I Lost 305 Pounds in 4 Years with DDP Yoga and These Major Changes

Losing weight is not easy—but when you're 540 pounds, depressed, and practically bedridden, it can seem impossible. This is what makes the following weight loss story even more impressive and inspiring. Ken Doers lost a whopping 305 pounds, changing his life and starting an incredible new chapter. "I am living my best life right now in my fifties," he says. "I am a pretty lucky guy getting a second chance in life. I'm going to do my best to make the most out of it." So how did he do it? Here's what Ken has to say about his journey, and how exactly he made major changes that just may have saved his life.

Physical Pain

Ken remembers clearly the day he decided it was time for change. Getting up to let his dog out, he felt the familiar aches and pains of all the extra weight on his frame. "Lucky had to go to the bathroom. But I was in so much pain, I couldn't even get out of bed," he says. "I had to roll myself back and forth. Even when I put my feet on the floor, pain shot through my body. It took me forever to get to the front door. Baby steps. That's all I could muster, even with the cane."

Dark Thoughts

Ken was overwhelmed with pain and depression and almost succumbed to some very dark thoughts. "My knees were screaming at me. I was in so much PAIN," he says. "I was winded going to my front door. After taking care of Lucky, I went back to bed. I said, God, either take me now or show me the way. I was going to end it. The people who know me know that's not an idle threat. I was so far beyond angry with myself that I let myself go so badly."

Vance Hinds

Ken was intrigued when a friend of his posted a video of Vance Hinds, who lost 198 pounds in 12 months. "He started off by walking. I couldn't even walk to the front door. But I kept watching his story. Then, the first mention of DDPY came into play. I looked at the program. After seeing how little stress there was on the joints, especially the knees, I signed up that morning.  After one week of doing Bed Flex 1, I found myself getting more flexible. I found it easier to get out of bed. I found it easier to get around the house."

DDP Yoga

Hinds is passionate about DDP [Diamond Dallas Page] Yoga, a program designed for any fitness level. If someone is bedridden or has trouble with their joints, they can start off by doing a workout in bed. As they gain strength, they can try new things.

Small Steps

When Ken realized he could work out from his bed, it started a fantastic fitness journey that led to small yet crucial victories. "I could put socks on," he says. "I could cut my toenails. I could drive my van without the steering wheel rubbing my belly. I could use a seat belt. I could leave my bedroom walking forward and not sideways. I could go down my hallway forward and not walk sideways. I could fit in the chairs at the hospital. I could fit in chairs at the movie theater. I could fit in the dining room chairs. I could get on the floor and play with my dog. I could walk down the steps in the front of the house without fear. I could walk around the house without my cane."

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On the Move

One of Ken's most significant accomplishments was being able to take his beloved dogs for a walk. "I was able to give up my cane," he says. "I was able to enjoy my life. I could go back to the library without fear of falling down the steps. I can take my dog for short walks. I went from a 7X shirt to a snug 2X. My pants size went from a 72 to a 48. I move around easier and am able to run around a little bit and chase my dog around."

Always Striving For More

Ken says he will never give up or stop trying to improve his life. "I started off at 540 pounds," he says. "I've knocked off 140 pounds in my first year. I know I still have a long way to go. There will still be ups and downs. There is no stopping. There will always be new goals. I would like to thank Diamond Dallas Page. Because if it wasn't for this program, I wouldn't have made it out of 2019 alive."

Working Through Grief

Ken was devastated to lose his beloved dog Lucky—but didn't let his grief derail his progress. "I lost Lucky, I lost her in my arms," he says. "I didn't think I could come back from that. I shut down. I didn't quit doing DDPY, though. I did not quit. I had no strength. I had nothing in me. I tried. That's got to come for something, right?"

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Diamond Dallas Page Support

Dallas Page is thrilled with and proud of Ken's progress. "It's not just about weight loss, it's about changing your entire life, helping you own your life," he says. "And Ken was someone that we had been watching for literally years."

Excited For the Future

Ken is excited for the future. "I don't know what's going to happen," he says. "Don't know what the future's going to bring to me. Actually, I do. It's going to keep bringing me good stuff. I'm still going to keep doing good things. I'm still going to keep pressing forward. And it's amazing how much heartbreak, pain, and anger have led to where I am right now. So if I can change, anybody can change, right? You make life how you want to make it."

DDP Yoga Breakdown

The program Ken tried was explicitly designed for people who simply can't do traditional workouts. "If you need to work out lying down, sitting, or need extra support while standing, we built three Limited Mobility level plans just for you. These plans will help you move from your bed to your chair and stand strong on your mat so that you can own your life!" according to the DDPY website.

Bed Flex Plan

Ken started with the DDPY Bed Flex Plan. "A perfect starting point if you're injured, have trouble sitting or standing upright, are recovering in bed, or just haven't been active for a long time. Each Bed Flex workout increases flexibility, loosens joints, and strengthens your core muscles to make sitting up easier."

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Chair Force Plan

DDPY has a follow-on program called the Chair Force Plan. "If you struggle with balance or have trouble standing for long periods, start with Chair Force. While seated in a chair, you'll get your legs and upper body moving with stretches and Dynamic Resistance. You'll be surprised how much you can get your blood pumping without standing!"

Stand Strong

Chair Force is the next phase, which involves actually standing. "Stand Strong focuses on your balance using a chair while standing for added stability. This series is based on the techniques used by Arthur Boorman as he transitioned from canes and leg braces to walking unassisted and even running after years of being told he couldn't." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.