Cheryl's Story:

"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!

MAJOR'S REPORT:

        "Cheryl Augustine defines the Boot Camp Warrior spirit. She gives 100% effort to her training every day and the results prove it! She has earned the highly coveted Ranger tab, and continues to lose 5-7 pounds of fat every month, along with gaining some nice sculpted muscles. This recruit is not only self employed, a mom, and a wife, she is an inspiration to other recruits.  Cheryl started bootcamp with a goal of losing 40 lbs, she has surpassed her goal and is now on her way to accomplishing her new goals, with a great attitude and determination. Congratulations to Cheryl who continues to make great progress in improving her strength and endurance!"   

                   Recruit Vic then (front row second to the right). Recruit Vic now(center and 20lbs lighter) looking good ,

                                                           as a new lean mean machine!

Vic's Story:

"My favorite days are Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.  For one reason - Boot Camp L.A."

I'm running, I'm out of breath, I'm sweating but most importantly - I'm having fun. I am having a blast running up stairs,going through obstacle courses, using free weights, even doing sit ups on the sometimes wet grass.

The Major and Lieutenant set the tone-one of comeraderie and a little friendly competition among the recruits.  No pressure, just sincere motivation to change our bodies and rethink the way we eat.  You work out as an individual and as a team. You cheer each other on and it is great motivation to see people change the way they look and better still, the way they feel about themselves.

On my first day, the Major looked at me and said "I'm picturing what is going to happen to your body after going through Boot Camp." He was right.  I've lost body fat, regained definition in my arms, chest and legs. Pants that were easily 4-5 inches away from "closing" a few months ago fit again - with shirts tucked in!

I can see the same changes in other people, too. Bottoms are getting smaller, legs are tighter, arms are getting cut and what's happening on the inside we can't see - is what is really great! Hearts and lungs are getting stronger and muscles and bodies are staying younger.

I really feel that Boot Camp LA has changed my life in many ways! Thank you!

MAJOR'S REPORT: The first day of Boot Camp, Vic came at the urging of a friend who is in Boot Camp.  As a new recruit, Vic was assigned to the Lt. on his first day. I noticed that he was lying flat on his back most of the time the Lt. was working with him. Only to find out he was recovering from a bout of food poisoning.  I knew at that moment Vic was ready to make some changes in his life - attempting  any type of exercise with a recovering stomach isn't easy. Vic said he was determined and I knew he was ready.  I could picture how he was going to look after exercising and making a few changes with his eating.  Vic did not let me or himself down.  He brings his best to Boot Camp everyday and has earned the great way he looks and feels.  We are very proud of Vic and his results!

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 give me the mental attitude to save my life. Let me explain.

In the fall of 2003, 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.

MAJOR's REPORT:  Rob's experience is incredible!  We are all so happy that his story has a happy ending.There are times in life we may find ourselves in a situation that requires us to react fast and with confidence.  The mind is a powerful tool that can see us through extemely trying times.  The body is just as powerful and when both are worked out they are a winning combination for living a healthy, happy lifestyle. No matter what our size, our shape, we all have inside of us the ability to do our very best and in most cases even a little more.  At Boot Camp we want to help you find and identify with that spirit of confidence and ability. Rob's  story is an inspiration to all of us - it tells us we all have the will power to take care of ourselves and in his case survive.  We are very happy to be a part of Rob's life - he gives his best at Boot Camp and always with a smile. Rob knows how precious life is.           We are proud to Salute Rob - he is a true Boot Camp Warrior.