For the past month I have focused entirely on the goal of finishing the physical aspects of The Body For Life Challenge. I have not written much about how the competition actually works. Let me start by pointing out that the after photo is only half of what you are judged upon. You are also required to write a short essay about what you have learned from the experience. The essay is equally as important if not more so than the after photos. Contenders are chosen based on pictures but winners are selected based on the life lessons they have taken away from setting a difficult goal, putting all their efforts into it, and reaching it. If you doubt the importance of the essay like I did, consider this…

Last year’s Grand Prize for men went to this guy:

instead of this guy: