Name: Edward Heidenreich
   Age: 41
   Occupation: Musician

What were your reasons for deciding to accept the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?
The year 2002 was the most difficult year of my life. My wife's illness had resurfaced leaving me as the primary caregiver to our 3 young children for much of the year. The music business I started when my employer closed their doors in 2001 was struggling to provide for our family's needs and the combined pressures brought me very close to a breakdown. I entered the contest almost out of desperation. I had to have something positive in my life, for myself and my family. I needed to believe in myself again.

What inspired you to stay on course throughout the 12-week Challenge?
I made a promise to myself and my family. If I were to accept this Challenge, I would accept nothing short of 110% from myself. I would dedicate 84 days to the process and there would never be a doubt that my very best effort was put forth. I could not allow myself to give up under any circumstances.

What obstacles did you have to overcome – what adversity did you transform into positive energy – in order to complete the 12-week Challenge?
My personal and financial circumstances would require me to work out at home. I knew that with my wife's illness, my business and the needs of my 3 children. My time would be at a premium. Every single day I felt pressured to finish my workout early and tend to my children or business. I got up at 4:00 am every day so I could complete my workout. Every completed workout became a small victory. I'm proud to say that I never skipped a workout, even on Christmas. I completed my 84 days as promised.

Please describe your physical improvements in terms of how you measured them.
I set a physical objective to achieve the weight and physical condition of a top welterweight boxer. This provided the vision of my future body. I resolved to develop a great abdominal section and reduce my pant size from 34/36 waist to 30" waist. I set a strength objective to be able to do sets of a dozen overhand pull-ups. I've now achieved all my objectives. I've lost 25 pounds and I'm drastically leaner and stronger. I'm 41 years old and easily in the best shape of my life. I'm back at my high school weight, but my body is 10 times better!

Which EAS supplements did you use, and how much did they help you? Would you recommend those supplements to others to help them achieve the results you have?
Myoplex® and Myoplex® Carb Sense® were key to getting the amount of protein I needed every day. The fact that they taste great was a huge bonus! SyntheVol 2 and HMB helped me get leaner and harder and recover faster between weight training days without excessive carbs. I made visible progress every week. I highly recommend the EAS supplements. My experience was totally positive. I've never been this lean or strong and I know it couldn't have happened without diet, exercise and supplementation. It really takes all three components.

How was your life transformed by improving your physical condition – by deciding to accept the Challenge and sticking with it from start to finish?
By fully dedicating myself to this goal, making promises to myself and my children and delivering 100% on those promises, I have gained so much as a person. Most importantly, I know deep down inside that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. In the past, I've sabotaged myself so many times. This contest was a revelation for me. There were so many factors, physical and emotional that could have made me quit. You have to believe in yourself. I never stopped believing I could win this contest. I really believe that is the key. I may not win, but to achieve these results, I had to believe I would. If you believe. anything is possible.