Here's How The Benavides Family Transformed Through Strength Training At D1 Madison | D1 Daily

The start of a new year is a popular time for people to get in the gym, and the Benavides family is living proof of what can come with dedication.

Ram, his wife Abby and their four children joined D1 Madison in Madison, Ala., in April, before the facility's official opening. Since then, the family has become a staple at the location, pushing themselves and each other to perform their best.

“We try to build that competitive spirit with our kids,” Ram said. “How can I ask my son to put in so much effort and give everything he has to everything he does if I'm not doing it?”

Ram lost 50 pounds and cut 10% body fat since April, and Abby lost 60 pounds while documenting much of her fitness journey through her Instagram, including her top-25 placement in the D1 National Challenge.

Abby said the tight-knit, familial culture of D1 Madison was what kept bringing the family back.

“We've been members of different gyms before, in the past, and everybody is kind of on your own, and everybody does their own thing,” said Abby. “But with D1, something that we've really enjoyed and loved is just that, that personal feeling.”

Ram agreed, once again citing the family's competitive nature.

“It's just welcoming, and you really, truly feel like you're a part of the family, and you create these friendships. So, it's not just going to a place to work out, you're showing up to work out with friends and hold each other accountable for it.”

The culture starts from the top, and in this case with D1 Madison owners Brandon and Lisa Badgely. For them, the relationships they have with their clients means everything.

“We are extremely intentional in our facility about building relationships with our members,” said Lisa. “In the evening hours, I'm there asking members how they're doing. I had a conversation with one of our members where, the dad was recently diagnosed with cancer, so I was checking in with them on that and how the child's doing. There are kids that have sports events, and my head coach shows up to their sports events.”

Lisa described Ram as a “beautiful example” for other D1 members and praised the family's dedication and consistency.

“I don't think people understand what's truly possible. It's one thing to say, 'Oh, he's lost 50 pounds and 10% body fat,' and it's another thing to see the beginning and the end,” said Lisa.

She cited Abby as another great example, saying, “Her body has totally changed. Really, the best testimony is seeing that transformation, not just hearing it.”

Losing weight and body fat weren't the only results from D1. Abby said she had never lifted consistently before D1, and is subsequently lifting more than ever before. Ram, however, had served in Afghanistan multiple times, but still has reached new maxes at D1.

“What's funny is, I've hit my lifetime PRs here at D1,” he said. “To know that I'm 42 years old, but here I am still hitting PR goals… it's been awesome, just a great experience.”

The ever-growing D1 family is made stronger by Ram, Abby and their four children, as well as Brandon and Lisa. Their story shows the power of hard work and dedication, and how a better life can be built right here at D1.