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The Best Transformation Advice From the JYM Army

JYM Army members share the training, nutrition, and mindset lessons behind their dramatic weight-loss and muscle-building transformations.

The Best Transformation Advice From the JYM Army
Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD
Updated September 4, 2026

I can give you a science-backed training program and a nutrition plan designed to produce results. But a successful transformation still comes down to executing that plan—especially when progress slows, motivation fades, or life gives you a dozen reasons to quit.

That’s what makes the JYM Army such a valuable resource. Its members haven’t just studied what it takes to transform; they’ve lived it.

Here, seven of them share the most important lessons they learned while losing weight, building muscle, and taking back control of their health.

Find a Powerful Reason Why

After becoming a father, Mason Upton realized he didn’t want his son growing up with an unhealthy, undisciplined version of him. That purpose gave him the push to clean up his nutrition, track his macros, increase his protein intake, and follow a structured training plan. Over nine months, Mason dropped from more than 230 pounds to 181. The plan produced the physical transformation, but his reason for following it kept him moving forward when doing so wasn’t convenient.

Mason’s Advice

“Have a strong reason why you’re doing it. It becomes much easier to stay consistent and keep pushing forward.”

Just Start

Crystal Samson was 300 pounds when an embarrassing experience at an amusement park forced her to confront where her health was headed. She didn’t attempt to overhaul everything overnight. She started by cutting sugary soda, which helped her lose her first 20 pounds, and then added daily walking. From there, she learned to read food labels, prioritize protein, and pay attention to progress beyond the scale. Two years later, she had lost 160 pounds and reduced her waist from 50 inches to 35.

Crystal’s Advice

“I know what to do now. Consistency is what it takes—no matter what obstacles come up. Just start—and be stronger than your excuses.”

Focus on the Process, Not the Scale

Keri Gomez lost 22 pounds in six months, but the scale didn’t always reward her effort immediately. Instead of allowing a stubborn number to dictate whether her plan was working, she learned to recognize other signs of progress: heavier weights, faster reps, changes in how her clothes fit, and more visible muscle. She also took progress photos, learned her macros, and leaned on her husband for accountability. Those measures helped her see that a transformation can be happening even during weeks when body weight barely moves.

Keri’s Advice

“Working out, eating perfectly clean, and not seeing rapid changes can be discouraging. But I reminded myself: Focus on the process, not just the numbers.”

Stop Chasing Smaller and Start Chasing Stronger

For years, Michelle Wood equated being fit with being as thin as possible. After battling anorexia, she relied heavily on cardio and gave little thought to lifting weights or building muscle. Strength training eventually changed both her body and her definition of progress. From the summer of 2023 to the spring of 2025, she added approximately 20 pounds of lean muscle, tightened her waist, and became an OCB bikini pro. More important, the number on the scale stopped controlling how she saw herself.

Michelle’s Advice

“One of the biggest challenges for me was letting go of the power the scale held over me. But it has been the most liberating thing in the world. I’ve realized that being strong is so much better than being skinny.”

Give the Plan Time to Work

Brittany Sewell spent more than seven years putting her health behind her career and the demands of raising three young boys. When she finally began Shortcut to Shred, the early workouts didn’t deliver an instant rush of energy or confidence. They felt rough. Brittany continued getting up for her 5:30 a.m. sessions anyway. By the fourth week, she had more energy, was sleeping better, and even looked forward to training. After six weeks, she had lost more than four percent body fat—but the routine she established may have been her most important result.

Brittany’s Advice

“For those considering one of Jim’s programs, I would try it for a few weeks and then once you start you won’t want to stop.”

Make Yourself a Priority

Melissa Schloemer has lost more than 120 pounds twice. After completing her first transformation in 2016–17, health problems, broken bones, personal loss, and financial difficulties contributed to her regaining much of the weight. She eventually found a doctor who helped her address her health issues and committed to rebuilding herself. That required something many busy parents find uncomfortable: putting her own needs back on the schedule. Melissa came to understand that taking care of herself wasn’t abandoning her family. It was one of the most meaningful things she could do for them.

Melissa’s Advice

“It takes discipline, determination, and drive. You have to make yourself a priority—because if you don’t, you can’t truly prioritize anyone else.”

Play the Long Game

After retiring from the Army, Ryan Wienhold lost the structure and sense of purpose that had shaped his life for 21 years. His training slipped, his nutrition followed, and his weight eventually reached 250 pounds. Ryan began rebuilding with better nutrition before gradually adding cycling and structured workouts. Despite a move and a temporary return to old habits, he regrouped instead of declaring the transformation a failure. He ultimately reached 189 pounds and reduced his waist from 40 inches to 34. His experience taught him to think in years and habits—not perfect days.

Ryan’s Advice

“Progress takes time, and discipline is key. My journey reminds me that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.”

 


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