Jerry, Why did you decide it was time for you to make a change in your life? What was your first and foremost motivator for taking the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?

Motivator? To relieve chronic back pain. Working the oil rigs of Alaska, I had suffered a spinal injury in an accident. Even after surgery, a decade later I still had pain. The more weight I gained, the more pain I experienced. My doctor suggested additional surgery. Saying "Jerry without the surgery...today is as good as it gets. In fact tomorrow it will only be worse!" I went home knowing I didn't want additional surgery.

That week I had missed a few days of work dealing with severe muscle spasms. I just took pain meds and lay in bed watching TV & sleeping. Earlier the same week I received a VHS package in the mail. It was addressed to someone else , so I had written "Return to Sender" on the box and it lay on my kitchen counter nearly a week waiting for me to mail it. Having watched every videos in my apartment... I eventually opened it...Body of Work??? I popped it in and dozed off... waking up during the Porter Freeman story...I rewound it to the beginning. The Movie not only gave me hope, it made me hunger to know more. I hit the internet and found the Body-for-LIFE website. I got the book, set a date, took my before photos... and the rest is history.

What was the biggest change you went through during your 12 week Body-for-LIFE challenge?

Besides the burst of energy, decreased incidence of pain and the anticipation of each new day? <LOL> It would have to be the sky rocketing confidence!
 

What was your diet like during the Body-for-LIFE challenge? Did you follow the book to a "T"?

Yes to a "T" I didn't know of any other way, and very glad I didn't. I learned to enjoy eating things I never cared to try before like yogurt & cottage cheese, whole grain oatmeal and wheat bread. Some of my favorites were salmon, ground buffalo & turkey breast.

That's very interesting! I know a lot of Body-for-LIFE champions did extra cardio and slightly modified the program. Did you do any modifications to your diet and/or exercise regimen?

No I didn't do anything extra or modified. But I was so wound up with energy & excited about LIFE, about the last 2-3 weeks I did jog around the neighborhood sometimes after work. Just to unwind a little.

If you could give only one piece of advice to our readers and those on the Body-for-LIFE challenge, what would it be?

This is the most simple of all questions I am ever asked.... Follow the book as written...and...finish the full 84 days!

During your Body For Life challenge, what kind of supplements did you use?

Because I feel the correct supplements, in the right amounts, taken at the optimal times were integral catalysts in assisting me with that competitive edge. I did research on EAS supplements and have a whole list of my training, feeding & supplement regime listed on my website www.JerryBraam.com. Of course not all supplements are for everyone. Some even have good results with out them. But during my challenge I wanted to make sure I did my very best & wouldn't look back on my efforts and wish I would have done anything differently. But I feel the basic supplement foundation that most can benefit from include MyoPlex, Betagen and CLA. When I train someone this is usually what they use for their 1st Body For Life Challenge.

I totally agree, EAS makes some of the best supplements in the market.  Jerry, how did the Body-for-LIFE challenge change your life?

<LOL>That is a pretty tough question to answer without writing a book...To put it in a sentence...

How has my LIFE changed? In the past 5 years, I have met 1000's of positive and dynamic people from around the world. Several dozen have become forever friends. Many of them have become family, which is way better than any Hawaiian vacation, EAS jacket, or million dollars...(okay, that was 2 sentences).



Have you experienced any resentment from family and friends who are not in shape?

Resentment from family members?...No none at all. This may be in part because I don't push body for life on anyone. It is their choice to do (or not do) what they want . But being a respiratory therapist and having family members that still smoke...kills me! As for friends, I just feel some have a very poor perception and no idea what they are missing in LIFE...I actually had one colleague that is easily 100 lbs in excess say "Jerry, I am worried for you. You are too thin, it can't be healthy!" Some have made fun my flexing or posing...I don't think they are resenting me personally, maybe they are just unhappy with themselves. One day in the hospital cafeteria a man behind me in line looked at the balanced meal on my tray and said "Are you that Fit-for-LIFE guy that lost all that weight?" I laughed not correcting him and introduced myself. We ended up having lunch together, finding he was a physician and looking for complete info, so we scheduled a lunch meeting with him and his team every Monday talking BFL. So for the most part, people ask for my advice & support.

Finally, how important do you think is to network and get support from other people doing the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?

I feel having a positive support team with the same goals and mindset as yourself is one of the most affordable & essential supplements ever! Even if it just a couple people that know what daily challenges are encountered during a lifestyle transformation. Also getting advise from others that have walked in your shoes and are willing to assist you in your journey is priceless. Not having a support group when I did the 2001 BFL challenge is why you will find me posting on great sites like Bodyforlifers.com . Kostas, congratulations on your awesome Body For LIFE forum community and participating in our 2006 BFL Cruise to the Bahamas. What a excellent incentive for your members!