Totally Missed Wk 5 But Insteresting...

I totally missed week 5, but it was interesting nonetheless. I had to go home to Louisiana for a week and some change. Luckily, I didn't gain any weight while I was there. Didn't lose either since my eating schedule was thrown a monkey wrench with all I had to do there. But the interesting thing is I tried to sneak a fried crab cake (always loved crab cakes) and I fried shrimp, but I could literally taste the oil. It was overwhelming and everyone else looked at me like I was crazy b/c they didn't get what I was saying. It felt like my mouth had been coated with Crisco. I popped so many Alka-Seltzers just to calm my turning stomach. Never did get to finish that crab cake. My fried food days are officially behind me. I kinda told myself that after the 12 weeks was over, I'd treat myself to some Popeyes which I smell on my way home every day, but now that's not gonna happen. When the advisers told us how our taste would change once we alter our eating habits and that we wouldn't want the old stuff anymore, I just assume they'd never really had good food. But now I think about that fried chicken and biscuit and my stomach starts to scream for Alka Seltzer. Amazing how in 5 short weeks, my taste and habits have changed. Things I enjoyed so I now can't stomach thinking of eating them. I've officially crossed over to a healthier eating lifestyle. AMAZING!

Week 5 WOW

Well Well Well, my 5Th week is over. It was getting real tense with this week. At one point I had to ask our trainer if someone piss him off at work because it felt like he was taking it out on us. But we all just got together as a team as usual and dealt with it. I'm behind in my running but that's OK, because what matter to me most is that I can run a lot more than when I first started. It's been a struggle and I enjoy the work out sessions. Looking forward to week 6. (Yeah)

C Christopher

WEEK 5 - WOOT WOOT

Well, this week was tough but doable. I am sooo excited that I have made half the weight I wanted to lose initially. Week 5 and 15lbs down. Hopefully, I'l lose just a few more lbs before the next session start so that I can go over my goal weight loss. Before I started bootcamp, running was not an option in my workout plan and eating right, HA such a funny. But now I almost feel obsessed with eating the right foods. Dont get me wrong, it is still a task to stay up on my percentages and caloric intake but in time I will perfect it. Now the aera I am most proud of myself in is my endurance. WOW is all I have to say. Running the longer laps, I still am having a hard time with, but those hills I believe I have tackled them enough to almost say I got this.

I just want to give a shot out to my "Extra Credit Treat" partna dem. Clearly I cant seem to ever get out of this circle, until this last weigh in. Those treats are the truth..OMG. They definitely help.

Week 6.....WOOOSAHHH

RN-- Week 5

OMG. Week 5 is over. The up side-- we didn't get rained on! The down side-- only lost 1.2 lbs. That's about what I was expecting coming in to this-- only about 1 pound a week. Despite all the hard work and eating better, my body resists losing any more than that typically. But, so far its been ~ 7 lbs in 5 weeks. I would have loved it to be more, but i'm already eating only 1200-1300 calories a day. If I do less, I'll get told I'm not eating enough. If I eat more, I won't lose ANY weight at all. UUUuuuugh. But, at the end of this session, I'm eager to get measured to see how many inches were lost. I'm guessing coach is going to try and kill us this last week. This will be interesting since my shoulders and back will be hurting for a while after carrying my fellow bootcamper across the field on Saturday!

End of Week 5 nc

How quickly time passes, week five is gone already. I have not gained or lost any weight since the last weigh in, but I know it was probably due to my low calorie intake the past week. I still have a hard time eating on time and as often as I need to.
This week I am making a concerted effort to loose at least 5 more pounds, my goal is to loose 20lbs this first six week session. The work outs are still challenging for me, but my endurance and strength has come a long way from week one to week five. That I am grateful for. Everyone around me has seen the change in my body, I can feel it in my clothes and my skin looks better. Monday is the beginning of the sixth week, I look forward to breaking a sweat.

Just completed end of week 5. Feel good that I kept up with the program and made some good choices while I was traveling. Feel stronger, clothes are getting baggier. Hope to hit my goal weight next Saturday. Looking forward to the coming week! Thanks to all the Stone Mt. members for their support, encouragement, and laughs about this journey. It feels good to know that others go thru some of the same struggles, triumphs as you do. I look forward to a wonderful week!

NC Week 4

I had a hectic week 4.... as far as work is concerned. So I missed the second half of my work out for two days. The rain was ridiculous the past week, and it is such a deterrence. Thank the good Lord that no heavy rains fell during the time I was at the park. It rained before and after, with a refreshing sprinkle in between. Our routine has changed, never staying the same, always a sup rise. This week there was more focus using the resistance bands, more laps (which i still can't breathe right) but with time I'll get there. Everyday is a new challenge, a new part of the body aching, but I'm starting to like it. Four weeks complete, week five here I come.

Week Four with Yardie---No more tears, but no lost pounds.

Ok, so once again I didn't lose my 2 lbs. at the weigh-in this week. What is going on????!!! This is the healthiest eating I've ever done--I practically live in Whole Foods and Trader Joes. I have perfect attendance at boot-camp, but it seems I will be stuck doing the 'extra treats' forever. So I talked to the trainers, and they are saying I'm not eating enough calories. Also, that it might take longer for the weight to come off because I am already small. The only consolation I have is this: I'm not gaining any extra weight, and my pants are definitely loose. I can't help but feel a little down though.

So we had to run four laps this week. Lord. I was running with my B.B.B. (Best Bootcamp Bud) Kesha, and we would stop here and there to walk (rest) for five, ten, sixty seconds before we'd start running again. Another boot-camper, Shay, comes up behind us and says, "I just finished my laps, but I'm going to run your laps with you. Ya'll are not going to walk, you're going to run the whole way, you can do it!" So Shay begins running with us. Oh Boy. I started getting a little tired and slowed down to a walk---almost. Shay proceeded to get behind me and pushed/ran me back up to our prior speed. OMG, every time I wanted to stop, Shay kept pushing me, literally. At one point, she grabbed Kesha too, and by that time we were both begging for a break. Shay would say, "Ok, see that bench up there, we'll stop when we get there." Relief---NOT! She would make us keep running past the designated 'rest point'! LOL! Ok, so when she FINALLY gave us a break, I asked her, "How do you keep going???" She said that you get used to it, and then said this: "I wasn't a runner at first, but someone in boot-camp helped me, and now I'm helping you. And now I LOVE to run, so let's go!"

That's what I love about Yardie. We're all at different fitness levels, but we have a common goal. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. Shay, thank you for helping me get through those laps.



Week Three with Yardie---The workouts and extra treats broke me down!!!
Ok, the good news about the second weigh-in on Saturday is I didn't gain any weight. Bad news: I lost less than 2 lbs. :( During the second week, my trainer/coach, Daryl, kept saying, "You don't want to owe on the third week. You don't want to owe." And danggit! I owe! So I was filled with trepidation approaching Monday. What would the 'extra treats' be like? Would they kill me? Well, let's talk about the third session. We started working on a new hill; bigger and badder than last week. We also intensified the ab work. Run the hill, back to the mat to do V-ups, run the hill again, ab work----a seemingly never-ending cycle!

Somehow around the middle of the work-out, I felt tears coming out the corners of my eyes. What?! Yes. Thank God for my sunglasses. I actually cried one more time before it was time for the dreaded 'extra treats.' Rikki, one of the advisors, was in charge of this. OMG. Rikki made us run the hill ten times and perform mountain climbers each time we reached the base. This brought on Crying Episode #3 for me.
Why the emotion? I guess I was disappointed in myself--my struggle to keep up, to maintain the correct form, the thought of "I can't do THIS!!!!!" I thought about all those days I opted to sit on the couch after work, the nights of eating half pints of Haagen Dazs Crème' Brulee ice-cream, the fabulous restaurants. Simply put, just eating my heart out with very little thought to my health. I was a mess! Luckily, I found the inner strength to pull it together, and finish the workout, reminding myself, "It's never too late to turn it around."

---raschelle

4th Week of Boot camp (wow)

Well I miss my 3rd week due the Flu and Strep throat.

Well I return on Monday the 14Th ready for week 4 and to make up for week 3. Well I took my time and ran my 1/4 mile, but when it came to doing my other exercise omg I taught my arms was going to fall off. I taught I was doing good until i heard " come on Carole you have to make up". OK, all I did was take a 2 second break and my trainers were on me like white as rice.

Then comes Wednesday with this hard down pour I was on my way to boot camp but turn around and went back home. I told myself there is no way I can get wet today I cannot deal with getting the flu again.

Thursday is here and still raining, but I can't do this again so I stop to the Family Dollar and got me a Pancho cause I was going to class today. When I got there I did my thing ,but lord knows my arm exercise were killing me. But I refuse to give up.

Saturday was good. I weighed and was surprise of my weight, (WOW) so that inspired me a lot. The exercise was intense but I dealt with it. We had to partner up and that was good because I had a Vet and she push me and push me and I was very please.

I'm still having trouble with my food log can't seem to hit those percentage but I'm going to make it .

Looking forward to week 5.

Carlos and Tonya thanks for the encouragement.

Carole

Weeks 1 & 2 of Boot Camp - Carole

I started Yardie Fitness Boot Camp on August 22, 2009 when I started out I had no strength in my legs. I couldn't walk or run a good mile without my legs getting so tired an painful. We started to run 1st thing on camp days and then we exercise straight. My right calf was hurting me so bad I taught I had to stretch it some more each day. I stretched and I stretch but when it came down to the end of my first week, that Friday I was in so much pain that my husband wanted to take me to the hospital, but I refuse to go. So on our first weigh in I stretch again and then I ran my lap and that was it, couldn't exercise for the rest of the day. I actually didn't tell my trainer how bad it was that evening because I know she would have told me to rest that day.
But this is just to show you how addictive to exercise you can get. When I felt my self feeling so uplift with so much energy after I started this class I was like wow, how amazing. I can now run a 1/4 of a mile and still exercise right after which I couldn't have done, I started eating 6 small meal a day which was impossible for me. So don't ever say you CAN''T that is not a word. You can do anything if you put your mind to it..

-Carole

Week2

Well here it is the end of my second week at the boot camp and if anyone would have told me I would still be running and exercising still, I would call them a liar. After I messed up my leg in the first week and still went back the second week where I had woman issues and completed my second week I was like ok I can do this. I enjoy the challenge and the exercise I never taught I would have been doing. Looking forward to my third week.

-Carole

Week 4--- Ugh

RAIN RAIN RAIN...Yes we almost melted but we made it through 20 mins of flooding. Its one thing to sweat and keep working out, but when your clothes are drenched with water and your thighs are already 40lb weights each BOY is it tough. The actual workout wasnt so bad but it was the rain--no complaints...WE DID THAT!! For the past 2 weeks I have not met my 2lbs and its been quite discouraging. I'm trying not to allow it to deter me from doing what I have to do or fall off but it really does suck. I have to get it together for these last 2 weeks because I would so like to lose 15-20lbs realistically I will settle for 10 though, hurt elbow and all.

Today Tammie did her thig in the kitchen for the cooking seminar. OMG all the food was delicious especially the fruit salsa and chips and the Chicken tortilla salad. I can now change up and add to my food logs. The most challenging thing is breakfast and something quick and easy. I would highly recommend this seminar to anyone that hasn't taken it, espeially if you are having trouble with the percentages on your food log. The chicken fingers...Oh yea, that is definitely my new thing.

I look forward to a much better week 5. And I AM going to make my 2lbs, atleast...Scratch that, WE ARE. Lets get it!!!

End of week 4

This week has had me stressing! Monday i checked out my before pictures. I just sat there and cried. I could not believe how i looked. First of all, I don't photograph well anyway. But to look at my face, I look old and just plain fat all over. So, that put me in a different state of mind. I've been up every morning in the gym doing cardio for two hours and still doing boot camp in the evening. I am more determined than ever to "get my sexy back". I didn't lose what i wanted to this week but i figure it will show next week. My goal for this 6 weeks is to loose at least 15 lbs. I'm down 12 lbs. now. With two weeks to go, i only pray my body doesn't start to plateau. I hope to go beyond that 15 lb. goal. I feel good. I'm not hurting anymore. Well, at least my legs don't hurt. My shoulders are catching hell now that we're working shoulders and arms. I can deal with that. Looking forward to a great week 5.

Week 4

Week 4.....boy have a lot to say about week 4. First off, didn't think I would ever actually enjoy working out in the rain G I Jane style...but Wed proved that I had it in me. The whole St Mountain group worked out hard in the rain and didn't want to stop even when it started thundering outside. Hate to say it, it felt great!!!! I finally lost my weight this week (thanks for the "special treat" wait did I just say that. It's amazing how a little motivation and the strenght of my other members helped me thru the week...you don't want to let them down but you don't want to let yourself down either. I feel myself getting stronger and my jeans getting baggier...not a bad thing. :) This is a lifestyle change and it feels good. Thanks to Yardie Fitness and the other members and oh the fitness coaches (even though you know i'm mad at you Matalyn and Janine...hahhahaha just playing. Looking forward to week 5 as I'll be traveling and will have to make some good eating choices.

Week 4 for Renee

I didn't lose any weight last week, so it's been extra credit for me! My only consolation is that almost no one in the group lost the 2 lbs, so practically the whole Piedmont crew has to stay over each day! Perhaps this has confirmed my suspicion that I can't rely on working out only 4 days a week to produce weight loss (even if those 4 days are at bootcamp) . . . this has never worked in the past. Initially, I had this spacey idea that I would supplement my bootcamp workouts with the occasional gym workout or lap around the pool. . .. For the first couple of weeks of bootcamp, this came down to a big, fat "HA!" After Monday through Wednesday workouts, I needed Thursday and Friday to recooperate enough to do a half decent job on Saturday! Now that I'm not so sore and tired (my body is getting accustomed??), I integrated some more cardio this week as coach suggested. Hopefully, the results will be evident.

And though I recover from bootcamp faster than a few weeks ago, I certainly am still struggling DURING bootcamp. But, that's expected. If I could do all this crap without too much effort, I wouldn't need bootcamp in the first place!

And I second what another bootcamper has said-- I find myself on the scale about 4-5 times a day! I'm trying to get a sense of how much my weight fluctuates during the day. i.e., what do I weigh first thing in the morning? after breakfast? when I get home? after dinner? after peeing?!!? It's become a bit of an obsession. Or, rather like a science experiment (although only an observational one). But, those 2 lbs need to come off . . . I'd rather do the "treats" of my own volition rather than have to do them because I didn't reach the goal.

Week 3 --- Inner Strength

I want to say week number three was the most challenging week EVER, but that's what I think every week then the workout supersedes the previous week. This week I had to tap into my inner strength, I was challenged to the point where I just wanted to say to the hell with it and just give up, but I am a fighter so I could not quit. The workouts were intense; the hill was not my friend and my knees were now hurting. I learned to tap into my inner strength and work through the pain.

Oh I forgot to mention extra credit work, all I can say is I never want to be on punishment again. Suicides including a hill was cruel and unusual punishment, but guess what I survived. I was running during one exercise and I hit the grown HARD, there was no sympathy given.. If you are okay you, get back up and FINISH it. When I was in the moment I was like wth, but now it's metaphoric for this process. You are going to fall down, have bad moments and disappointments, but you get back up and FINISH it!

Results are not given they are earn; I'm focus and going after mines!

AP: Week 3

Duck walks... I have never seen a duck walk like that and I know why... THAT MESS HURTS. My legs are no longer in my control. I can't walk up or down stairs... BUT I will tell you this, I did each and everyone of those stupid walks of a duck and the pride I feel about THAT out weighs the pain I feel in every inch of my thighs... sort of.

What I learned today from Arianna was that I need to keep working my legs out in order to make the pain subside. Gimme some mo', gimme some mo'!

I see changes in my physique after just three weeks. Its amazing what can result from focus, effort and hard work. If I never joined Yardie... where would I be? Fighting with the scale while eating whatever...whenever. It wasn't working. I needed this focus. I can't wait to see what the next three weeks will bring.

We're half way through and I'm at 83% of my goal... I'm raising my goal...

AP: Week 2

Who goes on VACA during the second week of boot camp??? ME. Why would I do that to myself??? Last minute surprise by my boyfriend. So sweet... but so scary. I know I'm not in the mindset to plan my meals when eating in restaurants while on vacation. I know I'm not disciplined enough to workout HARD like I know I should and need to. So what is the scale going to say when I weigh in again. We'll it said I lost 3lbs... Truth be told I lost 5... I put my nose to the grind when I realized I gained 2 while at the beach. I'll tell you what kept me from gaining back the whole 7 I had lost initially... it was the fact that I had lost 7 lbs in two weeks!. I felt a lot better about myself going to beach without that 7lbs. I looked better (not my best) but better. I felt better... and I treated myself better. Although I wanted to let go and go for broke at the restaurants... I kept thinking of what I had done thus far and the effort and reward I'd already experienced... I ordered a fat free, sugar free frozen yogurt, walked several miles a day, did all my ab homework and even woke up before 8am on Saturday so I could workout when the rest of my "Yardies" would be working out. I was proud of myself. =)

3 Weeks Down...

Another interesting week at "NOT" al-Qaeda boot camp. I said I was going to stop calling al-Qaeda b/c of the marked improvement I've seen in my stamina. After coming off 9 lbs in 2 weeks, I think I started smelling myself a bit b/c I became absolutely 100% obsessed with weighing myself. In the middle of the week, I had a bit of a panic b/c my scale was saying I'd gained like 5 lbs in 4 days. I was following my food log, down in my sodium, and even doing that dreadful homework, but yet the scale was saying I'd gained. I became seriously insane and started weighing myself I think almost everytime I went in my bathroom. I was becoming crazy so I immediately shot off a "Distress Alert" email to the Stone Mountain fitness team b/c I was seriously ready to go on a 3 day fast. Luckily, JQ calmed my mostly irrational fears. Did anyone else know that your weight fluctuates during the day? I sure as heck didn't. I was two seconds away from a sea-salt flush. That's just how crazy I'd gotten. Fortunately, after weigh-in, I didn't gain, but I didn't even lose a whole pound. That was a little blow. But this is a new week, and I get to make better choices this week than I made last week. But seriously...4 doggone laps next week?!?!?! O-M-G! I'd lie and say I'm ready for it, but the truth is I'm going to pray thru it (w/ Jay-Z blasting in my ears).

Week 3

First I must say I'm proud of myself for sticking thru another week. My Stone Mt group has been wonderful and very supportive. Sodium is down (finally) but still looking for creative ways to eat different items. The workouts kick my butt (Thanks Matalyn and Janine) and sometimes when I'm doing them I'm thinking too myself ("what the heck (maybe not saying heck:) have I gotten myself into. However, after the workout I feel sooo good. I sleep well thru the night and feel a since of accomplishment. I was disappointed in my weight loss this week (didn't gain but still been working hard) but my fat went down and it was nice for Matalyn and Janine to say you can tell I'm losing inches. I was having a hard morning on Sat but their encouragement and the encouragement of the group got me thru it. It's amazing to see all of us getting stronger and pushing each other to be the best we can be! Looking forward to week 4 (am I really saying that hahahha)

Week 3 - The scale must be off

OK, this has been a very trying week for me. First lets discuss the hill..can we say fall out going up or fall down coming down. This hill thing is/was tough for me as I'm not use to doing hills, not to mention I dont even like hills, BUT after going for a day or two on top of not feeling well my body started saying "OK we can do this, dont let being sick stop you" I got through it with the help of some vets cheering, "come on cee cee, keep going cee, you can do it cee cee, good job cee cee" and especially the advisors. They are excellent about getting on you when they even think you look like you want to stop. Got to love it. Now what I dont like is when the late comers arrive right after I get to my mat and my legs, arms everything is hurting and just when I'm about to sit down or catch a quick breath.....DANG!! again, you mean run up the hill 2 mo times...dis sum %*&#^&@@*^*!!! LOL But it the extra cant do nothing but help, is how I have to look at it in order not to quit at that moment.

Secondly, the scale seems to be at a standstill for me this week, so for week 4, I GOT to go harder. I need for these 20 pounds to come on off and quit playing. Pushing harder on my off days is going to be a task but I'm going to do it. I challenge myself.

Week 3
NC

Week three was much better for my body. Not as much pain, no constant aching, and my endurance to run and sprint has increased. After I missed last Saturday weigh in, I was worried when I went back to boot camp on Monday, that I would not have been able to perform. I felt weak. I surprised myself. I think I did pretty good. They added in some hills, more laps and sprints. I thought I would fall out, but I didn't. I can say now, which I would never have said before, so in a whisper I will say........" I am actually enjoying exercising." Who would of thought. The best news for me was when I weighed in this Saturday. The scale said I lost 10 lbs. Such an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment came over me. I could not help but smile. Saturday's workout was hard, but you know what, those results I got, gave me the extra energy I needed to finish. My goal is being realized, slowly but surely. What a blessed opportunity I have been given. On to week 4

Week 3

I'm starting to feel more energetic because the past 2 weeks I had been so tired after my workouts. It seems like I've been doing this for longer than 3 weeks but at the same time I feel that I just started. I am starting to see the changes in my body. The support that I get from the other boot campers is awesome. Just when you think you want to throw in the towel someone calls your name and say you CAN DO IT!!! At home the family is eating more of what I eat (great). My daughters are making sure I do my abs homework and exercises on off days. I have lost 18 pounds in 3 weeks!!!! WOW this has been a great week 3 for me :-)

Week 2

Week two started kinda rough for me. I was excited about the recipes I got from Tammie at the cooking seminar but I was still tempted to resort back to some of my former ways. She provided some great tips and new foods to try. It would take way more involvement into what went in my mouth than I imagined. At times it was hard to watch others eat some of my OLD favorites McDonalds, Zaxby's and Popeye's to name a few. However, my lesson learned this week was on CHOICES. I have the choice to eat better and become more active. I am the only person that can decide the direction I will go. I am happy to say I CHOOSE the Yardie way eat right and get moving. Yay me :-)

Week 1

First week of boot camp


I received the call from Portia asking if I was still interested in participating and if so to show up the following day ready to workout. I was really excited and called some family and friends to share my news. I had no idea what to expect but I knew it would be a lot of hard work. The first day felt like a slow suicide to me. All kind of things were going through my mind like why did you sign up for this, they must be crazy if they think I can do that and this will be my last day coming were just a few. However, before I left the field that day those thoughts were changed to I think I can do this and let’s see how tomorrow goes. It has been an exciting first week for me even though the drills are a challenge but I continue to focus on the end result which is becoming a healthier person.


Kim Lopez

End of week 3

Well it's the end of week 3 and i think i've faired pretty well. I've lost 10 pounds. I've been trying to do that for the past few months to no avail and then loose it within 3 wks. of bootcamp. I was so ready for weigh-in this morning so i can stop running those ****hills everyday. But it's all good. I feel really great today after bootcamp.

Week 3- I hate hills

Week 3 (9/6 – 9/12)—
I hate hills. More specifically, I hate running up hills. Even more, I hate having to run a good distance to GET to the hill, then having to run up the hill, too. But, we incorporated the resistance bands into our workout. That was hard, but better than tons of mountain climbers and push ups and extra running.

After my evening workouts on Monday and Tuesday, I felt little yearning to eat after I came home, which surprised me. If this keeps up, I may certainly loose a bunch of weight. Though, my body tends to adapt quickly to changes in exercise routine and eating habits. It would still probably be stubborn about losing weight since my metabolism may slow because I didn’t eat after bootcamp. But, part of the reason I got so dang large in the first place was a lifetime of eating when I wasn’t really hungry. Such conflict!!


Wednesday, Sept. 9—well, the trend is over. I had a hearty appetite after bootcamp!

Week 2

Week 2 (8/30 – 9/5)—
Monday, Aug. 31—I got completely yelled at for eating out for my birthday. Uuuugh. And why are even the seemingly healthy choices at restaurants so overloaded with sodium?! My salmon, broccoli, and side salad from O’Charley’s had almost 1000 mg of sodium (and that’s without eating all of it!!) It’s a wonder the vast majority of Americans don’t have high blood pressure.


Sat., Sept. 5— I changed to evenings at Piedmont, though this is my very first session at this location. And of course, we start out by running around the big lawn—a MUCH farther distance than running around the track at Stn Mountain. But, on the bright side, I lost 5 pounds since last Saturday. At least, that’s what the scale said. It’s a different scale, and I have never in my life lost that much weight in one week. I think I’m dehydrated. Which puts more pressure on me to be 173 lbs on the 12th or else I’ll have extra treats after the workouts the week after. . . . . . .

Week 1-- Holy Crap

Day 1 (Aug. 22)
I’m excited I got chosen! I need something to kick start my fitness routine. I’ve been working out regularly for years now; and once upon a time it was effective. Back in 1996-2000, I lost 125 pounds with regular exercise and better eating. My final weight (160 lbs) was relatively easy to maintain, until I stopped going to the gym as often so I could concentrate on finishing graduate school. About 20-25 pounds crept back on. Then, shortly after my 30th birthday, I was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and months of chemo later, I was in remission. One of my chemo regiments consisted of weekly treatments instead of treatments once every 3 weeks. During that period of weekly treatments (and consequently weekly doses of steroids), I gained 35 pounds. Which leads me to proclaim—I hate steroids! And their aftermath. I stopped the steroids (and chemo) in June 06, but I didn’t stop gaining weight until over a year later!

I am still gratefully in remission, but not so excited about the extra poundage. I managed to get a little weight off after recommitting myself to my gym routine, but my appetite gets the better of me. My daily life seems to revolve around 4 issues:
1) what’s the weather like (and am I cold?)
2) when can I eat?
3) what can I eat?
4) when can I eat again?

So, my goals during these 12 weeks are to:
1) Recommit myself to eating the way (and amounts) that I should be. This will help my weight loss. This will help keep me healthy and cancer free.
2) Give my body something new to do in order to produce strength, stamina, weight loss, and ENERGY. On my own, I can make myself do the elliptical and some weights. But, my body is used to “the elliptical and some weights”. I need to really push. And hopefully, bootcamp will do the above and not just tire me out to the point where I can barely get out of bed in the morning! I expect some cursing along the way.

Day 1 of bootcamp was Aug. 22. Not too bad . . . just some body measurements, some picture taking, some signing of forms, and a quick fitness test. And despite years of regularly working out, I know I don’t have the strength or endurance that I should have. And I HATE running. So, I wasn’t expecting to do to well. In the push-up arena, I managed only 11 in 60 seconds. And not even full push-ups. I know if I would have made it all the way to ground, there was no way I was pushing myself back up! I can do the “girlie” pushups all day, but not a single “regular” one. That’s sad. Then, I only managed 17 full sit-ups (where you have to come all the way up to your knees) in 60 seconds. Then there was the lap around the track. There were 10 of us. I came in 7th: 2 minutes and 42 seconds. . . . ..did I mention I hate running? Uuuugh. Well, the real work (and pain) starts Monday. I’m ready. (we’ll see how I feel about Tuesday!).




Day 2 (Aug. 24)
The first real day, and they have us running from the outset. 1 lap before the “real” bootcamp begins. Then, lots of push-ups, sit ups, lunges, squats, and more running. I did better than I thought with all that running. Not so much with the sit-ups. We couldn’t use our arms (like on Day 1) to help propel us up. Too bad. I couldn’t get one unassisted sit up done. And by the end of the workout, after a 2nd series of lunges and squats, I hear myself breathing like I has asthma. I am so out of shape! But, I leave for home and get ready for work without being totally exhausted. On the drive to work, I feel a strange sense of accomplishment. Maybe that will only last until the soreness kicks in. . . . .

Day 4 (Aug. 26)
I’ve been so sore that I’m not sure how much I can manage today. I could barely move yesterday after the workout. And to top things off, a team member showed up a couple of minutes late, so the coaches made the rest of us who showed up on time run 3 laps around the track instead of one. . . . .my immediate thought: these chicks are sooo wrong . .. and evil! She arrives late and WE have to do more work?
Yesterday (and the day before, and the times before that), I’ve gotten about halfway through a lap when I can’t run any farther . . . so I would powerwalk until I felt I could jog the last 1/6 of the track.) And I never did ever really “run” so much as “jog”. And now they want us to do THREE laps.. . . all before we start the rest of the bootcamp . . . EVIL!

Then, a strange thing happened. I made it. . . . all 3 laps . . . . WITHOUT STOPPING (or walking)! Another teammate managed the same thing. How do you progress from not being able to jog ½ the track to being able to do 3 laps the very next day?!@?! This is some voodoo . . . . .

So, I was all happy and impressed with myself. And then during a sprint challenge in the grass, I tripped after my foot got caught in some netting that was partially embedded in the dirt. I twisted my ankle. . . . badly. . . .Thankfully, its Wednesday and the next workout isn’t until Saturday. It will take at least that long to be able to walk or do anything without too much pain . . . .. dang running in the dirt!!


Aug. 27
I think bootcamp is making me accident prone in one way or another. In the past week, I have: lost 1 earring, lost 1 watch, twisted my ankle, spilled a pitcher-full of water while at work, and bitten the inside of my cheek 5 times . . . . . . .

Sept. 10
Today my shins hurt very badly. All this jumping is killing my legs but i pushed through. Shin splints are something you have to work through. I'll be glad when it stops. Overall, bootcamp was good today. Weigh in is Saturday. I know i'll show a loss this week. But how many?........

AP: Week 1

One week down and I feel great! I can feel muscles that I could swear I'd lost a couple of years ago. I lost 5lbs in the first week! THAT'S encouragement. I am so happy I made the decision to challenge myself and make this change.

I thought the biggest hurdle was going to be getting up early and being able to function in a class of individuals who have been working at a goal for weeks and months longer than I had. But in actuality, I am excited about going in the morning. I get it done and the rest of the day is mine. And the group is so encouraging and realistic. The instructor Carlos, and Advisor, Arianna have also played key roles in ensuring a stable transition for the new comers.

My biggest issue thus far has been the food. I know how to eat right in theory. But the truth about it is I have never been a "foody" I'm a sweets person. So at times I feel lost when I'm hungry. I was used to grabbing something sweet to curve my appetite and keeping it moving. But now I have to stop and plan and calculate. But I know from past experience that putting the work in now will create good habits later. Soon I will be able to tell what my body needs and not need as much decision making time. It will become second nature.

I am excited about the transformations to come.

-AP

OMG!!!

Sept. 9
Ok, we're planking so long my wrist feel as if they'll pop any minute. While planking, as your name is called you have to sprint the hill. And what a hill it is. I thought i was going to fall all the down. Just when I thought it was over, those of us that didn't lose the week before had to continue running the hills until. Ok, I'm cool with that. But when everyone else stopped, guess who had to keep going? ME! WHY? All because i had a fat free cookie and some reduced fat ice cream!!! I was still within my calories and sodium for the day. Still. it's all good. All I know is I've gone down a jean size and a shirt size! My scale has me down 10 pounds. Can't wait to see what the Yardie scale has to say. Hmmmmmmm?

Start of week 3

Sept. 6
Today is Labor Day and i have been gone all day! I've not eaten a thing. I stopped at the grocery store and purchased some grapes and bananas. By the time I get home i only have time to change and head back out the door to bootcamp. It was a tough day as usual but i also felt like it was easy for me. Guess that means something.

Week 2: What the heck?......

I have a very busy schedule, however i do find the time to work out at home most every night. I go to spin classes, kick classes and the bootcamp sessions. So you can imagine the look on my face when that scale had no change for the week!! But it's all good. I know that i've lost something because I can get into clothes that i've not worn in awhile. Bootcamp today was extremely difficult. All of that hopping and jumping down the field was no joke. There is bootcamp on Monday( Labor Day) so i'll make sure i'm there. That scale will move next week.

Week 3 Holiday Week

Sunday - 9/6/09
Yesterday was pretty intense. All week I am going to have extra work because I didn't lose the weight and on top of that my cycle still hasn't shown up! Argh! tomorrow is Labor day so we don't have bootcamp in the morning. I am trying to decide if I am going to do the evening class or Thursday morning. We'll see....

Monday - 9/7/09
OK. I decided to do the evening class today. It was pretty doggone hot out there but I got through it, special treat and all (suicides and more running). I should have some pretty sexy legs after this is all over. Woo Hoo! 2 pounds here I come! My husband came to watch me today.... still waiting on that complement from him.... You've definitely got to do this for yourself because when the complements don't come you feel deflated. I'm a little deflated but will work through this too....... Deflation causes you to NEED to talk to someone. I broke down and told my mom I was doing bootcamp. She was very encouraging.

Tuesday - 9/8/09
Great workout today. Even with the extra stuff I feel OK. My stomach and arms are killing me but I kn ow that all the areas that hurt are the ones that will be transformed. I should have some Angela Bassett arms after today. I can't wait for the after pic! I hope to SEE a difference in the picture. It was a pretty intense day emotionally as well. Mother nature finally showed up and released a flood of emotions. And I messed up my busienss meeting scheduling and will miss the morning workout tomorrow. Montgomery, AL here I come.... I can't get off track. I'll try to go in the evening if I gaet back in town in time.

Wednesday - 9/9/09
The drive to Alabama was exhausting. Who would think just sitting in a car driving would tire you out. I'll go to bootcamp in the morning. Another emotionally taxing day..... The workout tomorrow should help, I hope.

N. Whitehead

Week 2 Mrs. Whitehead

Week 2
Yardie Bootcamp
NiTara Whitehead

Monday 8/31/09
Week 2 and I’m ready! I’m motivated by the 4 pounds I lost last week. They told us to not get too excited over it and mess up this week soooooo here I go! The workout today was great although I left my weights at home and had a “special treat”. NOT FUN! I think my cycle is coming but I’m going to work through the cravings.

Tuesday 9/1/09
Still feeling great! The workouts are definitely more intense but I think I am doing good. Succumbed to PMS. CRAP! I don’t know how I am going to lose the weight this week.

Wednesday 9/2/09
Sweet cravings out of this world. Today Janine said I need to do more cardio before Saturday. I am so tired and just feel Blah….

Thursday and Friday 9/3 and 9/4
I had a hard time eating all the meals necessary on these days. I took more naps than I’;ve taken in a month. And I had a piece of chocolate today. I am so upset with myself. All the sweating I have done and hard work. I really need to lose the weight but my home scale is playing tricks with me. It is up 1 pound! My mom complemented me today: Looks like you're on a diet or something... are you losing weight?" I haven't told her I am doing bootcamp. I want her to notice it on her own and not bug me everyday :o)

Saturday 9/5/09
I was late today by about 15 minutes. I really thought it started at 8:30…. It was weigh in day and I was already skeptical but hoping by some miracle I had lost some weight. No miracle today! OMG I actually gained 1 pound! I wanted to cry. My clothes felt a little looser and overall I actually think I look better but I gained a pound. I want to blame it on mother nature. It has to be a contributing factor in addition to that damn reeses cup! I will have “special treats” all week now. I’m ready. I can’t be out here doing all this work and not getting results. Week 3 I’m going to do better.

Oh, you've noticed...

"Hey there, look at you all slim and beautiful this morning", Yay! That's is the comment from one of the consultants at the plant when I arrived today. Yay! I'm eating that up...while i nibble on carrots this morning.

I'm back from a week of illness that resulting in low energy and an inability to eat solid food. I still feel drained but I'm excited to be be back. I made it through my first Saturday with Yardie. It sure is different than those weekday workouts. We piggybacked, I can't believe I successfully carried someone who's about 25 pounds heavier than I am up and down that field on my back. Honestly, I didn't want to do it, I was afraid of being injured. I did it, we all did it. The workout was difficult but fun. I haven't been that dirty since...what, maybe 5th grade. Wow, who knew boot camp would be like army boot camp. The only thing I was missing was a gun and BDUs.

I weighted in today for the first time in two weeks. I don't know what's up with T.C's scale but it should be shot and set on fire. The scale said my weight was down less than 2 pounds. How could that be? My first week meals were healthy and high in protein. My home scale read I was down 2 pounds. The second week, I was sick and on a liquid meal plan. My clothes were fitting loser and I felt lighter. How could it be that the scale said approximately 169 lbs 3 oz and I weighed in at 170? I'm bringing my matches on Saturday to set that scale on fire. Carlos saved my morning and my ego as I got on his scale and it read 166. Yay! I like that number much better and that is what I wrote on my personal log. The real moral to the story of the scale is that it doesn't always matter about the number. I feel good, my clothes are fitting better (although I still have a lot I can't wear), and my energy level is up. I think the amount of weight is important but should not be the sole driver in fitness and the two scales I used on Saturday helped me understand that better than I have before.

The body is overwhelmed and in shock!

Could it be that my body has gone into shock? Shock from exerting too much physical effort running, jumping, crawling, lifting weights...could it be shock? Well something happened. I thought it was just a bought of seasonal allergies but it turned out to be a full blown cold and stomach virus.

I missed the second week of Yardie AM @ Douglas park due to illness. I wasn't able to participate in the first Saturday workout nor any of the following week day sessions. I created a new quick weightloss plan that I would recommend to anyone. Organic apple juice and Chicken broth veggie soup w/noddles. This meal plan was simple and the only thing my body did not reject for the week. It also made doing the food log much simpler.

Being sick not only causes me to miss four sesssions it also caused me to fall behind on my fitness goals and I've gone from running one lap without stopping, skipped the 2 lap round and now I've jumped up to 3 laps - no fair, right. I guess there really is no "I" in Team...GO Southside AM Yardie!

I hope to be back on the saddle and moving ahead soon.

I Wanna Do Over...

During my teenaged life I heard adults say, “Life is what’s happening when you’re making other plans.” Well that has summed up my first week in the Yardie Fitness boot camp. I’m so excited to be a participant in the program as I look forward to experiencing an ‘Amazing Transformation’ but life sure has been happening to me. I had expected to complete the first day of measurements taken, weight, photo and completing the fitness test. I completed everything except the fitness test because I had another appointment at 10:30A…had to leave. Before I left, I weighed in at 170 pounds, the most weight I ever recall weighing. Ouch!

The week of my first work out, may have had the busiest work week I have had all month. I missed my first morning session because of a client commitment that I wasn’t able to reschedule. But by the second session, it sure made up for it. Before the end of the day after that workout I could feel my muscles screaming for biof reeze muscle ointment. I mustard up the energy and did it again on Thursday August, 27 and felt good; relatively speaking. We hit the hills that day and I felt good completing all 5 reps with energy to do more. Running short distances seem to be much more rewarding than trying to make it one lap around the field with my heart pounding against my chest cavity wall.

By the end of that week, I underprepared for the affect working out at the park would have on my allergies and sinuses. I spent the past four days suffering with repetitious sneezing, headache, red swollen eyes, inflamed sinuses all weekend only to get relief today.
I’m hopeful that I will be stronger and better prepared in the next upcoming eleven weeks.

But I still wanna do over…

My second week with Yardie---A small setback, but I can recover

We weighed-in on Saturday and I didn't gain any weight, but I didn't lose much either (0.2lbs). I was sooo disappointed. I started my week out strong by preparing my meals and eating according to the rules. Towards the end of the week, I got tired of food from home, and ate out at two restaurants. I ordered what I thought were healthy, safe, entrees. I even ran a few extra laps on an off-day to make up for it. Well, apparently none of that worked! I did something wrong, and I need to get back on the rules. The good news is my slacks are loose in the waist...I have to keep pulling them up! The bad news? I have "detention" after every session during the third week to make up for my less-than-stellar weigh-in. Oh goodie.

The weekday sessions intensified during the second week. We ran more laps and added weights to our exercise sets. I notice the first lap is really hard to get through, but the rest are ok. I am still working on my breathing. Running with weights is torture and I don't like it at all. The ab exercises are ok, I can handle most of it except for holding my legs and feet six inches off the ground when I'm on my back. We also added a hill to our routine, and although I know it will work my legs and booty, I still hate it.

The food planning is getting a little easier. The cooking class from the first week helped, as well as a grocery shopping trip taken with my Yardie mentor, Tammie. Tammie helped me evaluate the nutrition labels on food items and pointed out healthy options. I now understand serving sizes and realize how important it is to watch out for processed food. I prepared alot of food on Sunday, so it was great to just pull things out of the fridge---ready to go.

Saturday's workout was crazy! The ground was wet and we got extra dirty. The simplest things are hard to do, like high knee-kicks down the field. How do highschool and college band members do this stuff?? I think my endurance is increasing, and I am actually thankful for everything we did during the first week. It's like building blocks. One week prepares you for the next week.

A word about our trainers: They are firm and tough, but not mean. I don't like to be yelled at or talked down to, and I haven't really seen that. I think they are picking up on our individual limits, and work with us. I really get the sense that they want to see us succeed. I also like the camaraderie of our group of bootcampers. Everyone supports each other. When a particular exercise seems impossible, I'm able to eek out juuuuuust enough to complete it because my teammates (yeah, sometimes it feels like we're trying out for football!) are cheering me on, and telling me I can do it. Or maybe they're just scared they'll have to run extra laps if I don't? Hmmm..... :)

So I'm encouraged about the next several weeks. Also particularly enthusiastic about the inches lost. I am filled with several emotions prior to a session: apprehension, nervousness, excitement, and motivation. I keep three things in mind:
1. I can do all things through Christ. I am more than a conqueror. My inner spirit won't let me quit.
2. It took time to gain the weight and get out of shape. It will take time to get it off and incorporate the eating and exercise into my lifestyle.
3. I am getting stronger every day. One foot in front of the other is all it takes.

Until next time!
---R

Week #2 a little disappointing

I thought week two was going great, I noticed progress from week number one. There were activities which I struggled with during week number one which was less of a struggle on week number two. Don't misunderstand, the activities were very much challenging, however; I didn't feel like I was going to die afterwards... I felt like I had been hit by a car, but nothing fatal, lol.

I was very optimistic about week number two, I felt I was putting in the work and my results would show it, but they didn't. When I weighed in on Saturday I had gain 5lbs and I was pissed, I felt like my efforts were in vain. As we were working out Saturday, I was disappointed and upset and my emotions were all over the place. I was trying to stay focused, but one particular exercise was getting the best of me; I felt the tears forming in the corner of my eyes, but I refused to cry. I kept telling myself that I could do it and the only way to change the situation was to keep working. I allowed myself to be sad for all of one day and then I decided I must stay focus and continue to give it my all.

Yes, I am on punishment, but it's only to make me better... or at least that's what they tell me.

Week 2: How does that happen?

Week #2
Monday August 31, 2009
OK I arrived with only 6 minutes to get my stuff ready. I had a long day at work and it showed. It was a hard boot camp day but I made it thru. Today we had to run our TWO laps around the track after the session. I did it, I didn’t think I would make it but I did I told myself NOT to stop and I didn’t! My food log was good, I tried the new recipe from Sunday, the salmon & the Jerk Yardie burger for dinner, YUMMY! My husband said: it doesn’t taste like Jerk…MEN! Now if I would have put too much Jerk seasoning he would have complained it was TOO spicy, oh well. More new foods later on this week, I will keep you posted. So I do my homework every night and NOW we do our homework in boot camp, well I guess I am getting a double dose. We will see how Tuesday goes.

Tuesday September 1, 2009
OK Today was better than yesterday. My food log was pretty good yesterday, Today, I was rushing home and didn’t get to eat my dinner like I wanted to. It was a little crisp outside for boot camp and I had on a tank top. We did a few new things but as long as we stayed away from that crab walk I was fine…If I never see another c rab walk or Crab again, I will be happy! I don’t know why I can’t do those, other than my hip/lower back pain, it’s not too bad, but for me they should be called TURTLE walk!


Wednesday September 2, 2009
Guess what we had to do today????
CRAB WALK,…WOW, she must have heard me. NOW today, I got thru them going down the field, and then she told us to CRAB WALK BACK, WOW are you SERIOUS! So once we finished those I think we have to do frog leaps or before that. Anyway, we def worked are triceps and our legs. Doing my homework I’m getting better with holding my push up position but the sit ups are still a bit challenging for me. My food log today, I had WAY to many carbs, so I have to figure this thing out, so that I’m not eating too may


Thursday September 3, 2009
My left quad is killing me. Talk about pain…I stretched most of the night last night and while I was sleeping is cramped up on me…NOW that was pain…Today I’m doing better I have on heels, still trying to be cute I have a little limp, I call it my boot camp swagger. LOL

Can’t wait for Saturday, we get or resistance bands so that we begin resistance training Monday and Three laps. I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already time flies.

Today I am going to just stick with my homework and sit in the whirlpool bath and then do cardio on Friday, so that my leg is ready for all the Surprises I will have waiting for me on Saturday.

Saturday September 4, 2009.
OK So I weigh in and I GAINED a pound. How does that happen, I’m back where I started. I know I didn’t have a great week, but I didn’t think I would gain. Man, I see that I really must pay attention to what I eat. I was sick Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I received an F on my food log for Thursday, I only had 838 calories. OK I can’t loose weight like that either. It was a down day, but I have tp pull myself up and go back at it. Wish me luck!

My FIRST week to a healty lifestyle

I’m glad to be a part of Yardie Fitness Boot Camp. I have been so depressed lately with my weight. Over the last several years I have lost and gained but recently I have gained more weight than ever before. When I get depressed I eat and that was not good, so when I saw the opportunity to enter this contest I did.

I never thought in a million years I would win….

Friday August 21, 2009 I received a call from Portia stating I was chosen to participate in 12 free weeks of Boot Camp with Yardie Fitness. I told her I wanted to scream, I was so excited.

I could not believe it, I was happy, I immediately sent my husband a text to tell him I had won. I then sent a text to just about everyone I knew, and I added it to Facebook,

I knew from that point forward I would need everyone’s help to make it through.

When we reported on Saturday I was so nervous, because I didn’t know what to expect. We had our weigh in, measurements, BMI and pictures taken. We also did a fit test, it was cool.

Monday was the big day….

What, are you serious? I swear after the work out I left my body on the field….It was an eye opener. I mean hey I am not an avid fitness person but I do a lil’ cardio and play a little bit w/ the weights, but THIS was truly an experience. It started out rough and tough, I swear we ran laps about 5-6 times. After the first one I stopped counting. We did push ups, mountain climbers, squats, bear walks sit ups, flutter kicks…. Oh my.

The hour could not have ended soon enough. I got in my car and felt like the celebrity that quoted the phrase “All Hell-To-The-Naw” LOL! But I survived.

Tuesday and Wednesday were about the same. BOTH challenging but I knew I was not going to give up. After both classes I was sore but I pushed thru it.

Our fitness Coach is very good. On the first day she called me red shirt (that’s what I was wearing) now it’s just “RED” and like I told her, I’m not mad about that (since I’m a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.) Smile!

OK so the biggest challenge is the food log, but I think I getting it down.

When I entered the competition I said I wanted to change my eating habits and make it a lifestyle change not just for me but for my family. Since I do most of the cooking, I wanted to find ways to eat healthy and still have food with flavor. This week I found myself preparing my meals on Sunday/Monday and then cooking separate meals from the family. BUT I went to the Yardie Fitness Healthy Cooking Seminar and it was great. We tasted several dishes that were prepared and received lots of ideas. Not only did we eat what was prepared, we saw lots of examples of items to get for our kitchen and we were able to taste everything that was out on display. I tell you I went to grocery shopping right after the seminar. So this week I have prepared some food that the entire family will love.

I can’t wait for week TWO….The first week is behind me. I had a weight loss on Saturday which is our weigh in day and I survived something I never thought I could do.

Can’t wait to give you all my next update.

-Tina

Ready for Yardie!

My first week of boot camp was so very tough. I am proud of myself for getting through it. It's exactly what I needed to take my workouts to another level. It's not a workout it is Boot camp! It's an hour of continuous exercises and running. I was mentally prepared but not physically prepared. I know as the weeks go on it will get increasingly harder. The only thing I'm having trouble with is food but I'm learning to eat better and make better choices. I made my weight loss goal for this week. I can't wait to see more and more come off of that scale each week.

-clove

Week 2 - Will it get better?

This is week 2 going into week 3 and I feel like my heart gone jump out my chest. Not half as bad as the 1st week because I am so not use to running. Not even a little bit. Between those bicycles and and those down - out- leaps, OMG my thighs hurt. Oh and lets not forget about holding the weights and running. However, as much complaining and lip poke outs that I do I was extremely excited and proud of me that 10-12 lbs was dropped from my body the 1st week BUT I gained a lb the 2nd week. Yep, I am in for some treats this week. I'm not looking forward to it since the fear of the bands and the hill has been put in my mind. Lawd knows imma need him more than ever this week.

One challenge I continually run into is my breathing technique. I do notice that it has gotten better since the 1st day I started and I know it wont happen over night but I just want to stop panting like a banchee after runing about 2 feet. lol

Week 3 will be better....Let's get it!!

Week One + Intense Workout = Unexpected results

I have been a member of a gym for at least a year and have not experienced this much success as I have in one week with Yardie Fitness. I must say this is by far the toughest thing I have done but I feel it will teach me to have discipline and structure as far as my overall health is concerned. There have been and I'm sure will be more, moments when I wanted to just give up but between GOD, the instructors staying on me and my inner spirit....I CAN'T QUIT!! I'm looking forward to the next life changing week.

-Cee Cee

Week 2

I am on my second week with Yardie Fitness Boot Camp. This journey is not what I thought it would be. I thought it to be impossible since I have failed so many times to loose the weight over the years. Doing this boot camp, is changing my negative point of view about my own strength.

Well, let me say that the mountain climbers are so hard for me, but I keep thinking "it will get easier." I have to keep telling myself, that I can make it through. I have a goal, and I want to attain it. They change it up every time we meet, which keeps me on my toes, never know what to expect.

This week was a short one for me, Thursday I got sick and missed my Saturday weigh in, exactly what I did not want. Tuesday is a day away.......... on to week 3.

By the way the pic is my goal, to fit

into that costume by February 2010.

Nik's Week 2 Experience

Week 1 down and it's the start of Week 2! I'm motivated by my weight loss in the first week. That felt really good to hear.

Mon 8/31 - The warm-up lap isn't as intimidating as it was the first week, think my stamina is definitely increasing...at least just to do that lap. After the lap, jumping straight into those exercises or drills, the only thing I can think sometimes is "When is the water break?" Even though you feel drained and your body is screaming, you really do want to stay with proper form and keep going. If you don't, you're in jeopardy of getting one of those dreaded "special treats" which usually means we're running more laps around the track. I dream of the week when this stuff gets a little easier and my stamina and strength is up and and my leg isn't screaming to be ripped from my body. On another note, following the meal plan isn't so difficult, it's the pre-planning of the meals that becomes a bit time consuming and tedius. However, you quickly recognize the value in it. I've been trying new foods and recipes that before I wasn't open to, but now find myself enjoying and passing them on to my family.

Tue 9/1 - Today's events produced a shock to my system. Once again, my leg and mainly my knee gave me the serious blues and I wasn't able to do a few of the high impact drills. Seeing as how that's exactly what boot camp is it didn't seem like I'd be able to continue with the program. Hearing those words from Matalynn's (Coach) mouth registered a definite shock to my system b/c as much as I cried, moaned, and groaned thru the 1st week, I definitely wanted to continue with the program. I didn't realize how desperate to stay in the program until I got back to work. I got on the phone and immediately started seeking out a doctor who could help me with my knee issues.

Wed 9/2 - Wasn't able to attend boot camp due to this knee. Ugh! Scared I'm going to gain a lb right now or something, but I'm just going to follow my food log. Got an appt tomorrow with an orthopedist. Crossing my fingers right now....

Thu 9/3 - Well, I had my doctor's appt today. It was encouraging. I came out with a plan to address my knee issues and I'm just praying that Yardie is willing to work with me as I'm working thru them. I'll know on Saturday. In the meantime, just going to follow my food log and work on these sit-ups. They don't seem to be getting any easier. Although one thing I noticed is that doing the sit-ups at home versus doing them right after a drill is completely different. It's easier to do the flutter kicks if you haven't been running or something. It seems I can hardly lift my legs off the ground for a flutter kick when we're exercising in the morning.

Sat 9/5 - Whoop! Whoop! Down another 4lbs. That's 9lbs in two weeks. No way they can put me out this program. I was able to comfortably get in a pair of jeans that I wasn't able to squeeze into just weeks ago. I take back all my "Yardie's like al Qaeda" comments I made last week. I'm getting a little farther away from signing up for lipo. I'm biting down on the blues this knee is giving me. I don't want it to appear that too much modification is going to be required for me. As Matalynn said I'm going to drag this leg if I have to. One thing did happen that had me seeing stars...we had to partner up and do frog leaps over each other. Of course, on my partner's first leap she landed smack dab on my neck. O! M! G! I think I got a concussion like 10 mins. later b/c everything was moving. It seemed like the ground was moving and shaking under me. I was too scared to say anything fearing they would tell me I had to go. It passed after a few minutes. But O! M! G! my neck and shoulders were now screaming for detachment. But that's ok. I had a little talk with my body and it knows it needs to get with the act right. We got a lot more pounds to go. Week 2 down...on to Week 3.

Week 1

Yardie Fitness Boot Camp

That very first Saturday, when I weighed in and was measured, was a welcoming experience. Everyone was friendly and very informative. After the fitness test, which I struggled through from beginning to end, did it hit me how out of shape my body was. I knew I had to get my mind ready for Monday. Well Monday came and it was the hardest day for me, but I got support from fellow boot campers and my fitness instructors, and that gave me encouragement. Sometimes you need that. The rest of the week was just as difficult for me. I did not know your body could ache like that, but I can say I felt very energetic during the day after the workouts. I have completed my first week of Yardie Fitness Boot Camp. “No pain no gain!” is what they say, so on to week two.


Natalie

My first week with Yardie: Surprise, Shock, and Adjustment

Saturday, August 22, 2009
I got the call about the contest yesterday as I was walking out of the office. You would have thought I won the lottery. Total surprise. Trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I would be seriously working out for the next 12 weeks. I had already lost several pounds by cutting my portion sizes and eliminating sweets at night. I wanted to lose more weight and tone up, and started working out on my own--running and walking. I thought I was really working hard, but wasn't seeing results. :( So, the call about Yardie excited and scared me at the same time. Would the trainers be like drill sergeants, barking out orders? Would I hate the program? Would I end up giving up because it was too hard? So many thoughts and questions.

I ended up tossing and turning last night for hours, scared I wouldn't wake up in time for the boot camp orientation session at 8:15am today. I felt like throwing up a few times for some reason. It's been over a year since I worked out consistently with a group, and I had the feeling that the Yardie program would be no joke. Well, I woke up in time and made it to orientation. I was impressed with the physiques of the fitness advisers/trainers. Very "fit-looking". All were very nice, but warned us that this is serious business. Rules that had consequences. I met Cicily and Tanya, the other contest winners for our location, and both are nice as well. I look forward to completing this 12-week journey with them.

We completed the measurements and weigh-in. Ugh, I am sooo overweight and out of shape. As the advisor, TP, handed me the machine to compute my BMI, I casually mentioned, 'Oh, I know I'm bad because I believe I'm at 25% body fat" (I had last been evaluated back in early spring). Imagine the shock on my face when she turned to me and said, "It's at 30%." Womp Womp. So I'm feeling bad because I can hardly do the push ups, didn't do the best with the sit ups, and flat-out performed horribly on the 1/4 of a mile run. My upper body is weak and I have very little stamina. My 'before' picture even looks a hot mess---fat all over my abs and core. How did I allow myself to let it all go like this?

So, what to do, what to do? Well, first, I thank God that He provided this opportunity. I knew I was out of shape, but I really didn't think it was this bad. I thought I could beat the bulge by walking 1-2 miles a few times a week. I thought I was doing ok with cutting my portions in half and limiting ice cream at night. But I needed help with my nutrition and extra motivation to get moving more. Now I have it. The door has opened, and I plan to walk right through. I know that this is going to be very hard work, but I owe it to myself, to God (our bodies are His temple), and my future family, to get my health in check. Thank God for opening my eyes and providing this blessing. Yardie, LET'S GET IT.

Sunday, August 23, 2009
I can't believe how tired I am, and I haven't even had a real workout yet. I am already sore from the few push ups and sit ups I did for the assessment test. I must REALLY be out of shape The thought of the "real" workout on Monday scares me. Will I be able to drink enough water during the day to stay hydrated during the workout? I'm not worried about having enough energy from food---I haven't had anything 'bad' since Friday night when I gobbled up my leftovers from Mellow Mushroom (in a rushed farewell). And I have all kinds of food to eat at work tomorrow. Plus, something for a pre-workout snack. I'm scared, but excited. Excited to see how much I can do, how far I can push myself. It's past time to be the best that I can be.


Monday, August 24, 2009
8:30 am:
OMG, someone just bought three boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and put them in the office kitchen. AND she purchased them when the HOT&FRESH sign was on. Sigh. I had just put my lunch box in the fridge and was stirring up my low-sodium oatmeal/ The yummy sugary doughnut smell was calling me. I wondered for a split section how much damage 1/4 of a doughnut could do. Then, just as fast, my mind remembered the 'before' picture I took at boot camp on Saturday. I thought about the fat on my stomach, hips, and thighs. How I used to eat three of those hot doughnuts, thinking nothing of it. I went back to my office, closed the door, and cut my banana up in my oatmeal. And made myself enjoy it.

I'm really tired from the excitement of the weekend: The fitness assessment (I totally sucked), clearing out my pantry, cabinets, and grocery shopping have me spent. I was up late last night cooking dinner, prepping my lunch and snacks, and packing my work-out clothes. Oh! and completing my food log. The food log is tedious, but I understand the importance. It is forcing me to evaluate the quality of food I put in my mouth during the day. I am realizing how one can pack on the pounds if you don't pay attention to the fat, sodium, and caloric amount of meals and snacks. Couple that with no physical activity, and ---BAM!--you're overweight before you know it. So I will do what I have to do, and continue filling out my food log for as long as it takes.

11:30 am:
I had to force myself to eat a morning snack, because I wasn't really hungry after the oatmeal and banana. Plus, all of this water is killing me. I drank one large Smart Water bottle (33 oz.) so far.

2:15 pm:
I just finished drinking 67.6 fl oz. of water. I like water, but I don't like it THAT much! We were instructed to drink at least 64 oz. per day. I also finished lunch. I cooked chicken breast with roasted peppers, corn, and onions, and rolled it all up in a spinach tortilla. Not something I would usually cook, but I'm trying to do what I'm supposed to do. It actually seemed like alot to eat, considering I had a good breakfast and a snack a few hours ago. I had to force myself to eat the chicken which is funny because I can go over to Bennihana and scarf down a ton of veggies, rice, and chicken with the sauce. And don't forget the salad and drink.
Soooo, I made myself finish my lunch and surprisingly, I feel fine. I'm not stuffed, but I am satisfied and light. Normally, I eat until my emotions say I've had enough. So this is quite new and I like it. One more snack before workout...Oh! The people at work are getting two and three doughnuts each. I'm not even tempted anymore. Instead I see what I used to do. I used to load up on stuff like that and look where it got me---looking 'just good enough' with no real thought to my health.


Monday, August 31, 2009
I completed the first week and didn't quit, cry, or fall out. Very very hard, but not impossible.

Ok, I take that back. Just doing something as simple as jumping up and down the length of a field almost seemed impossible. Who knew? Goodness, we need Adult P.E. at work for real, because you should not be 30-something and tired from doing 'bunny hops' for a few minutes. Add jumping rope to that, too. I've become somewhat of an evangelist for working-out and eating better among my close friends and family---YES, all in one short week. I know, I know. I'm just so excited and it spreads. People call me up wanting to know what I'm eating, or wanting to know what I did in boot camp. I particularly want to share my enthusiasm with my family. We have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, all of that. I can't wait to help my dad, who has the same sweet tooth that I do. Think about how we could change our communities and the statistics if we all helped each other to be more active and eat better. I wish there was a Yardie Program in every city.

So, I think I'm almost used to the six small meals each day and the quantity of water. I did struggle with eating enough this weekend because I wasn't in the office. For the most part, my eating during the week is structured because I plan my meals for each day. This is new because I like to eat out, and I like to eat according to my impulse at that particular moment---very impulsive when it comes to food. My endurance IS improving somewhat because I am motivated enough to actually work out on my days away from boot camp. I am not a runner, but want to be, and listed running as one of my challenges. Ever see people running around the neighborhood? Notice how they run continuously? Yeah, I see them too, and I want to be one of those people we both see. Weeell, I will probably meet my goal because we've been running every day! OMG, laps and laps. I think it's working because I can run a little bit further each day. I am working on my breathing and I hope my form improves.

Saturday's workout was pretty difficult. The ground was wet and the sun came out before we finished. Now, those who know me, know that I'm sort of prissy. I don't really like to sweat very much, and I don't like to get dirty. That flew out the window Saturday---heck, it's been out of the picture ALL week. By the time I returned home Saturday, my socks, as well as my clothes, were soaked. I had to leave my shoes outside! Grass was in my hair. We're sweating every day and I guess this is what REAL working-out is all about. We got weighed again, and I was pleased to find that I've lost some weight (2.6 lbs). This is enough encouragement to keep me going. None of my vices this week: pizza, chocolate, ice cream. The working-out is tough, but I would rather do it than pills, cleanses, and starvation. Looking forward to losing more weight and toning up!

Last but not least, I attended a Yardie cooking class yesterday and it was wonderful. One of the advisers is a trained personal chef named Tammie. Tammie showed us ways to season our food without all of the extra sodium and fat. I really appreciate this because I needed some ideas for the bland chicken, tuna, and brown rice I've been eating the week all week. I'm understanding that you don't have to eat flavorless food to eat healthy. I'm cooking more than I expected, and even upgraded my old dull knives to new, sharp ones (I already cut myself). One of my favorite snacks from the cooking class is the homemade sweet potato fries. I made some last night that I need to be snacking on now before today's work-out session. One week down, 11 more to go! ---R

--edited for font size

Intro to the Free Boot Camp Winners

-pl

The Yardie Fitness Boot Camp Experience

Welcome to the world of Yardie Fitness Boot Camp! We're launching this blog to give you a chance to hear the stories of some of our boot camp participants as they begin their journey with us to a healthy lifestyle. The first series of entries will be from some participants who started with us on August 22, 2009 as winners of our free boot camp contest. They told us their stories to get an opportunity to participate, now they will tell you their stories as they each work to become the next amazing transformation by Yardie Fitness. Enjoy!

-the Yardie Fitness Staff
www.yardiefitness.com