That is what alot of people thought I was doing by offering a Boot Camp Instructor Certification Class around the country. They thought that I might give away too much and then they could just go out and start a boot camp. Wouldn't that cause more competition?
And in fact that was a question I received in my training class last night. Last night I offered the first ever nationally accredited Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp Instructor Training class. And yes, those people could one day be (and in fact currently are) my competition. And yes, by training them they can compete better. But better compeition is what the outdoor fitness boot camp industry needs.
I want fitness professionals to offer SAFE and effective workouts. I want to stop hearing the a client got hurt doing someone else's boot camp workout. That makes me sad. I want some real competition head to head. That makes me better. That makes our company better and it makes boot camp a more long term valid form of fitness in the eyes of the general public. Then when I win, which I will, I REALLY WIN. I just don't get it by default.
Now I am not really giving away the farm. But when I was a little girl, my dad taught me a very valuable lesson in business. Always smile when you don't like how something is going or when you don't like a person. Keep your "enemy's" close and in fact, embrace the challenge that they bring to you by showing them that you are a kind, generous person. Get to know your competitors, laugh with them and give them just enough information to be dangerous, but not enough information to hurt you. And that is what I am doing. I want the level of fitness instruction to increase in this country. I want fitness professionals to start operating like business professionals and not just former jocks and bodybuilders with nothing else to do.
Last night, I met quite a few potential leaders (although none quite as good as my instructors). They were very anxious to learn. They were eager to see how it was done right. Because The American Boot Camp Company is doing it right. Last night, I have never been more proud of the hard work that has gone into our company. So to all my volunteer instructors, all my paid instructors, all my kickboxing, interval and core instructors, and especially Tara and Chris G. - Thank you for helping to make TABCC an awesome company. And a special thanks to my dad for teaching me to be a leader through example.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The day the lightening struck
This mornings workout will live on in TABCC's history. And we were lucky and crazy enough to be part of it. Today, every instructor that was at the Blackburn workout earned their stripes. You earned the ability to say, "Remember when". But most importantly you earned the respect of your campers and of each other.
It has never been more clear to me why I am traveling across the country for very little money to educate fitness professionals about leading outdoor workouts than it was this morning.
Around 6:35am the first cloud to ground lightening struck about 2 miles away from our group. Less than 10 seconds later the second bolt hit, but much closer this time. We had already made the decision to head back from our end of month long run early and were just a football field or so from the cars when the wind picked up and the sideways rain started pounding so hard and fast that we could barely see.
Branches were falling and more rain was coming down than I think I have ever seen. Just as the front of the group made it back to the cars the first bolt of lightening hit a nearby tree. It was still raining with such fury that we coudnt tell how close the tree was, but could hear the tree crack. In response we sprinted away from the tree above us and as that happened the second bolt hit the transformer less than 50 feet from me and much closer to several others just getting in from the run. We got everyone into the safety of their cars and home safely, but all day I have been receiving stories about this workout that will live forever.
Please take a minute to see why the instructors trained under The American Boot Camp Company Training Program are the best in the country.
From an instructor: "Wow – that was intense. I think if you look at every other workout that we do, obviously the weather/workout combo today was the issue. If we had been doing cone sprints or even the PT test, getting back to the cars wouldn’t have been such an issue. But it was and thankfully nobody got hurt so we should be conscious, in the future, of what to do.
It’s funny – we saw what this instructor team is made of today. People hung in there and made sure that the campers got back to their cars."
From a boot camper: "This morning was awesome! I am registering for next month right now!"
From a boot camper: "I want to share with you what I went threw this morning. Ever since boot camp started, I park my car in front of that light poll that was struck this morning. I always lock my car and throw my key underneath the car inside my right tire. I have done this everyday since we began. This morning I got out of the car and ran to where we gather b/c I thought I was running late. I forgot to put my keys in the regular place which is underneath my car. I realized I still had my keys when I met up with the group so I placed them by the big tree by your car.
After our run and as we all got back to the parking lot, I was running towards my car b/c of the heavy rain and when I was about 20 yards from my car I realized that my keys are at the tree near your car, so I started to turn around to head in that direction when Suddenly that lighting struck twice at that poll where I was parked. I froze for a good ten seconds in shock b/c I have never been that close to lighting before. I then ran to the tree, got my keys and ran to my car.
I'm not the most religious person but that made me think... If I had placed my keys that morning underneath the car, I would have been there on my hands and knees in a puddle of water trying to get them when that lighting struck. But today, THANK GOD I forgot to put my keys there. Isn't that weird. I have always placed my keys there but today I did not and lighting struck that area.. What are the chances of that.... I would be fried chicken right now. "
From a boot camp instructor: "I am actually glad I was with the camper at the back--- she told me before the run she was trying not to psyche herself out about the long run. I responded with - of course- she could do it , that she would be surprised at how far she runs everyday at the park and she would be thrilled at the end when she found out how far she had gone. So, I was glad I was with her at the end.
She seemed fine until we were almost at the little grassy hill we ran up to cut through to the parking lot. Josh was there waiting and directing us and by this time I was actually holding under her arm as she kept saying she couldn't see very well. Josh grabbed her other arm to assist in helping her up on the curb and she seemed to start panicking a little. I told her she was fine and I could see everything and I just kept talking to her saying, Mother Nature is giving it to us but we are going to finish strong, we are almost there and I told her she should go home and sign up for next month b/c if she could run today she can do anything!
She seemd to get calm just as fast as she seemed to panic, which was good. I made sure she got right up to the door of her car and said - good job and I will see you tomorrow. Driving home I couldn't believe all the tree stuff on the road and nothing fell on us. ...Nice job by everyone."
Instructors - Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for caring about the clients as much as I care about them. Thank you for treating each other with care and friendship. I am so proud to be on your team!
It has never been more clear to me why I am traveling across the country for very little money to educate fitness professionals about leading outdoor workouts than it was this morning.
Around 6:35am the first cloud to ground lightening struck about 2 miles away from our group. Less than 10 seconds later the second bolt hit, but much closer this time. We had already made the decision to head back from our end of month long run early and were just a football field or so from the cars when the wind picked up and the sideways rain started pounding so hard and fast that we could barely see.
Branches were falling and more rain was coming down than I think I have ever seen. Just as the front of the group made it back to the cars the first bolt of lightening hit a nearby tree. It was still raining with such fury that we coudnt tell how close the tree was, but could hear the tree crack. In response we sprinted away from the tree above us and as that happened the second bolt hit the transformer less than 50 feet from me and much closer to several others just getting in from the run. We got everyone into the safety of their cars and home safely, but all day I have been receiving stories about this workout that will live forever.
Please take a minute to see why the instructors trained under The American Boot Camp Company Training Program are the best in the country.
From an instructor: "Wow – that was intense. I think if you look at every other workout that we do, obviously the weather/workout combo today was the issue. If we had been doing cone sprints or even the PT test, getting back to the cars wouldn’t have been such an issue. But it was and thankfully nobody got hurt so we should be conscious, in the future, of what to do.
It’s funny – we saw what this instructor team is made of today. People hung in there and made sure that the campers got back to their cars."
From a boot camper: "This morning was awesome! I am registering for next month right now!"
From a boot camper: "I want to share with you what I went threw this morning. Ever since boot camp started, I park my car in front of that light poll that was struck this morning. I always lock my car and throw my key underneath the car inside my right tire. I have done this everyday since we began. This morning I got out of the car and ran to where we gather b/c I thought I was running late. I forgot to put my keys in the regular place which is underneath my car. I realized I still had my keys when I met up with the group so I placed them by the big tree by your car.
After our run and as we all got back to the parking lot, I was running towards my car b/c of the heavy rain and when I was about 20 yards from my car I realized that my keys are at the tree near your car, so I started to turn around to head in that direction when Suddenly that lighting struck twice at that poll where I was parked. I froze for a good ten seconds in shock b/c I have never been that close to lighting before. I then ran to the tree, got my keys and ran to my car.
I'm not the most religious person but that made me think... If I had placed my keys that morning underneath the car, I would have been there on my hands and knees in a puddle of water trying to get them when that lighting struck. But today, THANK GOD I forgot to put my keys there. Isn't that weird. I have always placed my keys there but today I did not and lighting struck that area.. What are the chances of that.... I would be fried chicken right now. "
From a boot camp instructor: "I am actually glad I was with the camper at the back--- she told me before the run she was trying not to psyche herself out about the long run. I responded with - of course- she could do it , that she would be surprised at how far she runs everyday at the park and she would be thrilled at the end when she found out how far she had gone. So, I was glad I was with her at the end.
She seemed fine until we were almost at the little grassy hill we ran up to cut through to the parking lot. Josh was there waiting and directing us and by this time I was actually holding under her arm as she kept saying she couldn't see very well. Josh grabbed her other arm to assist in helping her up on the curb and she seemed to start panicking a little. I told her she was fine and I could see everything and I just kept talking to her saying, Mother Nature is giving it to us but we are going to finish strong, we are almost there and I told her she should go home and sign up for next month b/c if she could run today she can do anything!
She seemd to get calm just as fast as she seemed to panic, which was good. I made sure she got right up to the door of her car and said - good job and I will see you tomorrow. Driving home I couldn't believe all the tree stuff on the road and nothing fell on us. ...Nice job by everyone."
Instructors - Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for caring about the clients as much as I care about them. Thank you for treating each other with care and friendship. I am so proud to be on your team!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Fear of the Known
So this week is a big week for me. Not only is this the last week of our February Camp where we want everyone to make big strides and end their 4-Week Camp on a high note, but it is the big sales week for our March Camps that begin on Monday, March 3rd.
Additionally, this week is our first brush with The American Boot Camp Company as a national brand. I have been working for the past year gaining additional certifications and tweeking our program offering so that nationally accredited companies ACE (American Council on Exercise) and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) could bring me on as a faculty member. I have also been working on a business model to take The American Boot Camp Company national by licensing our program, brand and web based tool. Wednesday, February 27th will be my first presentation of our Instructor Training Program and Friday-Sunday is our first trade show to sell the Licenses in the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Deleware area.
It is a very exciting time, but also a very scary time. I sort of image that this is how the campers feel after orientation. They are very excited to get started, but have no idea what is coming. I sort of like it that way better because you can only prepare for the worst or hope for the best at this point. Without knowing what lies ahead, there is room for excitement and hope.
Veteran campers have the hard because of this reason. Many clients will come through our system and get into great shape after a couple of months of boot camp. Then they head out on their own to try to stay healthy and life hits them head on. They really want to workout, but can't fit it into their day. Then the excuses pile up and become weight. Then they say - I am too out of shape to come back to boot camp. Why? I think that is ludicrous. Crazy even. But it is really fear of the KNOWN. They know how hard boot camp was the first time when they didn't know what was coming. They know how sore they will be. They know it will be harder than it was the first time.
But what they forget is that the rewards are HUGE. It's easy to forget the achievement when you can't see it. One wise boot camper turned instructor once said - 'Expect boot camp to be harder than you think, but expect the rewards to be greater than you can imagine."
I will hold onto that as I venture out this week into uncharted territory and hope for rewards beyond my imagination.
Additionally, this week is our first brush with The American Boot Camp Company as a national brand. I have been working for the past year gaining additional certifications and tweeking our program offering so that nationally accredited companies ACE (American Council on Exercise) and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) could bring me on as a faculty member. I have also been working on a business model to take The American Boot Camp Company national by licensing our program, brand and web based tool. Wednesday, February 27th will be my first presentation of our Instructor Training Program and Friday-Sunday is our first trade show to sell the Licenses in the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Deleware area.
It is a very exciting time, but also a very scary time. I sort of image that this is how the campers feel after orientation. They are very excited to get started, but have no idea what is coming. I sort of like it that way better because you can only prepare for the worst or hope for the best at this point. Without knowing what lies ahead, there is room for excitement and hope.
Veteran campers have the hard because of this reason. Many clients will come through our system and get into great shape after a couple of months of boot camp. Then they head out on their own to try to stay healthy and life hits them head on. They really want to workout, but can't fit it into their day. Then the excuses pile up and become weight. Then they say - I am too out of shape to come back to boot camp. Why? I think that is ludicrous. Crazy even. But it is really fear of the KNOWN. They know how hard boot camp was the first time when they didn't know what was coming. They know how sore they will be. They know it will be harder than it was the first time.
But what they forget is that the rewards are HUGE. It's easy to forget the achievement when you can't see it. One wise boot camper turned instructor once said - 'Expect boot camp to be harder than you think, but expect the rewards to be greater than you can imagine."
I will hold onto that as I venture out this week into uncharted territory and hope for rewards beyond my imagination.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
The importance of cheerleaders
Today we played a small part in changing the lives of several people and they may not even know it yet. Just like many years ago when Mrs. Kravoch change mine.
Aside from my mom, this woman single handedly set me on a different path. I was in 5th grade and got it in my head that I could try out for cheerleading. I always had a big mouth, but was never "the pretty one" or "the cool one" or "the cheerleader type". I did have some coordination and so I went for it. Out of all the girls that tried out, they only picked three. And for some strange reason for which to this day I do not understand, I was one of them. The experiences I learned from my grade school cheer days are a big reason why I have the confidence that I have today. Someone believed in me. Someone saw something in me, that I didn't see in myself. That changed my life.
For those people that know me today, I am still a cheerleader, but in a different manner. I don't do basket tosses or human pyramids (except at the instructor olypmics) or support cliques or gossip. I cheer for all of the people that never got to be "cool". I cheer for all of the people that don't have anyone to believe in them and that may not believe in themselves.
So today was extra special for me because I am certain that my cheers and belief in others made a difference. Today The American Boot Camp Company sponsored the Chastain Chase 5K and we encouraged all of our campers and instructors to come out and run the 3.1 miles around Chastain Park and help us kick off our "Regular Guy" race team. My goal with this race team is to encourage people of all fitness levels to get out and run. To try their best. I want them to feel like they are part of something and by being part of our team they will get the support they need to better themselves.
Racing boot camp style - we yell, hoop and holler the entire race. Many people think we are crazy. Someone even told me to save my breath today. Little did he know that I couldn't win the race even if I wanted, I am not the fastest in my age group or the fastest female. But I am Ok with that. I have other things I do well - like cheering. I would rather support the people that I knew could win the race. I would rather cheer them on, encourage them to run faster and remind them to breath and use proper form on the hills. I would rather represent the heart of The American Boot Camp Company - believe that everyone can give a little more with support.
And we seriously represented today. Thank you to everyone that came out and participated, cheered and showed everyone that The American Boot Camp Company is the most positive, most fun boot camp and that we don't quit until EVERY person in our group crosses the finish line.
The best news of this entire day is that many of us WON! As I write this, I get tears in my eyes because I am so proud of everyone that came out. Boot Camp is hard. Running 3 miles is hard. And neither of these things are part of most "normal" peoples lives. But each morning we get out of bed before the crack of dawn and give it our all so that we can feel better about ourselves the rest of the day. We smile through muddy workouts and grunt up grueling hills. We are determined to not quit. And today NONE of you did!
A special mention goes out to my boot camper that didn't believe she did well today. She broke 40 minutes. Now, in comparison to the atheltes that win a 5K distance in professional competitions this seems slow. But and I mean BUT, this woman isn't 23. She has a full life behind her. But every morning she gets up with a postive can do attitude and doesn't quit. She might not be the fastest, but today she won a GOLD horseshoe medal in her age group. Today she WON the race. I have never been prouder and never been believed more in the importance of cheerleaders.
Do You Boot Camp? I do. I boot camp with The American Boot Camp Company.
Aside from my mom, this woman single handedly set me on a different path. I was in 5th grade and got it in my head that I could try out for cheerleading. I always had a big mouth, but was never "the pretty one" or "the cool one" or "the cheerleader type". I did have some coordination and so I went for it. Out of all the girls that tried out, they only picked three. And for some strange reason for which to this day I do not understand, I was one of them. The experiences I learned from my grade school cheer days are a big reason why I have the confidence that I have today. Someone believed in me. Someone saw something in me, that I didn't see in myself. That changed my life.
For those people that know me today, I am still a cheerleader, but in a different manner. I don't do basket tosses or human pyramids (except at the instructor olypmics) or support cliques or gossip. I cheer for all of the people that never got to be "cool". I cheer for all of the people that don't have anyone to believe in them and that may not believe in themselves.
So today was extra special for me because I am certain that my cheers and belief in others made a difference. Today The American Boot Camp Company sponsored the Chastain Chase 5K and we encouraged all of our campers and instructors to come out and run the 3.1 miles around Chastain Park and help us kick off our "Regular Guy" race team. My goal with this race team is to encourage people of all fitness levels to get out and run. To try their best. I want them to feel like they are part of something and by being part of our team they will get the support they need to better themselves.
Racing boot camp style - we yell, hoop and holler the entire race. Many people think we are crazy. Someone even told me to save my breath today. Little did he know that I couldn't win the race even if I wanted, I am not the fastest in my age group or the fastest female. But I am Ok with that. I have other things I do well - like cheering. I would rather support the people that I knew could win the race. I would rather cheer them on, encourage them to run faster and remind them to breath and use proper form on the hills. I would rather represent the heart of The American Boot Camp Company - believe that everyone can give a little more with support.
And we seriously represented today. Thank you to everyone that came out and participated, cheered and showed everyone that The American Boot Camp Company is the most positive, most fun boot camp and that we don't quit until EVERY person in our group crosses the finish line.
The best news of this entire day is that many of us WON! As I write this, I get tears in my eyes because I am so proud of everyone that came out. Boot Camp is hard. Running 3 miles is hard. And neither of these things are part of most "normal" peoples lives. But each morning we get out of bed before the crack of dawn and give it our all so that we can feel better about ourselves the rest of the day. We smile through muddy workouts and grunt up grueling hills. We are determined to not quit. And today NONE of you did!
A special mention goes out to my boot camper that didn't believe she did well today. She broke 40 minutes. Now, in comparison to the atheltes that win a 5K distance in professional competitions this seems slow. But and I mean BUT, this woman isn't 23. She has a full life behind her. But every morning she gets up with a postive can do attitude and doesn't quit. She might not be the fastest, but today she won a GOLD horseshoe medal in her age group. Today she WON the race. I have never been prouder and never been believed more in the importance of cheerleaders.
Do You Boot Camp? I do. I boot camp with The American Boot Camp Company.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tag Team Mud Ball: Mud=Fun!
Today, on the last day of the third week of our February boot camp at Blackburn Park, it rained. A long sopping rain. Today, I felt sorry for those people that wussed out and didn't show up because it was raining. Because today was fun. Mud is fun. Tag Team Mud Ball was awesome, beautiful even.
What I discovered today is that the instructors and thier love for intense, hard core, muddy, crazy, out of the box workouts is what makes boot camp such an amazing experience. We use terms like squat thurst and hell raiser on a daily basis. And rather than be scared of the meaning, we embrace it - we are even enthusiastic about it.
So last night when one of my instructors asked, "What is mudball?" I simply replied, "It's a surprise!" You see, sometimes when trying a new workout, the element of surprise for the entire team, including instrutors is important. That way I can get a true read on whether the workout is effective, challenging and fun. And by the smiles on their faces afterward I think it worked.
Now every workout is not meant to completely fatigue each person to the point of exhaustion. Sometimes fun has to be the number one initiative. And especially on days like today - 45 degrees, raining, muddy. Many campers chose to stay in bed, so even admited that they were not tough enough. But those that did show up now have a badge of honor to wear today and all days to come. They showed up on a less than perfect day and have great attitudes and did something that they would NEVER do on their own. And they even had fun.
The lesson to be learned is the same one our moms taught us when we were kids. When you are given lemons, make lemonade. It is the endurance through workouts like today that make the celebration at the end of boot camp even sweeter.
MUD=FUN! Do You Boot Camp?
What I discovered today is that the instructors and thier love for intense, hard core, muddy, crazy, out of the box workouts is what makes boot camp such an amazing experience. We use terms like squat thurst and hell raiser on a daily basis. And rather than be scared of the meaning, we embrace it - we are even enthusiastic about it.
So last night when one of my instructors asked, "What is mudball?" I simply replied, "It's a surprise!" You see, sometimes when trying a new workout, the element of surprise for the entire team, including instrutors is important. That way I can get a true read on whether the workout is effective, challenging and fun. And by the smiles on their faces afterward I think it worked.
Now every workout is not meant to completely fatigue each person to the point of exhaustion. Sometimes fun has to be the number one initiative. And especially on days like today - 45 degrees, raining, muddy. Many campers chose to stay in bed, so even admited that they were not tough enough. But those that did show up now have a badge of honor to wear today and all days to come. They showed up on a less than perfect day and have great attitudes and did something that they would NEVER do on their own. And they even had fun.
The lesson to be learned is the same one our moms taught us when we were kids. When you are given lemons, make lemonade. It is the endurance through workouts like today that make the celebration at the end of boot camp even sweeter.
MUD=FUN! Do You Boot Camp?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The pain of being injured
The month before I started my first outdoor fitness boot camp session at Blackburn Park, I tore my hamstring. The night it happened, I will never forget. Nor will I forget the sound of the muscle tissue tearing. I was in a kickboxing class and threw a sliding side round double kick. On the second kick the muscles just tore. It was like slow motion. Partially because I had never had a major injury like that, but mostly because I knew what it meant - I was going to be out of action. The next day, I thought, "I will just try to run." I got up, walked down the stairs of my condo and tried to take a step. I remember the pain and the fact that not only could I not run, but I couldn't walk. I was supposed to head to Piedmont Park that day and begin instructor training for all of the instructors in the groups for our old business partners. I was so excited and honored to be doing that. And in a very short second, I realized it would not be my turn. I cried all day.
You see, at that time, I didn't have a group of instructors to support me. It was just myself and my husband Chris. And although we had business partners, they had their own groups to run.
I also didn't have a wonderful soft tissue chiropractor to go see. Just some sucky MD that didn't know shit about athletic injuries and prescribed two weeks complete rest and two months to heal to 80%.
And so I waited for the leg to heal. In two weeks I could jump rope and jog lightly, but my hopes of ever sprinting again were left behind. A week later, on a rainy day in March, I was leading a warm up and the pavement was wet. Now at this point, Chris and I were still working with our old business partners in Piedmont Park the month before we were to start our first group at Blackburn. Chris had the fast group, I had the slower group. My foot slipped out from underneath me during a lunge in the warm up and my hamstring tore again. It was so bad that I couldn't walk. I hopped out of the way, over to the curb. The really dissappointing thing wasn't that an instructor stepped in and moved the group away, or that I couldn't lead. It was the way the other instructors handled the situation. Everyone left. There was even a doctor in the group that was an instructor and he didn't even ask if I was OK. At that moment when I was sitting on the curb waiting and praying that someone would find my husband and have him come help me to the car, I decided that I would NEVER treat my instructors like that. At that moment, I made more progress as an instructor than I had ever made. It defined me. My ability to not give up. My determiniation to make my new business succeed. And my new found respect for other instructors. That day molded my vision of the type of instructor I wanted to be surrounded by. And NOONE at Piedmont Park fit the bill.
I went to the hospital when someone finally found Chris and cryed again that day.
My hamstring eventally got stronger and Blackburn quickly grew into a great camp. We met a bunch of really great people and by 2006 we paved the way for Fitness Boot Camp in Atlanta to explode. But once again I found my self injured. Not with a torn muscle, but with an overuse injury for running up Freedom Hill at Blackburn too many times. My calves and solues were very weak. So much to the point where it hurt to take a step.
This is about where Dr. Steve came in. Dr. Steve is a soft tissue chiropractor and his office used to be at 2669 Osborne Road (yes, where the studio currently is located). And one day, Lauren (an instructor at Blackburn at the time- now the owner of the Midtown Territory of TABCC and our first licensee) told me that this doctor fixed her knee. An injury she had for a long time. So I went to see him about fixing my hamstring. I had always wanted to be able to sprint and jump again and thought this might be my chance. Little did Dr. Steve know, but that encounter would change both of our lives over the next years. Dr. Steve did some tissue work on my hamstring breaking up the scar tissue and he also did acupuncture. Then he sent me out to give it my all. He had no idea what that meant. The next day I was in his office and couldn't walk. That was his introduction to boot camp and giving it your all. He quickly learned that the boot camp mentality was much more intense than any other fitness organization and that 50% for us is like 100% for most people.
He did fix my hamstring. Today I am almost as fast as I was in short distance and four times as fast in longer distances. I can jump and throw double kicks almost as powerfully as I used to. He also fixed my calf problem. I am not longer afraid of the hills, but rather attack them now. And what I learned from all of these injuries is that you can never give up. That an injury is not a curse, but rather a blessing from which to learn about yourself, your fellow instructors and those around you. Now, when I get injured there are four or five wonderful instructors that step up. "How can I help? What can I do?" For that I am forever grateful. I am also grateful for Dr. Steve and the certainty that no matter what injury I face, he will give me an honest diagnosis and do whatever he can to get me healthy as quickly as possible.
So when last week my knees started bothering me, I knew I should have got in to see Dr. Stever, but my schedule was just so busy. And then Tuesday, my body forced me to make that appointment as my knee gave out and the pain was too much to handle on my own. So just when things for the 2008 season were coming together and falling into place, the balance in life caught up to me and I find myself in that familiar seat at Dr. Steves table. And yes, when I found out it was torn tissue and that I would be out for a couple of days I cried (not in front of Dr. Steve of course - he thinks I am tough). Just like every boot camper, I don't want to be injured, I want to continue making progress, to continue giving it my all.
But unlike in the past, I now know that if I rest a few days, I will be back to 100% in a fraction of the time and that in the mean time I have a team of kick butt fitness boot camp instructors to support me. I also know that this injury could only mean one thing... 2008 is only going to get better. Watch out Atlanta. Watch out America. The American Boot Camp Company is ready to show you how fitness boot camp is done.
See you at the park with the best fitness boot camp instructors around. What a team we make.
You see, at that time, I didn't have a group of instructors to support me. It was just myself and my husband Chris. And although we had business partners, they had their own groups to run.
I also didn't have a wonderful soft tissue chiropractor to go see. Just some sucky MD that didn't know shit about athletic injuries and prescribed two weeks complete rest and two months to heal to 80%.
And so I waited for the leg to heal. In two weeks I could jump rope and jog lightly, but my hopes of ever sprinting again were left behind. A week later, on a rainy day in March, I was leading a warm up and the pavement was wet. Now at this point, Chris and I were still working with our old business partners in Piedmont Park the month before we were to start our first group at Blackburn. Chris had the fast group, I had the slower group. My foot slipped out from underneath me during a lunge in the warm up and my hamstring tore again. It was so bad that I couldn't walk. I hopped out of the way, over to the curb. The really dissappointing thing wasn't that an instructor stepped in and moved the group away, or that I couldn't lead. It was the way the other instructors handled the situation. Everyone left. There was even a doctor in the group that was an instructor and he didn't even ask if I was OK. At that moment when I was sitting on the curb waiting and praying that someone would find my husband and have him come help me to the car, I decided that I would NEVER treat my instructors like that. At that moment, I made more progress as an instructor than I had ever made. It defined me. My ability to not give up. My determiniation to make my new business succeed. And my new found respect for other instructors. That day molded my vision of the type of instructor I wanted to be surrounded by. And NOONE at Piedmont Park fit the bill.
I went to the hospital when someone finally found Chris and cryed again that day.
My hamstring eventally got stronger and Blackburn quickly grew into a great camp. We met a bunch of really great people and by 2006 we paved the way for Fitness Boot Camp in Atlanta to explode. But once again I found my self injured. Not with a torn muscle, but with an overuse injury for running up Freedom Hill at Blackburn too many times. My calves and solues were very weak. So much to the point where it hurt to take a step.
This is about where Dr. Steve came in. Dr. Steve is a soft tissue chiropractor and his office used to be at 2669 Osborne Road (yes, where the studio currently is located). And one day, Lauren (an instructor at Blackburn at the time- now the owner of the Midtown Territory of TABCC and our first licensee) told me that this doctor fixed her knee. An injury she had for a long time. So I went to see him about fixing my hamstring. I had always wanted to be able to sprint and jump again and thought this might be my chance. Little did Dr. Steve know, but that encounter would change both of our lives over the next years. Dr. Steve did some tissue work on my hamstring breaking up the scar tissue and he also did acupuncture. Then he sent me out to give it my all. He had no idea what that meant. The next day I was in his office and couldn't walk. That was his introduction to boot camp and giving it your all. He quickly learned that the boot camp mentality was much more intense than any other fitness organization and that 50% for us is like 100% for most people.
He did fix my hamstring. Today I am almost as fast as I was in short distance and four times as fast in longer distances. I can jump and throw double kicks almost as powerfully as I used to. He also fixed my calf problem. I am not longer afraid of the hills, but rather attack them now. And what I learned from all of these injuries is that you can never give up. That an injury is not a curse, but rather a blessing from which to learn about yourself, your fellow instructors and those around you. Now, when I get injured there are four or five wonderful instructors that step up. "How can I help? What can I do?" For that I am forever grateful. I am also grateful for Dr. Steve and the certainty that no matter what injury I face, he will give me an honest diagnosis and do whatever he can to get me healthy as quickly as possible.
So when last week my knees started bothering me, I knew I should have got in to see Dr. Stever, but my schedule was just so busy. And then Tuesday, my body forced me to make that appointment as my knee gave out and the pain was too much to handle on my own. So just when things for the 2008 season were coming together and falling into place, the balance in life caught up to me and I find myself in that familiar seat at Dr. Steves table. And yes, when I found out it was torn tissue and that I would be out for a couple of days I cried (not in front of Dr. Steve of course - he thinks I am tough). Just like every boot camper, I don't want to be injured, I want to continue making progress, to continue giving it my all.
But unlike in the past, I now know that if I rest a few days, I will be back to 100% in a fraction of the time and that in the mean time I have a team of kick butt fitness boot camp instructors to support me. I also know that this injury could only mean one thing... 2008 is only going to get better. Watch out Atlanta. Watch out America. The American Boot Camp Company is ready to show you how fitness boot camp is done.
See you at the park with the best fitness boot camp instructors around. What a team we make.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bittersweet victory
11:58pm - 2 email messages from boot campers not coming on Monday. 1 is sick, the other just won't be there. 4:02 am - 8 more messages came in overnight. 8 more campers not coming.
Why does this upset me so? I don't know, I guess it's because I know what is coming on Monday. Maybe it's because I think that midway is the best day of the month. I am positive it is because I love to see people reach their goals. To blast away preconceived notions that they are not runners and that they are out of shape. I love to show people that THEY CAN DO IT. That they can run faster and in only two weeks.
But this morning was bittersweet. Everyone that showed up beat their initial times as predicted. Why can I say that with such confidence? Because The American Boot Camp Company's program works. No that is not bragging, just plain fact. The unique style of high end customer service combined with corporate training for our instructors combined with a blend of workouts designed to constantly push each camper out of their comfort zone - every day. The program works. And it works every time. I just like to take one day a month to show that off. To really win the new campers over.
And it makes me sad when I don't get that opportunity. When campers are sick or injured or just can't make it. Those people I understand. It is the people that pay their money and don't respond to emails or don't make the effort to make the program a priority. It makes me sad.
I really and truly wish that every day, everyone would be as in love with boot camp as I am. I just want to show every person in America that they have more in them than they believe. I want to show them that I believe in them and that together progress is a given. I live to inspire the beginner to start moving, to push the intermediate to the next level and to show the true competitor that life is just beginning in their 40's. Today 15 people saw that with a lot of hard work, careful attention to what they put into their body in terms of food and beverage and some positive motivation from a group of awesome instructors that in only two weeks they could become better.
I just wish that all 33 could have seen that today. So I guess I will just have to show up tomorrow and try and drag it out of them.
Why does this upset me so? I don't know, I guess it's because I know what is coming on Monday. Maybe it's because I think that midway is the best day of the month. I am positive it is because I love to see people reach their goals. To blast away preconceived notions that they are not runners and that they are out of shape. I love to show people that THEY CAN DO IT. That they can run faster and in only two weeks.
But this morning was bittersweet. Everyone that showed up beat their initial times as predicted. Why can I say that with such confidence? Because The American Boot Camp Company's program works. No that is not bragging, just plain fact. The unique style of high end customer service combined with corporate training for our instructors combined with a blend of workouts designed to constantly push each camper out of their comfort zone - every day. The program works. And it works every time. I just like to take one day a month to show that off. To really win the new campers over.
And it makes me sad when I don't get that opportunity. When campers are sick or injured or just can't make it. Those people I understand. It is the people that pay their money and don't respond to emails or don't make the effort to make the program a priority. It makes me sad.
I really and truly wish that every day, everyone would be as in love with boot camp as I am. I just want to show every person in America that they have more in them than they believe. I want to show them that I believe in them and that together progress is a given. I live to inspire the beginner to start moving, to push the intermediate to the next level and to show the true competitor that life is just beginning in their 40's. Today 15 people saw that with a lot of hard work, careful attention to what they put into their body in terms of food and beverage and some positive motivation from a group of awesome instructors that in only two weeks they could become better.
I just wish that all 33 could have seen that today. So I guess I will just have to show up tomorrow and try and drag it out of them.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Life happens over coffee
Starbucks has it right. Life really does happen over coffee, or at least it does for me.
Although Starbucks has good coffee, it is not actually the drink, but rather the company that makes the 15-45 post workout minutes some of the most enjoyable of the day. You see, boot camp instructors become boot camp instructors for only a few reasons. First , we love the way we feel after the workout and never want to lose that feeling. Second, we want to do boot camp forever, but can't afford to take on two jobs to pay for it. And there a few of us that really just enjoy the pain. But it is the company we keep at coffee that keeps us coming back day after day, month after month, year after year.
For the instructors at The American Boot Camp Company, Happy Hour begins at 6:50AM each day.
If I had my way about, everyone would live this way. Instead of heading to the bar after work, they would meet their friends before. Instead of heading to they gym after work, they would head to boot camp before. And then grab coffee. No hangovers, no feeling yucky in the morning, just a good cup of joe.
Now for many this seems like old person talk. "Let's sit around and drink coffee. BORING!" But they would be wrong. Most of us are so busy with life that we can't always get together outside of bootcamp so coffee is really our time to socialize. At coffee we laugh so hard we cry. We talk about everything from little hands to little people, from what happend last week at work to what happend during the workout. And it doens't end there. We celebrate babys and promotions and support each other when we experience loss. We have curb parkers and regular guys and hope that we will be meeting like this for the rest of our lives. Because ALIVE is just what we are. Being associated with each other through The American Boot Camp Company has allowed us to become a powerful network, a group of friends and even a family in fitness.
So "cheers" to all of the instructors involved today and for those to come. And if you are ever curious as to what a boot camp instructor is doing between 6:50AM and 7:30AM, just stop by your local coffee house and grab a skinny latte. You'll see that life happens over coffee.
Get livin'!
Although Starbucks has good coffee, it is not actually the drink, but rather the company that makes the 15-45 post workout minutes some of the most enjoyable of the day. You see, boot camp instructors become boot camp instructors for only a few reasons. First , we love the way we feel after the workout and never want to lose that feeling. Second, we want to do boot camp forever, but can't afford to take on two jobs to pay for it. And there a few of us that really just enjoy the pain. But it is the company we keep at coffee that keeps us coming back day after day, month after month, year after year.
For the instructors at The American Boot Camp Company, Happy Hour begins at 6:50AM each day.
If I had my way about, everyone would live this way. Instead of heading to the bar after work, they would meet their friends before. Instead of heading to they gym after work, they would head to boot camp before. And then grab coffee. No hangovers, no feeling yucky in the morning, just a good cup of joe.
Now for many this seems like old person talk. "Let's sit around and drink coffee. BORING!" But they would be wrong. Most of us are so busy with life that we can't always get together outside of bootcamp so coffee is really our time to socialize. At coffee we laugh so hard we cry. We talk about everything from little hands to little people, from what happend last week at work to what happend during the workout. And it doens't end there. We celebrate babys and promotions and support each other when we experience loss. We have curb parkers and regular guys and hope that we will be meeting like this for the rest of our lives. Because ALIVE is just what we are. Being associated with each other through The American Boot Camp Company has allowed us to become a powerful network, a group of friends and even a family in fitness.
So "cheers" to all of the instructors involved today and for those to come. And if you are ever curious as to what a boot camp instructor is doing between 6:50AM and 7:30AM, just stop by your local coffee house and grab a skinny latte. You'll see that life happens over coffee.
Get livin'!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"This is the hardest boot camp ever!"
Today was the third time I have heard this so far in February. And this comment isn't coming from the people that are the most out of shape, but rather from those that run marathons, sprint miles and are true athletes. Even the instructors feel "out of shape".
Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?
I have seen three full seasons at Blackburn, led a season at Chastain in the evening, attended workouts at Chastain Park in the morning, Mason Mill Park in the mornings, West Midtown (the Howard School) and Peachtree Corners. Before all that, I spent a couple seasons at Piedmont Park. And yes, I was once a camper. So I have seen "boot camp" as a baby and have participated in its growth in the fitness industry. This year, I am helping outdoor fitness graduate to a higher level of legitimacy as I travel across America educating personal trainers, group instructors and fitness business owners about the business of boot camp, our style of comfort zone training and offering the nations first accredited (by ACE and AFAA) Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp Instructor Training Program.
Now all that being said, and after todays grueling plyometric workout, "Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?"
Yes. But what is even more important, is that next month will be even harder. Because, ladies and gentleman, WE ARE GETTING BETTER! Yes, as instructors we are evolving, learning and improving our skills. Because we are professionals FIRST, we all possess this inate desire to be the best we can be. And being the best you can be is what boot camp is all about. We take the lessons we learn in the boardroom and apply them to our work ethic on the field. We are unique and we are leading the way to a new future in the fitness industry. Where the BEST trainers have skills beyond just good looking muscles. Where the BEST trainers have the ability to meet their clients at their current level of fitness and take them to the next level. No matter where they begin. Folks, YOU ARE THE BEST TRAINERS. I might even say in America.
But - what makes me unique, and I believe you all also possess this spirit, is that this isn't enough. I want to get better and here is why.
Today I had a camper leave the workout in tears. She was devestated that her body wouldn't cooperate with her desire to get fit. It is common during plyometric workouts for people with knee issues to struggle a little bit. And today was no exception. She pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Maybe a little too far. What I didn't know is that her knees were bothering her before the workout. That little bit of communication from the client, could have allowed me to provide a modification before the workout for her. Where we need to improve as a group is on our ability to provide modifications for these more technical type workouts. I feel like I failed my instructors by not providing enough technique training in the athletic arena. I feel like I couldn't reach every camper at every station today because I am only one person. As instructors we are all part of a team. We need to work together to provide a workout that reaches EVERYONE on their level. Today we may not have done that.
So I am sure you are thinking, how do we improve? We try again tomorrow. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's name. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's weakness or injuries. Tomorrow we make sure that although we are getting a workout, we are always keeping one eye on the client. Constantly analyzing their running, push-up, ab bridge and jumping forms. Constantly providing positive feedback and modifications where necessary to help them improve no matter what level they are on. We do a very good job at this most of the time. And that is why this month's session is the hardest session ever.
But now that we have a challenge to make next month even better, we must meet that challenge head on. More training and better communication is what you will get from me. All you will need to do is bring it.
Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?
I have seen three full seasons at Blackburn, led a season at Chastain in the evening, attended workouts at Chastain Park in the morning, Mason Mill Park in the mornings, West Midtown (the Howard School) and Peachtree Corners. Before all that, I spent a couple seasons at Piedmont Park. And yes, I was once a camper. So I have seen "boot camp" as a baby and have participated in its growth in the fitness industry. This year, I am helping outdoor fitness graduate to a higher level of legitimacy as I travel across America educating personal trainers, group instructors and fitness business owners about the business of boot camp, our style of comfort zone training and offering the nations first accredited (by ACE and AFAA) Outdoor Fitness Boot Camp Instructor Training Program.
Now all that being said, and after todays grueling plyometric workout, "Is this the hardest boot camp session ever?"
Yes. But what is even more important, is that next month will be even harder. Because, ladies and gentleman, WE ARE GETTING BETTER! Yes, as instructors we are evolving, learning and improving our skills. Because we are professionals FIRST, we all possess this inate desire to be the best we can be. And being the best you can be is what boot camp is all about. We take the lessons we learn in the boardroom and apply them to our work ethic on the field. We are unique and we are leading the way to a new future in the fitness industry. Where the BEST trainers have skills beyond just good looking muscles. Where the BEST trainers have the ability to meet their clients at their current level of fitness and take them to the next level. No matter where they begin. Folks, YOU ARE THE BEST TRAINERS. I might even say in America.
But - what makes me unique, and I believe you all also possess this spirit, is that this isn't enough. I want to get better and here is why.
Today I had a camper leave the workout in tears. She was devestated that her body wouldn't cooperate with her desire to get fit. It is common during plyometric workouts for people with knee issues to struggle a little bit. And today was no exception. She pushed herself out of her comfort zone. Maybe a little too far. What I didn't know is that her knees were bothering her before the workout. That little bit of communication from the client, could have allowed me to provide a modification before the workout for her. Where we need to improve as a group is on our ability to provide modifications for these more technical type workouts. I feel like I failed my instructors by not providing enough technique training in the athletic arena. I feel like I couldn't reach every camper at every station today because I am only one person. As instructors we are all part of a team. We need to work together to provide a workout that reaches EVERYONE on their level. Today we may not have done that.
So I am sure you are thinking, how do we improve? We try again tomorrow. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's name. Tomorrow we make sure we know everyone's weakness or injuries. Tomorrow we make sure that although we are getting a workout, we are always keeping one eye on the client. Constantly analyzing their running, push-up, ab bridge and jumping forms. Constantly providing positive feedback and modifications where necessary to help them improve no matter what level they are on. We do a very good job at this most of the time. And that is why this month's session is the hardest session ever.
But now that we have a challenge to make next month even better, we must meet that challenge head on. More training and better communication is what you will get from me. All you will need to do is bring it.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Celebrating the Goals
Today was the first real challenge for our new group at Blackburn. Soccer Day. You either love it or you hate it. Most campers love it. Most instructors hate it. You can't decide until after you have led the workout.
Organized chaos is not easy to manage. But today, our instructors leading really stepped up to the plate. Take 30 people, most of whom have never seen the workout before & many of whom have never played organized soccer, interject three balls, ramdomly split the fitness levels and add a whistle and two girls screaming and you have the recipe for disaster. Unless you are the Blackburn Team. Today, the workout went smoothly, the campers ran their butts off and I saw more smiles than I have at Blackburn in many months. Maybe it was the field. Maybe they really did enjoy themselves. Maybe it was the feeling of accomplishment when you work with a team and achieve a goal.
Today we saw the fast people take second place to the back, the out of shape and the non-discript. Today, we made superstars out of regular people. The boost that these folks will have to their confidence level is unmeasurable. But tomorrow, you will see a different group of campers. Tomorrow you will see a little extra hop in their step. Tomorrow they will "get it" just a little bit more. Tomorrow they will take one step closer to being the athletes they always dreamed of, or to at least reaching their goals.
But today, let's celebrate their goals! Score one for the boot campers. Today, they had fun.
Organized chaos is not easy to manage. But today, our instructors leading really stepped up to the plate. Take 30 people, most of whom have never seen the workout before & many of whom have never played organized soccer, interject three balls, ramdomly split the fitness levels and add a whistle and two girls screaming and you have the recipe for disaster. Unless you are the Blackburn Team. Today, the workout went smoothly, the campers ran their butts off and I saw more smiles than I have at Blackburn in many months. Maybe it was the field. Maybe they really did enjoy themselves. Maybe it was the feeling of accomplishment when you work with a team and achieve a goal.
Today we saw the fast people take second place to the back, the out of shape and the non-discript. Today, we made superstars out of regular people. The boost that these folks will have to their confidence level is unmeasurable. But tomorrow, you will see a different group of campers. Tomorrow you will see a little extra hop in their step. Tomorrow they will "get it" just a little bit more. Tomorrow they will take one step closer to being the athletes they always dreamed of, or to at least reaching their goals.
But today, let's celebrate their goals! Score one for the boot campers. Today, they had fun.
Friday, February 8, 2008
You win some, You lose some
Today was a small defeat for me in a war I have been fighting since I was a little girl. There have been many battles in this war, some greatly victorious, others not so much. You see, the war I fight isn't against another person or group, it is against me - or rather, my predisposition to be a "big girl", "thick" and even just plain fat. Since I can remember, my family made excuses for me - "oh, she has her mother's genes" or "she's just big boned". Well I do have my mother's genes (my father's, too), but I am really not all that big boned. And so is the story for many overweight people in the world. We battle preconceived notions that we have no choice about our weight and that we can't change our genetic make -up or we have slow metabolisms. Some of us accept it. I choose to fight. Welcome to my war.
I fight every single day of my life. Some days are easier than others - today was harder. Yes, I know that many people that know me today don't understand. But one day, about eight years ago I weighed over 215 pounds. I say over, because I didn't start counting until I got to that point. I used the excuse that it was just muscle and that I really was bigged boned. Then one day the hammer dropped- I had to buy a size 18 suit. That was it. The fight was back on.
But the war did't begin eight years ago, it began consciously about 20 years ago. When all my other friends were worring about boyfriends & shopping for pretty clothes, I was dieting. I did slim fast and Jenny Craig and they all worked - for a little while. At one point in my high school life I was a skinny six and weighed a buck thrity five. That was a huge victory, but one that was short lived. You see, when I was younger, I hadn't learned the price of being overweight yet.
It wasn't until I graduated from college and moved to Atlanta that I truly understood. My mom was also overweight. But not her whole life, just the part I remember and the lack of exercise, smoking and poor eating habits led to a cancer that eventually took her life. That was the most devestating defeat in my life.
And so I fight. I fight for my LIFE every day. I fight for my mom's life that she didn't get to live. But my fight against being overweight consists of discipline and keeping myself in constant check. I can't afford to gain back any of the weight I lost eight years ago. Because I know how hard I fought to get it off. I know how hard EVERY client fights even to lose 5 pounds. So when last fall I gained 12 pounds, I really didn't feel so hot about myself. I made it through the holidays and vowed like many to lose that weight in January and February. Yes, even I make resolutions. But everyone that knows anything at all about me knows that when I set out to do something - I don't quit until I succeed.
So the point of this blog is that just because I am a fitness instructor doesn't mean that I don't have to work just as hard, if not harder than my clients to maintain and sometimes lose weight. This week I gained two pounds. It took me all day to come to grips with it. And I know you are thinking, "you work out every day - it's just muscle". I tried to tell myself that ALL DAY. But it wasn't until I was able to rest, gather my thoughts and grab a measuring tape that I knew my small defeat was only that - tiny. I did gain two pounds, but my body got smaller! And as much as I know it is more of how my clothes fit than how many pounds the scale says - it still matters to me. Just like it will always matter to thousands of woman (and a few men). And so I continue to fight my war. I fight by educating as many people as I can about being healthy. I fight with my workouts at the studio and at boot camp. I fight every time I take a kickboxing class. I fight by supporting others that fight similar wars.
I think I am winning...
I fight every single day of my life. Some days are easier than others - today was harder. Yes, I know that many people that know me today don't understand. But one day, about eight years ago I weighed over 215 pounds. I say over, because I didn't start counting until I got to that point. I used the excuse that it was just muscle and that I really was bigged boned. Then one day the hammer dropped- I had to buy a size 18 suit. That was it. The fight was back on.
But the war did't begin eight years ago, it began consciously about 20 years ago. When all my other friends were worring about boyfriends & shopping for pretty clothes, I was dieting. I did slim fast and Jenny Craig and they all worked - for a little while. At one point in my high school life I was a skinny six and weighed a buck thrity five. That was a huge victory, but one that was short lived. You see, when I was younger, I hadn't learned the price of being overweight yet.
It wasn't until I graduated from college and moved to Atlanta that I truly understood. My mom was also overweight. But not her whole life, just the part I remember and the lack of exercise, smoking and poor eating habits led to a cancer that eventually took her life. That was the most devestating defeat in my life.
And so I fight. I fight for my LIFE every day. I fight for my mom's life that she didn't get to live. But my fight against being overweight consists of discipline and keeping myself in constant check. I can't afford to gain back any of the weight I lost eight years ago. Because I know how hard I fought to get it off. I know how hard EVERY client fights even to lose 5 pounds. So when last fall I gained 12 pounds, I really didn't feel so hot about myself. I made it through the holidays and vowed like many to lose that weight in January and February. Yes, even I make resolutions. But everyone that knows anything at all about me knows that when I set out to do something - I don't quit until I succeed.
So the point of this blog is that just because I am a fitness instructor doesn't mean that I don't have to work just as hard, if not harder than my clients to maintain and sometimes lose weight. This week I gained two pounds. It took me all day to come to grips with it. And I know you are thinking, "you work out every day - it's just muscle". I tried to tell myself that ALL DAY. But it wasn't until I was able to rest, gather my thoughts and grab a measuring tape that I knew my small defeat was only that - tiny. I did gain two pounds, but my body got smaller! And as much as I know it is more of how my clothes fit than how many pounds the scale says - it still matters to me. Just like it will always matter to thousands of woman (and a few men). And so I continue to fight my war. I fight by educating as many people as I can about being healthy. I fight with my workouts at the studio and at boot camp. I fight every time I take a kickboxing class. I fight by supporting others that fight similar wars.
I think I am winning...
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Picking the team...
When we were kids and in school, whether grade school, middle school or high school, groups are how we defined ourselves. Some of us were in the "cool" group, some in the "jock" group, while others were "geeks" or "math nerds". I bet there are even a couple of us that were "pot heads".
But the real test of our inner worth, was whether we got picked first or last for "team sports" in gym class. Yep, phys ed really made or broke us. Admit it, if you were not athletically enclined, the mear thought of putting on your tennis shoes and gym shorts made your stomach flip flop.
For me it was no different. Although I didn't define myself as any one of those group (maybe a little of each one) my grade school and middle school years were just torture. Not only was I NEVER the team captain, but I was a chunky little girl and usually picked last or toward the end on "team games" in gym class. And man did I hate it. Until one day...
For some strange reason, one Saturday morning in 5th grade my one friend encouraged me to come to her intermural basketball game. I went and because at that time I was one of the tallest girls and maybe one of the bigger ones, too (5'3" and 125lbs) the coach of the team suggested I try out for the basketball team. Well I went to a Catholic Grade school, and everyone made the team, so I did it. I couldn't dribble the ball, I had no real talent, but at that very young age, I discovered what will be my drive through life - I had HUSTLE! So for the next seven years I turned that hustle into skill until I was no longer the last picked, but the captain of the team.
I would not have been able to do any of it without my coaches. These coaches believed in me enough to pick me for their team to begin with (or so I thought) and then they took the time to develop my techniques both on the court and off. They showed me how to lead by example and instilled in me a believe in myself - a belief that if I hustled, I could compete with those "talented" girls. I even won an award in my junior year of high school at Bobby Knights Basketball Camp in Indiana for my hustle efforts!
My point of this post is this - it is really hard to divide people into groups as adults. The feelings that the campers get in the pits of their stomach when we say they are going to be divided are very similar to those we felt as kids. So as the coach, I have to constantly try to make sure that I never make anyone feel like they are not good enough to be in a group and once they are broken up to make sure that each of us that leads the group never uses words like slow or out of shape to define our group. We need to build the members of our group up. Even in the group of campers with faster PT times, there will always be a back.
As instructors we should draw from our experiences as kids and make sure to use our encouragement and understanding of how each camper feels to help them find their inner "hustle". If you really look past the fact that many of our campers are out of shape, often times you can see their desire. You can see how bad they want to be the first one picked.
And that is how we change their lives.
But the real test of our inner worth, was whether we got picked first or last for "team sports" in gym class. Yep, phys ed really made or broke us. Admit it, if you were not athletically enclined, the mear thought of putting on your tennis shoes and gym shorts made your stomach flip flop.
For me it was no different. Although I didn't define myself as any one of those group (maybe a little of each one) my grade school and middle school years were just torture. Not only was I NEVER the team captain, but I was a chunky little girl and usually picked last or toward the end on "team games" in gym class. And man did I hate it. Until one day...
For some strange reason, one Saturday morning in 5th grade my one friend encouraged me to come to her intermural basketball game. I went and because at that time I was one of the tallest girls and maybe one of the bigger ones, too (5'3" and 125lbs) the coach of the team suggested I try out for the basketball team. Well I went to a Catholic Grade school, and everyone made the team, so I did it. I couldn't dribble the ball, I had no real talent, but at that very young age, I discovered what will be my drive through life - I had HUSTLE! So for the next seven years I turned that hustle into skill until I was no longer the last picked, but the captain of the team.
I would not have been able to do any of it without my coaches. These coaches believed in me enough to pick me for their team to begin with (or so I thought) and then they took the time to develop my techniques both on the court and off. They showed me how to lead by example and instilled in me a believe in myself - a belief that if I hustled, I could compete with those "talented" girls. I even won an award in my junior year of high school at Bobby Knights Basketball Camp in Indiana for my hustle efforts!
My point of this post is this - it is really hard to divide people into groups as adults. The feelings that the campers get in the pits of their stomach when we say they are going to be divided are very similar to those we felt as kids. So as the coach, I have to constantly try to make sure that I never make anyone feel like they are not good enough to be in a group and once they are broken up to make sure that each of us that leads the group never uses words like slow or out of shape to define our group. We need to build the members of our group up. Even in the group of campers with faster PT times, there will always be a back.
As instructors we should draw from our experiences as kids and make sure to use our encouragement and understanding of how each camper feels to help them find their inner "hustle". If you really look past the fact that many of our campers are out of shape, often times you can see their desire. You can see how bad they want to be the first one picked.
And that is how we change their lives.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What boot camp means to me...
Cone sprints and friendship. Today's workout reminded me why I LOVE BOOT CAMP. Back many years ago when I took my first outdoor group workout, I was afraid to run, had little self confidence, very few friends and hadn't discovered my true calling. Until one day.
That day we did a workout where we raced each other. We lined up with small groups and had to race doing suicides - out back, out back, ouuuuuuuuut baaaaaack. And all of a sudden I remembered why I loved sports - competition, laughter, hustle. I think those are the most fun, most rewarding feelings in the world - and in the 20 minutes that I raced against the guy that would become my nemisis, my buddy and at times my support, my inner boot camp instructor was born.
Today we do a workout very similar to that at Blackburn, but add in the elements of boot camp that I only discovered after starting my own business at Blackburn - Friendship, Fun and Support! Now don't get me wrong, our cone sprints workout is hard. After a grueling warmup trying to get the quads and hamstrings ready to sprint, we start with a plain old suicide. They call them suicides for a reason, you know.... Then we add in the "fun" elements of squat thrusts, pushups and many other exercises taking your body from full on forward movement to full on verticle or horizontal movement and back to full on forward movement just in time to do it all again, but with a longer run.
But the actual physical part of this workout isn't what is special. As I was cheering for my team and running next to the campers, and even against my fellow instructors, the whole reason we do boot camp struck me. I looked around and noticed that not only did I have friendships on the field, but the campers did, too. I looked over at Regina and Dawn and down to Karen and Renee. And then thought about how many new friendships would be discovered this year. And then I took a moment to listen...
What I heard was the next chapter in the Blackburn Park story...a whole group of boot camp instructors coming into their own. And I realized that this team of instructors are not just random people plooped into a group - we are now officially a force to be reconed with. Our friendships, support for each other, cheering during the race, chatter at coffee and everything in between is what makes the stories that make The American Boot Camp Company so different than every other company out there. And these stories are what get us through tough days, what make us laugh and what inspire us to greatness.
Let's keep kicking "grass" Blackburn!
That day we did a workout where we raced each other. We lined up with small groups and had to race doing suicides - out back, out back, ouuuuuuuuut baaaaaack. And all of a sudden I remembered why I loved sports - competition, laughter, hustle. I think those are the most fun, most rewarding feelings in the world - and in the 20 minutes that I raced against the guy that would become my nemisis, my buddy and at times my support, my inner boot camp instructor was born.
Today we do a workout very similar to that at Blackburn, but add in the elements of boot camp that I only discovered after starting my own business at Blackburn - Friendship, Fun and Support! Now don't get me wrong, our cone sprints workout is hard. After a grueling warmup trying to get the quads and hamstrings ready to sprint, we start with a plain old suicide. They call them suicides for a reason, you know.... Then we add in the "fun" elements of squat thrusts, pushups and many other exercises taking your body from full on forward movement to full on verticle or horizontal movement and back to full on forward movement just in time to do it all again, but with a longer run.
But the actual physical part of this workout isn't what is special. As I was cheering for my team and running next to the campers, and even against my fellow instructors, the whole reason we do boot camp struck me. I looked around and noticed that not only did I have friendships on the field, but the campers did, too. I looked over at Regina and Dawn and down to Karen and Renee. And then thought about how many new friendships would be discovered this year. And then I took a moment to listen...
What I heard was the next chapter in the Blackburn Park story...a whole group of boot camp instructors coming into their own. And I realized that this team of instructors are not just random people plooped into a group - we are now officially a force to be reconed with. Our friendships, support for each other, cheering during the race, chatter at coffee and everything in between is what makes the stories that make The American Boot Camp Company so different than every other company out there. And these stories are what get us through tough days, what make us laugh and what inspire us to greatness.
Let's keep kicking "grass" Blackburn!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Welcome to Boot Camp Season 2008
Welcome to everyone that is reading this blog to our newest method of communication between your boot camp instructors and campers and friends and family of The American Boot Camp Company. We have many exciting things going on this year and one of my fellow instructors suggested I start to blog everything. I was planning on it, but her email pushed me over the edge, and what better time to start blogging then on the first day of our 4th season at Blackburn Park.
February 4th, 2008 - Season 4 Blackburn Park
Today was a glorious start to 2008 and hopefully is an indicator of things to come this year. The weather was about 50 degrees and although the weather man said it was 100% raining, the raindrops barely made it to the ground.
So with wet pavement and a great group of 33 campers we started the year! "How's everybody doing today? Are you ready to have some fun?"
So what a great group, too! This is our second season operating in February and we have smashed our 2007 numbers. Last year, we had only 24 at Blackburn - most of which were Veterans. Today we topped the scales with 15 new people! And they were all awesome! I can't wait to see them make progress and reach their goals.
Stay tuned for a day by day, play by play to February!
February 4th, 2008 - Season 4 Blackburn Park
Today was a glorious start to 2008 and hopefully is an indicator of things to come this year. The weather was about 50 degrees and although the weather man said it was 100% raining, the raindrops barely made it to the ground.
So with wet pavement and a great group of 33 campers we started the year! "How's everybody doing today? Are you ready to have some fun?"
So what a great group, too! This is our second season operating in February and we have smashed our 2007 numbers. Last year, we had only 24 at Blackburn - most of which were Veterans. Today we topped the scales with 15 new people! And they were all awesome! I can't wait to see them make progress and reach their goals.
Stay tuned for a day by day, play by play to February!
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