This morning’s bootcamp got a special treat. One of the ladies brought her 8-month-old son to class. Her husband is traveling on business and she didn’t want to miss the session so she was able to bring her son along to act as a spectator. She even joked that he needed to sit there quietly while she exercised to take off the weight that he’d caused.
He was absolutely adorable and amazingly well-behaved. And while he sat in his stroller, we all worked out around him. As Mike tasked us with various back, bicep, and tricep moves we were all a bit distracted by the baby. But it was a great distraction. As our heartbeats quicken and our muscles became fatigued we continued to push because we weren’t focusing directly on how much we hurt. If it were up to me, I’d tell my fellow bootcamper to bring her son each week to give us all something to ogle as we are pushed to our limits.
Despite the diversion from pain, today’s session was definitely still a struggle. My arms were shaking about half-way through and my shirt was soaked with sweat. The best part of the day, for me, was our warm-up lap. We started the session with a lap around the park. One lap is equal to half a mile. During the last 4-week session of bootcamp, I really struggled with any running. I could complete the lap without stopping but it would take me a few minutes to recover. Today, after the lap, I was certainly out of breath and my heart rate was up but I still felt comfortable. It only took me a few seconds to recover and I was ready to start the workout almost immediately. Today I could feel the improvements I’ve been making since starting camp.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Motivation
This morning as my alarm sounded at 5:05am, I groaned. I turned off the chirping and rolled back over convincing myself that I could take a morning off and it would be no big deal. But as I closed my eyes to resume my slumber I started thinking about how much better my days are when I start with bootcamp. So I pulled myself up and headed out for the morning workout. After starting my car I already knew I’d made the right decision.
As it nears 4:00 in the afternoon and my work day is winding down I get the urge for something sweet. I consider helping myself to some of my co-workers candies but instead opt for a string cheese and apple. Believe it or not, that decision was pretty easy. I considered feeding my sweet tooth and realized I started this day strong and want to end it that way as well. My 5:30am workout started me on the right foot and it helped me to continue my day with my fitness and weight loss goals in mind.
Some people thrive on evening workouts. I find too many excuses after 5pm. The same excuses that allow me to blow off my working out haunt me as I make my food selections as well. But on days when I get that morning workout in, the choices are much easier to make.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to indulge. I have almost weekly setbacks related to food choices. But those setbacks are much easier to overcome as I start to crave the workouts as much as I crave culinary treats.
This morning I was able to motivate myself to go to bootcamp. This afternoon I’ve been able to motivate myself to make the right food choices. And I plan to keep that enthusiasm up to the best of my ability as I get closer to my goals.
As it nears 4:00 in the afternoon and my work day is winding down I get the urge for something sweet. I consider helping myself to some of my co-workers candies but instead opt for a string cheese and apple. Believe it or not, that decision was pretty easy. I considered feeding my sweet tooth and realized I started this day strong and want to end it that way as well. My 5:30am workout started me on the right foot and it helped me to continue my day with my fitness and weight loss goals in mind.
Some people thrive on evening workouts. I find too many excuses after 5pm. The same excuses that allow me to blow off my working out haunt me as I make my food selections as well. But on days when I get that morning workout in, the choices are much easier to make.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to indulge. I have almost weekly setbacks related to food choices. But those setbacks are much easier to overcome as I start to crave the workouts as much as I crave culinary treats.
This morning I was able to motivate myself to go to bootcamp. This afternoon I’ve been able to motivate myself to make the right food choices. And I plan to keep that enthusiasm up to the best of my ability as I get closer to my goals.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Shaking Legs
I have never been so glad to have worn an over-sized t-shirt than I was this morning. I definitely needed the extra fabric to act as a towel to wipe the dripping sweat from my face. The crazy humidity combined with Mike’s booty-kicking workout today left me drenched.
What a way to start the week! Today we focused on lower body. We lunged and hopped our way all over Reeve Park. Within 15 minutes of camp today my legs were wobbling like a baby learning to walk. But I fought through it. After we completed a course of lunge walking and plyometric jumps we thought Mike was going to give us a breather. Instead, he had us jog a quarter mile “to stretch out our muscles.”
While at first I thought running after all of that legwork would be an impossible task, I was surprised by how much energy I was still able to muster. That mid-camp run proved to me that my endurance has definitely improved since last camp.
I’m sure the shaky legs I felt this morning will turn to stiff legs overnight. I’m interested to see how I handle our morning warm-up jog and I’m eager to see my end-of-camp measurements in two weeks.
What a way to start the week! Today we focused on lower body. We lunged and hopped our way all over Reeve Park. Within 15 minutes of camp today my legs were wobbling like a baby learning to walk. But I fought through it. After we completed a course of lunge walking and plyometric jumps we thought Mike was going to give us a breather. Instead, he had us jog a quarter mile “to stretch out our muscles.”
While at first I thought running after all of that legwork would be an impossible task, I was surprised by how much energy I was still able to muster. That mid-camp run proved to me that my endurance has definitely improved since last camp.
I’m sure the shaky legs I felt this morning will turn to stiff legs overnight. I’m interested to see how I handle our morning warm-up jog and I’m eager to see my end-of-camp measurements in two weeks.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cardio Games
On Tuesday, Mike alluded to what he had in store for us on Wednesday. He referred to the session as "cardio games." I envisioned some kind of re-imagining of Red Rover. Can you picture it? A bunch of grown women running across Reeve Park trying to break through each others arms… It would be cardio and it would test our new arm strength. But then the more I thought about it, the more I visualized pulled arm sockets and twisted ankles.
It’s a good think Mike is a certified trainer and can create "cardio games" for us. Because left to my own devices we’d be reenacting 3rd grade recess.
The game he had prepared for us was an obstacle course. We sped through cones, jumped over hurdles, high-kneed through faux tires, and waddled with an “egg” between our thighs. The course tested both our endurance and our senses of humor. Doing lap after lap of the course required some serious stamina and watching each other waddle down a path with a pastel colored ball between our knees led to some comic relief.
While I don’t think I’ll be adding this course to my repertoire for game night with family and friends, it was certainly an amusing way to raise my heart rate and burn some calories.
I am continuing to feel better about myself as I complete each bootcamp session. I can see differences in my physical appearance and can feel differences in my physical abilities. So far so good...
It’s a good think Mike is a certified trainer and can create "cardio games" for us. Because left to my own devices we’d be reenacting 3rd grade recess.
The game he had prepared for us was an obstacle course. We sped through cones, jumped over hurdles, high-kneed through faux tires, and waddled with an “egg” between our thighs. The course tested both our endurance and our senses of humor. Doing lap after lap of the course required some serious stamina and watching each other waddle down a path with a pastel colored ball between our knees led to some comic relief.
While I don’t think I’ll be adding this course to my repertoire for game night with family and friends, it was certainly an amusing way to raise my heart rate and burn some calories.
I am continuing to feel better about myself as I complete each bootcamp session. I can see differences in my physical appearance and can feel differences in my physical abilities. So far so good...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I Will Survive
When Gloria Gaynor sang you think I'd crumble, you think I'd lay down and die, Oh no, not I, I will survive it’s pretty clearly about an unrequited love. But as I hum the bars of that song to myself I’m likening the survival to this morning’s bootcamp.
Mike dubbed today’s session "Survivor Bootcamp" and boy did he make us fight to stay on the island (or Reeve Park as the case may be). And try as he might to make us lay down and die each woman took on the challenge and certainly survived despite the stiffness I’m sure we’ll be feeling tomorrow morning. While none of us are taking home a million dollar prize, I did feel like a million bucks after completing the hour challenge.
We had to survive an hour of squats, lunges, stair climbs, flies, rows, and something called a Superman; not to mention the running! Other than a few quick sips of water we were on full-speed the entire time. It was tough and yet tremendous all at once.
I feel stronger for having accomplished today’s bootcamp. I’m looking forward to see what Mike and Jen have in store for us tomorrow with what Mike called "cardio games." I’m intrigued.
In sticking with my lyrical comparisons, I’ll end this post with another diddy that has ended up in my head today courtesy of Destiny's Child and Beyonce:
I'm a survivor,
I'm not gonna give up,
I'm not gon' stop,
I'm gonna work harder,
I'm a survivor, I'm gonna make it,
I will survive,
Keep on survivin'.
Mike dubbed today’s session "Survivor Bootcamp" and boy did he make us fight to stay on the island (or Reeve Park as the case may be). And try as he might to make us lay down and die each woman took on the challenge and certainly survived despite the stiffness I’m sure we’ll be feeling tomorrow morning. While none of us are taking home a million dollar prize, I did feel like a million bucks after completing the hour challenge.We had to survive an hour of squats, lunges, stair climbs, flies, rows, and something called a Superman; not to mention the running! Other than a few quick sips of water we were on full-speed the entire time. It was tough and yet tremendous all at once.
I feel stronger for having accomplished today’s bootcamp. I’m looking forward to see what Mike and Jen have in store for us tomorrow with what Mike called "cardio games." I’m intrigued.
In sticking with my lyrical comparisons, I’ll end this post with another diddy that has ended up in my head today courtesy of Destiny's Child and Beyonce:
I'm a survivor,
I'm not gonna give up,
I'm not gon' stop,
I'm gonna work harder,
I'm a survivor, I'm gonna make it,
I will survive,
Keep on survivin'.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Bootcamp vs. Gym
I’ve belonged to a few different gyms in my adult life. I’ve taken dozens of group fitness classes and worked out on machines by myself for years. I’ve even shelled out for one or two personal training sessions. Some of these things have certainly made a different in my athleticism and my health; but, none have given me the complete fitness package that I feel I’m getting from Bootcamp.
It’s not the gyms’ fault that I haven’t reaped the benefits that they often promise. All of the equipment is there. I could hire a personal trainer and sign up for a variety of fitness classes and get myself to the facility a handful of times per week. In that scenario I’d be sure to enhance my fitness level. But, to afford a personal trainer at a gym or to motivate and educate myself on the right ways to workout are both financial and time burdens.
I have found that for me, I need to be pushed. I’ve been working out in my home for a year. I have a nice little at-home gym there in my basement: treadmill, elliptical, bike, and free weights. And yet, I stick to the same routine. I love cardio. I loathe weight training. Therefore, I head straight to the familiar and stick with cardio machines. Sure, my heart is probably in great shape. But I’m not getting the full fitness package that strength training provides.
Even when I bust out my 80s-inspired 8 minute fitness video (eight minute arms, eight minute abs, etc), I’m not getting the results I want nor am I pushing myself to improve my abilities. I can easily spend 60-90 minutes working out on my own but I rarely maximize that time to get the best calorie burn or results.
The strength training and personal touch that I’m getting with Bootcamp is what makes this experience so valuable to me. At Bootcamp I get the benefit of attending a regular program with the same two instructors. Mike and Jen know what each camper done in the past and plan our weekly routines according to our fitness abilities and goals. It’s like having a both personal trainer and group support all wrapped into one. Each day the exercises are different. They are always challenging. They are generally fun.
I am glad to have stumbled into this fitness experience. While this might not be true for everyone, for me, one hour of bootcamp a day has improved my fitness significantly compared to the 90 minutes I’d spend in the gym. I credit that success to the knowledge and motivation I get from Mike and Jen and the encouragement I get from the other campers.
Because of the great experience I’ve had so far with Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp, I voted for them on MyFoxPhilly.com’s HOT LIST. I hope Fox Philly gives Mike and Jen the credit they deserve for the program they provide.
It’s not the gyms’ fault that I haven’t reaped the benefits that they often promise. All of the equipment is there. I could hire a personal trainer and sign up for a variety of fitness classes and get myself to the facility a handful of times per week. In that scenario I’d be sure to enhance my fitness level. But, to afford a personal trainer at a gym or to motivate and educate myself on the right ways to workout are both financial and time burdens.
I have found that for me, I need to be pushed. I’ve been working out in my home for a year. I have a nice little at-home gym there in my basement: treadmill, elliptical, bike, and free weights. And yet, I stick to the same routine. I love cardio. I loathe weight training. Therefore, I head straight to the familiar and stick with cardio machines. Sure, my heart is probably in great shape. But I’m not getting the full fitness package that strength training provides.
Even when I bust out my 80s-inspired 8 minute fitness video (eight minute arms, eight minute abs, etc), I’m not getting the results I want nor am I pushing myself to improve my abilities. I can easily spend 60-90 minutes working out on my own but I rarely maximize that time to get the best calorie burn or results.
The strength training and personal touch that I’m getting with Bootcamp is what makes this experience so valuable to me. At Bootcamp I get the benefit of attending a regular program with the same two instructors. Mike and Jen know what each camper done in the past and plan our weekly routines according to our fitness abilities and goals. It’s like having a both personal trainer and group support all wrapped into one. Each day the exercises are different. They are always challenging. They are generally fun.
I am glad to have stumbled into this fitness experience. While this might not be true for everyone, for me, one hour of bootcamp a day has improved my fitness significantly compared to the 90 minutes I’d spend in the gym. I credit that success to the knowledge and motivation I get from Mike and Jen and the encouragement I get from the other campers.
Because of the great experience I’ve had so far with Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp, I voted for them on MyFoxPhilly.com’s HOT LIST. I hope Fox Philly gives Mike and Jen the credit they deserve for the program they provide.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sore Muscles, Vocal Affirmation, Dog Poop… What a Wednesday!
I decided to sleep in on Wednesday and attend the evening Bootcamp session instead. Believe it or not, I was looking forward to it all day. I am generally a morning workout girl. I like to get it done and move on with the day. But there is nothing like being drenched in sweat after a day of work to make me feel 100% accomplished.
Jen had us focusing on shoulders and biceps with some cardio mixed in. After our warm-up run, we all lined up to start with some weight exercises. As we were groaning in pain, one of the ladies in the group starts laughing and points out a woman in the park wiping her dog’s rear end. So now, not only are we dripping sweat but we’ve got tears of laughter mixed in. All it takes is some mutual shock at seeing a woman wiping up after her dog to bring us campers together.
As we continue through the session, Jen sets up an obstacle course for us. Bicep curls, jumping jacks, shoulder presses, tricep dips, and back to the beginning again… it was exhausting and awesome all in one. It’s great to be constantly moving but never getting bored because we were on to step number two before step number one got redundant. My heart rate was elevated and my energy was up. So far, this was my favorite Bootcamp activity.
After the obstacle course, we gathered back on the asphalt to do more weight exercises. The woman next to me let out a quick “woo!” claiming that a few cheers and exclamations while working out can really encourage her. So as we continued for the last 10-15 minutes of the session a few of us chimed in with our own exclamations (most of them happy in nature). And she was right. Letting out a high-pitched “woo!” not only encouraged me but seemed to make Jen giggle and bring all of the campers a little bit of energy.
Too bad Mike reminded me that we likely can’t do any shouts in the morning unless we want a neighbor uprising. I wonder if whispering “woo!” would have the same adrenaline boost…
I woke up today and certainly feel the past three days of camp. I am enjoying every ache as a growing pain; and, in this scenario I am growing stronger and leaner.
Jen had us focusing on shoulders and biceps with some cardio mixed in. After our warm-up run, we all lined up to start with some weight exercises. As we were groaning in pain, one of the ladies in the group starts laughing and points out a woman in the park wiping her dog’s rear end. So now, not only are we dripping sweat but we’ve got tears of laughter mixed in. All it takes is some mutual shock at seeing a woman wiping up after her dog to bring us campers together.
As we continue through the session, Jen sets up an obstacle course for us. Bicep curls, jumping jacks, shoulder presses, tricep dips, and back to the beginning again… it was exhausting and awesome all in one. It’s great to be constantly moving but never getting bored because we were on to step number two before step number one got redundant. My heart rate was elevated and my energy was up. So far, this was my favorite Bootcamp activity.
After the obstacle course, we gathered back on the asphalt to do more weight exercises. The woman next to me let out a quick “woo!” claiming that a few cheers and exclamations while working out can really encourage her. So as we continued for the last 10-15 minutes of the session a few of us chimed in with our own exclamations (most of them happy in nature). And she was right. Letting out a high-pitched “woo!” not only encouraged me but seemed to make Jen giggle and bring all of the campers a little bit of energy.
Too bad Mike reminded me that we likely can’t do any shouts in the morning unless we want a neighbor uprising. I wonder if whispering “woo!” would have the same adrenaline boost…
I woke up today and certainly feel the past three days of camp. I am enjoying every ache as a growing pain; and, in this scenario I am growing stronger and leaner.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Feeling Fit (or at least more fit)
Today was day #2 of my second session of Bootcamp. Our workout today consisted of chest/back exercises and running. For the entirety of the previous 4-week session I used 5lb weights for our strength exercises. After today's workout I've decided to move up to 8lbs.
During the last camp session I struggled with reps using the 5lb weights. Today I struggled with one move (the standing chest flies) but the others (rows and dead lifts) I could have easily upped the weight I was using. That is progress!
In between each rep of the weight exercises, we had to run a short distance. I despise running but today it didn't seem so bad. I can tell that my fitness is improving by my speed, endurance, and the rate at which I recover. It feels good to know that I can see the progress I want on the scale and in my fitness. It makes me eager to continue and eager to push myself to see how far I can go.
During the last camp session I struggled with reps using the 5lb weights. Today I struggled with one move (the standing chest flies) but the others (rows and dead lifts) I could have easily upped the weight I was using. That is progress!
In between each rep of the weight exercises, we had to run a short distance. I despise running but today it didn't seem so bad. I can tell that my fitness is improving by my speed, endurance, and the rate at which I recover. It feels good to know that I can see the progress I want on the scale and in my fitness. It makes me eager to continue and eager to push myself to see how far I can go.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Bootcamp Back in Session
Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp is officially back in session and I have a hunch that my body will be feeling it tomorrow. All of the women in attendance seemed excited to be there and like generally fun-loving people. I’m looking forward to getting to know them over the course of the next four weeks.
One of the things I like best about Bootcamp is the opportunity to meet new people that I likely would never have crossed paths with. It’s great to struggle and overcome hurdles with people who have the same goals that I do.
Today’s workout consisted of a child-like cardio warm up where we had to run around the park tagging lamp posts. There was no specified path so I wasn’t running toward an end point. It made it easier and freer to aimlessly run through the park. I honestly felt like a kid on a playground – that’s what exercise should feel like.
The focus of today’s camp was lower body. Mike started us all off relatively slowly since for most attendees this is their first session. I was grateful for an easier day to get me back into the Bootcamp workout after a week on my own. We did squats, lunges, and plies with jumping rope in between. My legs were shaking by the end of the hour. I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow. It’s the kind of pain I look forward to.
One of the things I like best about Bootcamp is the opportunity to meet new people that I likely would never have crossed paths with. It’s great to struggle and overcome hurdles with people who have the same goals that I do.
Today’s workout consisted of a child-like cardio warm up where we had to run around the park tagging lamp posts. There was no specified path so I wasn’t running toward an end point. It made it easier and freer to aimlessly run through the park. I honestly felt like a kid on a playground – that’s what exercise should feel like.
The focus of today’s camp was lower body. Mike started us all off relatively slowly since for most attendees this is their first session. I was grateful for an easier day to get me back into the Bootcamp workout after a week on my own. We did squats, lunges, and plies with jumping rope in between. My legs were shaking by the end of the hour. I’m sure I’ll feel it tomorrow. It’s the kind of pain I look forward to.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Progress: 1st Month Measurements
Mike just emailed me my measurement comparison. These stats compare my pre-camp body fat percentage, weight, and dimensions with the same stats from the final day at camp. I am really pleased with the changes I made in just 4 weeks.
| Start: 6-13-09 Body Fat: 31.4% Waist: 28.5in Chest: 39in Shoulders: 39.5in Hips: 41.75in Left Arm: 12.25in Right Arm: 12.25in Left Thigh: 24in Right Thigh: 24in Weight: 176.6lbs | End: 7-03-09 Body Fat: 27.5% Waist: 26.75in Chest: 35in Shoulders: 39.5in Hips: 38.25in Left Arm: 11.75in Right Arm: 11.75in Left Thigh: 21.5in Right Thigh: 21.5in Weight: 171.6lbs | Difference Body Fat: -3.9% Waist: -1.75in Chest: -4in Shoulders: 0 Hips: -2.25in Left Arm: -.5in Right Arm: -.5in Left Thigh: -2.5in Right Thigh: -2.5in Total Inches: 14 |
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Stop Criticising Yourself
Last Friday, as we were all getting weighed and measured for our final results of the 4-week camp, I was amazed at how harsh we are on ourselves. There we were, after completing 4 weeks of an awesome fitness regime, and we were still being critical.
One woman, who I'd admired from the beginning of camp commented: I really need to see results. I saw a picture of myself from last week and was disgusted. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing remotely disgusting about her. She's tall, slender, and in great physical shape. I couldn't imagine looking like her and ever being disappointed by my appearance.
While I couldn't imagine being dissatisfied if I looked like her, I could surely point out 5-10 things about myself I'd like to improve. And what I discovered is that I'm not the only one. Every woman in the bootcamp could quickly rattle off a list of things they dislike about themselves. But, flip the coin and ask them for a inventory of things they are proud of and it would take significantly longer to compose that list.
We women do this to ourselves all the time. We focus on the areas that need improvement instead of being content with our good qualities. Today, on Yahoo, I saw a meditation that speaks to this same concept. “Be your own unconditional friend," the article starts out. I am challenging myself to be that friend to myself.
I am also challenging anyone who is reading this blog to post a list of 3 things your like about yourself in the comments section here or on the wall of the GV Bootcamp Facebook group.
Today, look in the mirror and smile. The person there will smile right back. She loves you. Love her, too.
One woman, who I'd admired from the beginning of camp commented: I really need to see results. I saw a picture of myself from last week and was disgusted. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing remotely disgusting about her. She's tall, slender, and in great physical shape. I couldn't imagine looking like her and ever being disappointed by my appearance.
While I couldn't imagine being dissatisfied if I looked like her, I could surely point out 5-10 things about myself I'd like to improve. And what I discovered is that I'm not the only one. Every woman in the bootcamp could quickly rattle off a list of things they dislike about themselves. But, flip the coin and ask them for a inventory of things they are proud of and it would take significantly longer to compose that list.
We women do this to ourselves all the time. We focus on the areas that need improvement instead of being content with our good qualities. Today, on Yahoo, I saw a meditation that speaks to this same concept. “Be your own unconditional friend," the article starts out. I am challenging myself to be that friend to myself.
I am also challenging anyone who is reading this blog to post a list of 3 things your like about yourself in the comments section here or on the wall of the GV Bootcamp Facebook group.
Today, look in the mirror and smile. The person there will smile right back. She loves you. Love her, too.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A Skinny Day
I'm having a skinny day today. You know the kind? Where you put on your clothes and they slide right on. You look in the mirror and think I look good today. That's the kind of day I'm having. It's great.
I'm currently on hiatus from Bootcamp. Last Friday was the conclusion of my first 4-week Adventure Camp experience. The next session doesn't start up again until Monday. So this week is a break. BUT I'm not letting it be a break from taking care of myself. Those days when I attended Bootcamp I had so much more energy and felt so much better about myself. So, during this week "off" I have vowed to continue the workouts until Mike and Jen can kick my butt for me again.
Believe it or not, I got myself up at 5:05am today and headed over to Reeve Park -- just as I had every day for Bootcamp. It's gotten easier to wake up early especially since I know how good it feels when I'm done. I met up with another Bootcamper to workout.
When I signed up for Bootcamp I was only focused on losing the weight. But at the same time I made some friends. One of whom I met up with this morning to get in some activity. We worked together to push each other just as Mike had for the past 4 weeks. It wasn't quite the same being just the two of us, but it is something I never would have done alone.
I started my day strong and continue to feel strong (and skinny) until I wake myself up early again tomorrow for another morning of fitness.
I'm currently on hiatus from Bootcamp. Last Friday was the conclusion of my first 4-week Adventure Camp experience. The next session doesn't start up again until Monday. So this week is a break. BUT I'm not letting it be a break from taking care of myself. Those days when I attended Bootcamp I had so much more energy and felt so much better about myself. So, during this week "off" I have vowed to continue the workouts until Mike and Jen can kick my butt for me again.
Believe it or not, I got myself up at 5:05am today and headed over to Reeve Park -- just as I had every day for Bootcamp. It's gotten easier to wake up early especially since I know how good it feels when I'm done. I met up with another Bootcamper to workout.
When I signed up for Bootcamp I was only focused on losing the weight. But at the same time I made some friends. One of whom I met up with this morning to get in some activity. We worked together to push each other just as Mike had for the past 4 weeks. It wasn't quite the same being just the two of us, but it is something I never would have done alone.
I started my day strong and continue to feel strong (and skinny) until I wake myself up early again tomorrow for another morning of fitness.
Monday, July 6, 2009
A Little Background…
As you will notice, this is the very first post on the very first Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp blog. You may be wondering why does this blog exist? Well, this blog is here for two of reasons...
1. To help others. When I was searching for a fitness program to join, I came across a few in the Phoenixville area and I really couldn’t tell which would be best. It turned out that I chose GV Bootcamp because the timing worked out for my schedule. And as fate would have it, the camp was a perfect fit for me. So, after experiencing my first camp, I approached Mike and Jen with the idea of adding a first-hand experience diary to their site. That way, anyone else searching for a fitness program would get just a bit more information from this blog to decide if their program the right fit for them.
2. To help myself. I figure as long as I’m attending the bootcamp and blogging about my experience and my success, I will stay accountable. That said, I will provide an honest view of the program and of my own experiences with the program. This is blog is meant to be a transparent look at what it is like to participate in the Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp experience. I’m sure there will be posts where I rave about certain days and rant about others. I’m sure there will be days when I can brag to you all about my successes and other days when I will admit to failures. But that’s what this honest glimpse is all about.
Who am I anyway?
My name is Karen. I am a 26 year old resident of Phoenixville. I moved here just over one year ago at the same time I got married. Over the past year I’ve packed on the typical marriage weight. (It’s much harder to pry myself out of bed for a workout when I have a new husband next to me). So… needless to say my motivation dwindled and I gained about 15 pounds.
But the 15 marriage pounds aren’t my whole story. I’m like many other women (and men) who have struggled with their weight their entire lives. I’ve never been a “thin” person. In high school my gym grade brought down my grade point average. I was an excellent student but I couldn’t run an entire mile without stopping and so, I couldn’t ace P.E.
I’ve always looked in the mirror and wished to be smaller. I’ve envisioned what it would be like to be strong, fit, and comfortable in my clothes. And with the help of GV bootcamp and making wiser food choices, I am beginning to see that smaller me. The “adventure” is only just beginning but after completing month number one with Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp it is a journey I’m excited to continue.
Feel free to leave me comments here or visit with other bootcampers on Facebook.
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