Bonnie's Transformation!

I have been so excited to share an incredible weight loss story that has occurred right before our very eyes these past 4 months. If you've been participating in the boot camps, you've probably noticed that Bonnie, from the 9:30 am class, has made some SERIOUS changes in her lifestyle habits and they've paid off ten-fold. She is an incredible example of what good nutrition and intense exercise can do for you in a matter of months.

Bonnie now has lost over 85 pounds total. This includes a 60 pound loss previous to starting the boot camps, which entailed a COMPLETE overhaul on her eating habits. The boot camps have kicked her metabolism into a new gear, which has allowed her to shed even more weight!

I remember the first day of boot camp for her. We were outdoors at Community Park and it was a struggle for her just to get through the warm-up. She felt nauseous, could barely get through the runs and I thought she would never come back.

She proved us all wrong and since went on to make the biggest change of anyone in the classes!

Below are her "before and after" pictures, as well as, a synopsis of the journey to her success!

Way to go Bonnie, we are all so very proud of you!

I encourage you to post comments about things you may have changed for yourself or to simply give a HURRAY to Bonnie! Click on "comments" at the end to share your thoughts!



WHAT MADE YOU DECIDED TO MAKE THE COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF?
I knew I was on a crash course as far as my health was concerned. I was ready to make permanent lifestyle changes from the inside out that would equip me to live a vibrant, healthy life in my fifties, sixties and beyond. I set out to detoxify my life and really “go for it” to create the life I wanted.

2. HOW DID YOUR FOOD CHOICES PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR SUCCESS?
I worked with a naturopathic doctor to help me develop a plan to detoxify and restore my health. Then I followed the plan by avoiding/eliminating the foods I tested sensitive to as well as sugar, alchohol, artificial sweeteners and additives. When I follow the plan it leaves only whole, fresh, quality, real foods. Drinking lots of water and taking recommended supplements have also been helpful.

3. HOW HAVE THE BOOT CAMPS HELPED YOU?
Boot camps have accelerated my results in all areas of health and fitness. From my first boot camp session on October 20th, 2008 through the boot camp session ending February 13th, 2009 I significantly increased my strength, muscle tone, cardio stamina, flexibility and overall fitness level in addition to losing 24 lbs. and reducing my body fat by 5% (this was on top of already losing 60 lbs. and 10% body fat in the 6 months before starting boot camp). The structure, coaching, group dynamics and enthusiasm of the program keep me inspired. I also have a new vision and belief in what my body is capable of and what I can accomplish in other areas of life outside the gym.

4. HOW DO YOU STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR NEW HABITS?
I put boot camp and the activities that support my health goals first on my schedule, build in accountability, schedule alternative workouts during breaks and plan ahead so I always have good food choices in easy reach. Focusing on results from the inside out with a mind-body-spirit approach helps keep me on track.

5. DO YOU HAVE SPECIFIC GOALS IN MIND FOR THE FUTURE?
Get my body fat under 25%. Continue to build strength especially in my core and upper body. Regain full mobility in knees. Continue building health from the inside out. Apply the skills I have developed to achieve physical transformation to get results in other areas of life.

Lisa's Story

I absolutely love hearing about other people's backgrounds and stories. It always paints a picture in my head about each person's personal goals, struggles, habits and reasons why they do what they do. It's like a virtual "novel".

I know a common theme in my blogs usually relates to nutrition. I hope that you have gained some insight into the importance of it....possibly changing your entire perspective on how you feed yourself. I know that several of you have been working so hard on changing your habits!

I have two testimonials that I have been excited to share for several weeks that relate to major changes in eating and lifestyle habits. Both tell a unique story, yet there are many similarities in what they struggled with and how they overcame their challenges.

Lisa and Bonnie are in the 9:30am class. Both have had to struggle with weight, energy and overall health related issues from the past. This past year they both decided to put control back in their hands.

I will first share the email that I received from Lisa a few weeks ago.

Next week I will share Bonnie's story, which is amazing as well! If you've been in the boot camps since last fall, chances are that you've seen her "shrink before your very eyes". She made some serious decisions about her health even before joining boot camp, but after joining boot camp, it kicked her metabolism and strength several notches further!

I am so happy for them both!

HERE IS LISA'S STORY:

I just thought I would update you on what I've been doing and where I have been. I am coming back on Feb. 23 and renewed the membership.

I have been suffering with major fatigue for the last 3 years. It came to a head a few months ago when I started boot camp. I saw my sleep nurse (because I'm an excessively "sleepy" person), but there were no signs of apnea or restless leg sydrome.

I had more blood tests done, but they were normal. I did some research on chronic fatigue and found that my symptoms were amazingly the same.

I have been gaining about 5 pounds each year for the last 3 years. Additionally, I gained 8 pounds this last year. I have always been more active than the average person and was having a really hard time with this. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.

I went to my chiropractor, since he helped me with just about everything else, and was informed about a detox program he was offering. They promote and sell Standard Process supplements which are organic, whole food supplements. I am already on a few of them.

I started the detox 13 days ago and have 8 days to go. I have not felt this good since my early 20's. It is a liver and kidney detox. For the first 11 days, you can only eat organic fruits and veggies along with smoothies supplemented with powdered formula. On day 11 you can add lean organic protein sources, brown rice or quinoa.

MY POINT.......I learned the hard way about what you've been stressing to everyone in the blogs. I realized that this is the ONLY way!!!

I slowly started adding my runs in. Nice, slow and easy. I feel like a 25 year old again, literally. I am also down 6 pounds. That part always comes slow for me. I have another 7-10 pounds to lose, but I am much more confident that it will come off.

I now GET IT!!!!

Thank you for the blogs and the wonderful program you have brought to our area. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives leading and cheering us on to better health and happiness. I will see you at the end of the month.

Lisa Daly