Our Bay View Boot Camp & Personal Training members are one big family.  In every big family, you have big brothers or sisters that you look up to for support, encouragement, and accountability.  They will give you a big hug, just when you need it and didn’t even know it, or give you a push when you think you don’t have anymore in the tank.  That’s exactly how I would describe today’s spotlight.

“Best Accountability Partner EVER!!”, “Nobody ever works harder!”, “You inspire me!!” are all messages to today’s ‘Transformation Tuesday’ just in the last couple of weeks alone.  This rockstar is one of the most genuine, positive, and hardest workers I’ve had the pleasure to train, and I am SO excited that she is the spotlight for today.  I give you the beautiful, Erin Flock.. in her very own words!

1. What was your life like before you started boot camp?

I have always considered myself an athletic, competitive person. Growing up, I was involved in sports and continued to stay active as an adult. Being so active “allowed” me to eat whatever I wanted without gaining any weight. Pizza, soda, macaroni and cheese, and every bad carb imaginable were staples in my everyday diet. Everyone always said “it’s going to catch up to you”.

2. What made you decide to take your training to the next level and sign up?

Five years ago I became pregnant with my first child. I worked out my entire pregnancy and only gained 29 pounds. I lost the weight rather quickly. I was the weight I was pre-pregnancy, but I still did not have the body I desired, despite going to the gym 3-4 times a week. I basically worked out so I could eat what I wanted. I wanted a lean, strong physique and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted at the gym. That is when I decided to change up my fitness routine. I liked to train hard, but didn’t have the motivation to train as hard as I could at the gym. I needed help, and I could not afford a personal trainer. That is when I came across Bay View Boot Camp… and SO happy that I did.

Bay View Boot Camp was exactly what I needed. A challenging workout, amazing trainers, and an extremely motivating group that made me want to be the best I could be. I had never pushed my body that hard – ever.

5 months ago, I gave birth to my second child. Although I worked out the entire pregnancy, I used the pregnancy as an excuse, to yet again, eat what I wanted. I gained 47 pounds with this pregnancy, and the weight decided it wanted to stay. After having the baby, I found myself eating as if I were still pregnant. I had added stress in my personal life, as well as the stress of having a newborn and a very active 4 year old, that made me turn to my typical comfort foods. I was frustrated about my weight gain, yet I wasn’t changing my bad habits. For the first time in my life, I had to work at losing weight. Everyone was right…. the bad food choices did catch up to me.

Rather than fueling my feelings and stress with food, I decided to get back to boot camp and turn my stress into fuel. I know I needed to change, and wishing for change was not working anymore. I had to change to make a change. With the help of Bay View Boot Camp, I have changed my entire outlook on food, thanks to their transformation challenges and the advice and guidance from Laura. Laura, Gail and Jill along with every single member of Bay View Boot Camp have motivated me beyond belief. The support and inspiration from others keep me going – they believe in me when I don’t believe in me – and that is what motivates me to not give up. That I NEVER got at the gym.

3. What do you love most about your new lifestyle?

Rather than poking at my fat in the mirror and feeling down about how I look, I am now poking at my abs and feeling great. I have more energy than ever before because I am not feeling the sugar crashes and food coma’s that I did my whole life. There are so many things in my life that is out of my control, but I can control how I feel through diet and exercise – and I feel great. I love being challenged with the workouts and the feeling of accomplishment when I complete them – it truly is euphoric. The feeling of making a smart food choice is empowering to me. I like feeling good about myself and not feeling insecure of my body or feeling guilty after every meal.

4. Why is your personal health and fitness so important to you?

Not only is my personal health and fitness important to me for my own personal confidence and well-being, but most importantly, I want to be the best role model possible for my children. I want them to love their bodies – no matter what the size or shape. I want my children to love to exercise like I do and I do not want them to grow up with my poor eating habits. Fortunately, Harper, my 4 ½ year old, has attended a few boot camps and she loves it as much as I do. She can actually do a better burpee than me! Bay View Boot Camp is not only improving my life, but it is leaving an impact on the future generation – and to me that is profound.

5. What has been your results/experiences from boot camp/eating better and changing your lifestyle?

5 months since having my second child, and 3 months since returning to boot camp, I have lost a total of 51 pounds – yes some of that weight is attributed to having a baby, but I can assure you I did not have a 51 pound baby! I now weigh less than I did before having my first child. I am in the best shape that I have been in since high school. I am much stronger than I have ever been, and my endurance and speed is the best it has been in 15 years. I know there is no way I would have reached those goals so quickly if it were not for the workouts at boot camp and the transformation challenge that has helped me change my diet.

My goals have now changed from reaching a certain number on the scale, to now performance type goals as well as dropping my body fat percentage even lower.

6. What is your motto/advice for others who were in a similar situation to yourself?

Throughout this journey I have repeated several times, “if it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you”.

My advice to other mommies, is that it is ok to take some time for yourself. I feel I am a better mommy by being able to take the time I need to be healthy, both mentally and physically. Having more energy and being in a better mood is much more appreciated by my children.

Thank you Erin for sharing your story with us!!  If Erin has inspired you, please leave her a note below and thank her!!

This week you are hearing from one of the most humble, hard working members of our boot camp crew and has been for the past 3 years.  A recently retired firefighter, Scott is always giving 100%.. even when he would come straight to class after working a 24-hour shift.

He has fun at boot camp – and is always a pleasure to train.  I’m so thankful he is part of our 8 AM boot camp family!  Make your day better and read Scott’s Transformation Tuesday story!

What was your life like before you started boot camp?

My exercise journey started when I was 24. I started lifting weights and soon got into bodybuilding. I entered a local contest in 1980. Along came marriage, kids, and a new career. I realized that there was more to life than pushing weights around the gym.

What made you decide to take your training to the next level and join our program?

I had continued to work out through the years and practice yoga but my trips to the gym became less frequent.   In 2012 I realized I needed to shake things up and try something new that would help my endurance and strength in my last few years as a firefighter. I walked by Bay View Boot Camp one Saturday and thought that it looked like something for me.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in yourself – not only physically, but mental/emotional also.

I was not focused mainly on losing weight but I have lost 12 pounds and almost 3 inches from my waist. I feel good, have much more energy and mental focus. It becomes very evident to me how much the workouts are helping when I miss a few!

What do you love most about your new lifestyle?

A new found energy and aerobic ability.

Why is your personal health and fitness so important to you?

As I get older I have realized I can’t change the outcome but I can positively affect the journey. I will get a lot more enjoyment out of life if I stay in shape.

What has been your results/experiences from boot camp/eating better and changing your lifestyle?

While hiking in Devil’s Lake Park in Wisconsin this past April I found it much easier to trek the familiar trails than it was ever in the past – even in my 30’s! On a week to week basis – although I constantly have my butt kicked in boot camp – I enjoy the feeling I get for the rest of the day.

What is your motto/advice for others who were in a similar situation to yourself?

Just give it a try and keep moving! It has never been easy but I feel that Laura and my other comrades and trainers at Bay View Boot Camp have been instrumental in my progress and adherence to my life goals. I am lucky to be in such a great group.

Scott – thank you so much for being a member of our family and sharing your story!!  If you’ve been inspired by Scott either during class or by his story, please leave him a note below! 

This Transformation Tuesday is 3 years in the making.  When I think of Amanda – I think of somebody who is bold, honest, has a huge heart, and truly loves life and lives every day in a BIG way.

She is sharing her truth with you today, which is no easy feat.  I bring to you Amanda’s Total Transformation story.. in her very own words!

Before Bay View Boot camp my life was very sedentary. I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day, emotionally over ate, and just became comfortable with my life.

At one point my weight was out of control weighing in at 275 lbs., for my 5 ft. 2 stature. It wasn’t till after I start boot camp in 2012 that I realized I had a lot of underlying issues. I had a lot of guilt over losing my mother tragically and then losing my dad. I was an abused wife who was beat down to nothing. I never dealt with the pain and guilt. I covered it up with food. That was my happy place.

I ended up going to intense counseling and coming to grips with the loss. I lost about 30 lbs. from 2012 to 2013.

In 2013, I hurt my knee running a race. My doctor told me I would never run again. I gave up on life. I quit boot camp, started smoking again, and eating unhealthy. 6 months later I reversed. I started binge eating, then getting rid of it. I become very unhealthy and couldn’t stand the sight of food.

In May 2014 , I was about 215 lbs., I decided I would find a new doctor, and rejoin my boot camp family. I ended up with a hip labral tear, but through intense PT, listening to my body, and eating right, I was able to deal with it emotionally and physically.

I am running longer and stronger than ever before. As of today, my current weight is 158 lbs. I went from a size 24 to a 9/10.

I continue to struggle with the loss of my parents, but my BC family keeps me motivated and inspired. I have made many new friendships and look forward to many more.

My goal weight is 130 lbs. I love buying clothes. I love SELFIES!!!! 3 years ago , I would literally break your camera if you took a picture of me.

My fitness is very important to me because I want my children to learn good eating habits. I want to be around to see them graduate, get married, and have children.

Since joining Bay View Boot camp, I have gained such muscle tone, learned how to eat better, and I am held accountable for my actions from my fellow boot campers. I can kayak, run, do cartwheels and love life again.

I can’t thank Laura and her team enough for saving me from myself. Truth! She never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself. I am forever indebted to her.

Please leave Amanda a note of congratulations and encouragement below, and let her know how her story has inspired you.