Hello, My name is Mary or Mulkey (age 45, now, yikes did I really just share that?) and I, like any one else on their first day, “thought” I was in reasonable shape.I had been an avid walker of the hills of Bulverde/Spring Branch for over 10 years. I have a workout room at my house that has all kinds of equipment--weights, bench, dumb bells, step, stability ball, elliptical, treadmill, medicine ball--you name it. I was a fast paced walker and I even walked with a 10 lb weighted vest. I believe I own every fitness DVD. But nothing was working.In 2009, I made the resolution to give up ALL soft drinks and to this day I have kept it, pretty much...there is the occasional “mom is this flat?” and I have to sample to give my expert opinion.In 2010, I made the resolution to start a fitness program AND stick with it. For the first 2 months I did something every day for at least an hour or more while watching tv by myself—I gauged my workout length to tv shows/DVDs or I would time my walking outside. I absolutely hated doing stuff like this by myself. Then...I got an email flyer, a facebook flyer and my friend Julie called me about the "Crossfit Bootcamp By Channel -- Get Summer Ready" that was being offered only 3.5 miles from my house at Powerhouse—ding—those were the multiple sign(s) that I needed.I knew of Channel, who was the trainer, from church, but I did not know her. I had just seen her the Sunday before and I told Julie “I wanna look like Channel, she looks great”.We (Julie & I) attended the first class and then agreed (grudgingly) to sign up for one month…14 classes and THAT'S IT…The next day I was like "what did I just sign up for? I can not move!" I counted each one of those days down…thinking I only have this many left and I am done, if I don’t die first! Back in the day you paid by the month & I by no means was not going to get my monies worth. That was March 2010.We (Lucas & I)--your name gets changed--started with 3 days a week (mwf). I was so hooked I even drove back and forth from Medina Lake during our spring break to attend the class in Spring Branch (50 miles each way). My husband thought I had lost my mind…paying to sweat in the Texas heat & be sore for the next day(s) especially while on vacation! Then summer added a new location & schedule change, so we were attending 4 days a week (mtwth)—traveling to Channel’s new boot camp class 2days (in the 80+ summer mornings) being held on a tennis court in Rivermont. Nuts! Then Fall began the first Paleo challenge .... trying to get my family to stop eating bread & milk products--they really thought by then I had gone off the deep end! But I was very discipline--if I cheated I did the 100 penalty burpees. Believe me I had 3 home police 24hrs a day monitoring me. To this day they say..."how many burpees is that worth?" Speaking of burpees...I fell for the SuperBowl 2010 challenge. Pick your team & do their points in burpees EACH commercial break--that was 500 done, thank you very much Green Bay. I was the only sucker to finish but I did win a rodeo ticket from Channel. Believe it or not during a 7wk challenge I ended up doing 10,000 burpees (lots of penalties & daily pt burpees) BUT Channel made me a shirt for my hard work!We continued through the summer(s) heat and then the winter(s) cold. And today, we can say we have been Channel's faithful participants, sometimes being the only ones to show up--now, its crazy how many attend! My friend continues to be my workout & challenge partner, mainly because she can keep count so much better than me & keep me accountable because for one she always knows where & what I'm doing!Even though I have pulled/stretched every muscle in my entire body doing this, it has helped me to finally put myself first…I said no to a lot of volunteer opportunities that happened in “my time” and I made a lot of people upset with me. But I had to do it. I will have to say, for any success you have to return (even with the pain). I know more about kettlebells, weighted bars, burpees, suicides, slam balls, wall balls, jello shots (with no jello or shot), the best poker hand consist of all the high cards you are trying to avoid drawing, mountain climbers, squats, long jumps, vertical jumps, planks, oh lunge walk sets, nasties, every kind of sit up imaginable, soul surfer, workouts that have names AND I return to find out what I will be doing next (and I still make a face!!).I especially enjoy getting new friends to join and experience the workout that they thought they could NEVER do. The workouts continue to change & challenge me AND I still get sore. I really like how we are there for each other daily—physically and through supportive emails.I have lost weight & toned up considerable--my numbers change daily--I think i can say my average is about 15 lbs lost.I now consider Channel one of my best friends and I am so much better for that. Even though I really want to take that stopwatch and smash it! I may not be the fastest but I know I will have her pushing me to have the best form I can have until I finish.In 2011, I made the resolution to continue with bootcamp for as long as Channel would be there--and now it's 2012, I have Gina & Michelle to add to that list! Thanks Girls for keeping us Thirsty for More (pain)!Now Channel, aren't you happy Lucas & Mulkey did not let you QUIT when it was just us three? Mary Mulkey
I would like to think that I have been active my entire life and I never had to watch what I ate but somewhere in my late 30’s I just kept thinking that I was still in decent shape all the while getting bigger and weaker.
I was a slim chick in “My Own Mind”! I even told my son one Christmas I could lose 10 pounds; no problem. Grant it-I had never dieted. Now here I was on the down hill side of my 40’s and I never lost that 10 pounds and I was really not feeling healthy and may have even gained a few pounds. That never stopped me from exercising though; problem was I loved food and entertaining.
I always enjoy working out! When aMAZEn Boot Camp started I knew I had to attend. I
had known Channel for a long time. First, as a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and working as a disciple at our church and at Church under the Bridge. I had witnessed amazing changes in her life and the latest was crossfit. She is always an inspiration to me! I was training at the time for a triathlon with my friends Diane Godwin and Jennifer Clarke and knew this would be a great way to build my strength. I had this other friend who many of you probably think we have been inseparable our whole lives but we actually have boot camp to thank for bonding our friendship and a “little accident”!
I told my great friend and Partner for today’s LUCKEY WOD Mary Mulkey about boot camp thinking that she would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS attend. You see I had joined her for “walking” many mornings after dropping kids off at school but walking was all she would do!!! Never Ever would she considering jogging so I was so excited when she said Yes to Boot Camp! She has accomplished so much in the last two years and no kidding she really LOVES Burpees! I am so proud of her and thankful that she said Yes to make time for herself. Thanks my friend for our many great times!
Oh, and that little accident I mentioned was actually how we met 15 years ago when she rear-ended me in the car pool line at Rahe-Bulverde! It wasn’t until a few years later when a mutual friend Ms. Kandy Perkins brought us back together that I realized who Mary was and how we had first met. I never would have remembered the accident if she hadn’t told me!!! Simply aMazen how God puts people in our lives!
Mary and I show up the first day and Channel is giving us the low down on the class. I’m sure we were not complaining but I do remember Tommy telling us we would have to change our diet to see results. Well, being my usual self.... I said “I am not giving up margaritas or wine” I’ll just work out more to offset it.
NOW HEAR THIS.... It took me 6 months to realize it but...You will have to change those habits if you want to see big results but you do not have to be deprived!!! I cannot tell you that I have lost a lot of weight (8 lbs) but I can tell you that I have lost 5 inches in my hips and 1.5 inches in thighs and waist. That sure helps those jeans fit better and that skinny girl in my mind was not so skinny but is getting there! I am most thankful for all the strength that I have gained.
It is so easy to eat better and take care of you when you surround yourself with others who care and encourage you. It has been so easy to tell my friends to get involved because I know they too will want to come back for more!
What I love most is the opportunity for friendships and the healthy lifestyle that aMAZEn
Boot Camp offers! I want to be an active grandparent that is not slumped over at the shoulders and I hope to beat some of you younger boot campers one of these days!
Do this for you!! You will be so glad you did!!
Julie Lucas
Hi, my name is Juanita Gatrelle. A year and a half ago I weighed 263 and wore a size 26-28. Now I weigh 180 and wear a size 12, whoo-hoo!! 83lbs and half my size!! My first 5k was Soul2Sole last year, over 48 min. Last week I did a 5k in 33.06. Whoo-hoo again! I just registered for the RnR half marathon. Yikes! All of this because of this ittle bitty blond that is MEAN! She ferocious, don’t let that beautiful face fool ya! Thank you Channel!! What you have helped me accomplish, you made the unbelievable, believable.
On April 5, 2010 my heart patient husband was rushed to the hospital to be treated for what we believed at the time was a stroke. It wasn’t a stroke that night, but he was not healthy and no plans to get healthy existed. My oldest daughter who was 14 at the time came to me crying. She said she had to share with me what she worried about every night before going to bed. She said she worried she was not going to have parents. Didn’t we love them enough to get healthy? My four children only knew one mom, sedentary, eating all the time, too much TV and never, ever playing outside with them.
That was finally my Ah-Ha! moment that moved me to move and it still does! Through the years I’ve had many moments that should have been Ah-Ha! moments but they weren’t, a funny one (well now I can look back at it as funny!) was when my oldest son was little and was giving each family member a character from Star Wars we could all be for Halloween, he said “Oh, and mommy can be Jabba the Hutt!” hmmmmmm that might have been an Ah-Ha! moment for a weaker person but ooohhh not me. I just lightsabered him down!
So April 6, 2010 I started my journey of getting fit. Instead of sneaking home after school, I stayed to workout. That is how I started. I first started moving and moving and moving…… I did not tackle my diet until I knew I wasn’t going to stop working out. I kept hearing Channel say, you’re working so hard and you ruin it by putting all that junk in your mouth. So true! By the time I came back to work in August of 2010 I had dropped 50 lbs!
If I’m not sweating buckets, heart racing, feeling like I’m gonna puke, I’m disappointed in my workout. I’m always the slowest, and I’ll give in to the temptation to let that bother me but I have to suck it up and just work on me, my form, my reps, my pace to push myself for me……and my loved ones. Stay true, never quit and never cheat, my motto. I get to the point during burpees, where all I’m saying in my head is “just drop” and that is how I get through them.
My husband is in the best shape he has ever been, his Dr’s are thrilled! And he ran his first 5K last week too!!! He did it in 49.35 and you know I let him know my first was faster!! If you know me, you know I just can’t help myself! J Almost 21 years with me, he doesn’t expect anything else, I love my hubby!
Through my journey my Specht peeps have motivated me, pushed me and carried me! Thank you Ladies! As well as coworkers that do not work out with us and JS, I do not thank you enough, you have no idea how much you have helped me J This last challenge has been so tough to stay true and focused on Paleo, my partner, Keith, aka Superman, has been awesome! Pushing me to stay focused. Thanks Keith and Sam aka Lois, we’re Team SIU! And of course the best “Co-Worker” ever!! JD, I would have quit a million times if it wasn’t for you……your aight.
I would like to think that I have been active my entire life and I never had to watch what I ate but somewhere in my late 30’s I just kept thinking that I was still in decent shape all the while getting bigger and weaker.
I was a slim chick in “My Own Mind”! I even told my son one Christmas I could lose 10 pounds; no problem. Grant it-I had never dieted. Now here I was on the down hill side of my 40’s and I never lost that 10 pounds and I was really not feeling healthy and may have even gained a few pounds. That never stopped me from exercising though; problem was I loved food and entertaining.
I always enjoy working out! When aMAZEn Boot Camp started I knew I had to attend. I
had known Channel for a long time. First, as a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and working as a disciple at our church and at Church under the Bridge. I had witnessed amazing changes in her life and the latest was crossfit. She is always an inspiration to me! I was training at the time for a triathlon with my friends Diane Godwin and Jennifer Clarke and knew this would be a great way to build my strength. I had this other friend who many of you probably think we have been inseparable our whole lives but we actually have boot camp to thank for bonding our friendship and a “little accident”!
I told my great friend and Partner for today’s LUCKEY WOD Mary Mulkey about boot camp thinking that she would NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS attend. You see I had joined her for “walking” many mornings after dropping kids off at school but walking was all she would do!!! Never Ever would she considering jogging so I was so excited when she said Yes to Boot Camp! She has accomplished so much in the last two years and no kidding she really LOVES Burpees! I am so proud of her and thankful that she said Yes to make time for herself. Thanks my friend for our many great times!
Oh, and that little accident I mentioned was actually how we met 15 years ago when she rear-ended me in the car pool line at Rahe-Bulverde! It wasn’t until a few years later when a mutual friend Ms. Kandy Perkins brought us back together that I realized who Mary was and how we had first met. I never would have remembered the accident if she hadn’t told me!!! Simply aMazen how God puts people in our lives!
Mary and I show up the first day and Channel is giving us the low down on the class. I’m sure we were not complaining but I do remember Tommy telling us we would have to change our diet to see results. Well, being my usual self.... I said “I am not giving up margaritas or wine” I’ll just work out more to offset it.
NOW HEAR THIS.... It took me 6 months to realize it but...You will have to change those habits if you want to see big results but you do not have to be deprived!!! I cannot tell you that I have lost a lot of weight (8 lbs) but I can tell you that I have lost 5 inches in my hips and 1.5 inches in thighs and waist. That sure helps those jeans fit better and that skinny girl in my mind was not so skinny but is getting there! I am most thankful for all the strength that I have gained.
It is so easy to eat better and take care of you when you surround yourself with others who care and encourage you. It has been so easy to tell my friends to get involved because I know they too will want to come back for more!
What I love most is the opportunity for friendships and the healthy lifestyle that aMAZEn
Boot Camp offers! I want to be an active grandparent that is not slumped over at the shoulders and I hope to beat some of you younger boot campers one of these days!
Do this for you!! You will be so glad you did!!
Julie Lucas
Hi, my name is Juanita Gatrelle. A year and a half ago I weighed 263 and wore a size 26-28. Now I weigh 180 and wear a size 12, whoo-hoo!! 83lbs and half my size!! My first 5k was Soul2Sole last year, over 48 min. Last week I did a 5k in 33.06. Whoo-hoo again! I just registered for the RnR half marathon. Yikes! All of this because of this ittle bitty blond that is MEAN! She ferocious, don’t let that beautiful face fool ya! Thank you Channel!! What you have helped me accomplish, you made the unbelievable, believable.
On April 5, 2010 my heart patient husband was rushed to the hospital to be treated for what we believed at the time was a stroke. It wasn’t a stroke that night, but he was not healthy and no plans to get healthy existed. My oldest daughter who was 14 at the time came to me crying. She said she had to share with me what she worried about every night before going to bed. She said she worried she was not going to have parents. Didn’t we love them enough to get healthy? My four children only knew one mom, sedentary, eating all the time, too much TV and never, ever playing outside with them.
That was finally my Ah-Ha! moment that moved me to move and it still does! Through the years I’ve had many moments that should have been Ah-Ha! moments but they weren’t, a funny one (well now I can look back at it as funny!) was when my oldest son was little and was giving each family member a character from Star Wars we could all be for Halloween, he said “Oh, and mommy can be Jabba the Hutt!” hmmmmmm that might have been an Ah-Ha! moment for a weaker person but ooohhh not me. I just lightsabered him down!
So April 6, 2010 I started my journey of getting fit. Instead of sneaking home after school, I stayed to workout. That is how I started. I first started moving and moving and moving…… I did not tackle my diet until I knew I wasn’t going to stop working out. I kept hearing Channel say, you’re working so hard and you ruin it by putting all that junk in your mouth. So true! By the time I came back to work in August of 2010 I had dropped 50 lbs!
If I’m not sweating buckets, heart racing, feeling like I’m gonna puke, I’m disappointed in my workout. I’m always the slowest, and I’ll give in to the temptation to let that bother me but I have to suck it up and just work on me, my form, my reps, my pace to push myself for me……and my loved ones. Stay true, never quit and never cheat, my motto. I get to the point during burpees, where all I’m saying in my head is “just drop” and that is how I get through them.
My husband is in the best shape he has ever been, his Dr’s are thrilled! And he ran his first 5K last week too!!! He did it in 49.35 and you know I let him know my first was faster!! If you know me, you know I just can’t help myself! J Almost 21 years with me, he doesn’t expect anything else, I love my hubby!
Through my journey my Specht peeps have motivated me, pushed me and carried me! Thank you Ladies! As well as coworkers that do not work out with us and JS, I do not thank you enough, you have no idea how much you have helped me J This last challenge has been so tough to stay true and focused on Paleo, my partner, Keith, aka Superman, has been awesome! Pushing me to stay focused. Thanks Keith and Sam aka Lois, we’re Team SIU! And of course the best “Co-Worker” ever!! JD, I would have quit a million times if it wasn’t for you……your aight.
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| Juanita Before |
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| Juanita Now!! |
I started aMAZEn boot camp in April of 2011 at Specht elementary. My wife Sam had been going since early on in the school year. I had witnessed her looking better; she had more energy and was really enjoying the workouts. After a few attempts I said yes! I thought it would be something for us to do together… My first day of boot camp started with the waiver (expected) and then a real chipper lady telling me if I feel dizzy sit down (I replied ‘I always feel dizzy’ and got the serious look) next she told me if I need to throw up go out the double doors and then come back to finish the WOD (I was thinking yeah right it’s a girls boot camp) I remember being winded during the warm up and my legs were shaking, then the WOD began I don’t think I knew about a modified WOD or maybe my cockiness made me deaf. I made it through without puking and was too spent to do the entire ab workout. I left feeling beat down, humbled, and wondering when the next class was. Was I nuts? The next morning I could barely walk and Sam said “ it will get better “ knowing the next day would be worse I said “ I know” on that Wednesday I went back for more (to ease the pain) It was then Channel introduced me to Kelly!! I will always have a soft spot in my heart for her. WOW after that WOD I would no longer call my punch card by name it now was my ego card. The next WOD was the end of a Paleo challenge and the performance WOD. It was at that time I found out about the modified (Julie was coaching and told me to do 4 instead of 6) I completed 5 rounds and almost passed out with exhaustion. I felt totally defeated and grabbed some water. I couldn’t not do the last round so I got back in a finished, even though my time had been recorded and it was going to say MOD next to my name. The next WOD was a partner WOD and Sam and I finished first in our class. The rest is history..
It was summertime and school is out YEAH! Wait, what about boot camp? I had seen other locations on the emails and website. So off I go to Rim Rock by the time I found it is was halfway over so I did a drive by. The next morning I went to Powerhouse and was welcomed by everyone in the class. It had a few guys, a like family atmosphere and a healthy competitive feel. At every location I have met some incredible people who have inspired me by their words of encouragement, dedication to being healthy, willingness to help others, and a give it all you got mentality. I have never seen or felt anything close to this at a gym. ABC is more than a workout it is a group of people who care for one another and care for others more than themselves. I have been inspired by the testimonies, their love for God, and the gratitude that is shared. I look forward to the emails to hear about Annette, (a fellow boot camper who I have never met) Will, (a friend of Channel’s daughter) prayer requests, church under the bridge, and opportunities to help. I have been a part of it all even the Ranger Rush! It makes me feel good to be a part of this community and I really appreciate each and every one of you!!
I have grown in so many ways over the last five months and contribute it mostly to Channel and all of you. Today, I am stronger in spirit, mind and body. I know that if I put forth the effort I can expect the results. Keep coming back; it works if you work it…I have learned from Michelle that I can push past the mental side and ‘just do it’! I have learned if I feel tired and want to quit to look at Fullerton! If I get tired in a run I can hear Alisha saying ‘its just steps’. It is funny how the little things in life keep us going. Without Juanita I would have never done the paleo challenge. She is a ROCKSTAR and I’m honored to be her partner. Blaire holds me accountable on Monday mornings. Sanders for coming after my times. My beautiful wife Sam who supports me in everything I do. Jason and Donnie who have me thinking its over at 40. (It will be on Saturday) Channel who encourages me to be the best I can and leave with no regrets. And everyone else who has graced me with their presence you’ll are AMAZEN…
With Gratitude,
Keith Smith
I began my bootcamp adventure in December 2010 (roughly 10 months ago). My sweet friend Melanie Daves encouraged me to try bootcamp to alleviate the frustration I was having with my “regular gym” workouts. So, I decided to go…”Why Not?” I’ve always liked a tough workout….treadmills, ellipticals, advanced aerobic classes, kickboxing….you name it and I’ve tried it. Well, let’s just say this was more than tough. The first two weeks, I honestly thought I had done permanent damage to my muscles…they were so very sore. I mean seriously sore!! If I dropped something on the ground during that time….I had to give serious thought to its importance before I suffered through the pain of bending down to pick it up. ;-) The workouts were (and still are) really hard…..but something about the WODs and the encouragement I got from Channel and my fellow bootcampers kept me coming back for more. Before I knew it, I was addicted to bootcamp! It’s hard for me to explain all the benefits I derive from our workouts. Obviously there are the physical benefits….I’ve lost weight, lost body fat, and gained muscle tone. But, most importantly, I’ve gained stamina, self-confidence, and some amazing friendships. I’ve never participated in a workout program that included people cheering you on, helping you when you feel like giving up, and genuinely believing you can finish (even when you think you can’t). Forget about my body…..I keep coming to bootcamp for my soul! I believe God is at work at aMAZEn bootcamp. When one of us needs a hand…someone is there. When one of us goes through troubled times….someone is there. What a wonderful group of people we have! I am proud to be a part of this team and I unconditionally recommend our bootcamp to everyone I meet that is looking to get healthy. I still get nervous before every WOD…..The burpees are still incredibly hard….The WODs keep increasing in difficulty……Channel keeps making us jump taller boxes and use heavier weight…..BUT, I wouldn’t have it any other way! Whooop! 3-2-1 Go! - Alisha Richnow
A bit over 15 months ago, I began going to boot camp with Channel. A parent at school had sent an email that Channel was starting summer classes and I was interested. I knew Channel from having Korbyn in my pre-k class the previous year and thought Wow! I love Channel; I should do this, but did not act to get more info. Then, Sunday afternoon before Memorial Day (the first official day of summer for me), my husband, Chris, and I were at HEB, I saw my sweet boy Korbyn, Chris “saw” Channel. This was one of those EPIC moments. I had to ask Channel about boot camp. Well, needless to say I went that next morning and drug my neighbor Monique with me and have not turned back! Yes, I thought is it possible to be this incredibly sore—do I really want to go back? - on many more occasions since that first day, but WOW! Look at what I just accomplished to get this sore (or sometimes it’s just a reminder that I missed too many days in a row!). So of course I go back and love it!
For most of my life, I have been active. Growing up in a small town, I participated in every sport offered, but this has by far been my most fulfilling athletic journey. I know that this is ultimately because of Channel and all of YOU out there with me each day! This isn’t just for my body, it’s for my heart, soul, and mind. Channel has such a way of ministering to each of us, through her encouraging words, emails for a prayer here and there, keeping us informed of Will and others, and the prayer the other day before our performance WOD—thanks! That too is what keeps me going and loving it! (Also, something I learned form Korbyn: every once in a while—like when there is a cool breeze—blow a kiss up to GOD and just say “Thank You, GOD!”)
Speaking of loving boot camp, it is the friendships I’ve made along the way that also contribute to my going back each day. I want to be at boot camp, not just for the workout, but also to have that few minutes with friends, knowing that the strong bonds we have built can get each of us to boot camp, through the day’s WOD, or the challenge we are facing—be it physically, with food, or just a tough day. Thanks to all my friends out there—I love being a boot camper with you! And thanks to my husband and kiddos, they put up with my being sore, or my saying we can’t eat that, or just listening to me go on and on about boot camp. I think they may be a little bit hooked on boot camp too though; Taylor and Anna are running with me and doing burpees! I love that I am able to set this example for my kiddos, hopefully seeing me exercise and trying to make healthy choices will set a good foundation for them in their lives as well.
I have “gained” so much from Channel (but lost physical weight)—her “Can Do” attitude for herself and others sends such a powerful message and is so CONTAGIOUS! I have never felt more confident (not just physically) in my life. I truly believe this is due to what Channel exemplifies for us each day! aMAZEn boot camp has ignited many other passions in my life, I love working out, encouraging others, sharing my experiences with making healthier choices, and of course working with children. This led me to want to combine these passions and get my certification in teaching physical education. I LOVE and want to continue teaching in the classroom, but if the opportunity is ever there for me to “coach,” I’m ready to go! Thanks Channel and all of you fellow boot campers; you are doing aMAZEn things—KEEP IT UP!!! --Sara Johnson
Before coming to Channel’s boot camp I had done a lot of damage to my body. I’ve always struggled with a food addiction, and I took on smoking, heavy drinking, and miscellaneous other things to get through an abusive first marriage. (If you ask me one-on-one I’ll tell you about the miscellaneous other things sometime.)
In high school my normal weight was about 125-130. I maintained at 145 through my 20s with some ups and downs. But when I gave up on myself, I reached a whopping 220 pounds before I stopped weighing myself. I stopped smoking first and then the miscellaneous other stuff, but food and wine were my BFFs. January 1, 2010 I stopped drinking completely and was working a 12-step program. My biggest struggle was, and always will be, with food. I was beginning to get some of my self-worth back before coming to aMAZEn boot camp. It was still difficult to make myself walk through the doors. Many of you have heard about my first workout experience. It was a performance WOD. As I waited to be weighed in, I watched all of these super-fit ladies get geared up for the workout. For someone who has been labeled morbidly obese (I still have trouble saying that), it is frightening to the point of tears to look at others and think that you will never again be normal like they are. Channel explained the Paleo challenge to me and several of the other ladies shared about the foods you can eat and the foods you stay away from. This sounded doable for me, so I was willing to give it a chance. We started our WOD and mine was modified since this was my first workout. I didn’t even make it half-way through. I was on my back, heaving to get enough air in my lungs, and tears just kept coming. How could I let myself get like this? Channel stopped the stopwatch somewhere around 9.5 minutes. I left feeling defeated. What brought be back to my next workout was nothing but a miracle. I kept telling myself I had to do something different if I wanted different results. So, I suited up and showed up. Six weeks later I completed the same WOD in 4 minutes and 6 seconds….no kidding! This was another miracle. I had also lost 7 pounds. I’m about to state some truth about Paleo, so stop reading if you don’t want to hear it. I didn’t get skinny and the pounds didn’t drop off. I’ve worked every single pound off and I continue to struggle with my weight. Paleo makes me feel healthy and invigorated, but I still have to watch my portions and make smart choices. I’ve been able to make Paleo my lifestyle. Today I weigh in at 180, and that’s much better than 220. In my recovery I work every day to stay in ‘truth’. Today I know the truth is that I have to work at this whether I want to lose weight, tone up or just maintain good health. Today I know I get another chance every day my eyes open up in the morning. Today I know I am an offering to God, and I’m just borrowing this body. Today I know I need others to be my very best. I love my aMAZEn boot campers and my trainer.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Melanie Little
I had not planned to update my testimony just yet, but as Channel said, it’s not for me and you can’t keep it if you don’t give it away.
I have been coming to bootcamp since December 2, 2010. Throughout this journey, Channel has FORCED me (and yes I mean FORCED) to look at my victories. This has been harder for me than doing the Murph WOD or Kelly Wod! You see, I am a self-defeatist. I am my own worst enemy. When things get hard, I shut down, tend to give up, cry, say ugly things, etc. So just for you, Channel, here are some my victories.
- Listening to Melanie Daves when she encouraged me to come to bootcamp.
- Showing up on December 2, 2010.
- Completing a modified Kelly WOD on my first day.
- Coming back to boot camp after a weekend of not being able to get up from the toilet and walking funny!
- Getting my sweet hubby to join me in this insane journey.
- Changing my eating habits to MOSTLY paleo.
- Running my first 5k – Run for the Hills.
- Running in the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon.
- Getting stronger – Channel has even accused me of being an athlete! (something I have never been accused of in my life!
- Losing 31 pounds and dropping two sizes.
Although the noticeable victory might be the weight loss, it is not at all my biggest victory. My confidence has grown by leaps and bounds (yes I still try to defeat my self, but my alter ego tells me, “You got this Jod!”). I have never had a group of friends like my boot camp family. A group that truly supports me and believes in me. I have NO DOUBT that when I start to defeat myself, I will have someone standing beside me telling me that I can do it. I know that I have more victories to come and a lot more weight to come off, but for once in my life I am not trying to do it the easy, fast way. I am doing it the right way! I have never stuck to anything as long as I have bootcamp, so I know that I will see all of my goals through and when I achieve those goals, I will set new ones. So Bootcamp family, get used to seeing me because I plan to stick to this – I am addicted!
Hugs!
Jodi Machacek
I started Channel's bootcamp in September 2010. I was so thankful to have someone come to school to work us out. No excuses, right? I had been an athlete in high school and afterward, and I really thought I was in ok shape. Wow! Good thing I didn't know what to expect, because it was NOTHING like I expected! I was out of breath after the first round, hurting, wanting to quit, and sore for days afterward. I was sure I would never go back, except that I had a whole group co-workers that felt the same way! I was not alone. Almost a year later, I am still here. And it is STILL nothing like I expected! I have an ever-growing list of accomplishments that were not expected, many of which were things I thought I would "never" do.
BEFORE bootcamp I thought I would NEVER lose weight. The scale was my enemy, and
I always seemed to bulk up and not slim down.
NOW, I have lost a total of 22 pounds.
BEFORE bootcamp, I would NEVER wear a clothing size below L, and most certainly not in the single digits! NOW, I am a size 8, and I walk straight to the M section, instead of L!!!! That hasn't happened since my freshman year of high school!
BEFORE bootcamp, I NEVER had muscle definition in my arms.
NOW, I flex with pride!
BEFORE bootcamp, I would NEVER exercise without my knee brace.
NOW, I haven't worn it in 4 months. I am stronger than ever, with no more joint pain or weakness.
BEFORE bootcamp, I couldn't do a single burpee, and had no desire to even try.
NOW, I do 100 on almost a daily basis, many times on my own accord without Channel yelling at me, because I want to! BEFORE bootcamp, I hated to shop, go out, or dress up. NOW, shopping is easier and I can wear what I want to wear, not what I have to wear.
BEFORE bootcamp, working out was a chore. It took forever, and I never saw results (at least not before quitting whatever "program" I started).
NOW, I have stuck with a regular exercise program for almost a year, at least 3 WODs a week.
BEFORE bootcamp, I ate whatever I could put in my mouth. Mostly junk and carbs.
NOW, I make better choices and eat things that help fuel my body.
BEFORE bootcamp, I dodged other people at the gym and surely didn't talk to them.
NOW, I have a new family that shares the same goals for fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
BEFORE bootcamp, I had co-workers. NOW, I have friends (that I happen to work with).
BEFORE bootcamp, I asked my husband if I looked ok before leaving the house.
NOW, he whistles every time I walk within sight ;)
BEFORE bootcamp, I asked others what they did to get in shape and look great.
NOW, others ask me.
BEFORE bootcamp, Channel didn't exist. NOW, she is my inspiration, coach, and lifelong friend.
As I mentioned before, this is an ever-growing list, and Channel continues to provide me with workouts that I do not expect! I have found what works for me, what I like, and WHO I enjoy it with! I HEART BOOTCAMP!!!
Sandie Schneider
I have never been athletic . I was 6yrs old when my parents realized at my kinder readiness evaluation that I could not jump. Seriously, my parents took me home and put a string on the floor and began trying to teach me how to jump over it. It is funny for me now every time we do burpees and jump over the bar. I have been trying to be healthier in an attempt to lose some weight that snuck up on me, and have completely changed my eating habits. I lost some weight and was thinking I needed to step up my "workouts", when I ran into Angie (who looks fabulous) and she invited me to Boot Camp. It took a LOT of courage for me to even come to the first class, and even more to come back to the second. I cried my first week of workouts and felt ridiculous/pathetic but something about Channel and the atmosphere of being supported rather than judged keeps me coming back. Not to mention the testimonies of everyone who share their stories keep me motivated. For this I want to thank you all. I know this is the best decision I have made for myself in a long time. Jodie
I had always been very athletic in my younger years. After years of having kids I gained a considerable amount of weight. Did the yo-yo lose gain, lose gain for many years. Last year, I felt it was time we completed our family but still felt I could still have kids but for someone who truly couldn't medically carry to term. I then decided to become a surrogate. Lo and behold as I completed the qualifying process, I had two embryos transfered and they both took! I carried to 36 weeks and gained 60 lbs! Since April 16, I couldn't wait to get to bootcamp. Many teachers and parent friends had told me to be prepared and do pushups before coming. Plus they showed me how to do burpees! I started May 30 and have been pretty faithful coming 3-4 days a week. I focused first on just coming to workout and getting used to the workouts. Channel said by 6 weeks the pounds would start to come off. Well, she was right! I have lost 10 lbs right on schedule. I eat for fuel not as a recreation. My husband said I wouldn't have time to workout, but I made time. My goal is to go until we start school and reach my pre-pregnancy weight. Then throughout the year, come in the evenings until next summer to get to my ultimate goal my weight before having kids. Thanks Channel for being here and helping me make my short term goal a reality. It takes courage to be here and determination to make these goals a reality. I look up to all the bootcampers for motivation and inspiration. Keep up the great work everybody!
Karen Williams
Its aMAZEn ..... that its now been 1 year and 2 months that I have "showed up" for boot camp. (I started early April of 2010). I had just recently moved to the San Antonio area, not an easy move for me. Wasn't real happy about it, ... so, wasn't real happy, period. Anyway, a friend I made here (Amy) talked me into trying out this boot camp w/ her. What a God-send it turned out to be. I had exercised in the past, a long time ago and I never stuck w/ it. It was not a way of life for me. I did nothing physical anymore, and was definitely NOT physically fit! Although I am relatively small in size, I was completely out of shape, weak, no endurance or muscle tone.... So, Amy & I went to Channels boot camp, and loved it. Maybe I should clarify, ... we were challenged beyond belief & were unbelievably sore for first 3 weeks straight, maybe longer, but yet in the middle of all this, there was thisaMAZEn firecracker of an instructor who is both friendly & fierce, who believes that everyone there has what it takes, and is a great motivator who made us want to come back again & again. At first having a friend (support) to go w/ was important to me. However, I quickly found that w/in the "boot camp family" ... which is what it has become to me ... there are many friends, we are all friends .. so to speak. So when Amy could no longer go (job related) ... I continued on by myself ..... for me, aMAZEn. And I know that its because of the people here .... Channel, & the group of boot-campers themselves .... are all aMAZEn .... Everyone is so encouraging to everyone. Super positive place! Victories every day. And exactly what I needed back at that point in my life, a saving grace for me .... But its become so much more. Its been great for my body (getting healthier), but also for my mind, and my soul as well. It has renewed my spirit. I have dropped some inches (& a bit of a muffin top), built strength, increased my endurance, even have some muscle tone going on now. I find most of my shorts from last summer to be baggy on me now ... awesome feeling. I am forty-something years old ;) and before boot camp I really thought I'd worn my last 2 piece swim-suit ... however when I went shopping for a suit this summer guess what .... u betcha, I bought a 2-piece. aMAZEn for me. I have increased the weights I use w/ the bells, balls, & bars. And I've improved my times on work-outs, & can do more than I used to do. I feel better on a daily basis and it spills over into all areas of my life. I have even learned a little about the Paleo way of eating, and brought some of that into my home, my family. Don't always eat 100% right, but for sure better than before. That incorporated w/ the boot camp .... bring such positive changes. My husband and my son have noticed changes in me, physically, as well as other ways. aMAZEn. Now on the flip side, there is also lots of moaning & groaning, straining & sweating, sometimes crying & puking that goes on. (JK) Not to mention the occasional eye-rolling & mumbling of not so nice things under the breath that all happens to be directed towards Channel when there is aWOD that I/others don't want to do. Which is frequently ... haha. But hey, now, I feel WOD's are part of my life. Its a given! I look forward to the challenge and dread it all at the same time. And I keep on coming back. aMAZEn. And that's what I notice w/ many many of the boot campers. They come back. They bring friends, and the friends come back. What that says to me is that this is an aMAZEn thing going on here .... Channel is at the heart of it all. I feel blessed to be a part of it. She is totally aMAZEn and I feel she is the difference, why I (everyone) keep coming back, why this thing going on here is so very successful. Channel cares .... about each of us, our progress, our problems, .... whatever is an issue for you, is an issue she'll be glad to help you w/ and I say this all from first-hand experience. (truly, thank-you Channel). That I've stuck w/ something physical this long is for me nothing short of ... aMAZEn and its a direct reflection of Channel and the overall "experience/feel" of this boot camp. She believes in me even when I don't 100% believe in myself. When I wonder or doubt if I can do it .... she tells me I can. And although I've been going for some time, there are still many days I struggle/wonder if I can do "that WOD" whatever it might be. But again, she believes enough for the both of us. Which is a blessing. And its contagious thank goodness, and sometimes I really need that extra "you can do this" .... to get it done. She never fails to deliver, and if by chance she is not near me when I'm struggling or feeling spent, a fellow boot-camper is there to give a "you got this" .... and it gets me through. We all get each other through ... contagious, supportive & yes, aMAZEn. And that its still this level of challenging after a year plus for me, aMAZEn. That's thanks to the dedication of Channel, to keep up w/ all of us, to continue to challenge us, keep pushing us further, towards total success. While never leaving anyone behind. First day or first year, ... there is something here us all. What may be the most aMAZEn of all to me, is that I still want to go, after all this time, even more now than when I started. It really bothers me when I can't go, and I feel guilty for missing. aMAZEn. I can't say enough about what Channel has helped me accomplish ... as she has w/ so so many other here also. I still have work to do, and strides to make, but surrounded by all this positivity, I know I will do it. There are transformations taking place here every day. And its simply aMAZEn to see and be a part of!!! I heart all of it. I really heart Channel.
~ Tracy Martin
I started Bootcamp on March 8th, 2011. I had Channel's number for a few months, but didn't follow thru until March. Why I waited so long? Procrastination and the unknown. I had heard that it was a tough class and some newbies even puked! Lovely!!! Why would I want to start a class that would make me puke?
Well, I had a few things on my bucket list and I knew that I couldn't accomplish any of them without help, so I decided to give "bootcamp" a try.
My initial impression: Channel was/is so sweet. Bootcamp group was/is very welcoming. They encouraged me the whole way! I was very proud of myself that I didn't get sick, but boy was I sore(in areas I didn't know could get sore!) I told myself that if I made it through the first class, I would sign up for 13 classes. So here I am barely able to move and realizing that I have 13 classes left! Tammy, put on your big girl panties and deal with it!!!
The next class went really well. I was not as sore and I kinda liked it ;-) Now I wasn't ready for the Paleo challenge, but I was up for finishing up those 13 classes.
Jump ahead to April.....Lots of buzz about 5k runs, beach to bay, etc. Hey running a 5 k was on my bucket list....On April 30th, my son Brodie and I ran our first 5k and loved it! It was so sweet to see Brodie and the girls from bootcamp at the finish line encouraging me every last step. I will have you know that Brodie beat my time by 3 minutes!!!!!! He asked me at the end of the race, "When can we do that again. That was fun!" I think he enjoyed out running his mom ;-)
Impression of bootcamp now: Hey, this bootcamp is working! How bout that!!!!
Moving forward to May 25th-I get a call that my sweet husband Riad has had a heart attack. Wow, how life can change in a split second. I was on overload. People would ask me what we needed and I would say, "I just don't know." Channel was such an angel during that time. As soon as she found out, she stepped up to the plate and set up meals for our family. I couldn't believe it! People who barely knew me or my family were sending prayers and food to us!
I can't thank all of you enough for your kindness.
Impression: I'm addicted to bootcamp! When I don't get to go, I do the WOD at home. I write down everyWOD and my time and try to beat that time. I love the fact that I am getting in shape, but also I love the teamwork from every single person at bootcamp. I remember several times when I first started when I was usually the last one to finish and there was always someone to run with me, so I wasn't doing it on my own!
"Thinking into limitation means you've got to do it all on your own. Thinking into possibility means you can ask for help when it's needed."
Thanks to Channel and the rest of the bootcamp group for all the "possibilities!"
Tammy Freijy
Channel is an amazing trainer and I have seen awesome results during my time at aMAZEn bootcamp. While bootcamp is extraordinarily challenging, Channel does an amazing job motivating her students to accomplish their goals. While I have exercised consistently in some fashion for over 10 years, I can honestly say that the last 6 months of working out with Channel have provided the greatest results I have ever experienced. I am in the best shape I have ever been in....just 1 year after having a baby. I used to spend hours at the gym just working to maintain my weight and I hated it...now I spend 45 minutes twice a week at aMAZEn bootcamp and I have lost over 10lbs and 5% body fat and I love it!! I am stronger, have greater endurance, and look better than I could have ever imagined. Working out in the bootcamp setting with a personalized trainer like Channel has made all the difference in my exercise routine and in my life in general. Channel does an excellent job pushing her clients beyond their comfort zones and supporting them as they work to reach their goals. I would highly recommend Channel and aMAZEn bootcamp. --Brooke
I will never forget my first day of boot camp. Weighing in at over 200 pounds and having been away from a structured workout routine for many years, it took a lot of courage and humility for me to walk into the gym the first time. This was the beginning of a 6-week challenge and we began our challenge with a performance WOD. I wasn't able to make it through the entire workout and finished with tears of frustration because of my lack of physical agility and stamina. My time for this performance WOD was 9.33 minutes...and I left incomplete. It was extremely difficult to make myself "suit up and show up", as Channel would say, but I made it to the next workout. I continued to come to boot camp over the next six weeks. At the end of the 6-week challenge, we completed the same performance WOD we started with. This time I was determined to make it through. I finished with tears again, but this time it was tears of joy. I completed the very same workout in 4.06 minutes! I am so proud of my accomplishment and I continue challenging myself to improve my performance with each workout. In addition to the performance improvement, I'm losing weight, toning up and I am more confident. This program is a blessing for me. --Melanie
I LOVE Amazen’ Boot Camp!!!! Seriously….. I know that sounds totally insane, but it’s true. I’ve been working out with Channel for the last 4 months and I never thought I’d be where I am today. I’m 38 years old- wife, mother and non-profit financial manager. I think I’ve been on a diet for the last 5 years with little to show for it. I was stressed out, out of shape and about to accept the fact that this was life for an almost 40 year old woman.Then, someone invited me to Amazen’ Boot Camp. It has changed my life!!! I have gone from a size 10 to (almost) a size 6. I will meet my January 31st goal! I’ve currently lost 18 lbs and counting and due to my newly toned legs will be in shorts this summer for the first time in years! I love the physical changes as a result of Amazen Boot Camp, but honestly it’s done so much more for me than that. Like many wives and mothers, I forgot myself somewhere along the line. We sacrifice and put our loved ones before our own needs and over the years I gave pieces of myself away in the process. Amazen’ Boot Camp reminded me that I am more, that I can accomplish what seems too hard, that I am worth the time and deserve to do something just for me. Physically, I am stronger and healthier than I have been in years. Mentally, I am clearer, more focused and a lot less stressed. Plus, my husband says I’ve got my spunk back that I had when we first got married. I missed that spunky girl!! Love her!!--Michele
I have been attending Channel Maze's Crossfit Boot Camp since June of 2010. It has made a huge positive impact on my general, everyday life. I made the decision to spend some time on myself at this point in my life. We all know how busy we can get and that other things in life distract us away from improving our own better mental and physical being. Channel's crossfit program has made it easy to remain committed to my decision. Her workouts always begin on time, remain timely and structured during the workout, and never fail to challenge and reward me. My main goal was not so much to lose weight, but to get strong, toned and healthy. I have achieved these goals and then some. I have more energy, strength and an overall positvie daily attitude. The program itself is great; however, it is Channel that makes it work for me and keeps me coming back. Her genuine desire to get what is best out of everyone makes this program a success. We are blessed in Bulverde to have such talent and commitment.—Betsy
Channel’s boot camp has really helped me get back into working out after having my little girl. She pushes you and gets you to do more than you think you could ever do. Since starting her boot camp I have lost about 15lbs. I now weigh less than when I got pregnant!!! It feels good to be in a size 6! I also just feel better. I have more energy and I feel a lot stronger. My arms finally have the definition I have been wanting and now my legs are starting to get definition. Her program really works. Your body never knows what to expect when you walk into Channel’s bootcamp.—Kelly
Last June, I went to my GYN. He fussed at me because I was the heaviest I’d ever been, even during pregnancies. I vowed right then and there, I was going to lose some weight. I did a few bootcamps in the summer, liked it, but was busy and had a hard time convincing myself that I needed to go. In August, I cut bread out of my diet. I lost a little weight just doing that, but it wasn’t enough. I began bootcamp 2 times a week in September. Talk about SORE!! I couldn’t walk straight for a while. Since that time, I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I did the Paleo challenge, and learned to eat right. I fall off the wagon every now and then, but for the most part, I watch what I eat and I feel good. My husband tells me almost every day how skinny I look. That makes me feel really good. Over the Christmas break, my nieces who are all precious and skinny, told me they could really tell the difference in my shape. I don’t necessarily feel that my shape has changed enough, but clothes fit me looser, so that helps me to know I have lost some inches in places. I still want to lose a little more weight, and keep it off, and I am determined to do so. After bootcamps, I have a sense of pride knowing that I’ve finished something that is really difficult. –Lori
Last June, I went to my GYN. He fussed at me because I was the heaviest I’d ever been, even during pregnancies. I vowed right then and there, I was going to lose some weight. I did a few bootcamps in the summer, liked it, but was busy and had a hard time convincing myself that I needed to go. In August, I cut bread out of my diet. I lost a little weight just doing that, but it wasn’t enough. I began bootcamp 2 times a week in September. Talk about SORE!! I couldn’t walk straight for a while. Since that time, I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I did the Paleo challenge, and learned to eat right. I fall off the wagon every now and then, but for the most part, I watch what I eat and I feel good. My husband tells me almost every day how skinny I look. That makes me feel really good. Over the Christmas break, my nieces who are all precious and skinny, told me they could really tell the difference in my shape. I don’t necessarily feel that my shape has changed enough, but clothes fit me looser, so that helps me to know I have lost some inches in places. I still want to lose a little more weight, and keep it off, and I am determined to do so. After bootcamps, I have a sense of pride knowing that I’ve finished something that is really difficult. –Lori
I have been participating in Boot Camp for just over a month now and I notice a difference every time I put on my pants. They are definately looser around the waist! Also a personal triumph for me came today when I completed a "full" workout that I had previously done at a "modified" level and my time to finish was almost the same!! I can do more and more with every workout. In fact, today, my 16 year old daughter who works out all the time for softball was with me and said to the whole family at dinner, "Mom's workouts are way more intense than I ever imagined". That made me feel super about my accomplishments!--Cindy Kautz
Hello, My name is Mary (age 44) and I “thought” I was in shape. I had been an avid walker of the hills of Bulverde/Spring Branch for at least the last 10 years. I have a workout room at my house. I was a fast paced walker and I even walked with a 10 lb weighted vest. I believe I own every fitness dvd available, except yoga—not a fan. But nothing was working…maintaining was not what I wanted. In 2009 I made the resolution to give up all soft drinks and to this day I have kept it...there is the occasional “mom is this flat?” and I have to sample to give my expert opinion. In 2010 I made the resolution to start a fitness program and stick with it. For the first 2 months I did something every day for at least an hour or more while watching tv by myself—I gauged my workout length to tv shows or I would time my walking outside. I absolutely hate doing stuff like this by myself. Then I got an email flyer, facebook flyer and a friend called me about the Crossfit Bootcamp that was being offered only 3 miles from my house—ding—those were the multiple sign(s) that I needed. I knew of Channel, who was the trainer, from church, but I did not know her. I had just seen her at church and I told my friend “I wanna look like Channel, she looks great”. We attended the first class and then agreed to sign up for one month…14 classes and that’s it…and I counted each one of them down…thinking I only have this many left and I am done, if I don’t die first. That was March 2010. We have been (I think) her faithful participants. We started with 3 days a week until summer and then went to 4 days a week—I was traveling an additional 7 miles just to do one of Channel’s other boot camps in the 80+ summer mornings! I even drove back and forth from Medina Lake during our spring break to attend class in Spring Branch (50 miles away). My husband thought I had lost my mind…paying to sweat in the Texas heat & be sore the next day(s)! I have pulled/stretched every muscle in my entire body. But we made it through the summer heat and we have continued to this day. My friend is my workout partner and she can keep count so much better than me & keep me accountable..which is a bonus! I finally put myself first…I said no to a lot of volunteer opportunities that happened in “my time” and I made a lot of people upset with me. But I had to do it. I will have to say, for success you have to return even with pain and I even went when I think I had bronchitis – did not want to miss. I feel so much better and I can breathe while sitting wearing blue jeans. I know more about kettlebells, weighted bars, burpees, suicides, slam balls, wall balls, jello shots (with no jello or shot), the best poker hand consist of all the high cards you are trying to avoid drawing, mountain climbers, squats, long jumps, vertical jumps, planks, every kind of sit up imaginable, workouts that have names AND I return to find out what I will be doing next (and I still make a face). I especially enjoy getting new friends to join and experience the workout that they thought they could never do. The workouts are quick and we are there for each other every day—physically and through supportive emails. My goal was to lose as much weight as Channel did (never told her that) and I did…20lbs. I now consider Channel one of my best friends and I am so much better for that. Even though for the longest time I really wanted to take that stopwatch and smash it. I may not be the fastest but I know I will have her pushing me to have the best form I can have until I finish. In 2011 I made the resolution to continue with bootcamp for as long as Channel will be there (or as long as I have a deck of cards)—have workout will travel.—Mary
I want to start by saying, that I never stick with anything (exercise related) for to long! I have great intentions, but lack in follow through. This April, 3 months from now, will make 1 year, I have been going to Channel's boot camp. To know me would mean to know, that this is in and of itself, nothing short of amazing!!! My husband has even commented that he is so proud of me and how I've stuck w/ it (boot camp). I think this (dedication) on my part has surprised him ... we've been married 18 years, and so he knows me well ;) and like I said, don't generally stick w/ exercise or gym memberships or what have you, which is what he's seen dozens of time before. This has also started some healthier eating habits (for both of us). Not 100% there, but again, way ahead of where we used to be (in food choice) and staying w/ it. Lifestyle change! Anyway, I have also surprised myself, not only w/ staying power but I find the more I go, the more changes I see and feel in myself (my clothes size) .... and the more I want to go. Its a glorious cycle. And Channel is the big difference. Her spunk and drive are inspiring, as well as she is very motivating!! That's a nice way to put it :) Yea, motivating, we'll go w/ that. haha. Hey, again, I keep coming. There are many reasons why. She (Channel) and the way she does things ARE the primary reason why. Its fun but hard & challenging & uplifting, you'll love it and hate it, but you'll find yourself coming back (and wanting to) again & again. The girls who attend are also great. Friendships are made, this also helps inspire me to continue. The girls. It goes beyond exercise for me, into its good for my body, mind, spirit and soul. I have met many great girls and look forward to seeing their faces each time. (friendships) The changes in myself is the other BIG reason why! When I began classes, the warm-up before the actual work-out used to kill me. Maybe thats a slight exaggeration, but not off by much. I could hardly breathe during warm-ups and kinda felt like I was gonna die. Couldn't believe that wasn't the actual work-out and there was more to come :/ Now, the warm-ups get my heart rate up & going, (which is I'm sure the purpose) but thats it. I can breathe through it ok (although it is still rapid sometimes) and don't feel totally spent or like I'm dying, before the work-out even starts, in fact I am pretty ok. Ready to go at that point. That's 1 big change for me, a victory even. I have also increased my weights on weight bearing exercises ..... I started out modified .... as most people do, using no weight (in exercises that call for weights, like kettle bells and medicine balls, etc). Went from 10 lbs to 15lbs, now I try and use only 20lbs (kettle bells) - from 8lbs to 10 lbs on med balls. WOW!! (for me anyway). I can do push ups now, where to be truthful, that was my worst thing, and I do still struggle some w/ them. For whatever reason I could not do push-ups, like any, maybe 1 or 2. 5 and I was dying. No form at all. Now form is good, and I can go way past 5! Also, I can keep up (mostly) in the ab work portion - which is after the work-out .... its still hard/challenging, and sometimes changes (she keeps ya on your toes) but I'm doing it now! Again a change. I had to stop many many times earlier on in my first few months/weeks. Now I keep trucking through it (mostly). We recently did a timed work-out, and then re-did it 6 weeks or so later, ... I saw my time go down, I was faster .... again, a victory! My biggest thing is the inches I've lost, especially in the abdomen area .... "muffin top" ... well, its not so much that now, & I love it!! Yes, I still have a little left, there is work to be done still, and I will continue to do it. Most of my jeans are to big now, though I haven't lost a lot of weight, ~ b/c I now have some muscles ~ so cool!!! ~ (which consequently I found out weigh more than fat) - so all good there. Except I really do need new jeans, but don't want to buy them, b/c I'm not done yet .... what if I lose even more inches, .... and so I wait to buy new jeans ..... Dilemma! Not a bad one to have, huh?! Back to the muscles, I have to admit that I do stand in front of the mirror and flex my arm muscle, which cracks my 14 yr old son up, but hey, I've never really had one before, so I like it. Not a huge thing mind you, just nice definition, and I'm finding that's whats happening all over my body. Nicer definition. And believe me, my husbands has noticed, and likes it also;)) In closing I want to share this,... Channel's boot camp was a saving grace for me, in more ways than one. Emotionally as well as physically. Moved here little more than a year ago (year & half) ... very hard move. Was very happy where I was. Loved my home, job, the area, and had my child hood best friend living down the street. Very happy. So to say I was down when we moved here is an understatement. Not going to take a lot more time getting into all that, there is more, but sufficient to say I may of been a little depressed. Like I said way earlier, this has been good for EVERY part of me. Mind, spirit, soul, body. Its more than a work out class. It was a change in my mind & body & life. Positive. Not to mention visible results, I can do more now than when I started, I am faster doing it, stronger w/ the weights I use when doing it and have MUCH more stamina to do all this w/ !!! I see changes, I feel changes. It looks and feels great! It affects every part of my life, better in all ways. I am 44 years old, but can't remember feeling better, stronger, healthier ... not in the last 20 years anyway. And I like doing it, (which is huge)!--Tracy
