BOOTYCAMP
Testimonial
When I started bootycamp a year ago I was an old, obese, unfit woman with diabetes and high blood pressure. Thanks to Stephanie’s encouragement and fitness activities, I have lost 40 lbs (no longer obese) with controlled diabetes and blood pressure --- off all medications. Most importantly I am fit enough to compete in triathlons and mud races. Thanks for changing my life Stephanie!!
Darlene
I have struggled with weight issues my entire life. Food was comfort and a shell against the judgmental outside world. My biggest weight loss in the past was the 80lbs I lost with Jenny Craig before my wedding. In that process, I learned little about my toxic relationship with food. Over the next 20 years of marriage all that weight and more crept back on. In January of 2014 I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. At that point I took charge and lost 30lbs in about 4 months. Unfortunately old patterns seeped back in and I was halted. Work friends talked me into a learn to run program in April 2014-unfortunately I hurt my knee a few laps in. In October 2014 I was looking through Groupon and found Steph’s bootcamp. It was a great deal and it emphasized it was for all sizes and fitness levels. I started on November 1/14. I was welcomed by Stephanie and a group of women that first day. I felt comfortable in the group from day one. I discovered a sense of competitiveness that I did not know I had. Every month I endeavoured to beat my last month’s fitness tests. The inches and pounds were coming off, but more important was what I was gaining…strength, confidence, recognition, satisfaction and a HUGE sense of accomplishment. I started running 2-3 times a week in November of that year. 2015 was an incredible year, I ran my first 5K run in March, another in May, went river rafting with the bootcamp crew and ran a 10k race in October. In December I was faced with an injury that forced me to stop bootcamp for about 6 weeks. Stephanie was so supportive during my recovery and the whole group cheered when I came back. It is so amazing to have had this experience. I feel hopeful and resilient in my quest for health happiness. With more than 100lbs lost, I know I can do whatever I set my mind too-not to say I don’t have fear, but I have a trust and belief in myself that never existed before. I’m looking forward to see what 2016 brings!
Denise
Day One of bootcamp, price tags on our dumbbells,
Lara near-hurled, and Netty did crumble.
What?? Burpees aren't pickles that go on cheeseburgers?
Slurpees may rhyme, but there's likeness no further.
The day after class we were feeling quite sore,
Lara with calves, and Netty with core.
Day Two of bootcamp, we were the whole class.
We got there so early, we booted our …..bums….
Ha! Run to the stopsign, just ten feet away?
“Uh, wrong stopsign, girls,” we heard Stephanie say.
“Get right up that hill, though it's long and it's hard,
You're more strong than you think, and you're tougher by far!”
Day Three of bootcamp we did some ske-doodles
--met Kerry from North Van, who came with such oodles
Of energy. Yes that girl just did not stop!
We cheered and we cheered! We were over the top!
Even the Indian gentlemen stood
To watch those wild girls, and to call out “guud, guud!”
Day Four of bootcamp, Paulina came too.
Her heart was all in it, her dumbbells were new!
But then when her eyes closed we thought we had lost her…
She didn't say 'should' cause she knew it would cost her!
And just when we thought all those moves we had mastered,
Along came that kid saying “I can run faster!”
Day Five of Bootcamp, Paulina and Netty…
It'd been a whole week, but their runners were ready!
“Twelve sets of burpees!” we heard Steffie say.
We just have to do them, we can't get away…
“Stay strong!” we heard. “Don't you give in or give out!”
At the end of the class, 'Hooray!’ we did shout.
Day Six of bootcamp was quite the production--
Abs, thighs and biceps are under construction.
We worked on those difficult muscles in groups,
Even the wee ones that sometimes go ‘blooop!'
The New Sisterhood of the Travelling Mats
Is travelling far, to burn off some fat!
Day Seven of bootcamp, on Saturday a.m.,
Just getting to class is its own sort of mayhem…
We got into gear, it was so bright and early,
We worked out so hard, Lara’s hair went all curly!
But never mind that! We've discovered a way
To feel really good for the rest of the day!
Day Eight of bootcamp, we're in a routine--
We know better now than to go eat poutine!
Some there for their first time, they got off the couch
To find out that Stephanie’s fave word is “OUCH!!”
We know now that we can work out for an hour
Because our reward is a nice long hot shower!
Day Nine of bootcamp, we did things we thought
Just one month ago, that we really could not!
Stephanie came with her “Bootycamp” hoodie…
The UPS guy came in time with those goodies!
Today we discovered the “Modified Plank”--
Face down on our mats, with the cheesecake to thank!
Day Ten of bootcamp will not be the end--
We're having a blast working out with our friends!
Does Stephanie realize she's started a movement?
Not hard to see why--look at all that improvement!!
Never know what’s up next cause it’s never the same--
We feel so much better, we're happy we came!!