Testimonials
(for Home Boot Camp and The Fitness Camp)

"Challenge yourself."

It is true what they say - “the hardest part is getting there.” You have to stop, think and make a commitment to yourself as to how important your health, feeling and overall well-being is to you. We all go through the ups and downs of losing weight and wanting to look better, be healthier, etc. It always starts out good but then we lose interest for whatever reason we find that sounds good at the time. I can think back to all the times I’ve said all I need is 6-8 weeks to get on track and start losing weight. Before you know it that 6-8 weeks turns into 7-8 years and you’re still in the same place and kicking yourself for not doing something.

I started The Boot Camp in early May 2007 with good intentions, hopes and goals. I was done waiting around for the pounds to fall off themselves. I was at my highest weight ever – 215 lbs. Even when I was pregnant with my daughter I had not reached that weight. I decided I had to DO something. My goal was to lose 85 lbs within a year.

The first week, I was surprised how many parts of my body ached. However, it was a good ache, if that makes sense, so I pushed on. This time I was going to give it my all for the 6-8 weeks. I was also pleased to find that all the workouts and warm-ups were for all fitness levels and you still were able to push yourself to do more. Whether you are just starting out or just want to tone up this camp is for you. The equipment and variety of workouts are much greater than anything out there I’ve seen. The Boot Camp also offers a variety of morning and afternoon classes to fit everyone’s schedule, which makes it easier to GET THERE!

After the first 4-6 weeks I noticed a difference in the way my clothes were fitting. I made a commitment to work out at least 3 times a week. Then I talked with the registered dietitian Erin (whom I highly recommend). This of course is the other hardest part (eating right). I listened to what she had to say, gave her my food diary I had kept for a few weeks, and changed some eating habits. As the weeks went on more and more LBS were leaving parts of my body. Of course this was exciting and made my goal even more attainable. I felt great so I decided to switch to 4-5 days a week.

I believe the enthusiasm that Todd puts into each and every class also is a motivation factor with helping me to stay with the program, as well as his encouraging chants to push harder, go faster, one more lap. And his signature “challenge yourself.” Todd puts a lot into each class, changing work outs so you won’t be doing the same thing every day, coming up with new ways to help those troubled areas we all would like to get rid of (Romanian Dead Lifts), pushing us to do Planks for two minutes straight (ouch), and just overall making the class a fun, challenging and rewarding place to be.

By the 8-10th week I have to say I was surprised that I was still going, I had gotten such great results, felt better, healthier and my clothes were falling off. I suppose I really noticed the lost weight when one day I had to run a lap while carrying an extra 30 lbs. The feeling I had was like the first time I started back in May, when I’d been 30 lbs heavier. At that moment I really noticed what I’d accomplished.

To date so far (October 29, 2007) I’ve lost a total of 44 lbs and have another 41 lbs to go as a personal goal I set for myself in the beginning. Here I am, only 5 months into it, and I’ve reached the half way mark.

I would encourage everyone to give it your all for 8 weeks. You will feel amazing, healthier, and energetic and, hey, you’ll look great. When you think about it, 8 weeks is not a long time. The time will go by anyway. Isn’t it better to do something with that time and be healthier?

Reina G.
Age 38
Start weight: 215 lbs
Current weight: 171 lbs and dropping.

"... the results have been amazing."

I began The Boot Camp on September 24, 2007. However, because of illness, the recent fires and a scheduled week off, I have completed only five actual weeks of camp. Still, the results have been amazing. So far I have lost 17 pounds and my blood pressure and heart rate are back to normal. This is a very pleasant surprise as I have thyroid disease and my vital statistics have not been normal for more than 10 years. I feel great, and could not be more pleased with the program.

I attribute the outstanding results primarily to Todd and The Boot Camp. Every day is a different workout so we never know what to expect, and that keeps it interesting. The workouts become more strenuous as each participant progresses. Todd is a knowledgeable and skilled professional, and the group dynamic works well. I would highly recommend the program to anyone who desires effective physical conditioning in a friendly and supportive group setting. I am in the program for the long run and look forward to losing the next 17 pounds. If you are looking to get in shape, feel better, and want results, I'll see you at The Boot Camp.

Rich C.
Age 53

"I feel better, look better, and understand my body better."

I started the Fitness Camp almost six months ago as a venue to spend more time with one of my good friends. We both wanted to be in better shape and the camp’s location was a halfway point between our homes. My friend eventually pooped out, but as I am starting my sixth session it is obvious I am hooked, and I have the results to prove it.

The Boot Camp is not easy. It would be a challenge to anyone. It is a great mix of cardio and strength training that wears you out, but doesn't run you into the ground. True, you feel like you want to die the first week, but by the second week you already begin to crave the feeling the workouts deliver.  

Over the course of the last five months I have lost seventeen pounds, dropped a pant size, and have gained noticeable muscle definition in my arms. And maybe best of all the downward slide that my butt had been on has been arrested and is slowly being pushed in the opposite direction.

It was challenging the first couple of months at the camp. After years of sedentary living, my body was in need of a major tune-up. So the weight did not immediately start falling off because I was rebuilding muscle, but the shape of my body began evolving and my clothes started fitting better. I certainly felt better. Although my ultimate goal is weight loss, I did have the secondary goal of being able to take a couple flights of stairs without being winded and this I achieved very quickly. Then the third session hit and I began to actually lose pounds. I was looking so much better at that point that I had lost focus on the number and instead concentrated on how I looked and felt. But now I get it all and I am loving it and making my friends jealous in the process.

A word about Todd, our trainer.  I have tried racking my brain to pinpoint what it is that Todd does that keeps us all so motivated. I can't put it into words; it may be that he simply possesses something innate in him that spurs people on. But I can say that I have felt supported and cheered on through my entire time at the camp. He pushes you, but also is very in tune to any pain or potential problem. On the rare occasion of an injury he will plan a special workout to work around the problem until it is better.

These are the reasons I continue on this path.  I feel better, look better, and understand my body better. And of course I have made many new friends along the way. I look forward to writing again in another few months to announce I actually weigh what it says on my driver’s license and fit into the pants I wore at 25.

"It is truly nice to have one's age be much, much less of a factor."

Todd -

Thanks for kicking my Irish arse into shape in your excellent camp. I have just completed my first soccer match since taking your class, which we won 3-2.

I feel great, played about 30 minutes of the first half, and 25 minutes of the second half.  Wouldn't be able to run around with these young 20 & 30 somethings, but for your camp.  It is truly nice to have one's age be much, much less of a factor.

So kudos to you, the awesome classes, and your professional, dedicated camp approach.

Thank You.  I look forward to continuing on this venture together.

Eugene H.
Age 40

"I have seen better results over the last couple weeks than I have in 2 years in the gym."

After sustaining a running injury I went back to the gym… let's face it, the gym sucks! On the days that I actually decided to go, I spent most of my time trying to figure out what machines to use to feel like I am actually getting results. And by the time I figured that out I was sick of being there.

Then I found the Fitness Camp.  

After one session I was hooked, and that says a lot because I don't enjoy waking up at 5 am. The workouts are fun. Yes, they are challenging, but they are fun and the people are great. I have seen better results over the last couple weeks than I have in 2 years at the gym, and now I can’t imagine going back to the gym. My body feels good... and boy do my shoulders look great when I brush my teeth in the morning.

"I found I'd reached a plateau."

I used to go to the gym, but my routine quickly became boring and ineffective, and I found I’d reached a plateau.

In contrast, the Fitness Camp is challenging, fun, effective, and, since you never do the same workout more than once every two months, it always stays interesting. Now I actually have fun working out! The sheer thought of going back to the gym sends shivers down my spine.

Another thing about these workouts—which came as a pleasant surprise—are the people. Getting to know the other students and Todd has been half of the fun. I've made several new friends, and everyone is so supportive and encouraging. The love Todd has for what he’s doing clearly shows in the positive attitude he brings to class every day.

"... and was in better shape in three months than I probably ever was in my younger years."

Todd really puts his heart into helping people become healthier and instructing you with the tools needed to be in the greatest shape you have ever been in. I did it consistently for 3 months and was in better shape in three months than I probably ever was in my younger years.

You may feel a little sore for a couple of the early sessions and then you will start to feel more alert, lose weight, get stronger, sleep better, and look better. It is a win-win-win-win-win and, no, I am not getting paid by The Boot Camp to say this. Good luck to all of you.

"To my surprise, I love it."

When it comes to working out and exercising I have tried it all, from gym memberships, personal trainers, DVDs, and buying equipment from infomercials. You name it—I have tried it. The problem is I get bored easily and therefore never completely follow through and, in turn, never get results. So, when I got the email about The Boot Camp I was a tad bit skeptical as to what it would be like, how hard it would work me out, and if it would be challenging enough for me not to get bored so I would stick with it to see results.

Well, to my surprise I love it. It never gets boring because the workouts change on a daily basis and the time just seems to fly by. Before you know it the 45 minutes is up and you are drenched in sweat from working so hard. Also, the support you get from Todd and the people in the class is awesome. You never feel self-conscious if you are the slowest in the class or aren't the strongest person. Even when you first start and are the "new person" you never get an awkward vibe. You just feel as if you have been going there and working out with everyone forever. I really appreciate that because I hate having the "new person" feeling.

Todd will encourage you to work your hardest, but not in a way that makes you feel embarrassed. He supports everyone and helps everyone work to their full potential and grow their level of potential from there. I am truly glad that I found out about The Boot Camp and signed up. I like it so much that I will keep on going even after I reach my goal.

"Before I started training at The Boot Camp, I couldn't even run one lap without stopping."

Training with Todd and The Boot Camp has definitely made a positive difference in reaching my fitness goals. I was at a point where I wasn't motivated to workout. I wasn't seeing any physical changes to my body and my eating habits were becoming unhealthy due to skipping meals and lack of nutrition.

I started training at The Boot Camp and, after a few weeks, I could already see the difference. The strength training workouts have increased my strength by introducing me to different and more efficient programs that target multiple muscles at one time. Before I started training at The Boot Camp, I couldn't even run one lap without stopping, but in just a little while I was able to finish multiple laps.

The nutrition advice has put me back on track to eat healthy and give my body the nutrients it needs. The Boot Camp has provided me with the motivation I was looking for and a program to challenge my body and meet my goals. Thanks to The Boot Camp, I can definitely see my body changing to a more defined, stronger, and healthier me.

Shannon M.

"... my goal of toning and tightening up is starting to be reached."

After 6 weeks at The Boot Camp, my goal of toning and tightening up is starting to be reached. Yesterday my favorite couture belt from Milan (the only thing I could afford in that town) was too big! I'm enjoying the variety of exercises, being outdoors for the workouts, and the positive peer pressure to show up everyday.

Kierstin M.

"... the program has provided an excellent way to spend quality time with my wife..."

The Boot Camp is an excellent investment. I felt both the physical and mental benefits within days of beginning the program. My mood, agility, and physical strength have all improved dramatically as result of my participation. In addition, the program has provided an excellent way to spend quality time with my wife and is a favorable alternative to sitting together in front of the television. I would recommend The Boot Camp to anyone seeking an invigorating way to lead a more active, healthy lifestyle.

Robert G.

"You will feel amazing, healthier, and energetic and, hey, you’ll look great."

"Before you know it, 6-8 weeks turns into 7-8 years and you're still in the same place and kicking yourself for not doing something."

"... stop, think and make a commitment to yourself..."

"Every day is a different workout so we never know what to expect, and that keeps it interesting."

"It is obvious I am hooked, and have the results to prove it."

"I was looking so much better at that point that I had lost focus on the number and instead concentrated on how I looked and felt."

"Wouldn't be able to run around with these young
20 & 30 somethings, but for your camp."

"My body feels good... and boy do my shoulders look great when I brush my teeth in the morning."

"The sheer thought of
going back to the gym sends shivers down my spine."

"I've made several new friends, and everyone is so supportive and encouraging."

"... you will start to feel more alert, lose weight, get stronger, sleep better, and look better."

"It never gets boring because the workouts change on a daily basis and the time just seems to
fly by."