about on a journey to lose weight this summer and was successful at losing some, but really came at a stall exercise wise....until I found Turbulence Training. More and more I realized that for the time I was attempting to put in I was not getting the results I wanted and reached a plateau, which I attempted to remedy by adding more and more cardio. Now, I have completed the intermediate workout, and some of the original (resting a back muscle strain and awaiting a bit longer to start the TT4 contest) and even my intermediate workout gave me such results in such a short time!
What has starting this journey meant to me? Yes, some changes in appearance, which I think deep down we all want to some degree, but it has given me so much more than that. More energy to keep up with every aspect of my life...noticing it in the little things like not being so tired in my rotating shiftwork job as a nurse and not feeling "bagged" at the end of 12hrs on my feet lifting and transferring patients (not to mention the realization I won't be going down the road of some of the debilitated elderly or overweight I see), being able to bound up the stairs, emotionally feeling better from all those exercise induced endorphins, and at the end of the work day and my days off having more "gas in the tank" for my family. Most importantly being that this is the first major change I have made for ME in my life and in taking care of me it has given me a huge boost of self confidence which just keeps on building on itself and affects every aspect of my life.
I can lift big weight and persevere... I can do ANYTHING!
What would transforming my body mean to me?
Just everything.
As I sit here and write this I can't help but think back to sixth grade. I wore a sleevless jacket ALL year to cover my "belly". Just one memory having to do with weight and body image. I have always thought I wanted to transform, but I wasn't willing to pay the price.(diet, excercise, etc.) I'm learning that nothing changes until something changes.
I see the person that is emerging since I made a decision this November to join the "six pack abs club". I like this person.
Transformimg my body will mean that I made a decision, then a commitment and followed through until fruition. It will be the beginning of many decisions, commitments and achievments in my life from now on.
Managing and controlling how I look and feel will give me back my personal power to achieve and fullfill my goals and dreams.
This isn't just about losing some fat, it's about taking charge of our life and makimg the best of it.
Craig, I don't know you yet, but rest assured you are making a difference. Thanks for the community you have created and I wish you all the best.
Fernando in Miami. TT Contest #4
Transforming my body would help me really live my life!
I began gaining weight when my grandfather passed away. I had such a hard time with his death that I guess I stopped taking care of myself. I used to play sports and be extremely active. Once my grandpa died, I had so many unanswered questions that I threw everything I had into finding out answers. I decided back then that I didn’t want others to have to search for answers the way I did, so I went to school to get my current job working at the Coroner’s Office trying to help give answers to other people.
That was 10 years ago, hard to believe the time has gone by so fast.
Fast forward to now…I recently got engaged and am planning on getting married in May of 2010. In addition, I currently work full time and go to school full time. I push myself to achieve most of my goals and have finally realized that the one goal I have had for the past 10 years hasn’t been achieved yet…losing the weight to live my healthy life and feel good.
I was introduced to Turbulence Training by my cousin who said that this is a wonderful program and will put me on track for a healthy life, not just a quick weight loss program. As a student, you can imagine that there is little cash flow so I haven’t been able to purchase the program, however I have been receiving the newsletters. In addition, I enrolled in a human nutrition class this semester to try to learn more about ways to better my health.
All of these choices that I have made are to help me transform my body to help me really live my life!
Hi! I'm a newbie - not to working out but to TT. My goal in transforming my body is to take back control not only of my body but my mind also. The two need to work together.
I have herniated discs (from way back) in my lower back and working out was always a necessary evil. Ahh, but a benefit to that was that I did maintain some physical fitness. My motivation was to be pain free and drug free. That was good incentive and I achieved that but not all the time. I would allow my emotions to control whether I went to the gym today or whether I skipped it. For the past two months my emotions won and once again I had to struggle to get back in control and and back in motion.
Physically my goal in transforming my body is to build muscle, increase my strength, and lower my body fat, but coupled with that I want to change my mindset so that I control my emotions - not my emotions controlling me. My goal, my new years resolution is a total transformation of me!
Lizanneh – You rock. So proud of what you’ve done!
Rosie – Thank you so much for being a great inspiration to others. You are awesome!
Debra – Thank you for sharing. And thank you for everything that you do, as both a mom and a teacher. I look forward to your success.
Tina – Awesome stuff! You are going to kick butt in 2009!
Fernando – Powerful stuff. Thank you for the kind words and more importantly, I look forward to your success in 2009!
Jessica – Great to hear from you. I know you’ll succeed in 2009. You sound very dedicated. Stay strong!
Barbara – I believe in you, and I know that 2009 will be a successful year and transformation time. Stay strong!
Transforming my body would mean transforming ALL of my life, personally and professionally.
You see, I've come to realize that my physical body is really a reflection of who I am both inside and out. Not to mean I'm shallow, simply that I've found that when I have the discipline and focus necessary to keep my physical body in top shape, everything else in my life is in 'top shape' as well.
Just as a body transformation requires focus, discipline, planning, and the determination to follow through to completion, reaching my fullest potential in life requires the same qualities and characteristics.
So to me, transforming my body in 2009 means:
- growing my business by 250% in 2009(definitely a challenge, but VERY doable)
- having the focus necessary to help my clients generate an additional $25MM+ in 2009
- completing several important projects that have been neglected due to a lack of follow through
- becoming a more understanding, patient, and selfless husband
- becoming a more interested, loving, and understanding father
- strengthening my discipline in order to accomplish several lingering goals from 2008
Of course, there are all the health benefits that would result, but undoubtedly the biggest benefit would be the kind of person this accomplishment would produce.
Admittedly, I've considered the TT Transformation Contest several times, but have failed to follow through. Not only have I suffered the consequences of my inaction with my health, but all the reasons listed above as well.
And after giving some thought to just how significant the impact has been on my life, there's no doubt I'll be on board for the next contest!
Great stuff Csalis 75
Craig,
I am turning 47 in a couple of days and have been decided it is time to get back into shape, again. I was a competitive power lifter for 2 years (starting @ 42) and have set 3 state records and competed regionally, nationally, and at worlds; placing in all of them - in the women's open and ranked categories.
I miss my old body. I want to get back to being in top physical shape. I had to break from my old coach because of his manipulations and control issues. He and his family were draining me of everything they could get out of me and it had to stop. I had my own stresses to deal with the the workouts helped, but also hindered because of my coach.
So, I've decided to do this TT contest this time. My commitment to myself for 2009 is to get back to being "me"!
I am jazzed and look forward to getting back into shape. Cardio and "normal" workouts have never appealed to me. As a farm girl, I have always been strong, so I need exercises that will help me build muscle. I honestly loved being able to dead lift 300 lbs. and bench 160. Right now I want to focus on core strengthening and getting my figure back. But I will definitely be getting the advanced set of books to work on muscle mass, too.
Here's to a STRONG, FIT 2009 & beyond!
Barb. Workman, Hermiston, OR
Great stuff Barb, you rock!
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