|
Testimonials from Campers of Memphis Adventure Boot Camp
My friend Brenda asked me if I would be interested in a “boot camp” exercise program. She had started going to Memphis Adventure Boot Camp and she told me it was a lot of fun and it’s for just women. She said, “We could do it together. It will be fun!” Sounds like fun.....
Well, she said it meets at 5:30 in the morning for a whole hour. I remember saying to Brenda “I couldn’t possibly get out of a warm bed to exercise!” I remember thinking “I am not doing that! That’s crazy!” I didn’t think about it anymore. A few weeks went by and I had gotten a call from Brenda. She said, “Hey Honour it’s ‘bring a buddy day’ at boot camp. Please come!” She asked me twice. FInally, I told her I would support her and I would come to that Wednesday class. Yes, I did attend the class, and had a fun time. You know, 60 minutes is a long time! I thought it would never end!! My whole body was sore from that workout.
What happened that morning was a turning point for me! I realized how out-of-shape I was and how difficult it was to keep up with the group. Yes, I am overweight and out-of-shape and am in need of exercise. It’s tough being over 50, working a full time job, taking care of everyone else. I am exhausted when I get home. I don’t have time to exercise. Yes, that was my excuse. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had actually exercised. Walking my dog around the block for 15 minutes doesn’t count.
Would you believe I decided I needed to sign up for “boot camp”!? I had to decide on a 3-day a week exercise plan or jump into the 5-day a week exercise plan. I struggled for a few days trying to make that decision. I thought if I do the 5-day plan I could get faster results and get rid of this menopause weight that has been bothering me for years. I finally decided to go for the 5-day exercise plan. Yes, that’s a total of 20 days of getting out of a warm bed at 5:00 in the morning and arriving for class on time at 5:30 every day! Well, I am happy to tell you that I have completed an entire camp! I feel well, I have more energy, I am happy. Even my clothes fit better! I have since signed up for my second 5-day camp exercise session. I am seeing results! I have increased upper body strength, loss body fat, I can complete a mile run and even hold a plank for longer than 9 seconds! For me, this has been a great exercise adventure. My thanks to Dexter. They have helped me reach my goals!
Ann Taylor: size 6 here I come!!!
Honour Batey
I have not "tried it all". I've always felt like I knew what the secret to a healthy body was: burn more calories than you take in and I figured I was just too weak to stick with it. I have tried Weight Watchers several times before and it has worked, but I've never kept the weight off long haul.
I started to have persistent aches and pains that never went away and I decided (and my body agreed) that we were supporting as much weight as was possible and something needed to be done. At the end of last summer I picked up a Memphis Flyer and saw the ad for Memphis Adventure Boot Camp. This seemed liked the kick in the pants I needed.
I participated in the first two boot camps and immediately had more energy, I felt stronger, my aches and pains were all but gone, and despite two entire months of rain, I was pretty darn upbeat! But the weight was not coming off like I hoped. I figured that since I was working my butt off I didn't really need to be so vigilant about the nutritional aspect of boot camp; I was wrong! During our "off week" between camps two and three I decided to change that. I started tracking the fat/carb/protein ratios of my food, eating every 3-4 hours and my metabolism has kicked in to high gear! Memphis Adventure Boot Camp has helped me develop eating and exercise habits that are starting to become second nature; "it's 5 a.m., time to wake up and exercise!". There are no shortcuts to losing body fat, you need to eat healthfully and eat to support muscle growth and get your body moving! The encouragement from Dexter and his staff and most of all, the other boot campers is awesome and with their help I feel confident I am creating a life long habits that will help me live a long and healthy life!
Katie Christian
When I saw the ad for the boot camp in Skirt! magazine, I though two things: it would be out of my budget and in would only be in Collierville or Germantown. I was wrong! It was right here in Memphis. I signed up for the 5-day camp thinking I would only go two days. Wrong again! I was hooked the first day. It was so much fun! I feel so happy when I leave each Memphis Adventure Boot Camp class. I’m usually the first person to drive up and Dexter is there waiting with his huge grin. His staff is great also! I feel like they really care about every one of us. I’m 48 and I feel I really have to step everything up a notch to stay healthy. This is the best thing I have ever done. I’ve met some wonderful girls. It feels like a big family of girls!! Poor Dexter!! Oh, by the way, this is my third camp!!!
Brenda Brown
Just a few thoughts about my experience with your program and Memphis Adventure Boot Camp.
I will be 69 years old in two weeks. I am diabetic and a serious kidney stone producer. One year ago I was an emotional and physical wreck. The constant struggle with weight control and the repeated attacks and pain with the stones had completely worn me down.
Our local newspaper had a feature article about Dexter and his program to help people "Be Better". I decided to give him a call and I have never regretted that decision. I don't know if it was his apparent knowledge about the body and exercise, his positive approach to addressing problems, his constant push to "Be Better", or his simplistic approach to diet, but something clicked. Dexter worked with me and my husband to develop an exercise plan that we could maintain both at home and on the road when we traveled in our RV. We worked his plan.
When Dexter started the Adventure Boot Camp for Women, he encouraged me to join. I was very skeptical because of my age in relation to other participants and I really had reservations about the 5:30 a.m. start time. I am so glad I joined the class. The group
support and encouragement have been great. I may not be able to do everything but I do what I can and just keep trying to "Be Better".
I have lost 17 lb. but I am most proud of the fact that I have lost 12.5% overall body fat. My blood sugar levels have stopped bouncing around and I have been able to maintain good blood pressure which is a key issue for diabetics. For the first time in over five years my triglycerides are in the normal range. I am a different and much improved person than I was one year ago. I am smaller, stronger, healthier, and happier.
Thanks Dexter and his staff!
Rhetta Watkins
Day 1: After my first day of boot camp I feel like a new person and a big weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I don't even care if the weight comes off. I just needed motivation to get my butt out of bed and feeling sorry for myself, and that was accomplished after 1 hour of boot camp . YES !!!! I AM MOTIVATED !!!!
Week 1: Just wanted to let you know that I am really motivated in the exercise part. I took my dad to the Dr and dropped him off and instead of looking for a handicapped parking spot I went to the parking garage and even walked up and down the stairs both in the garage and in the office building. I came home and walked the dog twice around the block instead of the usual 500 feet to the field.
I have almost completed my first 7 days with Memphis Adventure Boot Camp for Women. Being I have basically had no exercise in 40+ years, I was not sure I would be able to go through with it. The hard part was when I mentioned what I was going to do,family and friends laughed at me and said there was no way I would finish the first day. I have exercised this weekend and disposed of foods that I no longer will be eating. Thanks to Dexter and Anna I feel like a rejuvenated woman. I am not depressed nor do I feel like my life will be over soon from inactivity. I have energy,feel great,and I am motivated to get my butt out of bed,exercise and watch what I eat each and every day. Thank you Dexter!
Minda Klitzner
Boot camp sounded very unappetizing at first, but a friend who had already completed one month was opting in for another, so I decided to join her. I knew that with my work and family schedule and my desire to see relatively quick results, I would have to try a radical approach to an exercise routine. The occasional yoga class, Saturday hike and evening stroll were hardly enough to maintain my preferred fitness and energy levels. Boot camp was the solution. I had a group of women expecting me to show up each day and encouraging me to keep going. Sleeping in wasn’t an option when a friend was waiting on me, so I stopped fighting the alarm clock and established a routine. Many levels of fitness were represented at boot camp, and it was all women (except Dexter), so there wasn’t the self-consciousness that can occur in a gym. Dexter made the exercises hard enough, but not so hard that I got discouraged. By going to boot camp so early in the morning, I felt like I had gained an hour that no one else had. At first I made up for it by going to sleep earlier, but now, I just have that extra time. When I get home from a work-out, I don’t feel guilty about taking the time for myself because I haven’t missed anything! I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you want a real kick-start to long-term fitness or have trouble fitting in exercise to an already busy evening schedule.
Ashley Harper
Testimonials from Campers of Adventure Boot Camp
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
|
