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Transformation Tuesday: Cassie W.

By on May 14, 2013 in Fitness, Transformation Tuesday

I’m very excited to announce our next ‘Transformation Tuesday’ story.  Cassie joined us at the start of our last transformation program.. our 6 Week Little Black Dress Project and she explained to me that she wanted to feel beautiful for her upcoming wedding in September.  Since then, she has totally adopted a clean lifestyle and consistent exercise routine at boot camp, and each week I notice she has more and more energy and her workout clothes keep getting too big on her. :)

I asked her to share her story with all of you, and she was totally on board.  I give you Cassie: the more energetic, confident bride-to-be that is now 30 pounds lighter, 6% less body fat, and 18.6 inches less than the beginning of January.

Here’s Cassie!

My life before Bay View Boot Camp:

When I consider my life prior to boot camp, I think there are two versions.  There was the college version that was an active cheerleader and maintained a healthy weight because of the strict schedule of cheerleading. Then there was the post college life, that included not exercising and eating really anything when I could because real life hit me with a full time job in retail after I graduated college.

Transformation Tuesday Post from www.laurafortefitness.com. Amazing story!!

Why did I decide to sign up?

The biggest factor that made me sign up for boot camp was that I am getting married in September and The Little Black Dress Project seemed like the perfect opportunity.  My fiancé and I have been together for 8 years and of course when we meet I was 16 and very thin. I always thought that girl was gone.. I thought I had grown into a woman and being a little bit bigger was just a part of that. Yet, when I went to try on wedding dresses I think that was my “Oh my gosh I need to do something moment”.  I realized I wanted to look my best on wedding day. What turned into me wanting to lose weight to look my best on my wedding day really has turned into a complete life style change.

What do I love most about my new lifestyle?

What I love most about my new lifestyle is the fact that I hold myself accountable for everything and that I have learned to get clean and healthy, but still enjoy what I love every now and then. When I used to think about losing weight, I thought I would never be able to eat anything good ever again.  But.. I have quickly learned that this is just not true. I love that I have a routine finally for exercising, since growing up as a cheerleader since I was 11 being active has always been a huge part of my life and I just needed to learn how to work it into my life and routine.

Amazing transformation story of a bride-to-be!

What are my results/experiences from boot camp/eating better?

My results from Bay View Boot Camp and eating better due to The Little Black Dress Project meal plan have been amazing. When I started boot camp and the LBD program I weighed 180 pounds. 6 weeks later at the end of The Little Black Dress Project I had lost 17 pounds and weighed in at 163. Since the LBD project, I have continued to count calories using my fitness pal and eat clean along with attending boot camp and have lost another 13 pounds. I now weigh 150 and have lost 30 pounds in total. I still have a little bit left to go as I would like to lose another 10 pounds before I getting married in September, but the progress and the way my life has changed because of Bay View Boot Camp has been amazing.

What is my motto/advice for others who are in a similar situation?

I think my motto for people in a similar situation to me is to never give up.. even on the really hard days. There will always be temptations in life, but remember what you really want and that will get you through even the hardest of times. Before boot camp I was an avid Coke drinker and this is something I have given up since the first of the year.  Some days this has been really hard and other days very easy, but when I really want a Coke I just remember to never give up.

 Congratulations Cassie on your hard work!!  Please take a minute and comment below and let Cassie know how her story has inspired you.  Make sure to “Like” us on Facebook because our next transformation program is coming up in just a few weeks!!!
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Transformation Tuesday: Mackenzie G.

By on February 25, 2013 in Fitness, Transformation Tuesday

I’m so thrilled to share our next ‘Transformation Tuesday’ spotlight with you.  This young lady not only has transformed her body, but has a great story to tell.  I have a feeling you might be able to relate to her, and my hope is that her story inspires you!

Without further ado, here is Mackenzie’s story.. in her own words.

Until the time I had reached my twenties I was always very thin without even trying to be. College came and went and suddenly I didn’t look the way I used to anymore. I was never disgusted by how I looked, but deep down I always wanted to go back to the way I used to look pre-college.

In 2010, through healthy eating and a little physical effort on my part I was able to get down to a weight that I was comfortable with again.  Later that year I had surgery to diagnose Endometriosis and I was put on hormones shortly after. A year later I found myself in more pain than ever before and I went to my doctor for a checkup and to seek out alternative methods for managing the pain. To my shock I finally realized that those hormones had caused me to gain 30 pounds in ONE YEAR! I was the heaviest I had ever been- 172 pounds! For the first time in my life my blood work showed that my internal body wasn’t flawless anymore. I knew in that moment, sitting in that office, I needed to make some big changes.

My very first change was to get off of any type of hormone all together and after that day I never took them again. In February of 2012 I got engaged and started planning a wedding in Capri, Italy. I now had even more motivation to start making those big changes I knew I had to make. A friend of mine invited me to try out a boot camp that met downtown in the park. I was really really nervous about it, but decided to try it out. I went with her that week and I fell in love with it! The boot camp met once a week and was a perfect way for me to get into the habit of exercising regularly. I also went to the gym the other days when there wasn’t class and started walking more. By the time my wedding came in July I had lost about 15 pounds and I had ZERO pain from Endometriosis for the first time in my life! After a summer of traveling (and eating lots of really yummy food) and the stress of starting my second year of teaching I had gained close to 10 pounds back. I was looking for something to do after school that would help me leave work on time and I knew I was ready to commit to getting the body back that I so desperately wanted.

I was on Facebook one day and an old friend from high school posted about this body challenge called The Little Black Dress Project. I looked into it and thought about it for about a day and finally just decided to jump into it and sign up. Everyone in my life was a little surprised with my sudden decision, but I knew I could commit fully to 6 weeks. I wasn’t that nervous to go to my first class since I was already used to boot camp. I loved that this boot camp met many different times and I could get in 3-4 sessions a week. After only my first class I was hooked! I know it sounds weird to say, but boot camp is really relaxing after a long day at work. The location is amazing and the people are beyond fantastic. Laura has been so encouraging and supportive as a trainer. I suddenly looked forward to the 6 p.m. workouts all day long.

I have now completed 2 Little Black Dress challenges and in 5 months I have lost 29 pounds and went from a size 12 to a size 4! I am as small as I was when I graduated high school and stronger than I ever have been before. My body fat percentage went from 31% to 24%. I love looking at myself in the mirror now. I can’t believe I finally reached my goal and I REALLY can’t believe I did it in only 5 short months! These past 5 months have not been easy, in fact I think this is the most I have ever challenged myself before.

Laura has been amazing throughout this whole experience. I have learned so much from her in such a short time. Not only did I go from hating to work out to loving to go to class each night, but I have also learned how to cook healthier than ever before. Thank you Laura for all your help and I look forward to reaching my next set of goals with you there to guide me.

Please congratulate Mackenzie on her INCREDIBLE journey and leave her a note in the comments section below! :)

Mackenzie's Transformation Tuesday

Mackenzie's Transformation Tuesday: Laura Forte Fitness

Mackenzie's Transformation Tuesday: Laura Forte Fitness

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Deb Zecchini: Transformation Tuesday

By on December 18, 2012 in Fitness, Transformation Tuesday

Deb has been with us since September of 2011 and is an AMAZING success story that I know will inspire you. She is not only a member of the boot camp family, but she is now part of our team and instructs boot camp sessions!  We love Deb and the high energy, positive attitude that she brings to every 6 AM boot camp session!!  Here is Deb’s story.. in her OWN words.

“It was the last few months in 2010 and I was living in Brandon, Florida with my daughter.  I was running 3 times a week (something I’ve been doing since 2001).  My running had pretty much hit a plateau and I had it on my bucket list to run a half marathon before I turned 40 and a full marathon in my 40th year (it was about 6 months before my 40th birthday and I was quickly running out of time); at this point the longest race I ran without stopping was a 5k.  Over the nine years that I had been running I belonged to a few gyms; I was good about going but found that all I ever did was cardio.  I knew I needed to work on my other body muscles if I was ever going to progress; so I decided it was time to work with a personal trainer.

I found a trainer at the gym I belonged to; the first session I thought I was going to die and throw-up… wasn’t sure which would happen first.  I’ve been running and working out for 9 years… I really thought I was pretty good shape… the joke was definitely on me.  I felt myself getting stronger as the sessions went on; but I felt I was still missing something.  Christmas was approaching and Nicole asked me for The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader’s Boot Camp DVD as a gift.  The DVD was purchased by a family member and as Christmas approached I saw a Groupon for 1 month of Boot Camp; I decided I could buy her this to go with her DVD and I could buy one for myself so we can go together… super fun and not so scary!

It was mid January when we attended our first boot camp class; I think I was able to do two push-ups on my toes that day before I had to switch to my knees. Did I mention, I was also diagnosed with tendonitis in my shoulder the week before and the doctor told me not to do any pushing exercises.  He actually told me it was a sign of getting older and I may always have this pain…REALLY!  After the first class I knew this is exactly what I was looking for…I was hooked.  In the beginning it was easy to oversleep, to find other excuses not to go.  As I got to know the trainer and the others I found it more difficult to miss, I felt bad like I was letting them down.  Accountability….exactly what I needed; I really was hooked, having fun and meeting awesome people.  In June of 2011 I decided to move to St Pete….guess how hooked I was….I got up at 4:30am 3 times a week and drove to Brandon to workout.  After a while this got old and I knew it was time to find someone in St Pete.  My trainer referred me to Laura and told me I’d love her.  You all know I love Laura and the whole Bay View Boot Camp Family; I’m so happy I joined all of you.

There are so many wonderful things that have happened in my life since starting boot camp.  First things first…. my initial goal….. I’ve run 3 half marathons and I’m registered for my 4th.  I’ve also committed to running a full marathon in 2013; just need to find the race I want and sign up.  I’ve dropped 15 pounds, lost a lot of inches, built a ton of muscle, I can see major muscle definition in my body and I love my shoulder dimples!  My cholesterol has dropped, both my HDL & LDL have improved and my triglycerides have decreased.  My passion for my health, exercise and life has increased; I feel great about what I’ve achieved.

I no longer have any pain or tendonitis in my shoulder; I actually did all 200 push-ups in the last Spartan on my toes.  I’ve met some totally amazing friends that I love and admire.  However, I always believe there is room for improvement and I push myself beyond what I think are my limits.  I am by no means perfect and I don’t eat healthy 100% of time (although I aspire to).  I have bad days; days when I get on the scale and feel totally defeated and disappointed but I know eating well and exercising works so I pick my head up, move forward, recommit and give it my all again.  I also look back and recognize where I’ve come from and what I’ve accomplished; not only over the past two years but over the last 12 years (12 years ago I was a pack a day smoker and weighed over 200lbs… crazy, huh?).

Thank you Laura Forte for always pushing me and inspiring me to never give up; you are an amazing coach and role model.  Thank you Bay View Boot Camp Family for motivating me, holding me accountable, inspiring me, believing in me and making me laugh every day.  With all of you on my side; I know I can do and accomplish anything I put my mind, heart and soul in to.  Look forward to seeing everyone reach their goals & set new one in 2013.  Love You All!

We love YOU Deb!  Congratulations on your incredible achievements!!  Please leave Deb a note of congratulations and continued encouragement in the comments section below! :)

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Fany G: Transformation Story of the Week

By on December 12, 2012 in Fitness, Transformation Tuesday

We’ve had some incredible transformations within our boot camp family, and I’d like to share a story with you from Fany.  Fany started with us during a transformation challenge, worked REALLY hard, and achieved her goals… AND she has repeated this process ever since!  She is full of determination and means business when she comes to boot camp.  She is the first to put herself on a detox if she slipped over the weekend and get right back to achieving her goals.  I bring you Fany’s story.. in her own words.

“During my pregnancy I strictly followed the notion that when pregnant the woman eats for two – herself and the baby. Thus, in the ninth month I weighed 212 lbs. (starting at 135 lbs.). I was so ginormous, people would ask me if I was pregnant with twins. After my son was born I dropped down to 180 lbs. and that is where I got stuck for the next 2 ½ years. Continue Reading →

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Transformation Tuesday: Valerie

By on October 9, 2012 in Motivation, Transformation Tuesday

Valerie started with us back in April of this year during our 21 Day Body Transformation program.  After just a few weeks of eating clean and boot camp 3-4 days per week, we saw a huge transformation in her.  Not only physically with dropping pounds and over 13 inches in the first 3 weeks, but her energy level skyrocketed and she became so much stronger!

I remember along the way her telling me her aches and pains started to go away, and every few weeks she would tell me she felt younger and younger.

I am SO proud of Valerie and the hard work she puts in at 6 AM class.  She brings such a great energy to class and gives 110% in everything she does.

Here is Valerie’s Story as SHE tells it:  Continue Reading →

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Katie O’s Transformation Tuesday Story

By on August 28, 2012 in Motivation, Transformation Tuesday

Katie has been with us since Day 1 of boot camp!  I couldn’t be more happy to have Katie as part of our family.  Not only does she always ‘bring it’ in class, she is extremely encouraging to everyone in boot camp.  I’m not alone when I say I adore this girl and love the inspiration and determination she brings to the boot camp family.

Here is Katie’s story, as SHE tells it.

“Since I can remember I have struggled with my self-image. Growing up I was constantly comparing myself to my friends and wondering why I couldn’t look like them. I’ve spent countless hours looking into the mirror and nit-picking my arms, my breasts, my thighs and my stomach. I have a habit of grabbing fist-fulls of love handles and pouching out my gut, which always had the same result – a deep sigh of disappointment.

I generally would start off every week making a promise to myself that this would be the week I would commit to eating healthy and devout myself to a routine of exercise and every week started off exactly the same: One positive day, followed by a semi-decent day, followed by a day where I threw all caution to the wind and devoured whatever was in front of me. I found any excuse I could not to participate in my own creative plan to change and then would beat myself up over it after the fact.

Katie at boot camp

It wasn’t until I was getting frozen yogurt at a local shop last August that I came across a flyer for Bay View Boot Camp. In mauling over the flyer for a few days, I sat down at my computer and emailed Laura to find out more details. I attended my first class on August 15th and thought I was going to die. I still remember leaving the group in the middle of the workout and going into the bathroom where I was greeted by my lunch from earlier that day. While I was able to return to the group and finish the workout, I woke up the next morning feeling sore and defeated, making up my mind that boot camp just wasn’t for me. There was no way I could get used to feeling the way I did at that very moment and I was embarrassed that I couldn’t handle the hour long routine. I emailed Laura that evening and told her I didn’t think I would be making it to Wednesday’s class and she immediately responded by explaining the changes that were taking place in my body. My achy limbs were the result of years of toxin build up and I was encouraged to come to class to work through my soreness. There was a light at the end of the tunnel, but it was going to take some time to see it.

Katie finished her first Spartan 1,000!

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. I started attending classes 4-5 times a week, sometimes twice a day. I remember how wonderful it felt to cut down my run time by more than 2 minutes and the first time I ran a full mile since I was in grade school. My body started to take new shape and I came to appreciate what was happening to me on the outside, but more so was excited about the change that was happening within me.

Bay View Boot Camp gave me the motivation and determination I had been struggling to find all those of those years I was breaking promises to myself. Not only did I find an instructor who pushed me to new limits, but I found a group of friends who supported and believed in me.

I recently celebrated my year-long commitment to Bay View Boot Camp. For the first time in my life I followed through with something and could not be more proud of myself for my accomplishments. When I go shopping for clothes now I am able to purchase the things that I want. I no longer feel the need to wear cardigans with my tank tops to hide my lunch lady arms, or cover up my belly when going to the beach for fear of being harpooned. I have grown to be confident in my skin than and while I take great pride in knowing that the majority of that feeling comes from the devotion I made to my well-being, I owe Laura Forte and my fabulous boot camp peers a huge hand in my success.

While going to the gym proves to be helpful, nothing is as encouraging as having the accountability that Bay View Boot Camp offers its members. If I miss a class I instantly feel guilty, regardless of the circumstance. Knowing that others are relying on me to be there is a huge motivating factor and one that has helped me to stay committed throughout the past year.

Aside from that, Bay View Boot Camp is FUN and the people I have met through this experience are both amazing and inspiring. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see my peers continuously reach and exceed their goals. It is a feeling that makes me proud to be a part of something so moving and I encourage anyone to try Bay View Boot Camp and not fall in love with the challenge it offers you. I am so grateful for the experience that Laura has given me and am super excited to continue working towards reaching new heights in my future.”

We are so proud of you Katie!  Congratulations on your amazing achievements this past year.  Please leave Katie some encouragement and inspiration in the comments section below! :)

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Transformation Tuesday: John’s Story

By on August 7, 2012 in Transformation Tuesday

Hi Everyone!  It is our next installment of Transformation Tuesday.  I am SO excited to share with you John’s story, as HE tells it.  John is such an inspiration to everyone (including myself) and is an awesome addition to our boot camp family.  He always gives 110% in class and is extremely supportive of everyone.  He joined us back in January, completely changed his lifestyle, and has been kicking butt ever since.  Here is John’s story.  Please make sure to congratulate and encourage him below. :)

“In December of 2011, a neighbor of mine (Teyka Steh) was telling me about her boot camp experience and was encouraging me to join. I had a gym membership but hadn’t used it in almost 2 years. After SEVERAL conversations and some convincing, I decided to join the Bay View Boot Camp Partner 6-week Challenge. She had told me all about the different exercises, how welcoming everyone was, and how inspirational and motivating Laura was.

On January 9 at 6 am (yep, 6 AM) my bootcamp experience began. I don’t remember exactly what we did that day, but I couldn’t walk on Tuesday. Instead of sleeping in on Wednesday, I crawled out of bed with parts of my body that I didn’t know existed aching and made my way back to Bay View Boot Camp for more ‘fun’ and I did it again on Friday! After class the following Monday, I texted Laura and told her I didn’t think I was going to be able to do this. I’m not sure why I thought I could lay around and eat whatever I wanted for 2 years and not exercise and be back in shape in 4 days, but I did!! Thankfully, she texted me back and encouraged me to stick with it and I’m so glad I did. Each day I got stronger and could run farther. As the days wore on, my clothes began to fall off of me, I felt better and people around me noticed and encouraged me to keep going.

In addition to exercising, Laura provided us with a meal plan. I think I ate more vegetables in those 6 weeks than I had in the previous 2 years combined. I drank green smoothies, ate protein bars, and drank tons of water. The meal plan did not allow for fast food, soda or french fries–this was huge for me because I ate fast food previously 3-4 times a week. The meal plan taught me more about portion control, introduced more fish into my diet, and taught me different ways to prepare vegetables–did you know that brussel sprouts can be delicious?! While I don’t follow every piece of the meal plan now, I have not had french fries or soda since January!

At the end of the 6 week challenge I had lost 20 pounds and went from a 38 waist to a 34. I’ve had more energy, have enjoyed life a lot more and have clothes that fit again!!

John's Before & After from the 6 Week Challenge

I’ve talked to several people about my experience and some questioned the cost, and said it was cheaper to belong to a gym. That is only true if you actually use it. You see, I did belong and stopped going. Nothing there motivated me. I knew I needed something different. I look at this as an investment in myself and my health. The long term effects of the way I was treating my body would have been far more costly than what I invest in at bootcamp and it’s a lot more fun.

If you’ve thought about doing this, give it a try. Laura provides a free week for you to see for yourself. The best things about bootcamp are how wonderfully respectful and supportive the other class members are, the fact that you are able to work at YOUR own pace, and honestly how terrific Laura is. She truly cares about each person and she does all she can to make sure that the program is tailored to work for you. Give it a try.”

Laura here – John – thank you SO much for sharing your story and inspiring others to make the lifestyle change like you did back in January.  If you are reading this story and it has inspired you to make a change, give me a call today so our next story can be about you.  Call me at 727.754.0111 or email me at laura@laurafortefitness.com.

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