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Brian,
I did something this past weekend that I
never would have done previously. I ran (and walked) the
Columbus 10K on Sunday. My goal was to complete in under 1:20
and not be last... ;-) Although I was towards the end of the
pack, I did it in 1:18:34 and definitely wasn't last! So I can
proudly say I did it!
I also keep thinking back to a couple weeks ago. I don't think
of working out as "hard". "Hard" to me is something that I'm
not good at or haven't done before - so I can say that running
is hard for me because I was never traditionally a runner.
Working out is up to me to challenge myself on a regular
basis.
For those ladies out there, boot camp gives me the motivation
to keep going and to keep moving to the next level - it's up
to me to make he changes and seeing others is an inspiration
for me to go that extra step (or 6 miles).
Kim
Laura Lynn's story...
 
Pre Camp at 220 Pounds
After 4 camps at
190 Pounds
I am writing this with the hope
that my story can encourage someone who may be thinking they
are “too far gone”…I know I was feeling that way just a short
while ago. The thing is, I didn’t want to be ‘morbidly obese’.
I couldn’t even truly understand how I had gotten to that
point.
I am relatively young (40) and
there is so much living I want to do.
More importantly, I
want to be a good role model for my daughters.
Someone they could look to as an example of how to make
healthy living choices as opposed to someone they were
embarrassed of. For many years I was not a good role model. I
carry shame with me that I had let myself go to the extent
that I did. Years of anti-depressants coupled with a sluggish
thyroid rendered me chronically fatigued. And fat. Even when
I tried to lose weight – I failed. I had never disliked myself
to that extent before and it was extremely debilitating.
At my largest, I was
246lbs.
I had read somewhere that Buster Douglas was 215lbs. I
was sick to my stomache. I don’t know if I mentioned this ,
but I was 119lbs when I got married at age 30. I promptly had
2 beautiful baby girls (both c-sections) and before I knew it,
physically & mentally, I was no longer the woman I had been. I
wanted desperately to be my ‘old’ self again & I knew that if
I was to live the rest of my life the way I wanted to, I had
to make changes. I am not advocating that anyone take
themselves off of any medication, but for me, it was the first
step. No more anti-depressants. I found that without them I
was not as tired and I could manage some exercise. However, I
still needed to find a workout facility with a trainer I could
trust.
Then I found Brian; a Physical
Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, accomplished author and
prior fitness coach of the Columbus Crew. If this man
couldn’t help me, no one could. I also enlisted the support of
my cousin & best friend, Amy. She and I joined Adventure Boot
Camp for Women this past January.
Now, when I started the scale
said 220lbs. (still bigger than Buster!). I just may have
been the heaviest woman in camp. But the atmosphere brought
out my self-competitive spirit and I actually started looking
forward to the alarm going off at 4:30am each morning. I love
working out. It is such an empowering feeling to know that I
AM IN CONTROL OF ME!
Two
weeks into my 4th camp I herniated a disc. I was
devastated. I could barely walk, let alone come
to camp each morning. I was fearful that I would gain all my
weight back and that my back was damaged for life. Brian not
only referred me to a well respected spine specialist, he also
took time out of his personal life to talk to me and give me
advice as to what I could expect and how to come back to
working out slowly.
Had I not been in camp
prior to my injury, I don’t think I would have healed as
quickly as I have.
So, with over a month long
forced hiatus, I am now back to camp each morning.
I
have lost a significant amount of weight (30lbs in 4
months) and I have strength and stamina that I only dreamt
about this time last year.
I know that I have more work to do. I don’t know that
I will ever see my scale say 119lbs again, but today, I am
stronger, leaner, healthier and happier.
I believe in my heart of hearts
that if you want something badly enough you can achieve it.
Just be certain to surround yourself with the right people to
help you. I was fortunate to find Brian and am so grateful to
him. He genuinely wants to help people and that makes him a
hero in my book. As for the other women in boot camp, while I
haven’t had the chance to get to know all of them, there is a
definite camaraderie among us. I have never felt judged, but I
have felt inspired. Every
aspect of my life is better today because of Brian Schiff &
Adventure Boot Camp for Women.
I am looking forward to continuing the process at my 2nd
Boot Camp as I was the one that could hardly get through the
first two days and ended the first boot camp energized and not
wanting to stop. No one could believe that I could
actually be there at 5:30 am let alone get out of bed by 4:30.
I questioned it myself, but it worked. It gave me the
motivation I needed to pay attention to me including my daily
diet.
Starting out at the bottom of the ladder as far as fitness
and health compared to all that attended and then winning the
most improved was a shock to me. I could not believe how many
people noticed the difference. I am very grateful for the
experience and am looking forward to the 2nd boot camp. I
cannot believe how much my health, stamina & overall feel has
improved losing 5.5 pounds (impossible for me) and 10 inches in
just 4 weeks.
Carolyn Redinger
After completing two Boot
Camps, I have already lost 15 pounds, 12 inches and seen an 8%
reduction in body fat! I have been running for over 7 years
and never seen these kind of results from running alone.
I am now halfway through my third Boot Camp and on track to
see even more progress. And I have even managed to shave off
over a minute from my average mile run pace.
I cannot say enough about how
great the whole Boot Camp experience has been. The workouts
are challenging, hence the results, but very fun and there is
a lot of variety from day to day. We are also being given some
great information about nutrition, proper stretching and
injury prevention. At first I thought the 5:30 a.m. start
time would be tough, but it became routine pretty quickly. And
it’s kind of nice to know that at 6:30, when a lot of other
people are just waking up, I am done with my workout for the
day!
Amy Murch
Update: After 6 camps Amy has lost 31 pounds, 15%
body fat and a whopping 22 ¾ inches! Check out the amazing
transformation below.
 
Click Here to Watch Columbus Adventure Boot Camp Clip!
This fitness and weight loss program is honestly the best gift I have given myself. It is motivating, stimulating and challenging…everything my old routine lacked. It jumpstarts my day and I have met a wonderful group of women from all walks of life. I receive dedicated personal instruction – I couldn’t ask for anything more in an exercise program. You need to do this for yourself.
Kristin Daniels
I have somewhat of an unusual testimonial I thought I'd share with you. On Wednesday after our hike I had a dentist appointment to have a crown work up on a tooth that broke. My dentist is here in Yorba Linda, and her name is Caroline Dang.....she's a great dentist. She was drilling away on my tooth when the anesthetic started to wear off.....I motioned her, and she stopped and gave me another shot and continued. She still wasn't finished when I felt the pain coming back again.....she had to stop again and give me yet a third shot to numb me so she could finish. She couldn't understand why the medication was going through me so quickly because I had to have a crown once before and that didn't happen. I mentioned that I had just gone on a "climb up Mt. Everest" that morning and she said that was it.....my metabolism was running so high that the medication was running through my body faster than normal. She was impressed.....so was I!
I really enjoyed the hike....even though I am so badly out of shape, I just hung in there and made it to the top.....like everyone else.....and boy was that view gorgeous! I appreciate that you lag behind for us slower ones.....you make us feel so good about ourselves.....I can't wait for next Wednesday's hike!
Thank you,
Barbara Taylor
I was completely bored with exercising. I have exercised my whole life and needed a change. It's great to be excited about my workout program again. I'm beginning by 3rd camp soon!
Pat Beckman, age 68
The Adventure Boot Camp is simply the best! I particularly like the variety of activities and the sense of fun that's built into the program. I really felt like I was getting the maximum benefit out of the program. I highly recommend the program to anyone wanting to improve their fitness and overall health.
Linda Landers
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about something entitled "Boot Camp". I envisioned a lot of yelling and not the most nurturing environment. However, since day one of camp, I have been nothing but thrilled to wake up and hang out with my newly acquainted friends. After two camps, I have learned so many new exercises that have stirred muscles I didn't know I had! The biggest change for me has occurred in my arms, hips and abs. I feel so much leaner and firm. I'm into a size 4 and my energy level has seen a significant boost. So, whether it's interval training with weights or yoga and Pilates, I look forward to every morning's new adventure. Lisa M.
Wow! What can I say about Boot Camp. I can say so much I don't know where to begin. I am 32 years old and have tried many different things to try and get myself into shape. Including working out with a personal trainer that cost me ALOT of money and just ended up hurting my knees. When I thought about doing Boot Camp the idea of getting up to workout at 5:30 in the morning freaked me out a little. Well, I am currently involved in my second camp. After the first 4 week camp I noticed a difference in my body composition that I never had prior. I have never really had a weight problem, yet was never really toned either. My legs and butt were on the flabby side, and as I get older I noticed it getting worse. Right now I feel so good in my clothes - I can't believe it. People have noticed a change in my body. My hips had started getting little fat pockets on the sides and those are GONE! I am amazed at the results of the training that John gives us. Getting up and working out at 5:30 has been easy to adjust to and believe it or not, I have lots of energy throughout the day. I Love Camp and John Ellis is one of the nicest guys I know. He is not your typical arrogant personal trainer type guy. He is awesome. He is so knowledgeable and so helpful in the morning to everyone in the camp. I can't say enough good things about him. I I love camp and I love what is happening to my body as a result of it!
Thank you for the dedication to all of us! You are awesome!
Lisa Gray
In February of this year, I started my first boot camp with John Ellis, I must say I was a bit unsure of my strength and abilities. Could I even keep up? Boot Camp? I've been there before! In 1988 I left the United States Marine Corps after serving eight years and being in the best shape of my life. Now, I'm a 47 year old female, 50 pounds overweight and in the worst shape of my life. I allowed allowed the corporate demons to suck up my soul for the past 12 years. I have tried every diet in the book from Weight Watchers, Fit For Life, drugs and personal training - unsuccessfully. Now it was time for a rebirth and I knew boot camp would do it. But could I handle it 22 years later when waking up at 0430 is a challenge in itself . Well John Ellis makes sure everyone at camp finds their personal success as he lifts our spirits and demands that each of us embrace our personal strength to the best of our abilities. As this was accomplished so was a gradual physical, emotionaltal transformation. Now while attending my third boot camp, I am stronger, healthier, with noticeable increased energy levels and have dropped one dress size. I have achieved my personal goals and much more . My weight, I no longer worry about because I feel too good to be preoccupied my with negative thoughts. This is truly a life changing experience and if your ready for the commitment, join the journey, come aboard. If not, stay home and sleep your way through life! I did it for 12 years. :-) !!
Sempre Fi
Pat Ortegel
I have been away from a fitness lifestyle for years. I replaced fitness for watching my bottom lines grow. I saw John's ad and was compelled to act for two reasons: #1: it didn't sound like a sissy camp. #2: I had no time management rationalizations to use against exercising locally from 5:30-6:30am, a time slot previously reserved for snoring. What is the result? I have more energy and I am proud of myself for getting something started. I did not choose this program because of John's extensive credentials. Now that I have done this for two weeks, I know that it is his expertise at working different muscle groups every day & incorporating different exercises that has made the workout difficult, and yet possible for me. The variety keeps it fresh and makes it a total body workout. I would highly recommend this program for anyone seeking to rekindle their love for a fitness lifestyle. Melinda, Coto de Caza
I arrived at boot camp overweight and out of shape - a true couch potato who loved food and hated exercise. But, I knew it was time for a change and John's boot camp sounded like just the cure. What I was really looking for was something to jump start me into better fitness and eating habits. What could be better than four weeks of intense fitness training with other women under the guidance of an experienced trainer? And the classes were great! The variety of activities and pace of the class made the hour fly by each day. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of hard work. John pushed me harder than I would ever push myself working out alone. But he also allowed for the individual abilities of each participant. It didn't matter that I was the slowest or the weakest. What matters is that I worked at and improved at everything. And the results are impressive. During the four weeks, I lost eight pounds. I lost two inches each around my chest, waist, and hips. I also lost over one inch on each arm and leg. I improved my one mile run time by 10%. Plus, I have more energy than ever. Best of all, it has given me just the boost I was looking to attain. I'm now eating better, sleeping better, and exercising regularly. I have the hope and belief that I can continue my new fitness habits and my journey to a leaner and healthier me. And I'm looking forward to returning to future boot camps to challenge myself again.
Thanks!
Diana, RSM
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