Spotlight on Cathy, 50 pounds lighter and feeling fabulous

Not even a year ago, We meet Cathy.  She had just started weight watchers and working out and she wanted to take it to the next level.  She joined Boot Camp Moms and her transformation has been REMARKABLE and we are truly blessed to be on this journey with her!! To date Cathy has lost 50 pounds and is still going strong!! She now works out everyday, runs races, and inspires everyone she comes in contact with. We recently asked her about her journey.

Why Boot Camp?
Well the reason I tried was because of Kyle and Jennifer!
The reason I still do it is because of Kyle and Jennifer and the amazing energy they share.

How did you hear about us?
I had heard it mentioned and alway thought to myself  no way I could ever do that- don't even think about it" but after an evening chat with Kyle she had me believing I could try it!

How much weight you have lost, and what are you doing in addition to Boot Camp?
Well I started out doing classes at the Y and took the suggestion to "cross-train" so in addition to Zumba I started taking different classes.
 I have lost 50 pounds so far.
What I've gained is even more important to me, I don't let fear make my decisions anymore. I'm happier than I've ever been and I LOVE "working" out.

What can you do now that you could not before?
Literally - side planks, one legged jumps- figuratively- anything I committ myself to. I mean I run 5K's now!!

What keeps you motivated and coming to boot camp?
The attitudes of Jenn and Kyle- they are contagious, I have enjoyed getting to know the other moms of BCM's and feeding off of their awesome energy! ("good job LL") it is the most fun I've ever had "working out"


What is your favorite part of boot camp? 
When it's over.... No really, there is this deep sense of satisfaction that I get when I am done. I love the smack talk as well as it keeps me smiling during the whole work out ( even gorilla walks and mountain climbers).

 If someone was hesitant to join boot camp what would you tell them?
I actually just had the chance to have this conversation last week and I said, "Just try it- I was scared to do it but LOVE going every week. You will love the energy and you can move at your own pace. Never let fear keep you from doing something that can make you truly happy- just try it. "

 After 50 lbs of Weight loss

Before her weight loss

Cathy, we are so proud of you and we love having you as part of our group!! Keep up the GREAT work. We can not wait to see what is in store for you!!
Jen and Kyle

Silly Boys, Boot Camp is for Girls (Meet Shannon)

Shannon is our spot light for the month. She started Boot Camp about 18 months ago and soon found out she was pregnant with her third. Most people would stop, not this hard working woman. Even with two girls under 5, she kept working out until she was 8.5 months along. Then, just 5 weeks after her third little girl was born she came back. 

Shannon is always smiling, works hard, and helps push everyone else. She has a strong determination to keep going ... even when she is tired from mid-night feedings. She is stronger then ever, and we are so proud of her.

1.  What made you join boot camp?  I needed to lose the baby weight after my second pregnancy and have never been a fan of the gym. I knew I would need someone to hold me accountable and boot camp does that for me.  

2. What can you do now that you could not do before you started boot camp?  A lot! I don't think I realized just out of shape I was (even when I was thin).  I am so much stronger than I ever was.  I can do push ups, hold a plank, and most recently, do a side plank.  I am consistently coming home and telling my husband that I did something I couldn't do before. It's awesome!

3. How soon did you come back to boot camp after your last pregnancy?  How did boot camp help with your last pregnancy? After my third pregnancy, I came back to boot camp five weeks after delivery.  With my first two pregnancies, I gained almost 50 pounds and was not active at all. This last pregnancy, I only gained 25 lbs.  Boot Camp kept me active and feeling great. I slept better.  I had less aches and pains.  I could chase around my toddler and keep up with my first grader. I lost the weight quickly because I didn't gain a lot of excess weight.  

4. What do you like most about boot camp?  I like the variety. Every class is different. The women are so supportive and wonderful.  

5. What is your favorite part of boot camp?  When it's over! I feel such a huge sense of accomplishment with every workout that I complete. I leave feeling great about what I was able to do that I couldn't do before. There is that feeling of accomplishment every single time I go to Boot Camp.  

6. What is your biggest accomplishment at boot camp?  I think my biggest accomplishment has been the commitment to myself to get fit.  Jen and Kyle have made it so that I want to exercise. I want to be healthy and fit. If I had joined a gym, I most likely wouldn't still be going. Jen and Kyle and this group of women have something that just makes me want to do it and I see the results with every workout.  

7. What do you like about having jen and kyle as instructors?  They are constantly challenging us and our bodies to do more. Jen and Kyle keep me motivated. They know their stuff when it comes to exercise and get results.

8. if someone was hesitant to joining boot camp what would you tell them?  Just do it! The wonderful thing about it is that you start where you are at your level of fitness and you build on that with every workout. It's tough but also amazing.  The sense of accomplishment you get after a workout is addictive.

Here is a update on Carrie Rogers. A mother of 3 boys and recently had a brain tumor removed. She has been with our Boot Camp moms for almost two years now! We plan to do the

How long have you been doing Boot Camp

 2 years in August. 

  

Why Boot Camp

 I wanted a group workout setting that did not include a giant membership fee .

How has Boot Camp helped you physically and mentally.

 Physically exercise helps keep my body conditioned for challenges. Mentally, it helps me focus and think clearer.  It gives my brain a chance to turn off and stop running 8000 miles an hour.  I tend to try to put my stress into my workout, if I feel tired I think of all the things that bother me and use them as motivation to work harder.  

You found out about your brain tumor a year ago, how has boot camp helped you?

 What else would I do? Sit around and mope? I can't do that, I couldn't be who I want to be.  When we found out about this tumor February 2012.  I decided that if it ever became a concern and needed surgery etc.  I wanted to make sure I have everything in my favor.  I can't change anything about the tumor but I can make sure I live an active healthy lifestyle. What I can help do is make sure the overall health of my body is good. That way it should be better able to handle whatever may be thrown at me.  

 It's the only option.  I can't sit around and cry.  It won't do any good.  I can't be angry, yell and throw a fit.  It won't change anything.  I can't sit in a dark room and be a lump.  That won't get me through a day.  The only option is to Believe and have Faith in the challenges we are given to face.  We face challenges to learn and grow from them not to hide from them.  I never could of imagined 2 years ago what a great group of people we were meeting. 

Carrie you are one of the strongest person we know, we love you and wish for a speedy recovery,

you can find out more how Carrie is doing since her Craniotomy on her blog.

Spotlight on Beth Wells

All of Boot Camp Moms has noticed how GREAT Beth looks and how fast and strong she has become!

We recently sat down with Beth to ask what her secret is.  We first asked how much weight she has lost, and what she is doing in addition to Boot Camp?
"I have lost over 50 lbs and I do boot camp 2-3 times a week, zumba and yoga.  I do not believe in the "D" word because then I just obsess about food.  Instead I have just modified my eating habits.  I love fresh fruits and veggies from the local farmers market, have cut my portions and when I want dessert I split one with a friend."

We then asked her what she can do now that she could not before?
Beth told us she has run a 4 mile race as well as a 5k! She also said, she needed to modify all the Boot Camp exercises when she first started. Now, she can finish the reps and only needs to modify sometimes. She is so glad she joined boot camp and exclaimed, "I look and feel GREAT!" 

What keeps you motivated and coming to boot camp?
"I was going to the gym for over 9 months and was not losing weight.  Once I started coming to Boot Camp my body really started changing and my confidence has tremendously increased! I LOVE the energy I have afterwards and how body shape is changing." 
"I also love that there are two trainers, their styles are so different and they motivate in such different ways.  Some days I need someone to yell at me and other days I need positive reinforcement." .... (wonder which one is which, hahaha)

What we love most about Beth's story is she did everything the right way.  She exercises regularly, watches what she eats and indulges from time to time as well.  She has developed a great balance for herself and she is GLOWING!

Beth, we are so proud of you! You have literally changed right in front of our eyes. You are so fast, strong and fit now! Congratulations and keep up the great work!

Carries Blog update on her Tumor. This is why we love our rock star boot camp mom!!!

The friendships and relationships we develop with the girls at boot camp is by far the best part of our time together. Not only do we get to help people develop physically, but we learn each other's personal stories and get to share life together. Most of the time this involves fun and laughter, but sometimes we also share in heartaches. The good news is we get to share those experiences together, rather than someone having to do it alone.

Last week one of your favorite girls, Carrie, found out that she needs surgery for a brain tumor the doctors were monitoring. With a husband and three children under the age of six, Carrie already has a lot that could stress her. This significant health concern would send a lot of us over the edge, but not Carrie.

Just take a look at Carrie's blog at the link below and you can see a glimpse of her personality and spirit. She is keeping folks up-to-date via the blog, but she may not realize that she is inspiring others to be strong with her courage.

http://aprogers.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-want-big-fat-cupcake.html

We have been fortunate enough to witness this emotional strength in addition to her amazing physical conditioning each time Carrie joins us for a class. All the girls love her and we pray for her and her family through this process. However, we also want to thank Carrie for continuing to make us laugh and inspiring all of us to be brave and maintain a joyous spirit no matter the circumstances.

Ali Spotlight Jan 2013

January Spotlight 2013

Boot Camp Moms spotlight is shining bright on Ali this month she looks amazing and it is not just her newlywed glow!! We recently sat down and asked her what is her secret and what could she share with the group. She told us she had always been a runner but one night with some friends she was telling them how she needed to change her workout regime and her body needed to be challenged.  A few of her friends had told her about Boot Camp Moms and told her she would be hooked if she tried it!! Since joining Boot Camp Moms Ali has lost over 20lbs,  can do more push ups than she ever imagined, is lifting heavier weights than she ever dreamed of and her core is the strongest it has ever been!  We asked her, what makes you keep coming back? She told us she loves that we are telling her what to do and she is seeing direct results because of it!  Ali went on to say that she LOVES that every workout is different and she loves how sore she is after class.  She also went on to say anyone who is nervous about trying Boot Camp, just try it you will love it as soon as you do and will feel welcome from the first moment you are there.  She has reached so many personal milestones one of them being a personal record on a race and there are so many more! Ali is so passionate about working out she went on to become AFAA certified (like Jen and Kyle).  She is teaching a boot camp class on her own and she made her class schedule around Boot Camp Moms so she can still get her workout in!! Now that is Commitment!!!  Honestly that is one of the things we are most proud of with Ali, she is helping change other peoples lives and getting them healthy while making sure she gets to workout too! Ali, you are an absolute delight to train and we are so thankful for you as well as PROUD!! Rock on with your bad self Mrs. Q!!  xoxo jen and kyle

Boot Camp Moms Wish for everyone this year is that they put THEMSELVES on their to do list.  When we take time to make sure we are healthy and the best we can be, everything else falls into place.  Commit to Be Fit With All Of US!!!

Summer Spotlight

Mother/Daughter Duo, Rocks Boot Camp

When most people are looking to get into a workout routine they usually look for a friend, co-worker or neighbor to join them.  Our dynamic duo looked right to their family!! Carrie and Stephanie are two of Boot Camp Moms BEST!!  Carrie is a wife and mother of 3 young boys and Stephanie is a mother, grandmother and hard working woman.They come to workout with us 3 times a week are always smiling and continue to work harder and harder!! Kyle and I recently sat down with them and asked them what motivates them. We asked them what is special and unique about working out with each other?  Carrie said, "We are accountablity partners.  We rely on each other to be there as well as encourage each other to come, plus....we know where each other lives haha." Stephanie simply said..." We just love that we are a mother and daughter team working out." When asked about what changes have you both noticed since joining?  Carrie said "It is a GREAT way to cope with stress!" Stephanie said " She is continuing to notice she is much more toned and she is going into her 60's looking good."  We asked them what keeps them motivated to keep coming they both agreed they feel great after every workout! We also asked them to please explain what they liked most about Boot Camp Moms.  They both said " It is great working out with such a wonderful group of ladies.  There is never any judement, in fact no one is ever looking at you they are just trying to catch their own breath (ha ha kyle and I love that). They went on to say, " Kyle and Jen really compliment each other making the classe very hard while pushing everyone to their best while still allowing the classes to have a family like atmosphere with a lot of fun and laughter!" Stephanie went on to say " No one should ever be nervous to try boot camp!  If she can do it anyone can and now she can run faster and do push ups!!"  Honesty, this is what Kyle and I LOVE most about these two fabulous ladies!! It does not matter if you are coming to workout for the first time in 5 years or are an experienced athlete, Boot Camp Moms has a place for EVERYONE to reach their personal best!! With a a commitment to be fit, a lot of hard work and a ton of FUN!!  Carrie and Stephanie, thank you so much for working out with us!! The two of you inspire us and we are so proud of you!! Keep up the good work!! jen and kyle

Kate's Spotlight

Kate after losing 32 lbs!!!!

We are so proud of one of our fellow Boot Camp Mom's!! Kate Donnick has been working out with us since the very begining.  We all have noticed how GREAT she looks, so recently we sat down with her and asked her to share her secrets with us.

First, how much have you lost and how have you done it? "Currently, I have lost 32 lbs my total goal is to lose 50 lbs.  I have been doing Boot Camp, Zumba, exercise videos and Weight Watchers daily.   Secondly, we asked her what can you do now that you could not do before Boot Camp?  Her response..."A REAL PUSH UP!! Before Boot Camp I always had do them on my knees." When we asked her what does she like the most about Boot Camp, her response we LOVED!! Kate said, " I love working out with a group and that the workouts are like a box of chocolates...you never know what you are going to get with Kyle and Jen. You do a different workout everytime and cardio and weights are always included. Kate also went on to say. " For anyone who is on the fence about trying Boot Camp...put your fears aside.  You have nothing to lose except some unwanted weight, reduce stress and gain some positive friendships."

As you can see, Kate sees how to get results!  Working out daily and portion control is the key to  long term success! We are so proud of you Kate!! Keep up the Great work, and we will be there right along side you the entire time!

Boot Camp Moms Spotlight this month is on Timmie Archer!!

We are so proud of one of our Boot Camp Moms...Timmie Archer.  She has reached a HUGE milestone! Over the past 8 months she has lost 65lbs!  We recently sat down with her to find out the secret to her success.  We asked what made you want to lose the weight? She told us it was around Thanksgiving last year and she had heard that people typically gain around 12 lbs over the holiday season.  If that scenario happened to her it would push her up to 200lbs.  That was not what she wanted to happen, she knew right then and there she was going to change her fate.  Timmie started counting calories with a  Lose It Application on her phone.  She went on to add in exercise and saw how creating a balance of diet and exercise creates RESULTS!! Timmie is at Boot Camp each week, and has really made her journey a complete lifestyle change.  Timmie we are so PROUD of you!! We love working out with you each week, and how you make us laugh!! Keep up the Great Work and your Will to Win Attitude.                

Timmy Today!!!

Before her weight loss

Spotlight on one of our Shining Stars!!

Boot Camp Moms is so proud of on our girls, she is the lucky winner of our "Spotlight" this month.  Shannon Parker recently moved here from Alabama, is a working mother of two adorable little girls under 3, and works out with Boot Camp Moms twice a week.  Not to mention she has recently completed the USMC Mud Run in SC, and is participating in the Rambling Rose Tri this weekend...WOW!!

We recently sat down with her and asked what keeps you motivated? She told us "You just got to do it!  Sitting on the couch does not get you anywhere and does not make you a role model for your children."  Shannon loves to look back and say WOW, I did that.  It gives her a great sense of accomplishment and pride.

We also asked how do you fit your workouts in? She told us that her and husband have an agreement.  He watches the kids so she can workout and vice versa.  She said having her workouts scheduled really keeps her on track.  She added, working out gives her a little "her" time which is great, and she gets to workout outside with her fellow boot camp mom friends. 

Shannon wanted to let anyone out there who is considering starting Boot Camp that it has been great for her.  She was just running and was at a baby weight loss stand still.  Doing Boot Camp has made all the difference.

Shannon, you are inspiring to us!! Go KICK SOME TAIL this weekend in the TRI!! WE LOVE WORKING OUT WITH YOU!! Thanks for making our job a blast everyday!! Jen and Kyle

72 Pounds lighter...Congrats Melissa! You look great!

BEFORE

After
Check out Melissa's journey!!!
http://melissardiana.blogspot.com/