If you know what it’s like to look in the mirror and want to hide because you need to lose weight and change your life, this story is for you. Aram Karapetyan, a Downtown LA Gold’s Challenge winner, went from obese to muscle beast. It’s wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Here’s Aram’s amazing transformation (and some inspiration for you to take the challenge too!)
Meet Gold's Gym Challenge Winner Aram Karapetyan
Q: Why did you decide to take the Gold’s Gym Challenge?
Aram: At 400 pounds with a multitude of health issues, I was fed up with my life and I was already curious about weight loss options. Most people tend to stall out at the research phase. I’ve been there plenty of times myself and never went past it, but then something happened that really set me off.
I needed to break up with my ex and my self-doubt. I'm sort of an "all or nothing" kind of guy, so I decided to find a healthy atmosphere. I realized everyone needs a support group, and professional advice, and a proper setting to track goals. So I decided to join Golds Gym Downtown LA.
Q: What were some of your initial goals?
Aram: I wanted to lose weight but wasn’t sure if I could do it. Through the help of general manager Marcos and my personal trainer, Erick Viera, I was advised to try a meal delivery service with my fitness plan. I couldn't believe it when I lost 20 lbs that week! I lost 100 lbs in just my first 4 months at Golds.
With lots of hard work and a healthy diet, I was close to my goal weight. I ended up getting skin removal surgery. I knew now I had the chance to look the best I've ever looked in my whole life. The Gold's gym challenge was being announced and I thought, “Hey, if I join this thing it will probably motivate me to try my very best!”
I won the Golds Gym Challenge and got called in to model and do a commercial. I couldn't believe it, I would have never dreamed when I was 400 lbs that I would be a fitness model or win a transformation challenge, this was truly a life-changing experience for me at Golds.
Q: What do you love about your changed body? How do you feel about yourself now?
Aram: Many of my health problems completely reversed, it's as if I never had an issue at all. I can finally look at myself and see the handsome man that was there all along. I can honestly say I love myself now. At the end of the day we only have one life to live, so why should we shorten it? I can look myself in the mirror now and compliment myself, and realize my own self-worth.
As for my body, I’ve got a 6 pack! My shoulders literally look like boulders. I love doing bicep curls and toning my guns–they are the first thing most people notice.
Q: How has Gold’s affected your journey?
Aram: Golds is and always has been a very important part of my fitness. Golds provides a motivating, friendly, clean, safe and nurturing environment that sets the right tone for me to carry on with my fitness. It’s where I first found support on this journey. Downtown LA is where I started because it’s close to home and I absolutely love the community there.
Q: What has changed in your life since taking the Gold’s Challenge?
Aram: I came away from the challenge with a transformed body and a new passion for life. Now I work to help others like me live healthy and happy lives through food. I used my Gold’s Challenge winnings to open my own meal delivery service: Muscle Up Meals. We’re opening a new store in West LA in February, Living Foods LA.
Some of what’s unique about us is that we offer:
- A-la-carte ordering
- Meal plans
- Pick-ups
- Ketosis Specific Diets
Take the Gold’s Challenge and Change Your Life
We also asked Aram what advice he would give someone new to fitness and trying to lose weight. He said “Fitness isn't something you just start today and quit tomorrow if you don't see results. It's not a quick fix, it's a commitment.”
It’s true. One of the best ways to be sure you stick to your plan and reach your goals is to take the Gold’s Challenge yourself. We recommend starting the challenge with our FREE 8 Week Shred program.
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