Testimonials...

Dana P 9 Months of BCD

Roxy E. 8 Months of BCD

Megan M. 8 Months of BCD

Shauna K. 12 Weeks of BCD

Kristen Won 1st Place 2010 Diva Transformation!
She lost 30 lbs, 30 Inches and
7.7% Body Fat!!

Kristen...

Sundi Won 2nd Place!
She lost 21.6 lbs, 30.25 Inches
and 2.7% Body Fat!!

Sundi...

Confessions of a Boot Camp Diva

Diet pills...checka Cleansing pills...checka Appetite suppressing pills...checka Energy shots...checka Shakes...checka Meal replacements...checka Workout videos...checka Not eating...checka

            I am a cursed perfectionist... and while I like to think I am a fairly intelligent woman, my lessons in humility never seem to stop. The truth is (even when I was at my target weight in my twenties) I have always thought I was too fat!  So, with that self image over the years, it is no surprise that currently I truly am fat! I can say this because now a doctor has actually diagnosed me as Obese... also, Chronic Migraines, Hypothyroidism, Esophageal Reflux, Polycysistic Ovarian Syndrome, Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and a Hiatal Hernia. Maintaining a healthy weight would dramatically relieve and in some cases eliminate many of the symptoms I have associated with these diagnoses. So, all I need to do is lose weight... simple right?

            Over the years I have spent countless hours researching and reading about the new best weight loss plans. While I have often claimed not having enough time for self care, my research did not take place from a treadmill. I have a love/hate relationship with food. You can name almost any emotion and it probably makes me want to eat. I fell into the "always put family and work first" trap that many women do but, I still managed to find time for my favorite television program. Food costs money, prescriptions cost money, new and improved workout equipment costs money, and the pseudo magic pills cost money! And all this doesn't even include the future medical bills that will certainly come as a result of sitting on ones ass for too long.

            The Boot Camp Diva Challenge is something I signed up for because I am competitive. However, it hasn't been easy. My first day at boot camp I didn't even make it 10 minutes before the tears came. By the third or fourth class I managed to last until the stretching before the water works began. After week two I was able to make it to my car first (remember those lessons in humility). I am not sure what it was, maybe endorphins, maybe stress relief, maybe missing my television program :) What I did know is that this was a place I needed and even WANTED to be. More time passed and next thing I knew, I had arrived  at the half way point and lost 15 lbs. and 17.5 inches in just 6 weeks!

            In case you are wondering... I no longer cry at Boot Camp, I can bench press 115 lbs., I have improved on my personal best at running, and I am excited about my new active lifestyle. What I love most about Boot Camp is when the challenge is over, class still happens all year long. The other Diva's and Trainers are incredible and inspiring and I look forward to seeing them. A potential problem could be that if you miss a class you may suffer from Carmel withdrawal (this is a feeling I do not like and am not yet ready for) so I make a point to always do my make-up classes. Thank goodness she is flexible!

            This is no longer about the challenge. If I do the work... 1st , 2nd, 3rd, or last... Thanks to Boot Camp Diva's, I am a happier, healthier me!    

Wanda Won 3rd Place!
She lost 26 lbs, 25.5 Inches
and 2.9% Body Fat!!

Hi Carmel,  

The boot camp challenge has transformed me in many ways.  Before I started, I kept saying that I would work out and change my eating habits but I never did.  Then 12 weeks ago, I saw your flyer at my favorite coffee stop down in Allyn for your challenge which finally motivated me to do something and the next thing I knew, I was going to boot camp.  

In the past 12 weeks, I have worked out, improved my eating habits and I have lost around 20 pounds or so and in addition, I will find out tomorrow how many inches I am down.  Working out has improved my health in many ways.  My back doesn’t hurt anymore, my hands don’t fall asleep and I have a lot more energy.  I should also mention that I can fit back into my clothes that I haven’t been able to wear for 3.5 years.  

My kids watch biggest loser so they have been excited about my progress from boot camp and have been very supportive.  My kids are more conscientious of what they eat and I think they may have shed a few pounds as well.  We all exercise and eat much healthier now so this has not only affected me in a positive way; it has impacted our family lifestyle by creating healthier habits.  

I have many more pounds to go to reach my ideal weight but I am well on my way.  I know if I stop now, it will never happen so I plan on continuing my workouts at boot camp.  I have come to realize that working out and eating right needs to be a way of life – not a temporary endeavor.   

I think back to when I couldn’t bend over and tie my shoes without losing my breath.  I couldn’t walk up the one flight of stairs at work without gasping for air when I got to the top.  I would have to wait to catch my breath before going into a meeting.  It was embarrassing.  I cannot put into words how good it feels to be able to do the simple things like tying my shoes and walking up the stairs without feeling like I can’t breathe.  

I am really glad that you started your boot camp out in Belfair.  It has definitely transformed me in the past 12 weeks and I can’t wait to see what the next 12 weeks will look and feel like.    

Wanda Norman

Kerrie lost 19.5 Inches  & 15.8 lbs!

Jeni lost 20.5 Inches & 3.2% BF!