Inspirational Mama - Stefanie Valencia

My name is Stefanie Valencia. I started Mama Bootcamp in March of 2009.  At the time I was 25 years old and had 205 lbs on my 5'2" frame. I went back and forth between a size 16 and size 18 dress size.  I had always been overweight. I remember as a child in the 3rd grade thinking, "I can never wear what those little girls are wearing. I'm too big." I eventually grew up into an overweight preteen, teenager and finally adult. I had never once looked at myself and thought, "I look beautiful." Instead, I avoided mirrors, cried when I went clothes shopping, and hated every single picture of myself. Year after year after I told myself, "This is the year, Stefanie. This is the year you get healthy." And, year after year the days came and went.

I was working at a preschool when I met Pantea Dunn. Her children were enrolled in our school. A co-teacher and I had been talking to her, and she had mentioned how she went to Mama Bootcamp. The two of us decided to go. I was not really sure of what I was getting involved in. I didn't exercise. "Run" was not a part of my vocabulary. "BFAS" was definitely not on that word list either. Water? I only showered with it. I drank a soda or two a day. Fast food was not a sometimes food but almost an everyday occurrence. So there I was, with all of these healthy women, at 7:30 in the morning, ON A SATURDAY!! I made it through the core warmup and then came time for cardio. I remember Lorri Ann asking, "Who's walking?." I sheepishly raised my hand. Obviously, I was going to walk. She said to follow a woman because she knew the route. I thought, "Great! She's pregnant. I can keep up with her." Little did I know, the pregnant woman would pass me up by a quarter of a mile. The whole time I'm sweating, I have shin splints and I'm struggling to keep up. This woman was pregnant! So pregnant I didn't see her again because she had her baby. Then as if it wasn't bad enough I hear feet quickly coming up from behind. An old man, who I believe to be bionic, begins to pass me up. He says, "You're not going to let an 82-year old man pass you up, are you?" It was at that moment that I decided enough was enough. I was 25-years old, and a pregnant woman and 82-year old man passed me up. P.S. He caught up and passed the pregnant woman. I signed up that day. I got my measurements done that Monday and by the next Saturday (after lots of epsom salt baths and unbelievable muscle soreness) I officially began my new journey.

The process was not magic, as Lorri Ann continually reminds us.  After all, 25 years of lifelong bad habits are hard to kick. Its been a little over a year and a half, and I have to admit, I still fight those habits. I hated vegetables, and still am not a raw vegetable kind of girl. BUT! I found ways for me to like them. I made sure that I threw vegetables into almost everything that I ate. I gave up soda, and if I needed a fix, forced myself to drink diet instead. My 32oz water bottle was my every day, every where companion. It still is. I stopped the fast food and I did my homework. I began walking 30 minutes a day around Maidu. I then decided I wanted to run. I wanted to be one of those outer loop girls. So I started giving myself small goals. I would jog 10 feet then walk. Until I was jogging 20 feet, then 30 feet, until finally I made it around the whole loop. I'm sure I scared a lot of people because I was huffing and puffing so badly that I sounded like i was in Lamaze or having an attack. But I kept on going. 

Which brings us to today. I am 57 lbs lighter, 102 inches smaller and in a size 8 dress size. Today, "run" is a part of my daily vocabulary. I even have "love" and "run" in the same sentence now. I can look in the mirror, I dont cry when I go shopping anymore, and I jump in front of that camera. As far as my ultimate body goal, I still have not arrived. I still am in process. I will keep running until I hit my goal, and when I do, I still wont stop running. I have to remind myself that its not about my size, its not about the numbers on the scale, and its not about how I look to everyone else. Its about being healthy and loving myself enough to take care of my body. Movement and healthy eating is my new lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I still eat that cookie, and I eat out for dinner with friends, but I know that I am in charge of my body. I am the only one taking care of it. When I eat a little too much, its ok. I do the next right thing for me. I go for that run. I add in another bootcamp session. I say no when I need to say no. The most important message I could say is love yourself. You're worth it. Oh, and "nobody every died from the burn." So, "Go to your happy place! and give me 20 torso twists, 20 bicycles and 20 push ups! 5 sets!"

Inspirational Mama - Julie Henderson

I somewhat accidentally discovered Mama Bootcamp. It was one of those
things that were just meant to be. I had been running at McKinley Park for
several months and had noticed a group of women working with Lorri Ann.
Finally curiosity got the best of me and I decided to stop and see what all
the fuss was about! Lorri Ann was inspiring from the first time I met her.
I watched the group interaction and realized I wanted to be a part of this
incredible experience.

I decided to join Mama Bootcamp in August. My first Bootcamp was
unforgettable. I realized very quickly that this would be a wonderful
experience. Women I had never met encouraged me to succeed. In addition to
the physical activity I soon learned what "finding your mojo" meant. My own
health and well being became of utmost importance.

The better I started to feel the more my life transformed into something
even more beautiful. In addition I was rewarded with results that I was
unable to achieve on my own. I honestly don't recall ever feeling better!

Life is pretty wonderful...especially when you've found your mojo!

Julie

Julie Before

Julie After

Connie Found Her Mojo

Connie Miano found her mojo with Mama Bootcamp. Read her story to find out how:

My story with Mama Bootcamp began over 2 years ago. Prior to joining Mama Bootcamp, exercising on a regular basis was just not part of my life. I had always been slim and never worried about my diet or how much I exercised. However, as I began to get a little older and went through menopause, things began to change. I started gaining weight and developed high blood pressure. Since I have a family history of heart disease, I became a little concerned and thought it was time to change my habits and lifestyle. However, I still lacked self motivation to begin an exercise program on a routine basis.

Then one day, a friend of mine told me about Lorri Ann and Mama Bootcamp. I hesitated in joining so my friend gave my phone number to Lorri Ann. I received a call from Lorri Ann and that is the day when my exercise habits changed!!

In the beginning, Mama Bootcamp was very challenging because I hated to exercise and sweat! I was also never a runner and struggled with it for the first several months. But with the encouragement and specialized training from Lorri Ann, I was able to overcome my struggles. It wasn’t long before I began to see results, which motivated me to continue with Mama Bootcamp and to NOT hate exercising.

The next step, or what I call an adventure with Mama Bootcamp, was training for a triathlon. What?? Are you kidding me? Oh my!! What was I thinking?? That was something I would never consider in my wildest dreams!! I was content with my success in simply attending bootcamp on a regular basis. With the encouragement from Lorri Ann and her coaches, I began tri-training despite my reluctance. There were a few bumps in the road though.

I bruised the ball of my foot, crashed on my bike, but I overcame those little setbacks and decided not to give up! During the tri-training, I didn’t do well in the swimming portion and did not feel ready. But after all the training I didn’t want to miss the event. I decided to participate in the Duathlon. This event consists of a 5K, which replaces the swimming, an18 mile bike ride, and the final 5K. I discussed this option with Lorri Ann and she thought it was a great idea! I completed the Duathlon, which was a rewarding experience I will never forget! It was such an accomplishment for someone like me who always hated to exercise!!!!

I can’t believe it has been over 2 years since I began Mama Bootcamp and I’m amazed that I have been able to steadily continue in an exercise program. I have now lost about 20 pounds, a lot of inches and body fat. I have gone from a size 10-12 to a size 4-6. This program really works as the results tell the truth!! Lorri Ann is amazing and puts her heart and soul in helping you meet your goals. Mama Bootcamp has truly been a positive and rewarding experience for me. All the coaches are wonderful and I enjoy the camaraderie of the fellow mama bootcampers.

My family and friends are very proud of my success and commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I am a much happier, healthier person and loving life! I owe this all to Mama Bootcamp!!

Success Story: Sara found her MOJO!

Sara had amazing success during her first 12 week session with Mama Bootcamp in Elk Grove. Here is her story:

I started Mama Bootcamp in late summer 2010. I had just taken my third and youngest child off to college. I was feeling OLD and my nest was empty. I complained to a friend, and she gave me a magazine with an article about the benefits of Mama Bootcamp. My friend thought it would be a good way for me to learn how to take time for myself, now that my kids were in college, and feel healthier.

My first Mama Bootcamp was Coach Marilyn’s first class in Elk Grove. Even though I had run a little before, it was definitely a challenge. But Marilyn was (and continues to be) so supportive and affirming that I just kept coming back and trying to do more each time. With her encouragement and feedback, and the camaraderie of the group, I have been challenging myself to do more physically and now I’m doing things I never thought I could do.

When I started, my first challenge was running the whole 2 mile course without walking. I ran my first timed mile at 12 minutes, 19 seconds; by February 2011 I was at 9 minutes, 52 seconds! I am feeling strong and healthy, and I continue to run a little faster. I lost 16 pounds and almost 20 inches, and my cholesterol went from 220 to 140. Most importantly, I feel so much better.

Now I am training for a triathlon this summer. I have more energy and my clothes fit better. I look forward to shopping instead of dreading it. But beyond helping me get in shape, Marilyn and Mama Bootcamp help give me a weekly boost of motivation and self-confidence!




Sara in July 2010 ("Before")

Sara in November 2010 after 12 weeks of Mama Bootcamp!

Way to go Sara!

Stefanie found her Mojo!

My name is Stefanie Valencia. I started Mama Bootcamp in March of 2009. At the time I was 25 years old and had 205 lbs on my 5'2" frame. I went back and forth between a size 16 and size 18 dress size. I had always been overweight. I remember as a child in the 3rd grade thinking, "I can never wear what those little girls are wearing. I'm too big." I eventually grew up into an overweight preteen, teenager and finally adult. I had never once looked at myself thought, "I look beautiful." Instead, I avoided mirrors, cried when I went clothes shopping, and hated every single picture of myself. Year after year after I told myself, "This is the year, Stefanie. This is the year you get healthy." And, year after year the days came and went.

I was working at a preschool when I met Pantea Dunn. Her children were enrolled in our school. A co-teacher and I had been talking to her, and she had mentioned how she goes to Mama Bootcamp. The two of us decided to go. I was not really sure of what I was getting involved in. I didn't exercise. Run was not a part of my vocabulary. BFAS was definitely not on that word list either. Water? I only showered with it. I drank a soda or 2 a day. Fast food was not a sometimes food but almost an everyday occurrence.

So there I was, with all of these healthy women, at 7:30 am in the morning, ON A SATURDAY!! I made it through the core warm up and then came time for cardio. I remember Lorri Ann asking, "Who's walking?." I sheepishly raised my hand. Obviously, I was going to walk. She said to follow a woman because she knew the route. I thought, "Great! she's pregnant. I can keep up with her." Little did I know, the pregnant woman would pass me up by a quarter of a mile. The whole time I'm sweating, I have shin splints and I'm strugging to keep up. This woman was pregnant! So pregnant I didn't see her again because she had her baby. Then as if it wasn't bad enough I hear feet quickly coming up from behind. An old man, who I believe to be bionic, begins to pass me up. He says, "you're not going to let an 82 year old man pass you up are you?" It was at that moment that I decided enough was enough. I was 25 years old, and a pregnant woman and 82 year old man passed me up. P.S. He caught up and passed the pregnant woman. I signed up that day. I got my measurements done that Monday and by the next Saturday (after lots of Epsom salt baths and unbelievable muscle soreness) I officially began my new journey.

The process was not magic, as Lorri Ann continually reminds us. After all, 25 years of lifelong bad habits are hard to kick. Its been a little over a year and a half, and I have to admit, I still fight those habits. I hated vegetables, and still am not a raw vegetable kind of girl. BUT! I found ways for me to like them. I made sure that I threw vegetables into almost everything that I ate. I gave up soda, and if I needed a fix, forced myself to drink diet instead. My 32oz water bottle was my every day, every where companion. It still is. I stopped the fast food and I did my homework. I began walking 30 minutes a day around Maidu. I then decided I wanted to run. I wanted to be one of those outer loop girls. So I started giving myself small goals. I would jog 10 feet then walk. Until I was jogging 20 feet, then 30 feet, until finally I made it around the whole loop. I'm sure I scared a lot of people. Because I was huffing and puffing so badly that I sounded like i was in Lamaze or having an attack. But I kept on going.

Which brings us to today. I am 57 lbs lighter. 102 inches smaller and in a size 8 dress size. Today, "run" is a part of my daily vocabulary. I even have love and run in the same sentence now. I can look in the mirror, I don't cry when I go shopping anymore, and I jump in front of that camera.

As far as my ultimate body goal, I still have not arrived. I am still in process. I will keep running until I hit my goal, and when I do, I still won't stop running.

I have to remind myself that its not about my size, its not about the numbers on the scale, and its not about I look to everyone else. Its about being healthy and loving myself enough to take care of my body. Movement and healthy eating is my new lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I still eat that cookie, and I eat out for dinner with friends, but I know that I am in charge of my body. I am the only one taking care of it. When I eat a little too much, its OK. I do the next right thing for me. I go for that run. I add in another bootcamp session. I say no when I need to say no.

The most important message I could say is love yourself. You're worth it. Oh, and "nobody ever died from the burn." So, "Go to your happy place! and give me 20 torso twists, 20 bicycles and 20 push ups! 5 sets!"

Meet Stephanie:

Heidi found her Mojo!

I started looking at Mama Boot Camp when I saw an article in one of the local children's magazines. I saw the before and after photos and testimonials from women who had been successful with the program. I knew I was ready to make changes to live a healthier lifestyle because of all the reasons you hear, but never quite give credit to (I wanted to be around to watch my son grow up, I wanted to look in the mirror and be happy with the self I saw looking back, and I wanted to try to get off the medication I was taking for hypertension). I had heard people give these reasons for weight loss/getting in shape, but until I hit "the breaking point" (150 pounds), I never took it seriously.

I can only say that I loved boot camp so much I decided to sign up for another 12 weeks. Now my goal is to continue to lose inches and body fat percentages (maybe a few more pounds too). Marilyn (the Elk Grove coach) was so supportive, as were the other "campers" that always pushed me to do better. I found running partners and friends that knew words of encouragement I did not even know I needed. I loved that I was held accountable through food logs and code enforcers. Being a teacher, I think I was afraid of what Marilyn's red pen could mean (only kidding). She was never harsh, only constructive ideas were given as feedback to help me be even more successful. I could have never imagined looking forward to getting up on a Saturday morning to meet and work out at Elk Grove Park, but even on the rainiest, coldest days I was there. I can honestly say I had never been committed to working out and losing weight until I found this program. Now I realize this is a lifestyle change, and I love it! Of course sometimes I "fall off the wagon," but I realize that this is not my lifestyle now, so it is easy to pick back up on the things I know I need to do for myself.

After the first 12 weeks I feel amazing. I love getting comments from people I haven't seen in a while as well as from those who have helped me meet my goals along the way. I am excited to see what the next 12 weeks bring, and I am looking forward to completing more 5Ks in the new year.

Here's Heidi before Mama Bootcamp:

And here she is after just 12 weeks of MBC:

Way to go Heidi!!

Sunday Success Story!

Pauline Chetcuti is rocking Mama Bootcamp! She just finished her first 12 week session and is on the way to the wedding dress of her dreams. She's lost 18 pounds, 11% body fat and 32.5 inches since she's started, not to mention 2 pants sizes! Pauline has consistently gone to bootcamp three times a week, and her goal for her next session is to attend 4 times a week. She has started jogging, is rocking the 8 pound weights and stacked side plank position.

Way to go Pauline!

Success Stories from Elk Grove

Sara Rouse lost 1.7% body fat and 5.75 inches in 6 weeks! She is also working towards a 10 minute mile (her starting mile was 12:19, she is already down to 11 minutes, having shaved off a full 1:19)!

Tonya Fowler lost 1% body fat and 11 inches

Kristi Petrinovich lost 1.4% body fat and 3.5 inches

Awesome job ladies!

Cathy found her Mojo!

With a sedentary lifestyle at a computer all day, my hips and shoulders were starting to give me pain. Plus, I had been steadily packing on the pounds over the last several years. I was feeling down…a lot.

Then one day in January, I’m sitting in my hairdresser’s chair with goop all over my hair and I start talking about an upcoming cruise. I mention how depressing it is to think about donning swimwear in public, and that’s when the magic happened. Caprice White (you might know her as a fellow boot camper) started telling me about a new fitness program she had recently signed up for, Mama Boot Camp. She described how great the workouts were and what it has done for her. I was definitely intrigued, so she suggested I give the “Main Mama”, Lorri Ann a call— right there on the spot—goop and all. She used her own cell phone to make my call.

The minute I heard Lorri Ann’s voice and her zest for life, I knew Mama Boot Camp would be good for me. I just had no idea it would be this FUN!

First and foremost the workouts are outdoors, “Rain or shine” and I love that! I’m not really a machine kind of person. But it’s more than the workouts. It’s the nutrition, and the water and the mindset for positive change. I am jazzed by the camaraderie of like-minded women coming together for motivation. I feel that everyone around me is experiencing the same excitement.

Lorri Ann really cares; therefore her trainers care, which in turn makes the boot campers care. Her enthusiasm is contagious. If you follow her advice you WILL lose inches. As living proof, I lost 31 inches all over my body in my first 12 weeks and went from a size 14 to a size 10! I jogged/walked my first 5 K at the Mama Boot Camp Fall Fun run, and the “firsts” are still coming. I have never run a mile in my life without stopping, and I just broke that barrier. I am now finishing my second 12 weeks, and the Mojo just keeps building on itself!

To wrap this up with a little kick, my first official day just happened to be my 55th birthday. Rock on 2010! I love life again. And speaking of loving, it’s done great things for my own love life! Don’t wait for a birthday, or a cruise, or any special occasion, though. Do it now and you will be prepared for that special occasion when it appears.

Lorri Ann inspires lifestyle changes. I am eternally grateful for Mama Boot Camp!

Cathy "before"

Cathy "after"

Success Story: Dana found her Mojo!

I considered myself an active person or at least I had convinced myself that I was active. I belonged to a local gym for a number of years but my attendance there was quite rare. I would make an effort (about once a year) to start a workout routine but I lacked self motivation. No one at the gym cared whether I was there or not as long as the payments kept coming. I did enjoy other activities which included playing on a coed soccer team once a week (weekend warrior) and occasionally playing golf with the family. Although I wouldn’t admit that I had a weight issue, with each passing year the pounds continued to creep higher. This was just a fact of life for me along with having to get older. Again, my lack of self motivation to make any changes was holding me back.

Last August, a friend of mine asked me to come with her to try out this program called Mama Bootcamp. I went along to try it out with her but wasn’t convinced that this would be any different than belonging to my gym. Boy, was I mistaken! Mama Bootcamp was the motivation I had needed to change my life. The education I received for healthy eating habits and the accountability through the “measurements” was the push I needed. By the end of my first session I had reached my goals and beyond. My greatest success was that I had been able to jog again after 15 years of suffering through a chronic ankle injury. On Thanksgiving Day of last year, I completed my first 5K Run (not walk) event. The feeling I had that day truly made me thankful for many blessings, including my new life thanks to Mama Bootcamp.

I am now into my fourth session with Mama Bootcamp and I participated in the Tri Training. I had gained the self confidence to believe that I could complete a triathlon. I finished my first triathlon this summer. The cross training that I have experienced in the past few months has been awesome.

I am 43 years old and in the best shape of my life. I have lost 49 inches and 22 pounds and went from having 39% body fat to 17%. This has been a transformation from my old self to a new and healthier self. Thank you to Mama Bootcamp for your inspiration and special thanks to my trainers, Lisa, Holly, and Lorri Ann.

Dana Before:

Dana with MOJO!

Kristin's Story - Week 12

Well, here we are at week 12. I am looking forward to seeing my twelve-week measurements and setting some new goals. I thought when week 12 rolled around I would feel like I had “arrived” at my destination, but I don’t. That’s not a bad thing. I’m not sure there is a final destination on this journey. I’d like to thing that my goals will continue to evolve as time goes on and I reach certain milestones.

I’ve made a lot of tangible progress over the past few months. Some of that progress is right in line with my original goals, some of my goals have been revised a little and some of the numbers I thought I would see were off the mark for this particular time-frame. But I get the biggest smile on my face when I think of where I might have been if I hadn’t taken that one little step back in June that set me down this path to reclaim my Mojo. I know how far I’ve come and I’m not looking back.

Oh and for all of you who were at Maidu Wednesday night with Holly….My buns and thighs are talking to me today! Guess I shouldn’t take those long weekends away from boot camp very often. Whew! How ‘bout you?

Success Story: Gina

Gina found her mojo! Here's her story, in her own words:

Kristin's Story - Week 11

Happy Holiday Friday!

I managed to lose another pound this week, despite being out of sorts. I have been staying away from the scale lately but thought maybe a little extra motivation was in order going into the Holiday weekend.
We are heading out on a camping trip with friends so I need to have my head on straight to get through it successfully. I am packing lots of healthy snack options – fruit, almonds, protein shakes etc. Gotta love friends with a first class trailer and blender! We also plan on doing some hiking and I’m bringing my yoga mat so I can do a few sets of planks and pushups in addition to lunges, squats and butt bumps every morning. I’m sure my friends will think I’m crazy but my toned buns and thighs and I won’t mind. ;)

Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend. See you next week!
K

Kristin's Story - Week 10

I can hardly believe that 10 weeks have passed! The time has just flown by and I feel like a different person. This past week has been one of the toughest so far, but it also brought solid proof of the amazing benefits of physical activity.

To put it bluntly, it was a heart-wrenching week for me personally. I received some news Monday afternoon that quite frankly brought me to my knees momentarily. Three months ago I probably would have gone home, curled up in a ball and likely indulged in a pint of Cookies-n-Cream. Instead, I changed my clothes and headed out to boot camp. What a difference 10 weeks makes! I ended that evening feeling more positive and better equipped to face what comes my way.

As much as I love the physical results I have seen over the past couple months, this is the kind of change that will have the most impact on my overall health and well being. I’m beyond grateful for that!
Have a wonderful weekend!

K
“The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly” Corra Harris

Kristin's Story - Week 9

This will be my shortest post to date.  You've probably noticed that I tend to ramble on...but not this week.  To put it simply, this week has not been my most stellar.  I sort of knew going in that I would have issues this week.  I have a huge event for work on Sunday and my "real" workload is nuts too. The little boys started school, my oldest is on a plane to North Carolina.....blah blah blah  You know the drill....we've all been there.  I've been at the office by 5:30 a.m. more than once this week and although I managed to run out in time for both Monday and Wednesday evening bootcamp, I missed it tonight. 

Everyone remain calm!  Oh....you weren't panicking?  I guess it's just me then.  ;)  I only panicked for a second though.  Missing one bootcamp isn't going to undo everything I've accomplished and I can work out at home or go for a run when I finally get out of the office tonight.   I'll be back on track with bootcamp tomorrow morning. Then all will be right in my world again.

Have a great weekend!

K

Success Stories: Cammie Sahyoun

This past year with Mama Bootcamp has been a life changing experience. As a mom of two young boys and a full time elementary teacher I found myself getting caught up in the business of life. I wasn’t taking time for myself, eating well and not motivated to work out. I found myself often overwhelmed, tired and stressed out. Diabetes, obesity, anxiety and heart disease run in my family and I could see how easy it would be to go down that path. It was time to make a change so I could be healthy and enjoy myself, my family and all that life has to offer.

That change came last June 09 when I signed up with Lorri Ann and Mama Bootcamp. Lorri Ann tailored a workout for my busy schedule and showed me the tools I needed to eat healthy and meet my goals. I loved meeting at the weekly boot camps and getting the inspiration by the coaches and others to stay on track. I completed two sessions then signed up for tri-training. I hadn’t ridden a bike in years or swam for any distance since highschool but I was inspired and ready for the challenge. I found myself loving to workout, eating healthy and best of all the results. I went from 41% body fat to 19%. I lost 25 pounds and 75 inches. Size 10/12 to 4/6. Before Mama Bootcamp I could barely run a mile and throughout this year I ran a 5K, 12K and successfully just finished two mini-triathlons. Mama Bootcamp has made numerous positive changes in my life. I can now say I am healthy in many ways and loving it! Can’t wait for what is next!

Before:41% body fat, 169 lbs, size 10

After:19% body fat, 145 pounds, size 4

Kristin's Story - Week 6

Hello Mamas!

Well, it’s here…week 6 is coming to a close. Is it crazy that I have butterflies in my stomach just typing that? I’ve actually come a long way mentally since my post last Friday. I am no longer worrying about tomorrow and what the measurements say or don’t say. I’m excited to see how far I’ve come and to map out my goals for the next six weeks. I know a lot of you are journaling your food, water intake and exercise, but are you journaling your thoughts, feelings, triumphs and frustrations? If not, I highly recommend it. Somehow typing everything out sort of releases any frustrations and helps me to acknowledge the positives that I might otherwise overlook. Just something to ponder…

This week I’ve noticed another big boost in my strength. Side plank with staggered feet instead of kick stand, push ups don’t feel quite as deadly and my runs are getting faster. The best part is that I no longer curse my instructors under my breath during core workouts. Ha! Now that’s what I call serious improvement.

I’m in a routine with my diet and other than a little bit of restaurant anxiety I think I’ve got a good handle on it. I had a few pieces of red licorice after a particularly stressful afternoon, but once again I didn’t have anything with me to substitute so at least I’m seeing a pattern there. Planning, planning planning…I’m working on it.

See you next week with my 6 week stats!

“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.” - Jim Rohn

Kristin's Story - Week 5

Five weeks down and one to go before my mid-point measurements.  I'm a little nervous.  It's silly, I know.  I just can't help feeling a bit of trepidation as I think about next Saturday.  You're probably thinking that I fear the numbers, right?  Honestly, that's not really it.  I'm more fearful of what my reaction will be to those numbers.  If they are lower than I want or expect will I be disappointed and frustrated?  Will those feeling set me off track?  If they are better than I imagined will I get overconfident and allow myself to ease off?  These are the things that I've dealt with in the past.  I've lived both scenarios and neither will get me to my goals.  I can tell you right now that I am so thankful that Lorri Ann will be there to give me my results.  It's so great to know that she will be there to remind me that any progress is good progress.  She will have great advice on how to step it up a notch and take it to the next level.  Either way, she'll be there coaching me through it and I know that will make all the difference in that moment. 

On a much less introspective note, my big moment this week came when I wore a pair of capri pants to work that I haven't been able to wear in quite a while.  It was an amazing feeling to not only be able to wear those pants but recognizing that they fit so much better than the last time I wore them.  Awesome!   My pants are more comfortable, and I'm becoming more comfortable in my own skin.  My confidence and energy have increased by leaps and bounds.  I'm feeling really good these days.  I'm going to take those thoughts with me next Saturday.  Numbers are great, but you can't beat getting your Mojo back!

Have a great week!

K

Success story: Jen!

I started Mama Bootcamp with the amazing Lorri Ann in her Saturday morning class about a year ago because my sister wanted someone to do it with her. She unfortunately did not stay in it long, but I continued because I started to see how much better I felt after each workout!

Then, right before the holidays when I was wanting to amp up my workout routine some more, Lorri Ann started pumping everyone up to train for a mini triathlon. I thought since this is her passion and I knew I could swim a lap, ride a bike, and walk a block that I could train for it.

The training was challenging at times, yet so rewarding and they were some of the best workouts I have ever done! Then on Saturday, June 5th I completed my first mini triathlon in 2:31:14; four minutes faster than my goal! To tell you the truth, the training was harder than the actual race! So hats off to you, Lorri Ann, because you prepared me exceedingly well! I loved it and will be back out there to do it again! I am now currently training to do my first half marathon in October!

  

It is so nice to hear my friends and family say, “you look good, Jen!” What is even better is that I feel good and I am excited to remain active and live a healthy lifestyle!

One of my goals was to become fit and to learn how to make exercising part of my daily routine. That has definitely happened because of Mama Bootcamp. I lost a total of 39 inches, 5% body fat, 3 lbs, and went from a size 6/8 to a size 4. I am now more toned and fit than I ever have been and I guess I am now an athlete too, since I finished my first mini triathlon all thanks to Lorri Ann and Mama Bootcamp! 

Mama Bootcamp gave me the tools to live an active and healthy lifestyle and I am so grateful for that. So, even if you sign up for something to do with someone else and they do not continue, stick with it because you never know you could find something new to fall in love with.

Success Story: Dana!

Dana before:

I considered myself an active person or at least I had convinced myself that I was active. I belonged to a local gym for a number of years but my attendance there was quite rare. I would make an effort (about once a year) to start a workout routine but I lacked self-motivation. No one at the gym cared whether I was there or not as long as the payments kept coming. I did enjoy other activities which included playing on a coed soccer team once a week (weekend warrior) and occasionally playing golf with the family. Although I wouldn’t admit that I had a weight issue, with each passing year the pounds continued to creep higher. This was just a fact of life for me along with getting older. Again, my lack of self-motivation to make any changes was holding me back.

Last August, a friend of mine asked me to come with her to try out a program called Mama Bootcamp. I went along to try it with her, but wasn’t convinced that this would be any different than belonging to my gym. Boy, was I mistaken! Mama Bootcamp was the motivation that I had needed to change my life. The education I received for healthy eating habits and the accountability through the “measurements” was the push I needed. By the end of my first 12-week session I had reached my goals and beyond. My greatest success was that I had been able to jog again after 15 years of suffering through a chronic ankle injury. On Thanksgiving Day of last year, I completed my first 5K Run (not walk) event. The feeling I had that day truly made me thankful for many blessings, including my new life thanks to Mama Bootcamp.

Dana after:

I am now into my fourth session with Mama Bootcamp and I am participating in the Tri Training. I had gained the self confidence to believe that I could complete a triathlon. Two weeks ago I finished my first triathlon and I am considering doing another one in August. The cross training that I have experienced in the past few months has been awesome. I am 43 years old and in the best shape of my life. I have lost 49 inches and 22 pounds and went from having 39% body fat to 17%. This has been a transformation from my old self to a new and healthier self. Thank you to Mama Bootcamp for your inspiration and special thanks to my trainers, Lisa, Holly, and Lorri Ann.