2021 U.S. IsaBody Challenge^® Finalists

Heather has struggled with her weight her entire life. She remembers not fitting into the same clothing brands as her friends in high school and being the only senior not to make the varsity field hockey team because she couldn’t run even half a mile. She remembers continuing to struggle as she had two beautiful babies, gaining and keeping on weight each time. She remembers struggling in her marriage, as a mom, and in finding something greater than herself. Luckily, thanks to Isagenix and the IsaBody Challenge, that’s all those struggles are: memories.

Today, Heather is 86 pounds lighter and feels the difference not only physically but also mentally.* She has more energy for her kids, has a strong marriage, and is now focusing on goals that are not tied to the scale. She’s running farther, lifting heavier, and fitting into smaller jeans. The IsaBody Challenge has done so much for Heather and her family, and she is thankful to Isagenix every day.

Jose wakes at 4:30 a.m. each morning, and it never gets any easier. In fact, it gets harder and harder to wake up excited to train. But he knows this journey is never easy, and it’s up to him to keep going. Jose often has aches and pains from former injuries, but that doesn’t stop him from becoming a faster runner, a stronger swimmer, and a better cyclist.

Jose’s biggest challenges in life have always been in the decisions he’s made, the people he’s trusted, and the way he sees himself, but the IsaBody Challenge is one choice that has taught him that a clear plan accompanied by focus and dedicated execution is the key to reaching his goals. Jose is a husband, a father, an athlete, a small business owner, a warrior, and a veteran, and this Challenge and community is helping him become a stronger version of himself and all that he is every single day.

After retiring from playing professional baseball to co-parent his daughter, Shaun continued to eat what he wanted, when he wanted, despite no longer exercising seven days a week on the field. His activity levels dropped almost as fast as his nutrition routine. Over the next 10 years, Shaun ignored his gradual weight gain of 50 pounds. It wasn’t until he couldn’t fit into his favorite suit for his daughter's daddy-daughter dance that he realized it was time to make a change.

Shaun reached out to a friend who was using the Isagenix System and completing an IsaBody Challenge, and after hearing his story, Shaun was all in. Sure, the doubts creeped in at first, but Shaun put those fears in an iron box and locked them away.

Now, this journey is his way of life, and he’s determined to keep sharing IsaBody and this nutrition with others. He's getting "fit for the adventure of life" and couldn't be more excited for the future and for living life to the fullest with his daughter.

During the summer of 2017, Michael had grown weary in his lifelong search for health and wellness. What seemed like a simple problem had turned into an almost endless cycle of trying and failing. Every time he’d start to make progress in one area of his life, he’d find himself failing in others. He was overweight and a poor role model and felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel. He just couldn’t find a life balance.

Luckily, what Michael did find was the IsaBody Challenge, and that’s when everything changed. The cycle of trying and failing ended, and now the only cycle for Michael and his family is start, complete, and repeat. In two years and seven completed Challenges, he has become a positive example for others, and he and his family are living healthier lifestyles than they ever thought possible. Now there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is very bright.

Tami’s first memory of hating her body was in third grade. She still has the old workout tapes on VHS. She continued to struggle with body dysmorphia for most of her life, starving herself through high school and emotionally binge eating her way through college. She gained 40 pounds in those years and became a shell of who she was. Her degree in exercise and sport science and master’s in nutritional science didn’t help, nor did becoming a registered dietitian. She felt like a failure.

Then Tami found Isagenix and registered for the IsaBody Challenge. Despite fears of being the kind of dietitian who promoted superfood shakes, she knew in her heart that this system worked and that IsaBody was what she needed to stay accountable. She trusted the process, and it’s changed her life. Not only has she experienced a physical transformation, but she’s also following her dreams and sharing the gift of Isagenix.

From her honesty about making excuses to her appreciation for her crazy twisting and turning journey with Isagenix, talking to Morgan certainly provides a healthy dose of inspiration. She’s no stranger to hard work or the IsaBody Challenge, having just completed her 17th (let that soak in — she’s been on her IsaBody journey for almost six years now).

And it’s not just her physical transformation that’s so inspiring. Of course, with a weight loss of 138 pounds (89 pounds while participating in IsaBody Challenges), that’s definitely part of it.* What’s most inspiring, though, is what she’s done with this new body that allows her to fully live.

Morgan is a better mom, friend, sister, daughter, and teammate and an Isagenix 100-Pound Club member. She’s building this business with her family, speaking at events, and sharing what she’s learned with others to help them find the same success.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that there is no ‘there.’ You’re never going to have the perfect abs or be the perfect weight. This is about growth,” she said. “I didn’t always lose weight at the end of each Challenge. Sometimes I only lost a pound, and sometimes I gained weight. I kept writing the same essay every 16 weeks. But I never gave up.”

And that’s the key to success, right? Never giving up. We hear it all the time, but it often takes us much longer to really believe it. But take it from Morgan, who now feels like a completely different person than she was at the start of her first Challenge inside and out.

“Now I feel strong, confident, and motivated,” said Morgan. “I feel like I’m truly living.”

Calling all busy moms: If you’re ready to take your time back and become yourself again, Kara’s story will give you all the motivation you need. A former college athlete turned public accountant turned stay-at-home mom of three boys, Kara knows what it’s like to get busy and put your family before yourself. But she also knows just what you need to get back to who you are.

“I’ve identified as an athlete my whole life, and then suddenly I didn’t have a competitive outlet anymore,” she said. “I found one with IsaBody, and I feel more like myself than I have in years.”

The IsaBody Challenge not only gave Kara her competitive edge back (she was determined to become a finalist), but it also allowed her to fuel her body with great nutrition and start participating in fitness competitions, which is something she never thought she’d be able to do.

She’ll be the first to tell you, though — this journey isn’t just about the physical transformation. It’s about the personal growth, change in mindset, and change in lifestyle.

“I learned to put my focus on all aspects, and I can now say that this Challenge didn’t just change my body. It changed my whole life.”

No one said embarking on a full-body transformation journey was easy. Now imagine doing so while recovering from your third reconstructive knee surgery. Sounds intimidating, right? It is, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Just ask Charles.

Charles has always been active, but when he blew out his knee five years ago and could no longer run or move like he used to, it had a big impact on his life. Between that and frequent work travel, Charles gained a significant amount of weight. Then his wife encouraged him to try the Isagenix products and join the Challenge.

“For me, it was never about winning anything,” said Charles. “I just knew I needed to change up my entire routine, lose weight, and stay as lean as possible for the sake of my knee. I wanted to be able to keep up with my kids.”

Thankfully, the Isagenix products have helped Charles by helping him with his goal of getting lean while keeping his muscle mass, something he has struggled with in the past. Each Challenge has been the perfect way to mark how far he has come.

“I would tell anyone, don’t look at this as a massive transformation you’re going to accomplish all at once,” said Charles. “Break it down into small achievable goals so you can focus on winning the day, and then you’ll start winning the week.”

(And hey, once you’ve won 16 weeks, you’ve done it! You’ve completed the Challenge.)

“When I started my first IsaBody Challenge, little did I know this would finally be the journey I needed to improve my overall health and wellness,” shares Holly. “I’ve been confined to a wheelchair for over 12 years due to a rare neuromuscular disorder called Friedreich’s ataxia, which makes it difficult for me to find the capability and energy to exercise and eat correctly.”

Holly wanted to lose the stubborn freshman 15 she left college with (relatable, right?) but was struggling to lose the weight. Luckily, though, she’s not the type to give up easily.

After watching a close friend and her own mom get great results with Isagenix and the Challenge, Holly knew she wanted in. She started using the products and having great results, but what she didn’t expect was the positivity and support she received from the IsaBody community.

Over the past three years, IsaBody has helped Holly feel more confident about her appearance than she has since being confined to her wheelchair.

“The people I’ve met are truly what makes this experience worth it,” she said. “I can’t imagine a day without this lifestyle, and I am forever grateful for the memories that I have created through this community.”

Turning 36 isn’t normally a big birthday milestone for most, but it was for Jennifer.

“My mom passed away at the age of 36. She was unhealthy mentally and physically and didn’t have a healthy outlet for coping.”

Jennifer dreaded the day she’d turn that same age for a long time. She finally decided it was time to let it stop weighing her down and planned to make 36 her healthiest birthday yet.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my mother.”

Helping others also fueled her IsaBody Challenge journey. She started workouts for her team and guests at a local park. Witnessing people of all different fitness levels showing up and taking charge of their health brought her such joy.

“So many people need better health for a multitude of reasons. It’s such a privilege that Isagenix can pour into people this way. It’s something I don’t take for granted.”

She’s loved what IsaBody has led her to, and now she’s working toward her own “Jen 2.0” transformation. She has her eyes set on receiving her personal training certification and is becoming more proactive with her business.

“Isagenix has so much to offer people. I have so much to offer people, and I am just getting started.”

We can’t wait to see where she goes.

Jerry has a passion for sport and competition, from playing racquetball and coaching the sport at a collegiate level, to biking and running marathons, to now competing globally in kettlebells late into his 70s. I think we can all admire his athletic abilities (and hope we’re in that good of shape at his age, too!). And Jerry has good reason for his dedication to staying fit: He had a heart attack at the young age of 39.

Since then, it’s been easy for him to stick to his exercise and healthy living routines because he knows how important it is to take care of the body that allows him to do the things he loves. Even though he was doing just fine on his own, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t benefit from the IsaBody Challenge, right?

Jerry jokes that his Challenge began when his wife, Liberty, said he could get a $200 product coupon if he let her take some pictures of him. Obviously, he said yes to the photos, and he’s now one of our Judging Period 2 Finalists!

“That’s why I’d tell anyone to give this Challenge a shot,” he said. “You have absolutely nothing to lose.”

At age 79, and after four more heart attacks from 1980 to 2011 and nine stents, Jerry’s not slowing down anytime soon, and he’s thankful that he and Liberty are in this journey together. It’s always helpful to have a partner in reaching your goals

Joe is living proof that persistence pays off. When he was first introduced to Isagenix, he said no. But his team leader wasn’t giving up, thankfully.

“He didn’t know just how much I needed him. If he wouldn’t have patiently waited nearly two years for me to say yes, I don’t know if I’d be walking this Earth today.”

Joe admits to wearing masks most of his life. He used those masks to hide his personal struggles. At Celebration 2019 when Zach Slobin shared his own pain in a keynote speech, Joe knew it was time to take the masks off for good. He started sharing the painful aspects of his own story hoping it would reach others who might be struggling like he had been.

He credits his success in the IsaBody Challenge to the community and accountability at Isagenix.

“This has been the perfect family where I can reveal myself for who I am, scars and all, and take off my mask. The endless support has saved many lives and blessed even more.”

We’re not crying, you’re crying.

7 IsaBody Challenges. 112 weeks. 784 days. When asked where to start describing his journey, John isn’t sure where to begin.

“I lost weight, I gained weight. I was lazy, I worked hard. So many things happened.”

Each day, he was faced with the decision to be better than he was the day before. But he’s quick to point out that it took time to make positive changes to his behavior because it was a roller coaster.

As he describes it, “In the beginning, change resembles a mountain. Climbing it seems endless, but once you reach the top, you see it’s all rolling hills from there on out. Even by making lifestyle changes, you’ll still face ups and downs, but they’re much easier to climb than the mountain in the beginning.”

Over the past 112 weeks, John climbed his mountain many times. Sometimes he wanted to quit, but he didn’t. And he’s so happy he never gave up because he’s now enjoying the fruits of his labor, all because he said yes to the IsaBody Challenge opportunity when it was introduced to him. The consistent high-quality nutrition he was feeding his body and the “Start. Complete. Repeat.” mentality were two of the factors that helped him tackle the mountains and carry on to completion.

Ain’t no mountain high enough for this guy.

Stacey spent most of her life thinking her body was failing her. Her weight made her an easy target for bullies, her metabolism wasn’t as fast as her siblings’, and she quit a sport she loved (volleyball) because the spandex shorts made her self-conscious. Her body was, to her, the enemy.

“I was so focused on what my body couldn’t do that it left me defeated and feeling worthless.”

It wasn’t until a lifelong friend, 2020 U.S. IsaBody® Grand Prize Winner Kim Nase, kept posting about her success with Isagenix and the IsaBody Challenge that Stacey realized what was missing: community. She instantly felt the connection with Isagenix.

“I was greeted with open arms by a team who was excited about my achievements!”

When the pandemic hit this year, the old Stacey would’ve fallen back into bad habits of ordering takeout and sleeping in every day. Instead, she was up early to run before her family was awake. At lunchtime, she’d do HIIT workouts, and when the kids were in bed, yoga. She shaved nearly four minutes off her old 12-minute mile pace and is looking to cut 35 minutes off her last marathon time when the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas marathon reopens for business.

What has she learned over the past 2.5 years since she first signed up for the IsaBody Challenge?

“I’ve come to realize that my body has never failed me; I’m just now giving it the right nutrition to fuel it for greatness. I’ll never feel defeated again because I have an entire community supporting me and cheering me on. Most importantly, I will never feel worthless again because everyone is worthy of this journey for better health.”

July 2019. That’s when Susan’s existence was revolutionized. It was when she started her Isagenix journey not knowing the profound impact it would have on her, and in the long run, so many others around her.

Susan originally set out to lose weight when she started her first IsaBody Challenge, but what she gained ended up being worth so much more.

It wasn’t just about the weight loss (which she rocked!). It was about finally being able to consistently maintain a healthy weight.

It wasn’t the fact that she was finally working out. It was that she’d discovered the energy and motivation to do it six days a week while working two jobs and starting a new business.

It wasn’t simply about counting calories. It was about increasing her nutritional IQ and developing a healthy relationship with food by cutting out unhealthy food addictions and replacing them with nutritious eating habits.

But the biggest reward for her is being able to share her Isagenix and IsaBody Challenge experiences with others. “I’ve been able to build relationships, have conversations, inspire and encourage others, and share life-changing nutrition, all while being paid. I never imagined this is where I’d be, but it keeps getting better, and I’m so grateful!”

So are we, Susan.