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Thank you both for the support, your amazing enthusiasm, your inventive workouts and your good humor. Most of all, thanks for making me feel welcome and a real part of the group, even when I am always last. It has been a long time since I connected with women like I have in your camp. Thank you sooooooooo much!
After many years of taking care of my parents, in-laws, son and husband, and after going through menopause, I found myself in horrible shape, weighing more that I ever have. I was miserable. My son went away to school last fall and, in our empty nest, I was able to give some thought to my deplorable physical condition and what I could do about it. My late brother and late father both had diabetes and I knew that, unless I did something fairly drastic, I would be a candidate for that horrible condition. So, I decided that I would get a hobby…and that hobby would be me!
The Boot Camp concept really intrigued me and I used the internet to search – and, when I discovered San Fernando Valley Adventure Boot Camp for Women, I was so excited! It was close to home, early in the morning so I could get to work on time, 5 days a week and women only! When I met Shaneya and Misty, I knew I had discovered a gold mine. These ladies are knowledgeble, serious about fitness, and have made their own journeys to their goals. Now, I am starting my fourth full camp and have lost, after a slow start, 15 pounds. I have a long way to go, but my motivation level, because of my instructors and the other campers, is sky high. My clothes are fitting better and I am losing inches all over ! At Shaneya’s suggestion, I have my husband take photographs at the end of each camp so I can see all the changes – large or small!! Wow!! Camp is so much fun and the campers and instructors are so kind and encouraging that I don’t ever worry about being last or not always being able to finish an exercise. This is my life now – if I just keep at it, my goals can be reached. Thank you, Misty and Shaneya, for all your help!!!
Ann LoPresti, age 55, Northridge
Boy did I feel out of shape. I was tired all the time, I didn’t have energy and by the time I got home from work, I just wanted to SLEEP. Time for a change…I needed some kind of fitness activity that I was held accountable for, something that was fun. An activity held outdoors would work perfectly since gyms just seemed to bore me. I also wanted an all-women environment since I had never really felt comfortable working out with men. I had no idea that fitness boot camps existed until I ‘googled’ it. I came across several boot camps including the SF Valley Adventure Boot Camp. This camp was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I decided to join the 5-day camp that lasted four weeks. What was four weeks out of my entire life? If I decided I didn’t like it, at least I gave it a shot, right? Well, I gave it a shot, followed the nutrition plan to fit my goals and really gave it my all. I met a bunch of really fun women; we worked out hard together and each workout felt like a “surprise” which kept my attention. At times it didn’t feel like I was working out and that was the best part. Before I knew it, our one-hour sessions were over just as the sun rose. Four weeks later, I had lost 4lbs of body fat and gained almost 2lbs of muscle! My energy level has skyrocketed and I just feel like a better person inside and out. Misty ROCKS!
Christine Espiridion, age 25, Arleta
I am so happy that I decided to do something about my changing my lifestyle. For a long time I just thought about living a healthy life. Finally I decided to do something about it. I have really challenged myself these past four weeks and I keep saying "who is this person"? I am not saying that this has been easy - oh no, quite the opposite. What I am saying is that boot camp has been the best experience and the best thing I've ever done for myself. I have done things that I never would have thought possible; I hate to admit it but throwing and catching a ball today at camp was a new experience for me - that's how physically deprived I've been. Honestly I am so excited I plan to write my goals for next camp immediately after my evaluation tomorrow. I can hardly wait. I realize my injury may have set me back a bit but I'm coming back next camp session with even more determination. "Who am I"?? Thanks again for all of your encouragement - it has meant a lot to me.
Sharon Ford, age 60, Northridge
I joined Adventure Boot Camp because I knew I needed a jump start for the new year. I’m 35years old, I have a 4 year old boy and a 6 year old boy and I work fulltime. I signed up in November and paid then knowing that if I cancelled before the camp started in January I wouldn’t be able to get my money back. Financial motivation works pretty good on me! Anyhow, I hadn’t worked out regularly in over a year and was about 15 lbs up in my weight. I was wearing the same 3 pairs of pants and oversized shirts everyday and those didn’t look to pretty with bulges where bulges shouldn’t be! When I am up in weight, I won’t buy new clothes for fear that the comfort of a larger size will make me complacent, so I was stuck with the 3 ugly outfits. I knew I needed someone to make me accountable for going to work out because going to the gym on my own is not my strong suit.
I won’t lie, when I started boot camp I was scared out of mind and horribly sore the first week. But with the motivation given by Shaneya and Misty and all the other campers, I ventured on, not only with the exercise, but by following their nutrition tips as closely as possible, and by trying as hard as I could to achieve the goals Adventure Boot Camp made me set for myself.
The third week in was when I really started feeling results, my clothes were starting to fit again and I was able to cut 5 minutes off of my Wednesday morning hike from week 2 to week 3. I’m not a runner, so that was amazing for me. In the end, 4 weeks total, I cut my time on the one mile run by 1:51, lost 8 lbs (4.75 approx. lbs of which was pure fat), lost 2 inches off each thigh, 2.5 inches off my stomach, but more importantly my body feels reshaped. My clothes not only fit now, but fit better now, looser in places than they ever were even when I was at my lowest weight! I went out and bought a treadmill and in the one week off between camps I ran for 45min each day and didn’t die. I’m confident had I tried that in December before camp started, I would have died! I’m thrilled to be a part of my second camp now and can’t wait to see the results in another 4 weeks!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Not only is my body better now, but my mind as well.
Denise Eckstrom, age 35, Northridge
My husband emailed me the Adventure Boot Camp web site and said he thought it sounded like something I would like. It wasn't because he thought I needed it but because he thought I would enjoy it. I signed up for my first boot camp in June and just finished my foyrth boot camp. It's everything they promised it to be. I have consistently loss weight each camp for a total of 17 pounds; I have had a reduction in body fat of 6%; my strentgh has improved; I have lost inches and two dress sizes; my endurance has increased for all exercises including running; I'm working on the posture and relaxation. One of the best parts is knowing that I have most likely accomplished more by 6:30 AM than most everyone that I will have contact with for the rest of the day. Misty and Shaneya are the best trainers!!! I have tried many programs and have never seen such great results or had as much fun getting fit. The variety in the workouts keeps it interesting. My husband tells me everyday how HOT I look. Thank you Misty and Shaneya for your instructions and encouragement to help me obtain my fitness goals.
Barbara Graham, age 53, Granada Hills
This fitness and weight loss program is honestly the best gift I have given myself. It is motivating, stimulating and challenging…everything my old routine lacked. It jumpstarts my day and I have met a wonderful group of women from all walks of life. I receive dedicated personal instruction – I couldn’t ask for anything more in an exercise program. You need to do this for yourself.
Kristin Daniels
I have somewhat of an unusual testimonial I thought I'd share with you. On Wednesday after our hike I had a dentist appointment to have a crown work up on a tooth that broke. My dentist is here in Yorba Linda, and her name is Caroline Dang.....she's a great dentist. She was drilling away on my tooth when the anesthetic started to wear off.....I motioned her, and she stopped and gave me another shot and continued. She still wasn't finished when I felt the pain coming back again.....she had to stop again and give me yet a third shot to numb me so she could finish. She couldn't understand why the medication was going through me so quickly because I had to have a crown once before and that didn't happen. I mentioned that I had just gone on a "climb up Mt. Everest" that morning and she said that was it.....my metabolism was running so high that the medication was running through my body faster than normal. She was impressed.....so was I!
I really enjoyed the hike....even though I am so badly out of shape, I just hung in there and made it to the top.....like everyone else.....and boy was that view gorgeous! I appreciate that you lag behind for us slower ones.....you make us feel so good about ourselves.....I can't wait for next Wednesday's hike!
Thank you,
Barbara Taylor
I was completely bored with exercising. I have exercised my whole life and needed a change. It's great to be excited about my workout program again. I'm beginning by 3rd camp soon!
Pat Beckman, age 68
The Adventure Boot Camp is simply the best! I particularly like the variety of activities and the sense of fun that's built into the program. I really felt like I was getting the maximum benefit out of the program. I highly recommend the program to anyone wanting to improve their fitness and overall health.
Linda Landers
I have to admit I was a little skeptical about something entitled "Boot Camp". I envisioned a lot of yelling and not the most nurturing environment. However, since day one of camp, I have been nothing but thrilled to wake up and hang out with my newly acquainted friends. After two camps, I have learned so many new exercises that have stirred muscles I didn't know I had! The biggest change for me has occurred in my arms, hips and abs. I feel so much leaner and firm. I'm into a size 4 and my energy level has seen a significant boost. So, whether it's interval training with weights or yoga and Pilates, I look forward to every morning's new adventure. Lisa M.
Wow! What can I say about Boot Camp. I can say so much I don't know where to begin. I am 32 years old and have tried many different things to try and get myself into shape. Including working out with a personal trainer that cost me ALOT of money and just ended up hurting my knees. When I thought about doing Boot Camp the idea of getting up to workout at 5:30 in the morning freaked me out a little. Well, I am currently involved in my second camp. After the first 4 week camp I noticed a difference in my body composition that I never had prior. I have never really had a weight problem, yet was never really toned either. My legs and butt were on the flabby side, and as I get older I noticed it getting worse. Right now I feel so good in my clothes - I can't believe it. People have noticed a change in my body. My hips had started getting little fat pockets on the sides and those are GONE! I am amazed at the results of the training that John gives us. Getting up and working out at 5:30 has been easy to adjust to and believe it or not, I have lots of energy throughout the day. I Love Camp and John Ellis is one of the nicest guys I know. He is not your typical arrogant personal trainer type guy. He is awesome. He is so knowledgeable and so helpful in the morning to everyone in the camp. I can't say enough good things about him. I I love camp and I love what is happening to my body as a result of it!
Thank you for the dedication to all of us! You are awesome!
Lisa Gray
In February of this year, I started my first boot camp with John Ellis, I must say I was a bit unsure of my strength and abilities. Could I even keep up? Boot Camp? I've been there before! In 1988 I left the United States Marine Corps after serving eight years and being in the best shape of my life. Now, I'm a 47 year old female, 50 pounds overweight and in the worst shape of my life. I allowed allowed the corporate demons to suck up my soul for the past 12 years. I have tried every diet in the book from Weight Watchers, Fit For Life, drugs and personal training - unsuccessfully. Now it was time for a rebirth and I knew boot camp would do it. But could I handle it 22 years later when waking up at 0430 is a challenge in itself . Well John Ellis makes sure everyone at camp finds their personal success as he lifts our spirits and demands that each of us embrace our personal strength to the best of our abilities. As this was accomplished so was a gradual physical, emotionaltal transformation. Now while attending my third boot camp, I am stronger, healthier, with noticeable increased energy levels and have dropped one dress size. I have achieved my personal goals and much more . My weight, I no longer worry about because I feel too good to be preoccupied my with negative thoughts. This is truly a life changing experience and if your ready for the commitment, join the journey, come aboard. If not, stay home and sleep your way through life! I did it for 12 years. :-) !!
Sempre Fi
Pat Ortegel
I have been away from a fitness lifestyle for years. I replaced fitness for watching my bottom lines grow. I saw John's ad and was compelled to act for two reasons: #1: it didn't sound like a sissy camp. #2: I had no time management rationalizations to use against exercising locally from 5:30-6:30am, a time slot previously reserved for snoring. What is the result? I have more energy and I am proud of myself for getting something started. I did not choose this program because of John's extensive credentials. Now that I have done this for two weeks, I know that it is his expertise at working different muscle groups every day & incorporating different exercises that has made the workout difficult, and yet possible for me. The variety keeps it fresh and makes it a total body workout. I would highly recommend this program for anyone seeking to rekindle their love for a fitness lifestyle. Melinda, Coto de Caza
I arrived at boot camp overweight and out of shape - a true couch potato who loved food and hated exercise. But, I knew it was time for a change and John's boot camp sounded like just the cure. What I was really looking for was something to jump start me into better fitness and eating habits. What could be better than four weeks of intense fitness training with other women under the guidance of an experienced trainer? And the classes were great! The variety of activities and pace of the class made the hour fly by each day. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of hard work. John pushed me harder than I would ever push myself working out alone. But he also allowed for the individual abilities of each participant. It didn't matter that I was the slowest or the weakest. What matters is that I worked at and improved at everything. And the results are impressive. During the four weeks, I lost eight pounds. I lost two inches each around my chest, waist, and hips. I also lost over one inch on each arm and leg. I improved my one mile run time by 10%. Plus, I have more energy than ever. Best of all, it has given me just the boost I was looking to attain. I'm now eating better, sleeping better, and exercising regularly. I have the hope and belief that I can continue my new fitness habits and my journey to a leaner and healthier me. And I'm looking forward to returning to future boot camps to challenge myself again.
Thanks!
Diana, RSM |