On Saturday, August 29, 2009 at high noon, the 4 annual American Boot Camp Company Olympic games got under way to a clear blue sky and crowd of over 60 participants, supporters and family members. Held on neutral ground, at our new Evening Boot Camp meeting spot, the American Legion field at Chastain Park was host to a record setting day full of surprises.
We kicked off the games with the 1 mile run on the PATH. With an out and back course, the run was flat and fast with a beautiful golf course view. The first gold medal of the day went to Brett W. from Chastain AM Camper Team blasting away his competition with a 5:42 mile beating both fellow campers and instructors – the first of four gold medals to go to Campers over instructors. Josh N (Blackburn Instructor – 5:52) and Bill M (Blackburn Camper – 6:00) rounded out the first points on the board.
The group moved quickly back to the main field to compete in the first of many more events starting with the 1 minute situp competition. After careful explanation of the rules for counting, twelve competitors lined up. With the call of “GO!” by impartial judge Sonja G. the participants began cranking out situps. After just 60 seconds, the gold went to Blackburn Park Lead Instructor and reigning gold medal champ, Mari G with 69. Close by was fellow instructor from Blackburn, “FUN” Donna B with 65. Rounding out the competition was Kay Lynn (Blackburn Park Camper with 55). The first of several sweeps for the Blackburn Park location.
Next up pushups. Traditionally Blackburn and Chastain have battled it out over pushups with Chastain winning the previous year’s battle for #1. This year, Blackburn Instructor Brandon Q eked out 77 pushups to win. But Chastain would not stay down for long. The buckled down and took second (Chris Y – 69) and third (Lindsey – 57). Lindsey is only the second female to score points at this event.
As the sun beat down the battle for bragging rights increased with the infamous ab bridge contest. Traditionally the ab bridge has been Chastain’s event. Today the tides would turn. In just over 10 minutes, all Chastain campers and instructors were eliminated leaving the second Blackburn sweep of the day. Brandon Q (10:01) and Beverly R (10:50) both Blackburn Park Instructors set personal best while Kay Lynn M stunned the crowd with her record setting 11:22.
The next events up “crab walk” and “bear crawl” were true boot camp style activities and were anyone’s events to take. Blackburn Park campers Kevin P (1st) and Bill M (2nd) led the way with Chris C, Blackburn Instructor taking 3rd to complete the third Blackburn sweep of the day.
But Chastain wasn’t done. With a surprising last minute substitute, Tiffany B busted out 36 squat thrusts in one minute to take the gold home for Chastain Instructor’s Team. Showing the group that girls can beat boys, Tiffany represented all females with a fantastic showing of strength. Tying for second was Josh (Blackburn Instructor – 35) and Bill (Blackburn Camper – 35) followed by Corey (Blackburn Instructor – 33) in 3rd.
Then final 3 field events were a mix of surprise, photo finish and crazy. The sack race started with a last minute entry by Mari G (Blackburn Instructor) who never even attempted a sack race before, several substitutions in the 3 legged race and a bunch of dips throwing off the competitor in the backwards race. In a photo finish sack race event, Mari G. beat Matt B (Chastain Instructor) by a jump with Suzanne taking 3rd. Then the 3 legged race was dominated by the men of Chastain with team Matt D/Chris Y taking first by only a hair past team Mike B/Brett W. Team Tricia M/Beverly R came in a close 3rd. Finishing up the field races was the backward race won by quietly nimble Chris C (Blackburn Instructor) with Matt B (Chastain Instructors) and Matt D (Chastain Instructors) coming in a close 2nd and 3rd.
The next two events moved to a harder surface and started with a crazy ping pong duck walk where the contestants attempted to drop ping pong balls into Solo cups. In just one minute, Ashley F took the second gold for Chastain Campers with Cara S (Blackburn Camper), Tara B(Blackburn Camper) and Donna B (Blackburn Instructors) tying for 2nd and Suzanne (Chastain Instructors) taking her second medal in 3rd.
The last individual event was the jump rope contest. With a surprise early elimination of last years medal winner Mari G, the contest was anyone’s to win. In just under 10 minutes Donna B from the Blackburn Instructor team scored another first place win out-skipping Sarah G from Chastain Instructors and Mandy M from Chastain Campers.
As the day wore on the only two events remaining were the 4X40 team relay and the team obstacle course. In just under a minute, the four members of each team sprinted one length of the field handing off a water bottle baton to their teammates. In a blink of the eye, Blackburn Instructors led by Josh N, Sarah D, Mari G and Chris C pulled out the gold medal repeat to hold the title of speed. Chastain Campers Team (Brett, Mike Stacia, and Ashley) came in second and Blackburn Camper team took third (Kathryn, Eileen, Bill, and Dusty).
Finishing the day was the craziest of all events – an obstacle course running up hill and including spins, hops, jumps, balance and even a bit of mountain climbing to display how well your team worked together to get to the finish line. With a start off road each team had to complete 5 rotations around a pole with their head/nose touching the pole as they spun. Off balance and dizzy, the team members then had to cross a bridge, head up stairs and up hill to the second obstacle which included weaving under a railing for 20 feet then jumping over a railing for 10 feet. If that wasn’t enough they then sprinted up the hill to another “Dizzy Lizzy” rotation station where they completed 5 additional spins then had a “tire” obstacle to maneuver before sprinting the rest of the way up the hill. At the top of the hill awaited a 30 foot low wall which each member had to walk/run across then sprint over a short distance and climb up a steep embankment all as a team. The last member to finish scored the team time. Chastain instructors took the gold in this even getting their entire team through the course in only 2 minutes and 41 seconds. Blackburn Campers came in second with Chastain Campers coming in third.
The day was finished with a mental challenge won by Chastain Campers. However this wasn’t enough to give them the win. With 7 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 4 bronze medals, Blackburn Instructors took home the win for the 2009 Olympic Games. Blackburn Campers took home second place with 2 golds, 6 silvers and 4 bronze, while Chastain Instructors came in third with 3 golds, 3 silvers and 3 bronze medals. Chastain Campers took home 2 golds, 1 silver and 3 bronze.
Congrats to every single person that participated and cheered on their teams to group and individual victory!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Boot Camp - a great experience to kick your bootie into shape! Can everyone do Boot Camp?
I recently had the pleasure of participating in my first outdoor boot camp ever with The American Boot Camp Company, and it has been a wonderful experience! For four weeks, four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), I participated in the 5:30 a.m. boot camp at Fullers Park and I loved it! It helped me jump-start my fitness regimen by pushing me further beyond my comfort zone. It was tough and it was intense, but I was able to do it and it was worth it! After finishing my first boot camp, I lost 6 pounds, and more importantly, I gained endurance, stamina, muscle tone, and renewed confidence. Also, with the fantastic eating plan they recommended, I am now eating a much healthier diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and other healthy proteins, and I am drinking lots of water.
The instructors/leaders are awesome too! They enthusiastically push you and cheer you on to do more, go faster and go further to get better. Since you're going through the intense workout the other participants, the camaraderie that you get from your fellow boot campers is incredible too! Since the male/female ratio is split equally, and the age range for boot camp is very mixed, with some people in their late teens, and others in their early 50's and everyone else in between, you'll never feel like you're the only man or woman, or the youngest or oldest participant in the group.
I wholeheartedly recommend The American Boot Camp Company to anyone who is looking for a way to jump-start or boost their exercise routine, training, and health. I am looking very forward to doing it again soon!
A question or concern you might have about outdoor boot camp is, "Can everyone do it?” Mari Garner, the owner of The American Boot Camp Company, has the answer:
"The American Boot Camp Company has been running outdoor fitness programs since 2005 and one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, 'Is boot camp right for me?'"
"We advertise that boot camp is great for all fitness levels, but is that really true? Before signing up for boot camp, consider these boot camp truths:
Boot camp is held outdoors and you will get dirty. If exercising in rain, mud or wet grass causes issues for you, then our indoor facility may be a better fit.
There is some form of running every day at boot camp, and because we are use parks, some of that running is on concrete. If you have severe knee issues or any injury that prohibits you from running, you may want to consider swimming as a fitness option, or contact one of our personal trainers.
However, if you just don't "think" you are a runner, boot camp is DEFINITELY FOR YOU. You do not need to be able to run very far when you start, you just need to have the ability to move without severe pain.
You do not need to be fit to join boot camp. You do not need to "get in shape" to come to boot camp, that is what boot camp is all about. But if you have not been moving at all in the past year and decide to join boot camp, give yourself two weeks to start walking and moving for at least 10 minutes a day before you begin. And make sure you attend the orientation the week prior to the start of camp to get acquainted with the program and to get the pre-boot camp homework assignments.
Boot camp is NOT just for weight loss. Our program is an athletic based program and many of our participants compete in triathlons and road races on a monthly basis.
"How do we challenge both out of shape and athletic participants? Well, that is the secret, isn't it? With a 5 to 1 camper to instructor ratio, we are able to break up our larger groups into smaller fitness level groups to provide appropriate workouts for each level of participant. We also have carefully designed larger group workouts and modifications to each exercise so that no matter where you are with your fitness regimen, we can challenge you."
The American Boot Camp Company's Chastain Park (Sandy Springs) and Fuller's Park (East Cobb location, where I had my boot camp experience) locations provide Atlanta runners with an alternative to the gym. The American Boot Camp Company's programs take the guesswork out of cross training and strength training by providing fun, co-ed group workouts in an outdoor setting that will help you become a better runner and stay injury free. For more information, check out The American Boot Camp Company's fantastic program at www.thebootcampcompany.com.
Ready to sign up? Follow the link above, and complete online registration. The American Boot Camp Company does limit the group size in each boot camp, and they are filling up fast for Spring, so don't wait too long!
Mention Fleet Feet Sports Atlanta and save $25 on your first 4-week boot camp at any Metro Atlanta Location. (code FLEET).
The instructors/leaders are awesome too! They enthusiastically push you and cheer you on to do more, go faster and go further to get better. Since you're going through the intense workout the other participants, the camaraderie that you get from your fellow boot campers is incredible too! Since the male/female ratio is split equally, and the age range for boot camp is very mixed, with some people in their late teens, and others in their early 50's and everyone else in between, you'll never feel like you're the only man or woman, or the youngest or oldest participant in the group.
I wholeheartedly recommend The American Boot Camp Company to anyone who is looking for a way to jump-start or boost their exercise routine, training, and health. I am looking very forward to doing it again soon!
A question or concern you might have about outdoor boot camp is, "Can everyone do it?” Mari Garner, the owner of The American Boot Camp Company, has the answer:
"The American Boot Camp Company has been running outdoor fitness programs since 2005 and one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, 'Is boot camp right for me?'"
"We advertise that boot camp is great for all fitness levels, but is that really true? Before signing up for boot camp, consider these boot camp truths:
Boot camp is held outdoors and you will get dirty. If exercising in rain, mud or wet grass causes issues for you, then our indoor facility may be a better fit.
There is some form of running every day at boot camp, and because we are use parks, some of that running is on concrete. If you have severe knee issues or any injury that prohibits you from running, you may want to consider swimming as a fitness option, or contact one of our personal trainers.
However, if you just don't "think" you are a runner, boot camp is DEFINITELY FOR YOU. You do not need to be able to run very far when you start, you just need to have the ability to move without severe pain.
You do not need to be fit to join boot camp. You do not need to "get in shape" to come to boot camp, that is what boot camp is all about. But if you have not been moving at all in the past year and decide to join boot camp, give yourself two weeks to start walking and moving for at least 10 minutes a day before you begin. And make sure you attend the orientation the week prior to the start of camp to get acquainted with the program and to get the pre-boot camp homework assignments.
Boot camp is NOT just for weight loss. Our program is an athletic based program and many of our participants compete in triathlons and road races on a monthly basis.
"How do we challenge both out of shape and athletic participants? Well, that is the secret, isn't it? With a 5 to 1 camper to instructor ratio, we are able to break up our larger groups into smaller fitness level groups to provide appropriate workouts for each level of participant. We also have carefully designed larger group workouts and modifications to each exercise so that no matter where you are with your fitness regimen, we can challenge you."
The American Boot Camp Company's Chastain Park (Sandy Springs) and Fuller's Park (East Cobb location, where I had my boot camp experience) locations provide Atlanta runners with an alternative to the gym. The American Boot Camp Company's programs take the guesswork out of cross training and strength training by providing fun, co-ed group workouts in an outdoor setting that will help you become a better runner and stay injury free. For more information, check out The American Boot Camp Company's fantastic program at www.thebootcampcompany.com.
Ready to sign up? Follow the link above, and complete online registration. The American Boot Camp Company does limit the group size in each boot camp, and they are filling up fast for Spring, so don't wait too long!
Mention Fleet Feet Sports Atlanta and save $25 on your first 4-week boot camp at any Metro Atlanta Location. (code FLEET).
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mud=FUN!
I want to let you know how much I appreciate you and your fellow "black shirts by your side". As I approach my tenth month of boot camp, I found myself reflecting on the way home this morning about the amazing metamorphosis I have been through both mentally and physically, thanks to your team. By following a mantra, "just show up" at 5:45AM, I choose to take care of my wellness first and this better prepares me for the day to day stresses of life. For many years, I have chosen the opposite approach which left me with no energy to exercise in the pm. Physically, I am in better shape today than I have been since college. Truly amazing!!!
Rolling out of bed at 5AM has NEVER been a realistic option in my life, but this morning was especially difficult as I knew heavy rain was in the forecast. "Just showing up" on a cold, rainy morning was a gratifying success and the best way to start my 41st birth day. Rolling around in the mud was cathartic and perhaps enjoyable if you want to call it that. I may not be the youngest camper out there each morning, but as the always cheerful Emily says, "BRING IT!"
Rolling out of bed at 5AM has NEVER been a realistic option in my life, but this morning was especially difficult as I knew heavy rain was in the forecast. "Just showing up" on a cold, rainy morning was a gratifying success and the best way to start my 41st birth day. Rolling around in the mud was cathartic and perhaps enjoyable if you want to call it that. I may not be the youngest camper out there each morning, but as the always cheerful Emily says, "BRING IT!"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Atlanta's Biggest Loser is a WINNER!
The Transitions of Tommy the Cop
My life seemed to be the normal life that everyone had at the time. My life consisted of working, sleeping, eating, spending time with my family, and what ever adventure brought about the day. I had no structure or discipline in what I did from day to day. I worked hard and did my work well. I was a good husband; at least in my eyes. I did not work out or challenge my body or mind to stay strong and healthy. I ate what ever I had in front of my face. I have always been bigger than all of my friends and family; which never seemed to faze me. It all seemed natural. My family knew my lifestyle and I became used to it. I was comfortable and complacent. It was not until five or six months ago that I came to the realization that I was headed for the grave. I wore a size 42 pant, I had man boobs, and I could barely do any activity without dying for air. I began to look closer at the pictures of me. I saw a sad person that knew he was obese. I knew I was overweight, but I felt like I had no options. I always tried the quick fixes; diet pills, diet programs, and any other drastic thing someone overweight would try. I was fat. I was stuck in a rut that I felt I could not get out of and I knew I was dying fast.
My wife and mother always hounded me to go and get my cholesterol levels checked. My father had always had horrific problems with his heart. The problems were attributed to alcohol, cigarettes, poor eating, lack of exercise, and I am sure it was passed down through the family to him. I had to get checked for cholesterol, because I knew it was inevitable that I would follow in my father’s footsteps; I was half way there. So I went to go and get my cholesterol level checked. I waited a week for the results and the day the results were available I got a phone call. This is not the phone call that I wanted. My mom called from St. Louis to tell me that my dad was in St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis. My father had sustained another heart attack and was in ICU. A wave of panic hit me immediately. Is he ok? What happened? How did this happen? Mom are you ok? My mom assured me that my dad was going to be ok and she would call me if any additional information was available. We hung up the phone and not thirty minutes later I got another phone call; it was the doctor’s office. The doctor called me to tell me that my cholesterol level was astronomically high. It was so I they could not believe that I had no side effects of its levels. I was instructed to come back into the doctor’s office as soon as possible. I went into the doctor’s office a couple days later and I was put on high doses of pills to decrease my cholesterol levels. I was instructed to stop eating so bad and start working out. The same song and dance I had heard before.
I went home and had a moment of Zen if you will. I knew I had to change and change quick. I wanted to always be there for my wife. I wanted to live to have kids and see them grow. Lastly, I wanted to live life. I had to change. My wife and I started that change. I tried to work out when I could. I tried to eat better. All this seemed to be working, but I still was not going in the right direction. I still ate bad and I did not work out to the point where it would put a dent in my bad lifestyle.
My wife and I were in bed one night and she was surfing the internet. She came across this contest on 11Alive.com. The contest was titled Atlanta’s Biggest Loser. After my wife quietly read through the page, she hinted to me “do you wanna try out.” I was tired and dragging, probably not listening, which I said “sure.” So we filled out the application and left it at that. About a week later I got a call from the producers asking me to come in for a first interview to be a contestant on the show. I could not believe it. I was shocked and scared at the same time. I said yes and told them I would be at the interview. That is when I first meet Mari Garner. She was one of the interviewees. I was asked a series of questions and I left.
I received a call about three day’s later saying that I made it. I was going to be a contestant on the show. I went to a series of orientations and was told when to meet my trainer again. My wife and I showed up at The American Boot Camp Company Studio in Brookhaven for our orientation. We were told what was expected of us and any other pertinent information that we may need. I started to get nervous. What was I getting myself into with this training? I had to train twice a day, I had to eat on a set food schedule, and I could not do all the things I wanted to do. Now if you remember I had no discipline in my life. I did what I wanted and did not answer to anyone. I now had a trainer and fellow team mates that depended on me. I had a sense of accountability.
I went to training the first day and just then did I remember what it was like to exercise again. I was outside at 5:45 in the morning doing pushups, sit ups, lunges, running, and any other exercise you can do; when in theory I should be in my warm comfortable bed. So I went to work shortly after that and remembered I have another work out at 6:00 in the evening. This went on for three months. I trained hard and I did not stop. I acquired the discipline and structure I needed when it came to working out. I had a balance in my life where I looked forward to changing my life. First I lost five pounds in the first two weeks. Then it went to eight pounds. The pounds then started to shed. Now you need to understand that the training became my life. I was so focused on making a change that it became my life. My wife, family, friends, and work knew that if I wanted to still be around in five years I needed to sacrifice my life now for the future. I found that there was not enough time in the day for work and exercise.
During the training with Mari Garner and the folks at The American Boot Camp Company they did not just train my physically. I was challenged mentally. When you take a obese person and push them physically further than they have been challenged they want to quit. You just want to stop and not continue. You are encouraged, motivated, and challenged to the point where it becomes a obsession. You want to excel. You do not want to quit and you want to see how hard you can push your mind and body.
One of the most fundamental aspects of any lifestyle change is understanding that your body is not only a temple, but it is also a machine. If you feed your body the right fuel it will give you the results that it wants. If you feed it junk fuel it will be run down and not perform. You are more incline to be sick, obese, injured, or dead. We were taught the fundamentals of food consumption. We were educated what food was good and what food was bad. We were taught how much to eat and when to eat it. It is amazing how those who go to train with The American Boot Camp Company are not only being physically trained, but you are being trained on what you need to eat.
I had three long months of intense training. I was challenge to eat right and work out right. I thought that going into this journey with The American Boot Camp Company I was not going to see results. I am five foot eleven. I started out weighing 242 pounds. I worked out with all my heart and I became disciplined on what to consume and what not to consume. Three months later I lost 47 pounds. I am now less than 200 pounds. This was a feat I never thought I could accomplish. I am now five pounds away from my personal target weight. I will continue to work out with Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company even when I reach my goal. They have been the most critically fundamental reason why I have achieved such a large weight loss. I will forever be indebted to Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company.
Here is a sample of my daily activities during the three periods of my life.
1. Entry into Adulthood: I call this because I attribute my most weight gain to this period. This period is one that most working adults lie in and continue to stay in.
6:00am – I get up and get ready for work.
6:30am – I arrive at work. I do not eat. I am still tired. I drink about two Red Bulls waiting patiently for lunch.
12:00pm – Lunch time. A few coworkers and I go to eat. Let’s say we go to Longhorns. I get a steak, back potato fully loaded, and chili cheese fries. I drink about four Cokes. I go back to work not thinking that I just consumed around 1000 calories.
5:00pm – I get off work and head home.
5:30pm – I get home and meet my wife.
6:30pm – we are settled in and deciding what to eat for dinner. Oh boy lets do pizza.
7:30pm - the pizza guy arrives and we dive into our pizza. My wife respectfully eats two slices, while I finish off the entire pizza. Again not realizing what I just did to my body. Holy 1000 calories…..Again.
9:00pm – We are still sitting on the couch and I decide to indulge in about ten Oreo cookies.
10:00pm – Bed time.
I repeat this everyday of the week.
2. Rebirth- This is the time period while I am Training with Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company.
4:30am – I wake up and get ready for training. I eat a orange to prepare me for the workout.
5:45am – I arrive at training. We work out for only sixty minutes, but it intense and you feel your body getting a work out. You are challenged and pushed to exceed your expectations.
7:00am – I feel good. I just had a great work out and I start my day off right.
8:00 am – I arrive at work and throw my breakfast in the microwave. I have two whole wheat pancakes, low fat syrup, yogurt, almonds, and a banana (all portioned controlled).
10:00am – I have a small snack to get me through the day. I have a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter.
12:00pm – Lunch Time! I have a turkey burger and salad. Oddly enough it all taste great and I am not hungry.
3:00pm – I have a small snack to get me through the rest of the day. I have a yogurt parfait.
*just to remind you that from 8:00am through 5:00pm I am at work and still managing to eat my breakfast and snacks.
5:00pm – I head home for the day.
5:30pm – I arrive home to my wife and I preparing dinner. We have baked cod with steamed veggies.
7:00pm – Back to the gym. I train by doing kick boxing or some other cardio type work out.
8:00pm - I head home.
8:30pm – I am home and ready for bed.
9:00pm – After the shower I hop in bed and sleep like a baby.
*I did this type of routine for three months straight. I developed discipline and the foundation that motivated me to want to continue this lifestyle. I learned that it was imperative to not deviate from the program, that my future was dependant on my discipline.
I have continued this program to this date. Although the intensity of the schedule has been brought down just a bit; I have not deviated from the plan. I continue to work out six times a week, which the only reason I do this is because I love to exercise again. I love running with my dogs and exercising with my wife.
I would encourage anyone who has lost the will to make a change; visit Mari Garner and her staff. They provide the most impressive program and services to turn any disbeliever into a believer. As cliché as it sounds I should know, I was one. I now lost almost fifty pounds. I lost six pant sizes. But I regained my self confidence and discipline to survive in order to live a long healthy life.
My life seemed to be the normal life that everyone had at the time. My life consisted of working, sleeping, eating, spending time with my family, and what ever adventure brought about the day. I had no structure or discipline in what I did from day to day. I worked hard and did my work well. I was a good husband; at least in my eyes. I did not work out or challenge my body or mind to stay strong and healthy. I ate what ever I had in front of my face. I have always been bigger than all of my friends and family; which never seemed to faze me. It all seemed natural. My family knew my lifestyle and I became used to it. I was comfortable and complacent. It was not until five or six months ago that I came to the realization that I was headed for the grave. I wore a size 42 pant, I had man boobs, and I could barely do any activity without dying for air. I began to look closer at the pictures of me. I saw a sad person that knew he was obese. I knew I was overweight, but I felt like I had no options. I always tried the quick fixes; diet pills, diet programs, and any other drastic thing someone overweight would try. I was fat. I was stuck in a rut that I felt I could not get out of and I knew I was dying fast.
My wife and mother always hounded me to go and get my cholesterol levels checked. My father had always had horrific problems with his heart. The problems were attributed to alcohol, cigarettes, poor eating, lack of exercise, and I am sure it was passed down through the family to him. I had to get checked for cholesterol, because I knew it was inevitable that I would follow in my father’s footsteps; I was half way there. So I went to go and get my cholesterol level checked. I waited a week for the results and the day the results were available I got a phone call. This is not the phone call that I wanted. My mom called from St. Louis to tell me that my dad was in St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis. My father had sustained another heart attack and was in ICU. A wave of panic hit me immediately. Is he ok? What happened? How did this happen? Mom are you ok? My mom assured me that my dad was going to be ok and she would call me if any additional information was available. We hung up the phone and not thirty minutes later I got another phone call; it was the doctor’s office. The doctor called me to tell me that my cholesterol level was astronomically high. It was so I they could not believe that I had no side effects of its levels. I was instructed to come back into the doctor’s office as soon as possible. I went into the doctor’s office a couple days later and I was put on high doses of pills to decrease my cholesterol levels. I was instructed to stop eating so bad and start working out. The same song and dance I had heard before.
I went home and had a moment of Zen if you will. I knew I had to change and change quick. I wanted to always be there for my wife. I wanted to live to have kids and see them grow. Lastly, I wanted to live life. I had to change. My wife and I started that change. I tried to work out when I could. I tried to eat better. All this seemed to be working, but I still was not going in the right direction. I still ate bad and I did not work out to the point where it would put a dent in my bad lifestyle.
My wife and I were in bed one night and she was surfing the internet. She came across this contest on 11Alive.com. The contest was titled Atlanta’s Biggest Loser. After my wife quietly read through the page, she hinted to me “do you wanna try out.” I was tired and dragging, probably not listening, which I said “sure.” So we filled out the application and left it at that. About a week later I got a call from the producers asking me to come in for a first interview to be a contestant on the show. I could not believe it. I was shocked and scared at the same time. I said yes and told them I would be at the interview. That is when I first meet Mari Garner. She was one of the interviewees. I was asked a series of questions and I left.
I received a call about three day’s later saying that I made it. I was going to be a contestant on the show. I went to a series of orientations and was told when to meet my trainer again. My wife and I showed up at The American Boot Camp Company Studio in Brookhaven for our orientation. We were told what was expected of us and any other pertinent information that we may need. I started to get nervous. What was I getting myself into with this training? I had to train twice a day, I had to eat on a set food schedule, and I could not do all the things I wanted to do. Now if you remember I had no discipline in my life. I did what I wanted and did not answer to anyone. I now had a trainer and fellow team mates that depended on me. I had a sense of accountability.
I went to training the first day and just then did I remember what it was like to exercise again. I was outside at 5:45 in the morning doing pushups, sit ups, lunges, running, and any other exercise you can do; when in theory I should be in my warm comfortable bed. So I went to work shortly after that and remembered I have another work out at 6:00 in the evening. This went on for three months. I trained hard and I did not stop. I acquired the discipline and structure I needed when it came to working out. I had a balance in my life where I looked forward to changing my life. First I lost five pounds in the first two weeks. Then it went to eight pounds. The pounds then started to shed. Now you need to understand that the training became my life. I was so focused on making a change that it became my life. My wife, family, friends, and work knew that if I wanted to still be around in five years I needed to sacrifice my life now for the future. I found that there was not enough time in the day for work and exercise.
During the training with Mari Garner and the folks at The American Boot Camp Company they did not just train my physically. I was challenged mentally. When you take a obese person and push them physically further than they have been challenged they want to quit. You just want to stop and not continue. You are encouraged, motivated, and challenged to the point where it becomes a obsession. You want to excel. You do not want to quit and you want to see how hard you can push your mind and body.
One of the most fundamental aspects of any lifestyle change is understanding that your body is not only a temple, but it is also a machine. If you feed your body the right fuel it will give you the results that it wants. If you feed it junk fuel it will be run down and not perform. You are more incline to be sick, obese, injured, or dead. We were taught the fundamentals of food consumption. We were educated what food was good and what food was bad. We were taught how much to eat and when to eat it. It is amazing how those who go to train with The American Boot Camp Company are not only being physically trained, but you are being trained on what you need to eat.
I had three long months of intense training. I was challenge to eat right and work out right. I thought that going into this journey with The American Boot Camp Company I was not going to see results. I am five foot eleven. I started out weighing 242 pounds. I worked out with all my heart and I became disciplined on what to consume and what not to consume. Three months later I lost 47 pounds. I am now less than 200 pounds. This was a feat I never thought I could accomplish. I am now five pounds away from my personal target weight. I will continue to work out with Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company even when I reach my goal. They have been the most critically fundamental reason why I have achieved such a large weight loss. I will forever be indebted to Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company.
Here is a sample of my daily activities during the three periods of my life.
1. Entry into Adulthood: I call this because I attribute my most weight gain to this period. This period is one that most working adults lie in and continue to stay in.
6:00am – I get up and get ready for work.
6:30am – I arrive at work. I do not eat. I am still tired. I drink about two Red Bulls waiting patiently for lunch.
12:00pm – Lunch time. A few coworkers and I go to eat. Let’s say we go to Longhorns. I get a steak, back potato fully loaded, and chili cheese fries. I drink about four Cokes. I go back to work not thinking that I just consumed around 1000 calories.
5:00pm – I get off work and head home.
5:30pm – I get home and meet my wife.
6:30pm – we are settled in and deciding what to eat for dinner. Oh boy lets do pizza.
7:30pm - the pizza guy arrives and we dive into our pizza. My wife respectfully eats two slices, while I finish off the entire pizza. Again not realizing what I just did to my body. Holy 1000 calories…..Again.
9:00pm – We are still sitting on the couch and I decide to indulge in about ten Oreo cookies.
10:00pm – Bed time.
I repeat this everyday of the week.
2. Rebirth- This is the time period while I am Training with Mari Garner’s The American Boot Camp Company.
4:30am – I wake up and get ready for training. I eat a orange to prepare me for the workout.
5:45am – I arrive at training. We work out for only sixty minutes, but it intense and you feel your body getting a work out. You are challenged and pushed to exceed your expectations.
7:00am – I feel good. I just had a great work out and I start my day off right.
8:00 am – I arrive at work and throw my breakfast in the microwave. I have two whole wheat pancakes, low fat syrup, yogurt, almonds, and a banana (all portioned controlled).
10:00am – I have a small snack to get me through the day. I have a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter.
12:00pm – Lunch Time! I have a turkey burger and salad. Oddly enough it all taste great and I am not hungry.
3:00pm – I have a small snack to get me through the rest of the day. I have a yogurt parfait.
*just to remind you that from 8:00am through 5:00pm I am at work and still managing to eat my breakfast and snacks.
5:00pm – I head home for the day.
5:30pm – I arrive home to my wife and I preparing dinner. We have baked cod with steamed veggies.
7:00pm – Back to the gym. I train by doing kick boxing or some other cardio type work out.
8:00pm - I head home.
8:30pm – I am home and ready for bed.
9:00pm – After the shower I hop in bed and sleep like a baby.
*I did this type of routine for three months straight. I developed discipline and the foundation that motivated me to want to continue this lifestyle. I learned that it was imperative to not deviate from the program, that my future was dependant on my discipline.
I have continued this program to this date. Although the intensity of the schedule has been brought down just a bit; I have not deviated from the plan. I continue to work out six times a week, which the only reason I do this is because I love to exercise again. I love running with my dogs and exercising with my wife.
I would encourage anyone who has lost the will to make a change; visit Mari Garner and her staff. They provide the most impressive program and services to turn any disbeliever into a believer. As cliché as it sounds I should know, I was one. I now lost almost fifty pounds. I lost six pant sizes. But I regained my self confidence and discipline to survive in order to live a long healthy life.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mason Mill Park Boot Camp: Making a Runner out of me
Hey Sonja –
I wanted to let you know how awesome Cyndi was today on our long run. I can run. It has always been something that I can do….but, I am a lazy runner. I have mental issues which you have had to endure over the past 5 months which include but are not limited to:
I have to run with a walkman
You can’t run in front of me ( I will get all tense and drop back…literally, I stop breathing and panic)
I hate to run by myself (but god forbid if I run with someone who runs in front of me!)
I don’t like to run by the same thing twice
Today, my knee hurt and at every step, it hurt more. So, that gave me another great excuse to plod along and mentally ‘gripe’.
So, here comes Cyndi. Yes, I wanted her to go away, but she didn’t. I tried to complain about my knee and she said ‘so what’, you are out here, give it your best. I told her I didn’t have music and she told me a could pick a song and she would sing it (she didn’t like my choice though). So, through all my griping…she pushed me harder. She gave me running tips I never knew but always wanted to know! She encouraged me, got my mind off of the mental issues I deal with on a daily basis and overall, I think I had my best run in 5 months of the ‘long run’. My theory in the past was always to start slow and go slower. At boot camp, that just doesn’t fly. I am a ‘vet’ but I still have so much further to go. You think that at a point, it just becomes a plateau, but it doesn’t. The instructors will always find a spot to help you improve, to help you be your best. And that is why I come back to Boot Camp, day after day, month after month.
A big thank you to Cyndi this morning! Not only did I have a great run, but I learned some great things along the way about running and myself!
A.L.
(p.s. I am breaking a 9 minute mile on Friday J)
I wanted to let you know how awesome Cyndi was today on our long run. I can run. It has always been something that I can do….but, I am a lazy runner. I have mental issues which you have had to endure over the past 5 months which include but are not limited to:
I have to run with a walkman
You can’t run in front of me ( I will get all tense and drop back…literally, I stop breathing and panic)
I hate to run by myself (but god forbid if I run with someone who runs in front of me!)
I don’t like to run by the same thing twice
Today, my knee hurt and at every step, it hurt more. So, that gave me another great excuse to plod along and mentally ‘gripe’.
So, here comes Cyndi. Yes, I wanted her to go away, but she didn’t. I tried to complain about my knee and she said ‘so what’, you are out here, give it your best. I told her I didn’t have music and she told me a could pick a song and she would sing it (she didn’t like my choice though). So, through all my griping…she pushed me harder. She gave me running tips I never knew but always wanted to know! She encouraged me, got my mind off of the mental issues I deal with on a daily basis and overall, I think I had my best run in 5 months of the ‘long run’. My theory in the past was always to start slow and go slower. At boot camp, that just doesn’t fly. I am a ‘vet’ but I still have so much further to go. You think that at a point, it just becomes a plateau, but it doesn’t. The instructors will always find a spot to help you improve, to help you be your best. And that is why I come back to Boot Camp, day after day, month after month.
A big thank you to Cyndi this morning! Not only did I have a great run, but I learned some great things along the way about running and myself!
A.L.
(p.s. I am breaking a 9 minute mile on Friday J)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
TABCC helps you to make exercise a part of your life - forever!
Thanks so much!
Even after doing boot camp 2 years ago, I never thought that would become a person who enjoyed working out. Now, I work out 5 times a week and love it.
Sharon Haggard
Even after doing boot camp 2 years ago, I never thought that would become a person who enjoyed working out. Now, I work out 5 times a week and love it.
Sharon Haggard
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Follow me to Boot Camp
Please, Boot Camp with Me!!
AT LEAST READ ON AND CONSIDER IT, Guys!
To my friends who I spoke with about my
"BootCamp Experience"
and those of you I know who are dedicated to their workouts:
You guys know how I LOVE to share things w/ my buds that I LOVE so that is why I wanted to share this with you!
In June, I decided to sign-up for this BootCamp workout I saw a flyer for in the St.Ives Newsletter! There was a 10am class they were offering so I thought... "why not?" I had been continuously missing my workouts because I was choosing not to go and getting a little bored with the routine of it. Once I made the decision to try it out, I went online and noticed the 10am class was no longer offered. The only one was at 5:45 IN THE MORNING! I had already made the commitment I was going to do it... so despite the fact that I am NOT a morning person... (I'm sure most of you know this from all my late night emails I send out!) I decided to go for it anyway. All I needed to hear from my husband was, "Kelly, you will never do it!"... I was ready to prove him wrong! And I am SO glad I tried it because it was the best month of working out I have ever had! I never missed one workout! That has NEVER happened, EVER in a 30 day period!
Out of over 900 homes in St.Ives, only one other person signed up in June. Without me knowing, so did my buddy, Faith! It was really nice having Faith there with me. I enjoyed a little laugh to wake me up every morning and I didn't want to ever miss since she had made the commitment too! I really liked having her there with me! And if Faith can do it... anyone can! (I got permission to say that, by the way!) Faith did so good and she lost 16 lbs and feels so good about herself and empowered that she could accomplish what she did and has achieved more than I think she thought she could! It IS Empowering!
I can only speak for myself but talking with Faith, even though we are on different fitness levels, we both have almost the same list of reasons why we LOVE BootCamp!
Guys... It was awesome and I really hope you'll consider reading on!!!
__________________________________
Here are my
Top Ten Reasons
I LOVED BootCamp:
10. YOU WILL ENJOY THE OUTCOME SO MUCH, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS A WORKOUT!
By the 3rd week I was actually looking forward to getting up at 5am the next morning! And I never thought I'd say that!
9. BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTORS ARE PROFESSIONAL AND ENCOURAGING AND THEY TEACH YOU HOW TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE NOT THEIRS.
It's not like "An Officer and a Gentelman", I asure you! The instructors are tough but don't yell at you! But they have a way they give you just that little bit of "umph" you need when you are about to let down to keep going! They help us find the edge of our comfort zone and help us take the opportunity to step out of it and stretch what we think is our limit!
8. BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTORS TEACH YOU HOW TO EAT HEALTHY FOR YOUR BODY TO WORK AND RECOVER QUICKLY FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS.
And they will hold you accountable and help you with what you may be struggling with. They take it very seriously and want to help you achieve the results you are looking for!
7. EVERY WORKOUT IS DIFFERENT.
You never get bored because it's never the same ol' thing.
6. WORKOUTS SEEM LIKE THEY ARE 15 MINUTES LONG..
Each workout is 45 minutes long from start to finish. You work continuously and productively thru out the workout. Maybe because you are always doing new things, the time flies by! I swear it feels like 15 minutes! I'm home before 7am!
5. YOU WILL FEEL A DIFFERENCE EVEN AFTER THE FIRST WEEK.
After the first week, I noticed an increase in my energy level and my legs, butt, and waist felt a little tighter and smaller.
4. IT AIDS IN CONQUERING PROCRASTINATION.
Working out is such a big "hurdle" to jump over and that's one of the reasons we feel good when we leave the gym! Getting such a great workout done before 7am not only feels good but you have already accomplished a HUGE hurdle for the day and it makes you that much more productive!
3. MORE ENERGY THROUGH OUT THE DAY.
When I signed up for the 5:45am session, I knew I was going to probably want a nap in the afternoon and be dragging by the time I get to dinner but the EXACT OPPOSITE happened! I have so much more energy now and getting thru my busy day is easier! Not to mention I have WAY MORE energy on the tennis court!
2. GET TO MEET NEW PEOPLE WHO ARE CONQUERING THE SAME GOALS YOU ARE.
You get to meet other people who are in the same boat you are every morning! We all make the commitment to be there for every session, and it makes you go and follow thru! I've met some really nice girls. Going with Faith in the morning has been a big help too! I'm going to feel like a "Loser" if I don't get my tired butt out of bed when Faith gets up to go every morning!!! =)!
1. MY BUTT, LEGS, ARMS AND WAIST ALL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
Enough said here!!!
(My Number One Reason I DON'T like BootCamp...
The first 5 minutes I wake up... but after that it is a piece of cake!)
Please Consider Joining Me!!!
________________________________
After doing lots of traveling in July, I am ready to sign up again in August! It's a 30-day commitment and I truly believe, it is something you all should try at least once! How much fun will this be if we get a BIG group of us to do it in August! We can all go out and celebrate at the end of the month when it's over!
When I signed up, they were offering a special of $50 off. They don't have that promo anymore but they have a Group Rate for First Timers like you!
If we can get at least 5 people to join, you will ALL get to join for $299 instead of $349!
They also have some sort of contest for whoever brings in the most new campers. I think it is a Spa thing... if by chance I should win it, we will put all YOUR names in a hat and draw for it! I really just want you guys to try it with me! Not to win anything! You will LOVE it I promise!
Here is the Link to check it out.
It is the 4-week Fitness BootCamp at Pickneyville Park.
www.TheBootCampCompany.com
AT LEAST READ ON AND CONSIDER IT, Guys!
To my friends who I spoke with about my
"BootCamp Experience"
and those of you I know who are dedicated to their workouts:
You guys know how I LOVE to share things w/ my buds that I LOVE so that is why I wanted to share this with you!
In June, I decided to sign-up for this BootCamp workout I saw a flyer for in the St.Ives Newsletter! There was a 10am class they were offering so I thought... "why not?" I had been continuously missing my workouts because I was choosing not to go and getting a little bored with the routine of it. Once I made the decision to try it out, I went online and noticed the 10am class was no longer offered. The only one was at 5:45 IN THE MORNING! I had already made the commitment I was going to do it... so despite the fact that I am NOT a morning person... (I'm sure most of you know this from all my late night emails I send out!) I decided to go for it anyway. All I needed to hear from my husband was, "Kelly, you will never do it!"... I was ready to prove him wrong! And I am SO glad I tried it because it was the best month of working out I have ever had! I never missed one workout! That has NEVER happened, EVER in a 30 day period!
Out of over 900 homes in St.Ives, only one other person signed up in June. Without me knowing, so did my buddy, Faith! It was really nice having Faith there with me. I enjoyed a little laugh to wake me up every morning and I didn't want to ever miss since she had made the commitment too! I really liked having her there with me! And if Faith can do it... anyone can! (I got permission to say that, by the way!) Faith did so good and she lost 16 lbs and feels so good about herself and empowered that she could accomplish what she did and has achieved more than I think she thought she could! It IS Empowering!
I can only speak for myself but talking with Faith, even though we are on different fitness levels, we both have almost the same list of reasons why we LOVE BootCamp!
Guys... It was awesome and I really hope you'll consider reading on!!!
__________________________________
Here are my
Top Ten Reasons
I LOVED BootCamp:
10. YOU WILL ENJOY THE OUTCOME SO MUCH, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS A WORKOUT!
By the 3rd week I was actually looking forward to getting up at 5am the next morning! And I never thought I'd say that!
9. BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTORS ARE PROFESSIONAL AND ENCOURAGING AND THEY TEACH YOU HOW TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE NOT THEIRS.
It's not like "An Officer and a Gentelman", I asure you! The instructors are tough but don't yell at you! But they have a way they give you just that little bit of "umph" you need when you are about to let down to keep going! They help us find the edge of our comfort zone and help us take the opportunity to step out of it and stretch what we think is our limit!
8. BOOT CAMP INSTRUCTORS TEACH YOU HOW TO EAT HEALTHY FOR YOUR BODY TO WORK AND RECOVER QUICKLY FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS.
And they will hold you accountable and help you with what you may be struggling with. They take it very seriously and want to help you achieve the results you are looking for!
7. EVERY WORKOUT IS DIFFERENT.
You never get bored because it's never the same ol' thing.
6. WORKOUTS SEEM LIKE THEY ARE 15 MINUTES LONG..
Each workout is 45 minutes long from start to finish. You work continuously and productively thru out the workout. Maybe because you are always doing new things, the time flies by! I swear it feels like 15 minutes! I'm home before 7am!
5. YOU WILL FEEL A DIFFERENCE EVEN AFTER THE FIRST WEEK.
After the first week, I noticed an increase in my energy level and my legs, butt, and waist felt a little tighter and smaller.
4. IT AIDS IN CONQUERING PROCRASTINATION.
Working out is such a big "hurdle" to jump over and that's one of the reasons we feel good when we leave the gym! Getting such a great workout done before 7am not only feels good but you have already accomplished a HUGE hurdle for the day and it makes you that much more productive!
3. MORE ENERGY THROUGH OUT THE DAY.
When I signed up for the 5:45am session, I knew I was going to probably want a nap in the afternoon and be dragging by the time I get to dinner but the EXACT OPPOSITE happened! I have so much more energy now and getting thru my busy day is easier! Not to mention I have WAY MORE energy on the tennis court!
2. GET TO MEET NEW PEOPLE WHO ARE CONQUERING THE SAME GOALS YOU ARE.
You get to meet other people who are in the same boat you are every morning! We all make the commitment to be there for every session, and it makes you go and follow thru! I've met some really nice girls. Going with Faith in the morning has been a big help too! I'm going to feel like a "Loser" if I don't get my tired butt out of bed when Faith gets up to go every morning!!! =)!
1. MY BUTT, LEGS, ARMS AND WAIST ALL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!
Enough said here!!!
(My Number One Reason I DON'T like BootCamp...
The first 5 minutes I wake up... but after that it is a piece of cake!)
Please Consider Joining Me!!!
________________________________
After doing lots of traveling in July, I am ready to sign up again in August! It's a 30-day commitment and I truly believe, it is something you all should try at least once! How much fun will this be if we get a BIG group of us to do it in August! We can all go out and celebrate at the end of the month when it's over!
When I signed up, they were offering a special of $50 off. They don't have that promo anymore but they have a Group Rate for First Timers like you!
If we can get at least 5 people to join, you will ALL get to join for $299 instead of $349!
They also have some sort of contest for whoever brings in the most new campers. I think it is a Spa thing... if by chance I should win it, we will put all YOUR names in a hat and draw for it! I really just want you guys to try it with me! Not to win anything! You will LOVE it I promise!
Here is the Link to check it out.
It is the 4-week Fitness BootCamp at Pickneyville Park.
www.TheBootCampCompany.com
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