Team Beachbody Guest

July 5th, 2005, another 4th of July weekend in the books. As I walked down
the hall I got a good look at myself in the full-length mirror in the hall, not
just a casual glance but that hardcore reality check. There I stood 39 years
old and 228lbs. What happened to that chiseled physique I had 18 years ago?
What happened to that physique built by the Marine Corps.

That is definitely not what I saw that morning in July when I looked in the
mirror. Thousands of burgers, fries, and shakes later, I saw only a remnant of
that proud Marine I was many years before. I was getting ready to turn 40
and definitely looking it. Then something happened, for just a split second I
believed I could be that again. That's all it took.

I spent my 20's in the health club business and even though I was around
fitness all the time I lived on a 50lb roller coaster. I was either in great shape,
waiting for the day I couldn't maintain my grueling 3-hour workouts, or I was
on the gaining cycle where my clothes gradually became tighter and tighter,
leaving whatever designer I was currently wearing embedded in my
waistband. My daily mantra was: " Today is the day I'll start exercising and
eating right." No matter where I was, I was in a world of shame.

On July 5th 2005 I put down the fork. I made a promise to give myself “six
pack abs” for my 40th birthday. I took 20+ years of experience in the fitness
industry and went to work. I promised myself three things; no compulsive
training, no starvation, and I would not quit. Over 6 months, I lost 50 lbs and
another 8 lbs in the following 2 months. At no time during that period did I
spend more than 90 minutes day training. I averaged between 45 minutes to
an hour 5 days a week.
I never skipped a meal, after the first 30 days never felt hungry. It has
completely changed my life. I will never tell anyone there is a quick fix,
because there isn't. I spent the better part of 20 years relying solely on my
sense of humor and quick wit to meet people. And more importantly not let
you see how miserable and ashamed I was underneath. I didn't go on a diet,
or start a workout program. I adopted a new lifestyle and worked it from the
inside out. Today I enjoy my life, have plenty of energy and best of all I get
the opportunity to share my experience with others. I get to take my new
lifestyle and use it to support myself. What a gift. If you are willing to give
yourself the gift of just an hour a day and change the way you eat you can
TRANSFORM your life. Believe me it's worth it!!! If you have experienced
similar challenges and want similar results, then let us show you how.

P.S. I turned 40 May 23rd 2006 and that six-pack I promised myself turned
40 with me.

Andy Clay
Co-founder Blue Clay fitness