Transformation Tuesday: Joni R.

Wishing a Happy One-Year Boot Camp Anniversary to Joni Reese!!  We are SO proud of her and her incredible success this past year.  I’ve had the pleasure of training Joni 3 times a week – she comes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 AM boot camp.  Her story is totally relatable and very inspiring.. which is why we wanted to share it with you.

Q: What was your life like pre – Bay View Boot Camp?

I’ve always been active my entire life (softball, volleyball, biking, sailing) but never had any desire to, nor did any formal exercise or went to the gym.

I was experiencing some changes to my body as I’ve gotten older, and although I had quit smoking 1-1/2 years prior to joining Bay View Boot Camp, which was a huge improvement, I still had a huge lack of energy, and was just feeling weak.

Q: What made you decide to sign up?

I had been complaining for several weeks (maybe months) about my lack of energy and strength – particularly one day while sailing our sailboat.  Sailing being our passion, I realized I had to do something.  Gail put an invite under my nose to join the Little Black Dress Project so I decided to try it.

Q: What do you love most about your new lifestyle?

The ENERGY I have back!  The strength I’ve regained!  And the weight that I’ve lost!

Q: What has been your results/experiences from boot camp/eating better?

I never expected to experience what I’ve have over the last year:

I used hardly ever cook.  We ate out A LOT!  I didn’t really know how to cook anything except potatoes, onions with cheese in a foil pouch on a grill, or pizza, or pasta, or rice.  I HATED making salads (which my husband loves).  Too many ingredients to chop up – ugh.

Then the recipe book for the LBD project arrived and I was not really looking forward to it, and I told myself I would try it for at least 1 week, and “we’ll see”.  Well, 1 week lead to 2, and so on.  The food was really, really, delicious.  Even my husband loved everything I prepared.  And with the meals already planned, and recipes provided it was so easy.  I still cook many of those same recipes today.

As for boot camp itself, I was not excited about it before I started the project, so I told myself it is now part of my job.  Like getting up and having going to school or go to work – you just have to do it.

But, I LOVE HOW I FEEL ALL DAY LONG, AFTER GOING TO BOOT CAMP! I go 3 days a week, and I’ve lost, and have kept off, 18-20 lbs (depending on the day).  I’ve lost an average of 2″, and 10% body fat.  My clothes fit great!  I now have tons of energy!  I love how I feel!

People have notice the changes and ask what I’ve been doing and I tell them about Bay View Boot Camp and how amazing Laura is as an instructor.  She’s motivating, super enthusiastic, and supportive.  Every class is different, and there are frequently new exercises I’m introduced to, so it keeps it interesting and challenging.

Because of Bay View Boot Camp, and with my new found skills of planning meals, preparing food and actually cooking, I’ve discovered a whole new way of a healthy lifestyle.  Thank you Laura Forte!

Q: What is your advice for others who were in a similar situation to yourself?

Most people fear change.  But change can be good!  I wanted to change how I felt.  So, (accidentally or not) I changed what I was doing everyday.  And Wow!

Congratulations Joni on your amazing success this past year!  If you know Joni and her story has inspired you, please leave her a note below and wish her a Happy 1 Year Anniversary. :)