This Single Mom Lost 38 Pounds, Reclaimed Her Strength, and Redefined Her 40s
After years of setbacks, health struggles, and single motherhood, Jessica transformed her body—and her life—through discipline, consistency, and the fitness lifestyle.
At the end of 2024, Jessica Clark hit a wall.
“I was close to 220 pounds, my blood pressure was slightly elevated, my stamina had dropped, and I didn’t feel like myself anymore—physically or mentally,” she says. “My clothes didn’t fit, my movement felt limited, and my relationship with food and my body was suffering.”
That’s when everything changed.
A Deeper Why
Jessica’s goal wasn’t just to lose weight. It was to feel better, regain her energy, and take control of her health.
“I wanted to feel better, look healthier, and reclaim the version of myself I knew was still in there,” she says.
Now, as of July 2025, she’s dropped nearly 40 pounds and two clothing sizes—down to 182 pounds. She’s stronger in every lift, fits into clothes she once packed away, and moves with more purpose and confidence.
“I move better, feel more capable in my body, and have the energy to show up fully in my everyday life.”
Facing the Reality—and Owning It
At 40 years old, with a family history of cardiovascular issues, Jessica knew it was time.
“One of my long-term goals is to maintain functional independence as I age,” she says.
She’d also battled her own uphill climb. A chronic inflammatory disease. A total hysterectomy. Years of physical and emotional strain as a solo parent and healthcare provider.
“I used to be an athlete,” she says. “And I had lost sight of that part of me over the last few years. Getting it back became non-negotiable.”
Jessica started with Shortcut to Shred , but it was the Super Shredded 8 (SS8) Challenge that really changed the game. “That’s when things really took off,” she says. "And using the Jim Stoppani App [on Apple / android ] to track workouts added a layer of accountability that made a big difference."
She prioritized protein, whole foods, and calorie goals. She tracked her lifts and stayed consistent with Pro JYM , Post JYM , and occasionally Pre JYM .
Just as importantly, Jessica got organized. “Planning was key,” she says. “I’d decide the night before when I was going to work out and made it part of the schedule.”
Her son, now fully aware of her commitment, became her biggest supporter.
"He even held me accountable on days I was exhausted and wanted to skip a workout," says Jessica. "That moment made me realize that the guilt I felt about 'taking time away from him' was just another excuse.
No Excuses, Just Discipline
As a single mom juggling a demanding sports schedule, a medical practice, and military reserve duty, excuses were always available. But Jessica didn’t take the bait.
“When people say, ‘I wish I had your motivation,’ I always respond: ‘I don’t have motivation; I have discipline,’” she says.
She stayed focused through fatigue, travel, social pressures, and the daily chaos of life. “The truth is, there is no secret,” says Jessica. “It’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard.”
Living Strong, Living Well
Jessica doesn’t view this as a temporary transformation. It’s her life now.
“I don’t follow a fad diet. I plan meals, shop intentionally, and leave space for life,” she says. “Tonight, I’m taking my son out for ice cream because it’s summer—and that’s part of living well, too.”
She’s already thinking about her next JimStoppani.com program and the next level of progress. Because this isn’t just a before-and-after story. It’s just the beginning.
"If I could offer any advice," says Jessica, "it’s this: Stop waiting for motivation. Motivation is fleeting and unreliable. Build a plan and stick to it. But give yourself grace. It’s going to feel hard in the beginning. Be honest with yourself and others. Don’t hide your goals. Let people in so they can support you, and so you’re not making quiet excuses in the background."
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