Derek and Josh
It started with a personal mission. Looking for motivation to get himself into better physical condition, Derek Graham challenged himself and his friends to embark upon a unique 12-week journey. Each would set specific health- and fitness-related goals, and those who accomplished their objectives would celebrate with a group vacation. The caveat: those who didn't reach their goals would donate $2,000 to the vacation fund. "It was a highly motivating element," recalls Derek. "Everyone met their goals."
The challenge grew to a twice-yearly event, and expanded to include family members and colleagues. For nearly a decade, the 12 Week Fitness Challenge encouraged participants to make significant changes in their diet and exercise regimes, and their outlooks as well. And the accountability factor made a difference; time after time, says Derek, participants continued to reach the often aggressive goals they were setting. "The challenge became larger than the individual," he explains. "We developed a natural support system where we motivated each other to maintain focus and stay on track. It was amazing, different from anything I've ever seen."
Even nonbelievers were convinced. When Derek first approached Josh Boyd, with whom he had a collegial relationship, Josh was less than enthusiastic about the process. "I was in decent shape, and taking my fitness and nutrition to the next level wasn't a priority," he says. "I looked good enough to feel confident in myself."
That changed when Josh sustained a serious injury to his Achilles tendon, forcing him to adapt a more sedentary lifestyle. "I put on a lot of weight," he recalls. "But I didn't worry; I told myself I'd eventually get back into shape." At 30 years old, a busy professional who was also planning his upcoming wedding, Josh discovered that the pounds were more stubborn than he'd anticipated. "One day I looked at a photo of myself and it hit me," reveals Josh. "I felt fat and out of shape." An encounter with Derek became a serendipitous event. In August 2010 Josh joined the next 12 Week Fitness Challenge, despite concerns over the cost of missing his goals. "I didn't want to lose that money!" he acknowledges. Derek, however, provided a fresh perspective. "He said that if I made the commitment to turn the page, to get started, he would help me," says Josh.
By the end of 12 weeks, Josh's life had been changed forever. He began to educate himself on proper nutrition and exercise, and applied that knowledge to his endeavors. The changes, he says, came quickly. And they were impressive. In just 3 months Josh lost over 30 pounds and dropped his body fat to below 5%.
The physical changes were stunning, but Josh found that the challenge brought unexpected clarity into his life. "My priorities shifted," he recalls. "I found my calling." And that calling prompted Josh to partner with Derek in a venture that would bring the 12 Week Fitness Challenge beyond their circle. Today they are helping individuals throughout Southern California and around the country as they embark upon their own life-changing journeys.
The 12 Week Fitness Challenge is a comprehensive package designed to address the nutrition, fitness and emotional needs of people seeking to reshape their bodies and reclaim their lives. The program enables participants from all walks of life to come together in a supportive and motivational community through virtual portals and telephone coaching. An initial assessment includes a comprehensive fitness and nutrition consultation, which allows participants to identify their goals, their concerns and the barriers to their success. A personalized fitness, nutrition and supplement plan is created, and the journey begins.
Daily outreach provides instructions on exercise programs and nutritional guidelines, interesting and pertinent health information, and a daily workout. "Everything we provide is designed to add value to the process," notes Derek, who adds that he and Josh receive daily feedback from clients. "They are constantly thanking us for the ongoing support," he says. Participants regularly send questions, as well, and are answered in a timely manner.
"What's critical throughout this process is that participants maintain a belief that they can do this," says Josh. "Our role is to provide support and encouragement, and to help our clients tap into the motivating factors behind their health and fitness goals."
12 Week Fitness Challenge participants aren't banking their success on a $2,000 bet, so setting up a solid system of accountability has become paramount to assisting them in achieving their goals. The community comes together online, with participants encouraged to share their stories, accomplishments and frustrations. "When you post your workouts or your food intake, you're more likely to stay on track," Josh observes. "And when roadblocks occur, our participants gain a tremendous sense of support from their fellow challengers. When you see someone else making changes, it's easier to believe that you can make them, as well."
Change comes in many forms, and the 12 Week Fitness Challenge recognizes this. Participants may opt in to an abbreviated 8-week program that offers the exercise, nutrition and coaching opportunities enjoyed by 12-week challengers.
It's not easy to reshape a body and reclaim a life. The challenge takes dedication, work and effort. But participants of the 12 Week Fitness Challenge enjoy unparalleled rewards. When the journey calls, those with the courage to answer will experience a lifetime of benefits.
Ask the Founders
John Sanchez, NASM-CPT, PES
John Sanchez (NASM-CPT, PES) began his personal training career in Newport Beach, Ca in 2004 and has since then serviced over 10,000 sessions. He pays attention to detail and helps his clients to strive for perfection; whether it is working on their form, mastering their diet, or in just being able to do things that they never have done before. He is a knowledgeable personal trainer who has been very successful not only in helping his clients lose weight and gain strength, but also in improving their posture, rehabilitating injuries, and giving them the tools necessary to successfully achieve their fitness goals- whatever they might be.
"I understand that everyone is different in every way. From their schedules, their motivations, their personalities, their abilities, etc... That is why "cookie-cutter" approaches to fitness don't work. Based on all of these factors, you have to find out initially what your client is capable of and willing to do, and that is where your program design must start."
Email John Sanchez
Scott Perry, NASM-CPT, NESTA
Scott Perry started his fitness journey right out of high school at the age of 19. He began working for one of the largest fitness chains in the world. He learned very fast how to help people reach their fitness goals.
At the age of 21 he grew into a Manager position and was teaching trainers how to properly design workout plans and motivate their clients.
Becoming certified in N.A.S.M (National Academy Sports Medicine) and N.E.S.T.A (National Endurance Sports Trainers Association) he realized that he would need more mentorship and leadership skills.
So, Scott began to seek out some of the best fitness experts in the industry, such as Paul Check, Juan Carlos Santana, and Gunnar Peterson, where he learned a tremendous amount of useful information about training correctly effectively.
From there, he understood that the only way to impact more lives would be if he started a specific style of Group/Boot Camp training program that geared around functional movements. These workouts he found are the only way to bring large groups of people together and truly affect the community by fighting against obesity and disease-related health issues.
He also trains one on one with a very specific few that wish to take it to the next level. He provideds them with indepth help in nutrition, proper ways to stay flexible, and how to stay accountable so you achieve the goal set at hand.
HE ABSOLUTLY LOVES HIS JOB, and you'll know what I mean when you start training.
His #1 goal is to train is to ENSURE YOU GET RESULTS, BOTTON LINE! Everyday he grows by staying in the best shape possible and always learning new and better ways to train his clients.
Email Scott Perry
Parker Green, NASM-CPT
Parker Green is a certified personal trainer throught the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Using a variety of techniques he trains to increase strength, function, and aesthetics. Through a combined program of regulated nutrition, cardio, and strength training, Parker offers the best to his clients and has proven this through results.
Email Parker Green
