Finalists / Josh E.

Josh E.

Johns Creek, GA

Josh E

This 60day came at the perfect time in my life. I was going down a road I was not sure I could get off. In February 2017 I was knocked off a ladder, and fell on my head and shoulder. I have had difficulty functioning in my day to day life since. I have had surgery on my shoulder, and neck. I was left with a lot of problems with range of motion, and mobility. I have extreme cognitive, vision and balance issues as well. If the injury was not enough to deal with in 2017, I went through a divorce and lost my father. To put it lightly my life was turning into a country song. I had a hundred reason and excuses to sit around and feel sorry for myself. So that is exactly what I did. I could tell I start gaining weight right away. Every time a doctor would take my weight I would try not to look at the scale. 10 pounds turned in 20, 20 into 40. Before I knew I had gained 60 pounds in a year. I would tell myself it’s not my fault I can’t workout. I couldn’t lift weights, I couldn’t even walk on a treadmill. I have 2 daughters I could not even play with and had to make some kind of change before it was too late.

One day I was checking my emails and there it was, a 60day was about to start. I figured what could it hurt? So I went and signed up. I did not know if I would be able to do much with it but figured a little accountability might help me lose a few pounds. When I was signing up the trainer asked me what I hoped to accomplish in the next 60 days. I had no idea how to answer. I knew I wanted to lose weight. I knew I wanted to get healthier. I knew I wanted to change almost everything about me in that way. So I told him the first thing that came to mind. I would like to look down and see my feet again. I want to tie my shoes without feeling like I am going to pass out. At that is how my 60day began.

I figured my 60day was going to be different than most because of the health issues I have. I told myself I was going to give everything I could give for 60 days. I knew I would not be able to do what most people do and go to the club and workout every day. I could not walk to the car without hurting, or getting dizzy. I can’t lift my arms over my head, there is no turning my head without pain and my right hand is numb and weak. So I had to focus on my diet. Day 1 I went home and downloaded my Get Started Guide. This would be my go to guide for the next 60 days. That night I started eating my dinners like it showed in Your Healthy Plate. Up until then I was eating terrible. I started eating like it showed, the right amount of vegetable, healthy fats, protein, and starches. I used the 60day recipes for most of my meals. I learned how to shop smarter and what ingredients to look for and avoid. One big thing I learned is how to snack right. Everybody loves to snack and I really love to. I went from ice cream and chips to shakes, veggies, and muffins. I think learning about batch cooking alone can change your life. Most of my 60day focused on fixing my diet. I would go to the club and try to walk back and forth in the pool for exercise.

My 60day was a challenge. I always felt like I should be doing more but couldn’t. I would watch the Motivational Monday videos, Learn and Burn Wednesday videos, get inspired by other members’ stories and it would help me get focused. I would read all the tips from the trainers and stayed focused. I learned that just because I couldn’t do some things didn’t mean I was not doing something. I could not just use the scale to tell me if I was doing well. I used pictures of myself to compare to my before pictures. I took measurements every week to compare to my before measurements. I could see that I was definitely changing for the better.

I am proof that no matter what issues you have with your health, the 60day can help you get healthier. I strayed a little from my game plan occasionally but the coaches were able to pull me back in and get me back on the right path. I am very thankful for this program. It helped me help myself and I cannot thank Life Time enough for doing it. Thank you Coach Paul and Coach Anika for being good at what you do. I think I am going to be able to stay consistent and not slip back into my old habits.  I look forward to doing the next 60day in August. I am very happy to report I can look down and see my feet again and I can tie my shoes with ease. So I met both my goals with this 60day!!!