It has been a long
journey, but one I'm very excited I started and stuck
with. When I stepped on that scale this morning and it was
in the 140's, I almost jumped for joy. I know the scale
last week at the doctor's office said 149, but it wasn't the
official boot camp scale, so I couldn't get as excited as I
did this morning.
The help and support
all of you have given me has been wonderful. I don't think I
could have done it on my own. Brian’s daily emails, Linda's
encouragement, support and pushing me in camp, Michelle and
Jennifer's smiles when they see me, and Rob putting up with my
crazy requests. It went a long way to keeping me on track and
will continue to inspire me.
It is awesome to look
back at where I was and how far I've come. Thought I would
share:
Beginning weight: 233
Weight this morning: 148
Mile time: 15:49 to
9:40
Pushups: Could not do
them from my toes, now I think I’m up to 28 up on my toes
Ran/Walked my first 5K
in November of last year
Ran my first 5K in May
of this year (thanks to Linda cheering me on and pushing me to
the finish)
Running with the
Ronckers (I ran 60 miles the month of October) training for the
Turkey trout (my first 10K)
Inches lost (hopefully
to never be found again): 50 something (yes, I include both
legs and arms in that equation; but I don't have to count my
three stomachs anymore ;)
Pants size then: 22
Pants size now: 6-8
Shirt size then: 2/3X,
XXL Shirt size now: S/M
Cholesterol levels
then: Very bad Cholesterol levels now:
Excellent
Confidence then: Not
so much Confidence now: Soaring
I could probably go on
and on, but you guys/gals get the picture.
THANK
YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!
"Brian - I can not tell you how excited Kathy and I were this
morning when we went for our evaluation. I feel like I have won
the Oscar!! We are so thrilled. Thank you! In two boot camps I
have lost 30.2 pounds - thank you so much for your support. It
is an awesome program! I am off to the outer banks for a week to
celebrate. See you on the 6th. Thanks again - we are so
thrilled. -Teri
Adventure Boot Camp - November 2011
Here's
What Jennifer has to Say:
Some Recent Feedback ...
"All they have to do is look at me and see the results!!
And, from a nurse's standpoint, I have changed
especially on the inside (endurance, vital signs
improved, ect). I always get the questions--How much
weight have you lost? or You look younger, what have you
done? I just answer with 4 words: Adventure Boot Camp
for Women!! Then I follow w/4 more words: It changed my
life."
7/15/2011
I have told
everyone about my Camp experience. The initial concerns are the early
mornings, as it was for me. I told myself the first camp, "I can do anything
for a month". Now as I sign up for my third camp, the mornings only stink for
about 2 mins, the time it takes to pull my butt out of bed!
7/11/2011
That it is a great
way to get your workout in early, without really thinking.
7/11/2011
My energy levels
and strength have improved so much in 4 weeks!
7/10/2011
I'd say, "yes, it's
hard to get up at 5:00 am, but after the workout is over, then you feel
great!"
7/10/2011
It's an awesome,
well constructed early morning workout that totally rocks my day!!
7/10/2011
I always share what
I'm doing when people ask what I've been doing because of how good i look. I
say it's in the morning and early but truly sets the tone for my whole day.
From eating breakfast to going to bed because I have to be up early. You don't
get bored because everyday it's something different.
7/8/2011
Boot Camp can help
you reach your fitness goals! It IS a lifestyle change - exercising early in
the day, eating right, drinking water and feeling more energetic. It helps
create healthy habits that carry over into other parts of your life too.
7/8/2011
I LOVED the variety
of the work outs and the results.
7/8/2011
It's a well balance
workout with new and different exercises. It is fun with the other campers and
the instructor was very knowledgeable.
7/8/2011
I love everything
about it! Especially: being outside, (and the great indoor space) the variety
of the workouts, the daily emails, the other women, the time of day, and the
CREATIVE fresh ideas each session. THANKS again :)
7/7/2011
The best place to
get on the right track for a healthy body and a fresh positive mind:) I just
loved being in a group and Jennifer was very very good.....Ulka.
7/7/2011
A great group
environment. Get your workout in early. A great full body workout.
7/7/2011 7
Great workout! So
much stronger. Feel like I'm in much better shape than when I was only
running.
7/6/2011
I liked the
atmosphere and the workouts. Being outdoors was great. The instructor was
great and I loved meeting the new people. Everyone was friendly and
encouraging. I really noticed a difference in my energy level and the way my
clothes fit.
7/6/2011
That the instructor
was great, and it was an easy way to get in a workout in a "go at your own
pace" way.
7/6/2011
You can definitely
see a difference after just one camp - in ability as well as a change in your
body shape.
7/6/2011
I tell them that I
found something that works for me! That I am motivated by Brian's words of
encouragement and attitude each and every morning! That after 5 months of
challenging myself, we have never done the same workout twice and that the
music helps push me harder. Having graduated from and All-Girls High School
(years ago! :) ...my closest friends get the camaraderie I share each morning
with the other women that attend! I am nothing but 100% positive about my
experience with Boot Camp! It works for me and I love it! The emails are
inspiring, educational and are looked forward to regularly.
Brian,
When I first signed up for boot camp, it was
for the sole purpose of losing weight. I did not expect to receive 1000 times
more than that. Now, at 6:30am I have this huge feeling of accomplishment
because my workout is done for the day and I have taken an hour out of my day
just for me.
With boot camp I've learn more about myself and
what I am capable of accomplishing which pushes me to accomplish more at work
and in my personal life. I start my day with more energy than I ever imagined.
The confidence you and Adventure Boot camp have given me, has allowed me to
conquer old demons.
For years, I have always wanted to learn to
play tennis but was too afraid that I would embarrass myself and not be able to
keep up. Last week I started tennis lesson and was able to chase after that
little yellow ball for a whole hour in the heat! YES!!!
Thank you for how much you
care for and empower each woman in your camp.
Charity
Hi Brian,
I just wanted to send you an email to let
you know how much I enjoy & appreciate the awesome camp you've
put together. Everything from the exercises, to the
nutritional info, to the daily emails of encouragement have
been top notch & for the first time in a LONG time I am
excited about getting healthy.
I also wanted to say how amazing I think
Alicia is. She's the perfect combination of someone who will
push & challenge you to your limits, but in a positive,
supportive & encouraging way. Hard to do I'm sure, but so
very much appreciated.
If you would have told me a month ago
that I'd be excited about getting up at 4:30 every morning to
come work my tail off in a parking lot with a bunch of
strangers, I would have thought you were crazy. I am so happy
that I've been a part of this experience and I thank you and
your team for all of the hard work that goes into what you
do.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Your stronger, leaner, more energized
friend in fitness,
-Erica
"Twenty
Days….that’s all it is. I can do anything for twenty
days!”
When I started
boot camp in June, I was looking for a way to jump-start my
fitness for the summer. My commitment to exercise had been
lacking. I was distracted by the commitments of life and I
couldn’t find a place for exercise. Boot Camp sounded
interesting but I had a huge obstacle to overcome. I am NOT a
“morning person.” My husband and friends know better than to
even look at me until I have had my coffee!! I was a bit
worried that 5:30 and I would not get along, but I decided to
just try it anyway. It was a twenty-day proposition….I
committed to just twenty days.
Well twenty days
passed….and then another another twenty day camp, and now as I
start my THIRD camp, I thought I’d write you and let you know
what has kept this non-“morning person” coming back!
1.This
is the most EFFICIENT work-out I’ve found. Upper body/lower
body and cardio all in one shot. No excuses here. You can’t get
more done in this short of a time.
2.The
work-out is SAFE. I come home sore, but not injured. The
work-out is well designed from day to day to work opposing
muscle groups, and we’re encouraged to listen to our bodies and
go at our own pace. As a doctor, this is crucial to me. I love
that there are alternatives and modifications for participants
of all body types or for those who might be recovering from
injury. I could safely recommend this program to others.
3.The
results are FAST. I am stronger, leaner, and faster. I saw
results in twenty days. My body is far from perfect, but I am
better than I was, and I continue to see improvements! I am
using weights I never thought I would.
4.The pace
is great and it's FUN– we move quickly from one thing to the
next. My mind remains focused inward on what my body is doing.
I feel centered by the end of the hour, and all those nagging
life-issues have been put away for a while.
5.After
a week off for vacationing, I now recognize that I FEEL better
on the days when I exercise than when I don’t!
I am a busy mom to
four small children, and I am a family physician. I know how
important exercise is to a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for
helping me to put my knowledge into action. Thank you for
motivating me with your positive spirit, your humor, and your
encouragement.
We are strong
women – we can make it happen! Here’s to another twenty days!!
God Bless,
Dr. Rita Girard, MD
Brian,
Now
that boot camp is officially over for July, I just wanted to say THANK
YOU!!! I can honestly say that boot camp has changed my life. When Claire
first told me about boot camp and that she was going to go in June, I
thought she was nuts, but was kind of intrigued. I got married in June and
the week that I got back from my honeymoon, Claire told me she was going to
go to the July boot camp as well. I came up with a million reasons not to
do it and then I signed up.
Before
boot camp, I had convinced myself that I wasn't the type of person that
could workout in the morning. I got bored easy with working out at the gym
and never could keep myself motivated. Now all that has changed. The first
couple of days of boot camp were physically very hard on me, but I was
determined not to give up and let myself down. And I was astonished at the
changes. I can't believe how quickly I noticed little changes.
I'll
still be getting up in the mornings and working out and I will be back again
for another fun month in the future. Until then, thanks again!
Dawn Fricke
Brian,
I just want you to know that you are soooooo, so good at what you
do.
During every single step of boot camp (signing up, nutrition
call, attending camp, emails, etc), I feel overwhelmingly cared about. I feel
like I have a super-knowledgeable ally in my journey of learning how to develop
a healthy lifestyle.
It’s so apparent that you fully & completely care about every
boot camper in a holistic way – not just how big their muscles could be…but also
if they are pushing it too hard, if they are trying to have a positive outlook
in life, etc.
You always try to add fun, new, good exercises & things to keep
us excited & interested & challenged.
And you’re always super encouraging as well.
I just really appreciate all the things you do to make camp
totally rock so much. That’s has everything to do with why I love being there &
why it’s always worth it to make it work financially. It’s such a safe,
challenging, fun, positive, energetic way to work out. I really excel in that
kind of environment & on the flip side I really fail in negative environments.
So, thanks for all you do & all the effort you put into us
campers & our experience. It doesn’t go unnoticed!
You Rock!
Alison Glover
Click Below To Watch Why
These Ladies Joined Adventure Boot Camp for Women...
When I joined
for my first session in February this year it was more a testing
the water for me than anything. You see, about 5 years ago
I was training for a marathon when I was diagnosed with MS.
That put the halt on any exercise for me- I could barely
function for a whole day my fatigue was so severe. So
about 20 lbs of weight appears and depression sets in and the
snowball started rolling. What I've
discovered, with inspiration from you and the campers, is that I
truly feel better and more energized each day now that I'm
exercising again.
Beth Green
Adventure
Fitness Boot Camp - June 2008
Adventure
Fitness Boot Camp - May 2008
Brian, Thank
you for all of the information that you send us in your
educational e-mails.
In 2006, I
was hospitalized with possible colon cancer. My intestine had
so many holes in it , they could not do a colonoscopy until it
could heal somewhat. They keep me for 15 days and started
heavy drugs. Sticking every vein I had and stuffing me daily
into machines to see my progress. The drugs were the most
miserable thing due to their side effects. Eventually they
were able to see it was a bacterial infection I had picked up
in Brazil, but some of the intestine had to go, it would not
heal itself.
After
surgery, the drugs continued. I was unable to keep my balance,
my vision was blurred and I was very forgetful and other
things I can't mention. In effect I was losing myself.
Needless, to say I was unhappy. This lasted into 2007. By that
time I had lost my strength mentally and physically. My
birthday was quickly approaching and I had a "big" talk with
myself, What did I want?
One morning I
woke up and there you were on Fox 19, Boot Camp was my answer.
I told no one, in case I failed. The only support I had were
your e-mails and my husbands gentle encouragements. He would
place his hands on my back every morning and slowly push me
out of bed! So you see, I am grateful for your educational
words, and every day when I can balance on one foot. Because
there were those days when I could not. Thanks again for your
help.
-LM (due to
medical information, holding name in confidence).
Brian: Before
boot camp I never would have believed the “exercise gives us
more energy” statement. But I’m completely sold, now. The
days that I go to boot camp or do one of my independent
workouts I feel like a human generator. Maybe I notice it
more at this point in my life because I’m a real low energy
part of midlife, but I’m amazed at how much more energetic and
productive I’ve been these past few months! Many thanks from
me, my husband, my kids and grandkids, and my employers – we
are all reaping the benefits of boot camp!
Thanks,
Cynthia
Thanks Brian. You're terrific at this. You know just how
much to do. And I'm looking forward to a few more aches
as things get worked and developed. Hot Dog!
-Linda
Brian,
Investing in your Cincinnati
Adventure Boot Camp is the best gift I have ever given myself!
I am currently in my 2nd week of my 3rd
boot camp and each day keeps getting better. I have to admit
I had reservations when I first signed up for my first
session. Years ago I had several personal trainers, some were
good and some were horrible, and before committing to your Boot
Camp I found myself thinking… how is he going to lead all of us
as a group? I now know that everyone receives dedicated
personal instruction and I couldn’t ask for anything more in an
exercise program. You keep pushing us to challenge ourselves
and Boot Camp is motivating, stimulating and fun… it’s has
everything my routine with personal trainers lacked.
Adventure Boot Camp jumpstarts my day, exercising with the sun
rising seems to energize me and make me feel like I can conquer
the world. With the daily exercise and following your
nutrition program, I have lost weight and I am toning up my
body. At the beginning of the first Boot Camp I was wearing a
size 12 and two months later I am wearing my size 8’s that I
have not worn in years! I am 46 years old but feel like I did
when I was 30. Where else can you get that for less than
$15.00 a day?
I feel truly blessed that I am
strong, confident and healthy women and it’s all because of your
direction and dedication at Cincinnati Adventure Boot Camp.
Thanks for caring, Brian!
See you at 05:30,
Alicia Spencer
Hey Brian,
I really am enjoying
the boot camp. I was so thrilled today that my run
around the building was 40 seconds faster than Monday. A
small victory, but a victory none the less! Tomorrow I'll be
even faster. I have already debated signing up for next
month. I know from conversations over Crossroads coffee
this morning several people love the class, not for the
exercises but the great instructor we have. You really
know how to motivate me (and so did my body fat number
yesterday!)
Hope your having a
great Wednesday!
Maribeth Grattan
Brian:
I wanted to take a moment to thank
you for your unconditional support during boot camp. This was
one of the best experiences of my life, despite suffering two
minor ankle injuries. I have never been a physically active
person, I have certainly never pushed myself. You have shown me
how to understand my body/ physical strength so that I can push
myself to my fullest potential. As I previously stated, in
middle school I was diagnosed with a heart problem. I would
pass out due to a cardio arrhythmia condition. Under doctors
orders I stopped all physical activity. No gym class, no
basketball, etc. with all those restrictions I lost all self
confidence in terms of athletic ability. I also felt like an
outsider, because I was the “sick” girl who couldn’t do what
everyone else was doing. Injuring my ankle brought back a lot
of those “outsider” feelings. Not being able to keep up with
the other boot campers was hard! However, my fellow “injured”
boot campers were a great support as did your attention to
seeing that I was doing okay.
I grew out of my heart condition in
my early twenties and I have tried to “get in shape”. This boot
camp helped me get physically stronger, but also emotionally
stronger. My self confidence is sky high! I feel like I
can accomplish anything. I will be traveling next month. I
need to give my ankles a break but I’ll be back!
You and your staff are amazing.
Any woman who wants to get in shape physically or emotionally
needs to experience on Adventure Boot Camp! I will preach this
to every woman I know!!!
Best wishes, A.B. (holding name
in confidence for sensitivity)
Hello Brian,
I just had to write you a note
to let you know how much I appreciate your program and how much
it has meant to me.
About six months ago, I cleaned my closet and packed up clothes
that I never thought I would fit into again. I considered
donating them to Goodwill or Dress for Success but decided to
put them in the attic "just in case" and so that I would not
have a constant reminder of how much weight I had gained.
Yesterday, I lead a training session in one of my favorite
suits. I had to wear a belt to hold my pants up! This
morning, I went to put on another pair of pants and realized
that I looked like a clown. They were swimming on me. I went
up to my attic and found that my "just in case" clothes fit!
They may not be in style anymore - but I could not be more proud
to wear these pants.
I am so excited!
Thanks for your help!
Shana
Hi Brian. Just wanted to say that I think you do a great
job with all of us and let you know how pleased I have
been with both Boot Camps; the one last month and now the start
of the second one for me. After using 3 and 5 lb. weights I
graduated to 8 lbs today! I used them for the 1st time this
morning and except for one exercise, I was able to do it!
Considering how weak I have always been in my upper body this is
a huge improvement for me. It proves I have become stronger and
that was my hope! The thing I appreciate the most is this
feeling of peace, relaxation and "wellness" that I now feel
every day. I know that it is from these things; the exercise,
the good nutrition, drinking more water and the 7 hours of sleep
I am getting by turning in earlier. All things learned and
practiced daily through your wonderful Boot Camp. I will be
turning 53 later this month and it feels great knowing I am
entering my latter years a stronger, healthier and happier
woman. Thanks so much Brian for all you do for us.
I stopped the Adkin's diet the very night of your telephone
seminar and I am eating the healthy foods in the quantities and
the times that you recommended. It's easy and probably the way
God intended us to eat. I am glad I signed up for your boot
camp and it feels good knowing that I am becoming a little
stronger and a lot healthier. Thanks again Brian. Have a
wonderful day. Michelle Wullkotte
Hi
Brian- Thanks for one of the best days of my life. I know it
will reflect change. I had a ball at boot camp this morning!
-Leigha
"I want to scream it from the mountain tops!! Brian Calkins is the greatest trainer in the world!!! I am wearing a pair of jeans I haven't worn in 2 years!!! And I am not squished into them. They really fit!!! I am a true believer!!!"
-Sue Burrows - Madeira City Schools
Brian, I’d like to give a
little testimonial that might encourage people to do at least one boot camp with
you. I am in shape, and my goal is not to lose weight, but the reason I joined
was to mix it up a little, and to learn something about weight training. I have
found that I really love boot camp for one reason – you do mix it up – although
the calisthenics may be very difficult – both challenging balance and ability,
they are really fun. When is the last time I did jumping jacks, lunges, the
Indian run, curb work, crunches, the 6 inch killer…. makes me feel young and
active, and I am using muscles I don’t use in my “normal” routine. And I’m
learning many different exercises for my arms using the weights. I really do
love it. To top it off, your attitude and energy is very motivating! So, thank
you, and I’ll be signing up again in the fall for the 3 days a week, to keep the
positive energy I’ve gained from this experience alive! Thanks.
-Mimi
Dyer
Brian,
Your program has been really awesome for me so far, I truly can not imagine what my results will be when we are finished, I have worked out for a long time and have never had this great of results. I really feel like I look pretty good, which is something you would seldom hear me say about myself. THANKS!!!!!"
