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The Dad Who Refused to Quit: David Lowery’s HIIT 100 Transformation Story

Battling chronic pain, low energy, and years of unhealthy habits, David Lowery fought through the HIIT 100 Challenge to reclaim his health, energy, and confidence.

The Dad Who Refused to Quit: David Lowery’s HIIT 100 Transformation Story
Written By Jim Stoppani, PhD
Updated November 21, 2025

When David Lowery signed up for Dr. Jim Stoppani’s HIIT 100 Challenge , his goal wasn’t about abs, personal records, or chasing a number on the scale. It was about getting healthy again—for himself and for his family. 

Years of letting his fitness slip had left him sluggish, tired, and unmotivated. Most nights, even getting off the couch felt like too much. He could feel the toll it was taking, not just on him but on the people who counted on him most.

Deep down, he knew something had to change. And it had to start with him. “I’m the only one who can do this,” he told himself. 

That moment became the true beginning of David’s transformation.

Pushing Through Discomfort During HIIT 100 Training

David jumped into the HIIT 100 program with a commitment to give it everything he had. 

The first week tested him hard. On day three, he tweaked his back—no surprise considering the degeneration in his L4 and L5 vertebral discs. Add in grade 3 chondromalacia in his right knee, and every step forward felt like a grind. 

But stopping wasn’t an option. David pushed through every ache, every setback, and every doubt.

“No matter how bad it got, I refused to stop,” he says. “I wanted my life back.”

Six Weeks, 17 Pounds, and a Major Mindset Shift

By the end of six weeks, David’s numbers told part of the story: 17 pounds lost. But the mental shift was just as significant.

“What kept me going more than anything was my family… my wife and boys,” he says. “They were my motivation when I was hurting and my reason to stay the course.”

He didn’t just want to change for himself. He wanted to show his sons what perseverance looks like. “I’m proud that I finished what I started,” he says. “I’m proud I showed my sons that change is possible if you’re willing to put in the work.”

With his energy and confidence back, he finally felt like himself again.

Even after the  challenge ended, David didn’t slow down—he kept running despite his knee issues, training four to five days a week, and even planning to tackle HIIT 100 a second time. “I want to run through it again to see how much further I can go,” he says,

The transformation wasn’t a finish line. It was a reset.

How Changing His Nutrition Accelerated His Results

Nutrition became a huge part of the shift. David moved to a high-protein diet with about 80 grams of carbs a day from fruit and honey. “I focused on animal-based foods and fruit,” he says. “Honestly, I feel incredible. “My body recovers faster, I sleep better, and my energy stays steady all day.”

Supplements played a major role, too. Throughout the challenge, David leaned on several JYM products : Pro JYM Rocky Road protein , Omega JYM fish oil , and Pre JYM .

“The protein especially helped,” he says. “If I missed a meal or needed something post-workout, Pro JYM kept me on track.”

The JYM Army community was yet another key factor in his success “Posting weekly progress photos and getting encouragement kept me accountable and motivated,” he says.

David’s Advice for Anyone Starting Their Fitness Journey

If he could offer one piece of advice, it’s the mindset that carried him through the hardest days.

“You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says. “The hardest part is just starting. But once you begin and start seeing results, you’ll be proud you did. The JimStoppani.com and JYM systems work because they’re built on years of research and real transformations.”

Now, David’s plan is simple: Keep training, keep eating clean, and keep making smarter decisions every day. “Consistency beats everything,” he says. “This journey reminded me that it’s never too late to change—and when you do, it changes everything.”

 


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