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

It took me 7 years to deal with my father’s death. He died of a heart attack at 39, which wasn’t all that surprising since he was a big guy in very poor health. Unfortunately, I was taking after him—pushing 285 at just 26 years old. I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without being winded. My blood pressure was 155/92, and I was on my way to a pine box when I saw Tony Horton’s P90X infomercial. The problem was I didn’t think I could do P90X, so I went on a diet instead.

I was getting married and lost 30 pounds on a strict low carb diet, but I gained it all back in 3 months. I felt like a loser, until I saw Tony again, entertaining and keeping everyone motivated. I thought to myself I have to at least try—if not for me, for my wife-to-be.

So I got over my mental block and got started. I lost 75 lbs. and I’m proud to say I’ve kept it off. The best thing about P90X for me is that even though I’m ripped, and in awesome shape, when I’m done I’m still dripping in sweat—and I love it. I started this whole process looking to drop weight, but instead I’ve developed a new lifestyle that I’ll carry with me for the rest of what I hope will be a long, long life.

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