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Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp : Day Four (mod some more)

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Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Humble” as,

: not proud : not thinking of yourself as better than other people

: given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people

: showing that you do not think of yourself as better than other people

Day Four of Boot Camp put that word into action.

Ashley was coaching again today, and let me tell ya; to watch her, is a humbling experience.  She has worked hard to make these exercises look easy and with precise form.

I will be the first to admit; sometimes I am a klutz (my name ain’t Grace for a reason), and sometimes I really struggle with hand, eye and foot coordination.  Today was one of those days.

IT is a humbling experience to KNOW you look like a fool trying to figure something out.  However, in my honest opinion, it is better to look like a fool while attempting hard a perfection, than it is to show off and potentially hurt yourself.

Today was jam packed (yet again) with physical activities that I do not have the strength to perform with out modification.

To watch Ashley demonstrate modifications is like watching a knife go through a soft stick of butter; effortless.

So in my head, I’m all like, “Yeah, okay, I can do that.”  But in actuality, my body is all like, “What the HELL? This BURNS!”

Modifications are not for pansy asses; in fact modifications are building blocks to getting to the full expression of the desired activity.  It is terribly humbling to KNOW that I am not yet strong enough to do certain things that only a few years ago, I probably would have had less trouble with.

It is humbling to know that what looks easy, isn’t always so; and that like a symphony all parts and pieces must work together  in harmony to reach the desired effect.  It’s humbling to literally have your ass in the air and be called out for improper form.

But, you know what?  It isn’t the least bit embarrassing (for me).  I KNOW, my trainers want me to be safe and to do things correctly to prevent strain and injury.  In that knowing I can let the Ego rest, and just listen and follow directions.

I don’t feel cornered or embarrassed because  it is probably rare for a person, who has never done something before, to be perfect on the first try.  Again reminded, that everyone starts somewhere.  There is no need to be ashamed by the process.

I admit, there are some things in life that I have mastered on first attempt; this is not one of them; and it makes me reflect on those times when it was me in the Master Seat.  Did I gloat?  Did I criticize those who weren’t up to par?  No.  I would offer encouragement and advice.  This is a huge part of the philosophy of Cheyenne Fit Body, and this is why this program resonates with me.

Coaches are not yelling at you to tell you how horrible you are; They are however yelling at you to keep going, and to not give up.  They are yelling encouragingly at you… and when you make it to an end of a session, you really feel like you accomplished something.

Even with modifications, I could feel the burn, and the burn means you are WORKING it!

If your excuse is, ” I am afraid of looking like a fool and being publicly embarrassed in front of people I barely know.”  I say pshhha.  That doesn’t happen here by fault of any trainer.  If you are embarrassed, KNOW , that too is all in your head.

To bring this point home, on the lighter side of things; I asked what some of the Fitters greatest fears were in class.  Not a single one said “fear of embarrassment.”

The most common answer, was “Farting during class.”  To which one of the trainers admitted happens A LOT.

Let’s face it, gas is a totally normal part of living.  Every one does it.

Part of the Fit Body Boot Camp is a dietary change; some are more sensitive to it than others.  Farts happen, I like to think of it as, my butt is giggling.  Farts are funny, people will use their mouths to giggle about it.

You know what would be more embarrassing than farting?   Holding it in so long that  you create a pathological distention of the bowel.  Imagine explaining that to your friends and trainers.

Get comfortable with natural functions of the body, and you will alleviate a lot of unnecessary worry that may be tainting your pretty little brain.

Are you interested in getting back into shape, and want to do it in a safe and encouraging environment??  Live in the Cheyenne , Wyoming area?  Click HERE.   Want to find a boot camp in your area, or start one of your own?  Click this link.

Didn’t catch the beginning of this series, and want to follow along? Click these links> Consult > Day One > Day Two > Day Three.

Want to donate to this blog?  HELL YEAH!!!!

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day Three (oh me,oh my)

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It has been very exciting getting into this regimen; so exciting in fact, that I have been loosing sleep over it.  I am tired as heck, but each time I go to lay down, my brain is spinning over what I did at class.  Add that into a few personal issues at home that are giving me paranoia… and you have a person who hasn’t slept much in four days.

I was amped to get up and try the 6 am class; so I did my best and laid down at 10pm.  And no matter how hard I tried to clear my mind, or listen to “soothing sounds to sleep to”; something would inevitably jostle me awake just as my body was starting to simmer in to slumber.

2 am, I was jostled, yet again, to my dog.  And I got agro… “Why the fuck won’t any one let me sleep, FUCK!”

And with that, my blood pressure was up, and the blood was circulating, and I was again wide awake.

So much for 6 am class.

My natural circadian rhythm, usually lulls me asleep at about 6:30 am.  About the time I was born into this world, and gave up the struggle of escape.  I knew at 4 am, this would be the inevitable outcome.

Instead of further frustrating myself I committed to making the noon class, which would give me ample time to rest and reset before going and getting my ass handed to me.

Like most first week Fitters, I am sore; but I think I might be less sore then some.  I am making sure to take my magnesium, and to start and finish the day with stretches.  I had no idea what I would be in for today, but I did see some ones status update… and they mentioned burpees.

I admire a good burpee, I have watched them on the interwebs.  I myself , had never tried one, until today.  Wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

Today was jam packed with things I haven’t ever done before… like a proper push up.

Yes, today I realized my form in pushups has been wrong, for, forever.

“Elbows go back, Not to the sides!  HEAD UP!”

Well, shit.

Not only have I been doing it all wrong, I realized the muscles needed to do a full push up; in me, have atrophied.

Instead of getting frustrated,  I took it slow and committed to proper form.  I didn’t look like a push up even with the modified form.  I felt like a beached seal, just sort of twitching. Each one harder than the one before.

“Do the best you can, stretch after each one if you need to!”

Yep that was me.  Twitch and stretch, twitch and stretch.

As ridiculous, as I am sure it looked… I didn’t quit.  I didn’t push harder than I knew my body could handle.

“Each one you do is getting you closer to a full pushup!”

Which brings me back to the blessed Burpee.  Here I am, lifting more body mass than I ever have in my life; barely able to even begin to get my chest near the floor in a push up… and here comes Burpees.  A push up is an integral part of a Burpee.  But instead of potential hurting myself, trying to get all rambunctious with it, I walked myself through it methodically.  I brought myself gently to the ground, got my hands under my shoulders; kept my elbows back, looked up, and twitched. I brought my body back up and reached for the sky…over and over and over again.

If your excuse is, ” I can’t even do a push up.”  Eat your words.  I can’t do a push up either, yet.

It takes time,energy, and consistency to build and train muscles for strength and endurance.  It doesn’t happen over night, and neither did getting out of shape.  We can get to either place, just depending on our attitude.

If there is one thing I would encourage any Fitter, or newbie who is getting into fitness to do; is commit to yourself to not get frustrated or give up on yourself.  To embrace the knowing it took you a while to get unhealthy, it is going to take you a while to get healthy.  If you get frustrated; KNOW the only person you are REALLY competing with, is yourself.  If you feel like quitting; KNOW that you began, because you were unhappy with your body, and that ONLY YOU can change that.  There is no magic pill that will make you wake up strong and healthy; full of endurance.

I chose Cheyenne Fit Body Boot Camp  because it is a very encouraging environment with accountability.  It is a place that will make you work hard and will push you; all while working with your current level of fitness.  No one makes you feel bad about yourself, or as if you are being compared to any one else..  If you feel that way, KNOW it is ALL in your head.  Turn it around if you find you are comparing yourself to some of the more advanced Fitters; then admire them as inspiration toward achieving your goals.  Most importantly; KNOW: EVERYONE starts SOMEWHERE.

If you  are interested in the Fit Body Program, and my journey through boot camp you can read about them at these links Consultation, First Day, and Second Day.  If you are interested in seeing if there is a boot camp in your area click here.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day Two (whoo hoo)

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Well, WHOO HOO, Welcome to Day Two!

In order to prepare myself, I utilized the wonderful resource of the private accountability group set up by the Admins of Cheyenne Fit Body.

As I mentioned in the previous article Fit Body Boot Camp: Day One,  I had a few issues of light headedness and nausea.  I didn’t want to go into Day Two with those feelings.  I received some very helpful tips from Fitters who had struggled from the same issues.

It basically came down to properly fueling this human driven vehicle with food and water.

I don’t know about you, but I have always had some problems choking down breakfast first thing in the morning, and Day One was no different.  A banana and some peanut butter was definitely not enough fuel, and upon retrospect, I went to bed dehydrated and that proceeded into the morning and was further exacerbated by the work out.

By the time I got home on Day One, I was shaking, sick in the stomach and having cold sweats and shakes.  It is like my body was shocked into an unexpected detox, without enough moisture in my body to handle it.

I immediately knew I needed to get my water requirement for the day.  I also needed to follow the food guidelines given to me in my consult, and concentrate on fueling my body with nutrition.

In order to get into Day Two, I followed the advice of another Fitter, and made a heady oatmeal shake.  This make ahead shake is great for planning ahead, and is super easy on the stomach.  You can find the recipe for these shakes on this Pintrest  page.  I added Chia seeds, and Hemp Seeds to mine, as well as strawberry Kiefer and frozen berries.

I got plenty of water in the morning and supplemented with a Super Orange E-MergenC packet that helps to replenish electrolytes.

I made sure to get to bed at a reasonable time; decided I would hit up the 8:30 am class, so that I didn’t feel tired and rushed to consume 3/4 of a 16oz shake and water before working out.

These shifts made all the difference.  I had the fuel to make it though the work out without the maladies of Day One.  And no, the work out was no less intense.

The entire line up of work outs was very different from Day One, which is great for people like me; who maybe get bored with the same ole routine, everyday.

I am taking the advice of “easing into” the first week.

Sara was the days trainer, and she kept everyone motivated with her bubbly personality.  She helped those who need it, and demonstrated augmented form for those who may have injury or just haven’t yet built up the strength to do the full exercise form.

If your excuse is, “It’s going to be too hard for me” think again!

Everyone is encouraged to keep going and to perform all exercises SAFELY!

You work at your own level, and do the best you possibly can.  This is where augmented form is helpful.  Admittedly, my legs started to shake toward the end, and  I felt like a ninety year old trying to pull themselves up from the toilet.  I just kept moving, knowing that by next week, everything will be a bit easier.

I definitely sweat more on Day Two, probably because I was properly hydrated. I can’t overstate how important hydration is!  The skin is largest organ and sweating is a fantastic way for the body to detox.  Working out produces lactic acid in the muscles and when one is dehydrated, it can cause muscle cramping.  It is also a good idea to get enough magnesium which assists muscles and nerves in their function.

To wrap things up I will say that the 8:30 class  is more popular than the 5am class (go figure .)  Many Mothers attend while their little ones stay in close proximity and entertain themselves for the half hour of class.

So if you are a Mother, and your excuse is, “I don’t have anyone to watch my kid for a half hour.”  You just lost your excuse.  If you have  a small child ( or two) that can be entertained by a bunch of adults getting their butts kicked, (or if you let them use a tablet)  Even YOU can get an AWESOME work out, in the same time it takes to watch one episode of Dora the Explorer!

Fit Body Cheyenne, can help anyone transform their body.  And with a healthy body comes peace of mind.

Be a Fitter, not a quitter!

Fit Body Boot Camp

Fit Body Boot Camp: Day One

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I am making a strong guess that everyone who chooses Fit Body Boot Camp for the first time, has some nervousness or anxiety going in on the first day.  Actually, let’s be honest, they are probably nervous from the day they sign up until the end of the first class.

The bulk  of my anxiety happened the night before.   I hate nights before events, and this is certainly an Event (to Transform myself).  I attempted to get to bed at a modest 9 pm.  Which is hard for me on any given day.  Usually I go to bed between 12 and 3 am.

My first goal was to hit the 5 am class.  I wanted to get in there and get it over with because I had already spent four days wondering what exactly it would be like.

I got up at 4:10 after a restless night of “half sleep.”  I had showered the night before, already picked out my clothes… breakfast was the problem.  I often time, have a hard time eating food first thing when I get up, as it makes me nauseated.  I wanted a shake, but felt bad about running the noisy blender so early in the  morning.  I ended up settling on  a banana with peanut butter.  (Which in retrospect was not nearly what I needed for what I was about to experience.)

I got into the gym at about a quarter to five.  Night time Trainer, Ashley was there, bright eyed (except for the contact lens issues) and bushy tailed.  She gave a friendly introduction and a warm welcome.  There were a couple of other women there, getting themselves ready for warm up.

I wasn’t sure what to do, and as I am willing to admit; I have  a hard time initiating my own introductions.  So I sat on the mat doing some light stretches as more participants slipped in the door.

Finally at 4:59ish, Ashley  took to the middle of the circle and began to explain todays circuit of exercises.  There were four stations, each featuring two activities that would be repeated a few times.  I lost count of how many  sets  were happening, because this class is VERY high paced.

We began  with  some warm up sets of stationary exercises, and then quickly moved into the stations.

Now let me tell you, the hardest part  (for me); was facing myself, head on in the warm ups. In just a few short minutes, I could feel the effect of smoking cigarettes for  ten years.  I could tell I had lost most of my strength and endurance that I had only a short three years ago, from working on a sheep farm.

All I could think, is “oh shit, this is bad.”

I can’t tell you how many seasoned Fitters were in the class, or how many newbies; so if your excuse for NOT trying this program, is that you are afraid of people watching you…Let me tell you now; There is NO time to watch any one else.  The exercises require proper form, and it is vital to pay attention to what you are doing with your own body.  Ashley a, attentively walked around, adjusting those who needed assistance in form while encouraging every one to keep going.

At the second station, my body reminded me that I was not properly fueled and I started to feel nauseous and light headed.  Ashley brought me an apple juice and I took a little breather.  I took about a 30 second recoup and did my best at continuing.

Periodically I  feel sick, and sip more juice, breathe a little and get back into motion.

I find myself having some mental frustration that I am not already good at this.  Usually I can just pick up an activity for the first time, and feel confident.  I understand that not everyone feels that way about themselves, and that I am a self perfectionist by nature.  I have never done most of these activities before and admittedly I am out of shape.

I need to be compassionate with myself because, this is hard work.  It took time to get where I am now; unhappy about my body.  And in the process of being unhappy with myself, I haven’t been very compassionate with myself.

I believe that the accountability that Fit Body provides, will assist me and many others to learn to love; not just accept themselves. To feel strong enough to improve themselves in whatever way they are most inspired.

Being happy with your body is just one step in feeling confidant overall.

Imagine all the time you spent mentally hating on your body; imagine all the times you have complained about your body out loud.

Now imagine what it would be like to have all that energy back.  To have the mental freedom to not constantly worry about your bodily insecurities.  Sounds refreshing, right?

I don’t have any doubt, that The Fit Body Boot camp will live up to it’s claims, as long as I stay out of my own way.

Fit Body Boot Camp

Introduction to Cheyenne Fit Body 6 week Body Transformation Challenge

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Well the day has finally come!  I am gonna get off this fat ass and DO something about it.

After lying in bed a couple nights ago; thinking about my gymphobia.  I imagined my fear being lessened if gyms had short instructional videos on every machine; showing proper form and function.  A cheat for those newbies who feel anxiety or are mentally not ready for a trainer. I fell asleep thinking maybe if I pitched it to the gym I am a member of, I would be inspired to go.

The next morning I woke up, and the first thing on my  Facebook feed was a status from Cheyenne Fit Body Gym; advertising a 6 week Body Transformation challenge, with a satisfaction guarantee.  And for a few quick responders, the rate would be nearly half of their normal pricing.  Three easy payments of $67.00 and a positive attitude, and I could be on the path to the body I have always wanted.

I decided to email about the offer, and set up a consultation with owner Sara Goossen.  My motivation was amplified by the fact my house is only four blocks away.

I decided to check out the Fit Body Bootcamp website.  A short testimonial video gives a glimpse of some of the activities that are part of the Fit Body Boot camp.  Each session is only thirty minutes long, and boasts of maximum fat burn in minimum time.

I’m sold.

Sara was in a consultation when I came in for my appointment.  The woman she was meeting with was showing some nervousness about starting the program.  Sara commiserated with her, and encouraged her that in a month from now, she  will not be the same woman.  I couldn’t see this womans’ face, but I can imagine her brain might have been rolling it’s eyes.  It’s hard to see a positive future when focused on all the things you may not like about yourself.  I can already tell that Sara is not the type of instructor to let people beat up on themselves, instead she turns it around and encourages a positive outlook.

My consultation with Sara was short but inspirational.  She has a great attitude and a positive sense of humor.  We discussed my fitness goals, and the goals of the program.  Next, we got down to the business of my current body stats.  I was weighed; measured, and tested for arm strength.  A pretty simple procedure overall (that is if you can get over reading your weight on a scale.)  To which Sara responded, “This will be the last time you see these numbers.”

I was invited to begin today or tomorrow if I so choose.  I plan to start tomorrow.

Sara has a goal of reaching 5,000 Cheyenne residents through this program.  To support her goal I hope you join me as I chronicle this experience.  For those who have followed my recent blogs, they have been pretty depressing.  I hope to remedy that with this new action, and I hope you find inspiration with me as I chart unknown territories of my journey to a better body.  Stay tuned!