Sam Apodaca weighed 290 pounds in April 2013 and sought help from a personal trainer at his gym. While initially skeptical, he began working with trainer Stephen Lee Todesco, though he struggled with motivation and quitting early in their sessions. By May 2014, Apodaca had lost over 40 pounds, weighing 244 pounds. He credits Todesco's persistence and support along with finding his own motivation for changing his lifestyle and losing weight through diet and regular exercise outside of their training sessions. Apodaca considers Todesco a friend who helped him achieve personal success and transformation.