[John M Berardi]

INTRODUCING OUR WOMEN'S FINALISTS
by John Berardi, PhD, CSCS

As many of you already know, the PN Challenge Wrap-Up period has ended. And, after receiving a host of amazing PN Challenge stories, we're in the process of making some really tough decisions.

You see, we wanted to narrow down the applications to 8 finalists - 2 men under 40, 2 men over 40, 2 women under 40, and 2 women over 40.

However, we failed miserably.

With all the debate that's been going on around here, we ended up only getting the list down to 15 people - 4 men under 40, 6 men over 40, 3 women under 40 and 2 women over 40.

And I'm proud to introduce each of our finalists - each representing PN in a unique and motivating way.

Now - A Special Thank You
Before moving on, I want to thank each and every applicant for being part of the challenge. Every one of them truly deserves to be a PN Body Transformation Challenge winner.

And we here at PN are very proud of what each applicant has accomplished. Not only do they look good, the discipline, dedication, and commitment they've invested has led to a strong and healthy lifestyle - a PN lifestyle.

So, to all of you who've applied, thanks for being part of this event.

There Can Be Only Two
Of course, in the end, there can be only 2 grand prize winners - 1 grand champion and 1 runner up. And there can be only 1 category winner for each class. Basically, here's the prize structure:

Men Under 40 - 1 category winner
Men Over 40 - 1 category winner

Women Under 40 - 1 category winner
Women Over 40 - 1 category winner

Overall runner up - 1 winner (from any category)
Grand prize - 1 winner (from any category)

So, as of today, we need your help in choosing our winners! You see, it's your vote that'll help us select our winners.

What are the prizes, you ask?

Well, category winners walk away with a digital camera and a lifetime subscription to our Precision Nutrition Online Results Tracker!

Our overall runner up wins 3 months of pre-prepared healthy meals delivered right to their doorstep!

And our overall winner wins a year's worth of free groceries!

So, if you'd be so kind as to take a moment to vote, it'd be much appreciated by not only the PN staff but the entire PN community.

What To Do
In this post, you'll find a before and after photo of each of our female finalists - over 40 category.

And in the thread below this post, you'll find additional photos of each finalist, including their stories (trust me, you'll want to read them).

Please browse through all of their photos and read each of their stories. Then, cast your vote for the finalist that you believe will best represent PN as the PN Challenge winner.

The Female Under 40 Finalists
Ok, without further ado, it's time to look at some pics! Here are our female over 40 finalists in no particular order

Finalist #1
Before and After The
16 Week PN Challenge

*Lost 15lbs of fat while gaining 10lbs of lean mass and dramatically reshaping her body

Finalist #2
Before and After The
16 Week PN Challenge

*Lost 5lbs of fat while gaining 3lbs of lean mass and getting super-ripped

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To learn all about how to make a remarkable transformation of your own, pick up a copy of Precision Nutrition today.

[John M Berardi]

Finalist #1
Female Over 40 Category

My name is Amy and I'll be fifty years old on December 31, 2007.

My exercise love affair began in my late teens, early twenties with the "Nautilus Gym" and Jane Fonda aerobic videos. I also began lifting in my late twenties.

After the high impact aerobic craze I had so damaged my right medial seismoid bone it required surgery for removal. Lucky for me, spin classes were brand new to the scene and thus began my passion for cycling.

I purchased my first road bike about eight years ago and proceeded to lose about twenty pounds in about one year's time. The weight stayed off for a while and my riding continued.

At the time, however, I experienced some problems with TMJ Disorder and depression and the medication which was prescribed for me caused me to balloon up to 153 pounds.

I researched extensively and finally was able to wean off the TMJ medication as well as some of the anti-deppressant medication.

Around that time, I found Bill Phillip's "Eating for Life" and utilized that for a while with limited results. I then found Tom Venuto's "BTFFTM" and stuck with it for a time, again with limited results.

But it was there I first came upon Dr. John Berardi and I promptly bought the Precision Nutrition program. By now, I was no slouch in the gym - I was weight lifting several times per week as well as cycling 8-10,000 miles per year. But my nutrition needed work.

Amy Before the PN Challenge


Amy Before the PN Challenge

The information on nutrient timing as well as what to eat has made all the difference in the world. This is a lifestyle I have no problem keeping!

Amy After The PN Challenge


Amy After The PN Challenge

I currently weigh 125 pounds with a body fat percentage of about 14. This is surely the most fit I've ever been. More people approach me and question me as to how I've become so lean.

Results observed by others and word of mouth advertisement is the greatest asset PN has. I have shared my success with many others already and their response has always been the same. They are thrilled with the information being shared and like me, have experienced wonderful changes since acquiring their new knowledge.

So what did I do to achieve these results. Well, as per the PN plan:

I now eat four to five small meals daily, and only starchy carbohydrates after I work out.

My vegetable consumption has increased to every meal and I am no longer afraid to eat appropriate quantities of healthy fats.

I do consume more lean red meat than prior to PN, but I continue to eat mostly fish and chicken as my protein sources.

I supplement with 6-10 fish oil caps daily as well as 4 lean+ caps and 3 digestive enzyme caps.

I weight lift twice weekly in addition to functional performance training and core training once per week.

My power to weight ratio has increased exponentially with the reduction in weight and body fat and I am now cycling stronger, faster, and longer than ever before.

Editor's Note:
During the course of the PN Challenge, Amy dropped her body weight from 129lbs to 125lbs. While this may not seem like much, wait till you see how much fat she lost!

According to her skinfold measures, she dropped 14lbs of fat while gaining 11lbs of lean mass. And this means she slashed her body fat by about 11%. You see, ladies, you don't have to lose weight to shape up - you have to lose fat!

[John M Berardi]

Finalist #2
Female Over 40 Category

I was physically active ever since my childhood and was fortunate to be brought up in health conscious family.

I have athletic background with horse riding and volleyball as my main sports. But my first real encounter with nutrition and health/fitness industry was in 1992 in South Africa.

I had minor knee operation and was advised to rehabilitate with strength training. From the first time I touched weights I was hooked.

For the next 10 years I studied anything about nutrition and strength training I could lay my hands on. I had no internet available at the time, so I was relying on books and magazines.

I concentrated on heavy lifts with emphasis on compound exercises. Outside the gym I have done lost of cardiovascular work, sprints and plyometric work due to commitments to Indoor and the Beach Volleyball National Team. I loved physical challenges and pushing the boundaries. I just wanted to be the best I could be.

I was encouraged to enter BB competitions by PT at my gym who thought I had the potential to do well. I competed in 6 competitions in 2000/01 season winning them all. Including SA National Open title in 52-57kg category.

Unfortunately, I never realized how taxing it will be on me physically and mentally especially while being on National Team and looking after my family.

After the season was over I felt like I needed more integral Body/Mind approach so I incorporated yoga/meditation into my program and minimized weight training. Not only looking healthy but feeling healthy has become my priority No 1. I have turned to Organic Living with main emphasis on fresh produce and keeping active everyday.

I started to search for like minded people who put their health first and promoted wholesome living that resulted in everyday (not only precontest) lean vibrant energetic body.

Finally I came across Dr. John Berardi’s work. I enjoyed his writing style with all his expertise and what he stands for. I started to follow his nutritional advice.

I purchased PN in March 2007 after seeing Val Waugaman photos. Sorry JB, all your written words weren't enough! It was this chick who flicked the switch. As they say “Picture is worth 1000 words”

I was blown away by Val's transformation and thought that if PN team is responsible for that then I am in.

Alena Before The PN Challenge

I can honestly say that I made wise decision and it was the best spent money ever. No need to search any longer. What I really love is that PN system emphasizes health and wellbeing.

Now everything is real simple and easy, I just follow the instructions and I am set for success. Purchasing The PN system was the best “Investment” for my health I could ever make. Thank you all who put this “Magic” together.

The best decision for me was to get involved with PN community and become more active member of the forum. What a wonderful friendly spirit PN members have. I have met many amazing people and I am very grateful for that..



Editor's Note:
During the course of the PN Challenge, Amy dropped her body weight from 134lbs to 130lbs. While this may not seem like much, for someone who was already in great shape, this is great work - especially with her body composition changes.

According to her skinfold measures, she dropped 6lbs of fat while gaining 2lbs of lean mass. And this means she slashed her body fat from about 15% to a super-ripped 11%. What a difference a few % makes - even without substantial weight loss!