LIVING THE DREAM

Juan Ponte’s life was in danger due to poor health. 

With Max Muscle Sports Nutrition’s help, he is now healthy and fit, and a proud Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchisee.

ON DEC. 17, 2009, Juan and Jessica Ponte opened their first Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store in their new hometown of Columbia, Maryland. Running a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchise was not only a great business venture for the couple, but it was also an opportunity to give the community what Max Muscle Sports Nutrition has given Juan: a second chance at life.

Juan, 38, worked at Cheesecake Factory in Florida for 12 years. During that time, he neglected his body by feeding it unhealthy meals and not exercising consistently. This was a drastic change from his athletic childhood as a fighter in Israeli Martial Arts and no-holds-barred mixed martial arts (MMA). Juan received a wake-up call when he was admitted to the hospital after having a fever for two weeks and suffering from lethargy. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and he had two types of liver disease. Standing at just 5-foot-10, 230 pounds with 33 percent body fat, Juan knew it was time to change his career, and more importantly, his life.

In October 2008, Juan walked into the Max Muscle Sports Nutrition store in Pembroke Pines, Florida where he was provided guidance by Ruben Oliva, the store’s franchisee, who educated Juan on nutrition and supplementation. With the counseling of Ruben and the influence of his fitness mentor, Mike Lee Kanareck, Juan was able to drop 45 pounds of fat, gain 30 pounds of muscle and attain an athletic 12 percent body fat within 16 weeks. He stopped eating (and working) at the Cheesecake Factory and began following a diet rich in protein and vegetables. In addition to twice-a-day MMA-style workouts with Mike, Juan supplemented his diet with Max Pro protein, Max ARM and the multivitamin, Ultra 100.

Four months after Juan was first diagnosed, he successfully lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol and had no trace of diabetes or liver disease. His favorite mix of supplements today is a morning cocktail of Iso-Extreme, Ultra 100, Max Red Synergy and Glutamine, a recipe he learned from fellow Max Muscle Sports Nutrition franchisee Larry Wilcox.

Riding along his journey was his entire family, who were positively impacted by Juan’s health overhaul. His wife, Jessica, is a former gymnast and triathlete. To provide her with adequate amounts of nutrition, strength and energy, Jessica uses Max Pro, Ultra 100, Glutamine, Red and Green Synergy and Xtinguisher. Their 3-year-old daughter, Azhuh, has also become a Max Muscle Sports Nutrition brand representative. “She uses the Little Tiger chewable and in the morning has a sprinkle of chocolate Max Pro protein on her cereal with me!” said Juan.

After experiencing the amazing life transformation that Max Muscle Sports Nutrition encouraged, Juan decided he was ready to open his own store. “Since Max Muscle Sports Nutrition helped me change my life, I wanted to help other people get in the best shape of their lives,” said Juan. With the support of his family, he has successfully begun “paying it forward” to Maryland residents.

Since Juan’s grand opening, he has helped many people, including Donna Jones of Howard City, Maryland. “I was very hesitant to walk into Max Muscle Sports Nutrition since I am a 45-year-old grandmother,” said Donna. “But the moment I walked in, there was an immediate connection. I knew I was in the right place.” Since Donna began the MaxForm 2010 transformation contest, she has become happier, more confident and positive. “My entire family has been positively influenced by the major changes they have witnessed.”

Throughout Juan’s store are pictures of his family’s accomplishments. His daughter trains in gymnastics and Jujitsu. “She throws a mean right cross!” Juan said proudly.

The Ponte family follow Max Muscle Sports Nutrition meal plans and never eat fast food. They enjoy chicken breast with grilled vegetables and try to incorporate weekly activities. Sometimes they go to the gym, play in the snow in Maryland or go swimming when they go down to Miami. They have become the epitome of a fit family, which is a far cry from Juan’s Cheesecake Factory days.

“I don’t have a job, I am living a dream…I go to work and have fun teaching people how to change their lives,” said Juan. “I thank God every day for Max Muscle Sports Nutrition. I am helping others to start living!” MS&F