America’s Fittest Couple Challenge 3: The Finish Line

Lisa and Tony Zappa made it to the end of the Challenge! Check out their incredible transformation — inside and out.

And just like that, we’re done! It’s hard to believe we’re already here when it feels like we were just gearing up to start and setting goals. It never ceases to amaze us how fast these challenges fly by. But like they always say, time flies when you are having fun, right?! Just thinking back on where we were when we started to where we are now brings up a lot of emotions.

You always go into these things thinking you have an idea of what to expect, but looking back, neither of us could have ever guessed how much we would grow. This wasn’t just a physical transformation for us. It strengthened us as a couple and tested us in so many ways. There were days we were tired, days when we just needed that extra push. Having each other helps so much.

Our fitness journey began with Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto more than a year ago. We started 2018 with their Unleashed program and have continued to follow them all year long. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’d lean out, then give ourselves a break, then cut back down again.

When we started America’s Fittest Couple Challenge 3, we were both coming back from a “break,” so this came at a perfect time for us. Hannah approaching us to blog for Oxygen really pushed us to give it our all. We made the decision on day one that we were going to give this 150 percent no matter what it took, and we couldn’t be more proud of ourselves. We were surrounded by such a supportive group throughout the whole Challenge, and we just felt like we couldn’t let anyone down, including ourselves.

We’ve always worked out together and are usually on the same program, but this one was different for us. When we set our goals in the beginning, we threw out a number of what we’d like to weigh, what we’d like to look like, and how far we were willing to take our bodies. Not only did we hit our goals, but we also surpassed them. We were both absolutely shocked at the numbers in the end. It was a reminder that if you put your mind to something, you can absolutely achieve it!

The amount of work that Hannah, Paulo, Alexa Uherek and Oxygen put into AFCC3 absolutely shows. We can’t begin to put a price on how much you all did for us. Our lives have changed since our journey with them started, and it’s not over for us! Fitness has always been a passion, but being a part of this journey and having the opportunity to be such a big part of this Challenge has really pushed us even further into what we love.

We ended this one with a bang! When we started, we were approached by our friend DeAnna Harrington to do a fitness photo shoot at the end, which is something we’ve always talked about doing together some day. It was such a fun experience for us as a couple. There isn’t any other person we’d rather do this with, and it’s something that we will have for the rest of our lives. This Challenge got us there, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Now that we’re done, we’re able to go back home to Idaho and spend time with our family for the holidays. Many people give themselves a pass and throw in the towel in “vacation mode,” but after working so hard these past two months and seeing the results, we are happy to say that we are sticking to it.

This is a lifestyle for us and always will be. We feel amazing. We are so happy with ourselves and what we’ve achieved. We are keeping this momentum going in 2019 and beyond. We did, however, allow ourselves some downtime and relaxation, hit up some hot springs with the family and spent quality time with everyone, but our diet is still on point. J

We truly can’t thank Hannah, Paulo, Alex and Oxygen enough. Thank you for trusting us to be a part of this journey with you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to document our experiences throughout the Challenge. And thank you for believing in us. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings. One thing is for sure, though. We’ll still be killing it with Hannah and Paulo’s programs! 

~ Lisa & Tony Zappa

With the America’s Fittest Couple Challenge 3, Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto will bring you and your partner their unique brand of training — PumpFit — to transform your bodies and minds and get you into the best shape of your lives. Sign up today!