I will never forget the first day, getting weighed in and that first work out. I came home and just cried, I told my husband how much I weighed and how I didn't think I would be able to do Boot Camp. I was really out of shape and intimidated. He assured me I had made a good decision and to stick with it and see where it took me. I still wasn't dealing in reality, because I thought I would be able to lose 50 lbs in three months, HAH!!! ...I remember telling myself I don't want to be fat, but as the Major has said,  "was I really trying or just hoping". I know now it was more hope than trying. So began my journey.
 
When I received the Major's"Body Transformation Guide", I read it immediately. I saw instantly where was making my mistakes, I brought in my week of food journaling, and began the transformation. Eating breakfast, smaller meals every hour to three hours, no carbs at night, and becoming aware of my calorie intake. I also learned I wasn't eating enough protein, so I changed that as well.I always remember the words, "It's not just the one hour a day of working out, but the other 23 hours a day that you are not with us that will make the difference." Hearing I can do it from both the Major, Lt, and my Husband, always feeling encouraged to keep going, and not give up lead to my first 20 lb loss, in almost 4 years, I was elated! I thought I would never get there, and I did and now I have now lost a total of 80lbs!

Hoo-yah Kim Blythe - minus 70 lbs!

'‘Major’ Changes and More to Come”

Eleven months ago, Lucia and I embarked on a major lifestyle change: we were going to share an apartment! Growing up in Merced, a small city in the heart of California’s Central Valley, as part of a large, loud, and quite sassy family, there was very little we did not experience together. By 2009, those times of shared experiences were long gone –Over a period of six years, Lucia made a comfortable life for herself in fabulous Los Angeles, while I pursued graduate degrees and lived in Albuquerque, Mexico City, and Zacatecas –All the while, we indulged in the fun, economics, and culinary perks of our lives and professions, however one of the hermanas delighted a tad more than the other! Needless to say, we needed another major change. But gyms, to us, were so “been there, done that” …and bored! We joined Bootcamp LA.
Our goals were simple: lose a few pounds and drop a couple of dress sizes by December. It’s been ten months and over 60 pounds lost! Not only have we met our initial and, well, shortsighted goals, but thanks to the strategic and amazing workout routines of the Major and the accompanying encouragement of the Lieutenant, we have expanded our goals. Now, midway to our new objectives, Lucia and I look forward to the healthier bodies and lives to come as we press on, continuing to bask daily in the awesome pain of muscle soreness. Hoo-yah!

Margarita R. Ochoa and Lucia Ochoa
Los Angeles, CA

Julio minus 60lbs!

"I've always considered myself to be between the borderline of chubby and "fat"...and at the age of 25 I found myself to be crossing that border. With the gradual slowing of my metabolism and gravity working against me, I noticed flabs and rolls that were never there before.I was convinced I had crossed that border when I saw myself in a picture DJ-ing at a club and I realized I am not chubby I am fat...really fat! After that day, I knew somthing had to be done FAST! I've known the Major as a regular customer at my store but never really conversed with him. I finally had the courage to ask him about his Boot Camp program and all he said was ... "Just show up". One yearl later I have lost over 60lbs and still going! The support of the LT and the Major is undescribable. Who would have thought these two individuals would be such vital contributors in my life to to such a big lifestyle change!

Congratulations!
Sean Covert, Elizabeth McCauley and Joe Emerling
for winning the August Weight Loss Competition!
Well done Warriors!

In addition to these recruits, there were so many of you who did great! We are very proud of all you! Combined these three lost 24 lbs last month!

You win every time you exercise and make good food choices!

Boot Camp L.A. Featured recruit Michael House!

As the CEO of Paul Newman’s: Painted Turtle Organization, Michael focuses on changing children’s and family’s lives. The Painted Turtle is a camp that provides programs and outreach for seriously ill children. It is also the only multi-disease camp and family care center of its kind on the West Coast. Through educational, therapeutic, safe, and just plain fun summer camp and year-round programs, The Painted Turtle provides a life-changing experience to children whose daily struggles often diminish both their desire to be well and their ability to lead a rich, productive life. It’s a pleasure to feature Michael! As a busy CEO - he is truly an inspiration and sends an important message about how exercise can truly make a difference in one’s week! He even ran his first 5k recently!
We are proud of you!

Boot Camp L.A. has become a significant part of my life.  First and foremost, it gives me the energy to get the most out of every week.  Boot Camp also prepared me to run in my first 5K this year and complete a charity bike ride in the mountains. Two accomplishment I am very proud of!   
 
In addition to the physical aspects of Boot Camp, there are also mental advantages.  I think more clearly, make better decisions, and worry less when I attend Boot Camp regularly. The social aspect of Boot Camp is important, too.  There are some wonderful people in Boot Camp.  I attended the annual summer Boot Camp party this year and it was a lot of fun! Boot Camp is an integral part of my life.  I don’t feel good when I miss sessions.  Many thanks go to the Major and Lt. for leaving a brochure on my front door several years ago.  That prompted me to sign up.  They were encouraging when I started Boot Camp, and they continue to encourage me--especially when I upgrade my weights on rare occasions!

Cheryl Augustine - Entrapanuer

"I started Boot Camp L.A. about 10 months ago; I have since lost over 44 pounds and gained muscle, strength and endurance, both physically and mentally.   In the past, I have tried many different types of exercise classes but I've found Boot Camp to be the most comprehensive, challenging and fun exercise program that I have ever participated in. I am truly amazed that I now actually look forward to working out."  "Boot Camp L.A. is like having a personal trainer but with the encouragement and camaraderie of a group class.   I don't find myself watching the clock because Boot Camp is very engaging and never boring.   And besides, I love being outdoors in a beautiful park with fresh air instead of enclosed in a hot gym." "The benefits from getting in shape and feeling good about myself have totally transformed my life.   I am really thrilled to finally be achieving the fitness goals I've always desired."    Thanks Boot Camp LA!

Cheryl Augustine - Entrapanuer

Rob Gard Writer and Editor

Rob's Story:"I was hesitant to join Boot Camp because I wasn't sure my busy work schedule would allow me to get into a good exercise routine and because my memories of two decades of competitive sports told me the word "camp" meant grueling, brutal exercising. At the urging of the Major, I finally joined and found out that the three daily Boot Camps gave me flexibility in my schedule and that the "camp" in Boot Camp was more in spirit with "summer camp" than "hockey training camp." The fellow Boot Camp recruits keep the spirit light and the Major and Lieutenant keep the enthusiasm high. It's actually fun!   My biggest reward from Boot Camp, is it gave me the mental attitude to save my life. Let me explain.   I was in northern Minnesota with a high school friend enjoying some cold-weather fishing. As is apt to happen that time of year, a storm blew in while we were on the lake. My friend and I began paddling our canoe back to shore as the wind started to howl, the snow obscured our sight, and the waves grew ever higher. The cold didn't bother me, as I was wearing 50 pounds of warm layers. However, my bulkiness meant I could fit into a life jacket; I had to sit on it instead.   As luck would have it, the snow squall grew worse. About 50-60 yards from shore, in 20 ft. deep water, a huge wave smacked the side of our canoe. In an instant, I was in the bone-chilling lake. I tried to tread water for a second, but found my now-soaked clothes were weighing me down. The canoe was drifting away, upside down, my life preserver in it. My only hope was to swim to shore.   My friend used to swim competitively and was easily on his way to shore. Not a particularly strong swimmer, I did a backstroke as best I could. My body was numb from the cold and my muscles aching from the weight I was wearing. I stopped for a second to catch my breath and quickly sank beneath the waves.   Just then, two words burst into my mind: "Boot Camp." Many times in the previous few weeks, I was exhausted at the end of a run, weak at the end of weight lifting repetitions, but the Major and Lieutenant always pushed me to go one step further, to flex those muscles just a little harder.   I shot up from under the water and confidently continued to swim to shore. Boot Camp had given me the mental edge that told me I'd make it and would be just fine.   Today, I'm stronger, lighter, and eat better because of Boot Camp LA. But more importantly, I have the mindset that will carry me through even the toughest of situations.

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