Hannah Ferguson

After her weight crept up over a number of years, this Ohio native took control of her lifestyle, stayed consistent, and saw steady (and satisfying) results.

Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD

Updated September 28, 2023

Written by Hannah Ferguson

My name is Hannah and I'm from Cleveland, Ohio. I grew up with a background in fitness because of high school, but I was always one of the smallest girls; I could never gain weight or get above 100 pounds.

After high school and into my late 20s, I was drinking a lot and eating whatever I wanted. My metabolism finally caught up to my habits and I gained a substantial amount of weight. It went on slow and then suddenly it was like, "Whoa!"

I was tired all the time, doing simple tasks like stocking shelves at work hurt my legs, and my clothes didn't fit at all. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. That was the time I decided I needed a change.

In January 2015, I decided to set some goals. My main goal was to drop body fat while gaining some muscle mass. I just wanted to feel comfortable again. Since then, I haven't looked back. I found Jim Stoppani and the JYM Army Facebook group in the spring, and since then I've lost a total of 30 pounds.

I've done Super Shredded 8 two times as well as Back and Fourth. Jim's website and the knowledge on it has been such a great tool to learn from, and I'm currently working on the Giant Program. I've also followed Jim's Muscle-Building Nutrition Rules and Dieting 101.

Like other individuals, counting macros didn't work with my busy schedule, but I wasn't discouraged. I learned as much as I could and weighed my food for a couple weeks so I could learn and remember the size portions I should be eating. The Food/Nutrient Database has been the best tool for me to keep my nutrition in check. I eat what I should and eat what I want in moderation.

As Jim always says, it’s not about cutting out foods, but eating them in moderation and as they fit in your lifestyle. The biggest game-changer for me was when I finally decided to start using supplements. Many of us are hesitant to use what's out on the market because there can be a lot of scary ingredients added. I use the main stack of Pre JYM, Post JYM, and Pro JYM protein.

My biggest motivation was to feel comfortable in my body again, to be healthy, feel good waking up, and not struggle with normal activities. The JYM Army, which I consider family, has been my biggest motivation to stick with my workouts. I've never met a better group of individuals than the JYM team. The nutrition aspect was tough, but after seeing results and how I felt really kept me going. It was kind of an epiphany — “Wow, I don’t feel terrible after eating these good-for-you foods.”

My lifestyle change was big. I started waking up at 5am, six days a week, to hit the gym. I started eating breakfast every morning and making sure I had a well-balanced snack and lunch to take to work. There were struggles, but my key to success – I only have one – would be consistency. Keep it going and eventually something that's foreign and awkward becomes habit and a normal part of your everyday routine.

I couldn’t imagine my life any other way than it is now. If I had to give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start their fitness journey or who is struggling, it would be to never give up. On the days I felt like giving up, I didn’t. It took time to start seeing results, and while you think it will never come, it eventually will. It took me a year and two months to lose those 30 pounds. You can do it and you will see results. Never, ever give up.

I plan to keep up with this lifestyle change. It's not a phase or a diet, but a way of life. I want to finish the Giant Program and continue to build up my strong physique. I want to motivate others to be a healthier and stronger version of themselves. My long-term goal is to train others after getting a personal training certification.

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