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The Bootcamp Diary: Couples, with Bev and Jeff M.

Jeff and Bev just completed the January Bootcamp and they both had fantastic results! Hearing about how they support each other, it’s no surprise that these two are on a roll!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

Jeff: My wife had a lot of success with the past two boot camps she was a part of. After the holiday season and a vacation to San Antonio, I gained a total of 15 lbs, and ended up weighing the heaviest I had ever weighed at a total of 230 lbs.

Bev: This is my 3rd bootcamp! I’m addicted! I initially started with the hopes of losing weight (like most people). I gained quite a bit of weight after taking fertility medication when Jeff and I were trying to have a baby. No one told me that crazy weight gain was a side effect! I got fat instead of pregnant! Now my focus is getting healthy and living the rest of my life like this, regardless of whether or not I get a baby out of the deal, but that would be flipping sweet!

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

Jeff: My boot camp experience has been very positive! I’ve had the benefit of having Bev to go through the entire process with me. We keep each other on track, and encourage each other to do better in class.

Bev: More challenging mentally than I expected. I went into it this bootcamp feeling really confident. I’ve come across some mental roadblocks that I wasn’t expecting, but I’m getting through them!

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

Jeff: I would have to say that my favorite part of bootcamp is the combination of diet and exercise. I’ve never been on any kind of a diet before, and thought I could get by with just exercise alone. Sticking to the diet has given me the motivation to keep working out.

Bev: Working out with my husband! He is a runner and let’s face it…I am not! I love taking classes together at NGPT.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

Jeff: The most surprising part of the bootcamp for me is that I’ve been able to get through the classes. I thought I would have a lot more trouble getting through them because when I did my trial week, I was beat by the end of the first class I took.

Bev: My husband’s discipline! I’m so proud of how dedicated he has been through this whole process.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

Jeff: The accountability coaching. I have no problem following the diet, but I have had a hard time keeping track of everything I’ve consumed for the day.

Bev: I’ve struggled with finding time to get all my minutes in. Between family commitments and my son’s very active athletic and social life, I’m always running around! But I’ve gotten really good at getting in tabatas, HICs and FBI minutes outside of class which is something I really struggled with before.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

Jeff: The coaching team is great! The coaches have been patient with me in demonstrating some of the exercises I’ve forgotten how to do when it’s my turn at those stations! They have been helpful, and positive about telling me when I am doing an exercise wrong, and showing me the correct way to do them.

Bev: Everyone at NGPT is great! The coaches are helpful, supportive and encouraging. I love the atmosphere in the gym. I can walk in feeling tired and sluggish, but by the end of class I’m energized and raring to go! (And smelly and covered in sweat!)

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The Bootcamp Diary: Cara H

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

Wait…whose idea was this bootcamp?! While I wasn’t a total stranger to the gym or healthy-ish eating before bootcamp, I’ve never made either a big priority, allowing either or often both, to fall off my radar whenever our family routine was jostled.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

Pretty darn great (burpees notwithstanding!). ☺ I’m a planner and I heart me some organization. A plan has always been lacking in my desire to be fit, strong, and healthy and I’m thrilled to finally have one.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

Challenging myself in class. In the beginning I just hoped to get through classes without needing many breaks. Now, I look at each set or exercise as a way to push myself to a little bit of discomfort – the kind your body thanks you for.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

That I’m more focused on “what’s next” than I am happy to see boot camp coming to a close. I pictured a dramatic exit, me flashing the peace sign, and using some of my favorite profanity towards my new friends on my way out the door – BOOM! But…I think this might just the beginning.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

Being okay with being a bit selfish about “me time.” If I’m being honest, I’ve been slightly less prepared for some work projects, my house isn’t as tidy as it may have been, and I’ve needed to say no to more things. But in the end, I’m a much happier and healthier mom, wife, employee, and friend because of it.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

Prior to moving to Blooomington almost two years ago, I’ve only ever lived in big cities as an adult. We knew Bloomington would be our jam, but even within great communities there are certain businesses, organizations, and clubs that just attract good, kind people - NGPT is one of those places and I’m thankful to be a part of it.

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The Bootcamp Diary: Couples with Chris and Betsy

Well it IS Valentine’s day. So what better day to post our very first couples edition of the Bootcamp Diary?! Chris and Betsy are both participating in our current Bootcamp and are killing it!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

John and Kristin Schroeder. I practice yoga and have peaked based on my current fitness level and weight. After speaking with John and Kristin I thought this would be a great way to break through my baseline weight. I used to run, then I started running a surgery center and quit exercising so I thought this would be a great way to kick start myself.

2. Describe your Bootcamp experience so far.

Painful, amazing, exhausting, exhilarating. It’s a great family of people and amazing support. My wife and I play off the accountability coaches threatening to tell on each other if we cheat.

3.What’s been your favorite part so far?

The group workouts. Makes an hour go fast. Its also a great time to socialize.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

The nutrition plan. It’s tough to start, I have completely changed how I cook and have broadened my knowledge of how to cook without salt and bad fats. So glad that Chris cooks so I can work out in the evenings!

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

Sticking to the nutrition plan every week. The drastic change in diet is amazing. You’re not hungry, just amazed at how your body responds to the loss of the cheap carbs, especially sugar. Oh and the 6 am classes. I’m on a much more regular sleeping schedule. Making myself go to class every night after work when I just want to go home!

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

Other than Adam, it’s great. Adam and all of the coaches are very committed and passionate about what they do. They care about everyone and are the best cheerleaders.

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The Bootcamp Diary: Jason A

1. What motivated you to start boot camp?

My motivation to try bootcamp came from my desire to get my health under control to be there for my son.. Ive always been heavy, but the last several years I have really felt the damage I had done to myself over the years. My son was born in 2011 and since then I have been really trying to get myself in shape. I had managed to lose around 70 pounds on my own, but I finally came to a point where I knew I needed help. I had heard great things about the bootcamp program from friends who had tried it. After much debate and even more procrastination, I finally signed up.

2. Describe your boot camp experience so far

It has been amazing. It has also been exhausting, but in a good way.
It’s definitely a challenge. I was terrified at first. Was even
thinking about just not going, but I’m so glad I did.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

Never though I would say this, but Monday tabatas. Its a great way
to start the week.

4. What has been the most surprising part of boot camp?

What surprised me most about boot camp is that I was actual able to do the exercises and not drop dead. I was honestly afraid I would hit my first work out and keel over.

5. What has been the most challenging part of boot camp?

The physical aspect has been challenging. There is definitely soreness involved. Strangely enough I have found that drinking the recommended water intake is also more difficult that I thought it would be.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

The interaction has been wonderful. They have all been supportive and approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. They support without coddling, which is exactly what I need.

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The Bootcamp Diary: Tammy T.

The Bootcamp Diary is back with our newest round of Bootcampers! Tammy T was introduced to NGPT by her friend Donetta who has had some incredible results. Even with a demanding schedule, she refuses to let that be an excuse. Great job Tammy!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

I am 43 and have A LOT OF SEXY LEFT but you can’t see it anymore and my friend Donetta S. made it through an NGPT bootcamp and she looks AWESOME! Just to put it out there I also want a more intimate relationship with my husband of 24 years but don’t feel good about myself. I hope in the future (not quite yet) to be a healthy, fit, and energetic grandma to my grandchildren and enjoy that part of my life too but need some help from NGPT to hold me accountable and to motivate me. Who am I kidding if I could do it on my own I wouldn’t be in this predicament.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

IMPRESSIVE! That’s right I am impressed with NGPT, myself and all the others committed to their health and fitness. It takes dedication, energy, sweat and tears but OH the feeling and HIGH you feel after that work out is like no other. I never thought I would feel PROUD of myself for the baby steps I have taken thus far on this long journey. There are times I just want to skip working out but I need to be at those classes to help name the artists of the song playing so my work out buddies don’t have to do any BURPEES. Just kidding, well sort of but I will come to love BURPEES I JUST KNOW IT.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

The family at NGPT is like no other, trust me I have participated in some cross-fit sessions at other local facilities and there are none that compare to this tight unit here at Next Generation and we all need that. But not only that I find that each instructor cares and helps us through the process. For example: when I am doing a push up incorrectly I want someone to correct me. Who wants an injury? This is extremely important to me because I have a bulging disc. We are all individuals but crave to be apart of a family/community and you will not be JUDGED just encouraged and given support from a team who have experienced it themselves.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

I have come to realize that yes I want to look good but I FEEL great too. I don’t feel lethargic or bloated anymore and actually don’t miss all the crap I was putting in my body. The most surprising are the inches I am losing what a motivator that is and in turn I have become a motivator.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

The most challenging for me has been trying to figure out which classes to take, I want to take them all. I know you are thinking, really, that’s it. No that isn’t the only challenge. I wish Adam would install a shower for me because I have to be at work at 715am so I could partake in the morning classes but I will not make any EXCUSES not to work out!! Sometimes after going home after work I don’t want to venture back out into the cold and just want to snuggle on the couch but I DO and it is worth it every single time!

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

Marcey ROCKS!! She will assist/answer/suggest/motivate/cheer/encourage all around her. I love her!

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The Bootcamp Diary: Ellyn B

Ellyn is absolutely loving her Bootcamp experience so far. With lots of support from her wife, friends and coworkers already, add Team NGPT to that support group and you get a recipe for success! Hear what Ellyn has to say about the changes she can see and feel thanks to her hard work during our most recent Bootcamp.

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

Two years ago, I stopped dancing often, so any progress I had made on maintaining my weight disappeared. I felt like I saw more “rolls” on my body, my weight increased, and I just felt like I was expanding. I had no good thoughts about my image. I needed something serious to turn my self-image around. My friend Whryne R had just finished 8 weeks, and she was just killin’ the game. I also had my wife’s support, who is also doing Bootcamp with me.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

Fantastic, challenging and life-changing. My internal clock got upgraded: I’m a “morning person” now. I know know what and when I eat; figuring out what’s going on with my body isn’t as much of a mystery anymore. I don’t just crash for no reason in the middle of the day. I look at myself and can SEE my body changing. It’s given me a big boost.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

Food logging, and all forms of support! Coach Lauren probably gets a diary entry from me a couple of times a week. She reads and responds to it all! Coach Bill and ALL the coaches help me fix my form or show me something new during workouts. Those experiences are PRICELESS. I get a huge package in one: great music, great coaches, great workout buddies, and of course, a great workout. Oh, and my favorite food is protein bars. I savor those things…YUM.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

I can do BURPEES. I was shocked how bad I felt doing burpees when I first started. Then I had to do 10 burpees in a row in The Perfect Storm around week 5, and I actually DID THEM “efficiently,” in my opinion. I’m also surprised at the amount of attention we receive! Everyone is genuinely invested in seeing you succeed, and my confidence in this program keeps boosting every week. I’m also surprised that my body will let me wake up at 4:30 am in the morning to start my day and get cardio out of the way by 7am!

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

Mountain climbers, Bicycle crunches, Knee pull ins, Spinning and um… a small list of others. :-) I keep doing them though, hoping to get better and more resilient when going them. I have a hard time pushing myself at home sometimes, so I resort to classes for the most part. I’m determined to get better at that and increase the amount of time I spend on home workouts for long-term success.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

PHENOMENAL. I have coaches who have workout music playlists that I absolutely love! Music has a way of bringing people together. Just sayin’. Every NGPT workout buddy I’ve paired with have been a BEAST and a form of encouragement during workouts. The community is so inclusive - people get the help and support they need. I love cheering on with others when someone’s pushing though a workout! My NGPT community includes coworkers and friends I interact with outside of the facility, and that’s BIG. I’m always talking with someone who understands the experience, knows what I’m going through, or is pushing through a Bootcamp right along with me!
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The Bootcamp Diary: Meredith R.

Meredith is part of our current Bootcamp and is seeing great results! She is feeling better, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Plus, a little positive attention from her husband has been helping too!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

None of my clothes fit anymore! That’s a terrible feeling.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

Awesome, positive, empowering. I feel so much better physically but also mentally and emotionally. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years and absolutely loving it. I’d encourage anyone to do a bootcamp.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

This week I fit into a dress I haven’t worn in more than 5 years because it didn’t fit. That’s a win! Oh, and the increased positive attention I get from my husband isn’t bad either :))

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

The adjustment to getting up for 6am classes was easier than I anticipated. Overall it’s made me a happier and more productive human being.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

Cooking “normal” food for the kids and “meltdown” food for the adults. Also the lack of dairy and potatoes has been hard. I love milk, cheese, sour cream, you name it, as well as French fries and potato chips! Giving those up has been difficult but worth it.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

The Meltdown Nation is fantastic. Adam and his crew create a positive, encouraging environment for anyone at any level. They make it fun! I’ve loved working with my accountability coaches and all of the other team members.

The Bootcamp Diary: Carman C

This week we check in with Carman. Carman joined the current bootcamp with a friend so they could support each other. Hear her thoughts on what makes the NGPT Gym Family so unique.

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

I had been wanting to lose weight and get in shape for a while. It was like I had this nagging feeling inside me to change my life. My friend Natalie, who is also in this bootcamp, told me she was going to join so I joined too. It’s been great because we are able to support each other.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far

My bootcamp experience so far has been awesome!! All the trainers and coaches really care about you and your health/fitness level. Plus they’ve all been in the same situtations of being unfit, maybe not feeling the best about themselves. It nice that you can describe how you are feeling and they really can relate.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

My favorite part so far is seeing the changes in my fitness level with every class it take. I can do things/exercises that I couldn’t do two weeks ago. And meeting new friends who are like minded and supportive about my fitness goals.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

How fun it is!!! LOL Who thought working out could be a good time! The people who attend the classes are so encoraging and some of the best people I have had the pleasure of spending time with.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

I’ve always felt that even though I wasn’t in great shape,I was still a physically strong person. However, once I started doing the workouts I quickly realized that was not the case. I was in terrible shape for someone as young as I am. That was difficult to accept, but like I said earlier, I can feel myself getting stronger everyday and that’s what matters.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

I cannot say enough about how awesome, supportive, encouraging, non-jugdemental and caring the coaches, trainers and support staff has been. Them, along with the NGTP community, have kept me on track for the past 6 weeks of bootcamp.
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The Bootcamp Diary: Maria B

This week we check in with Maria. She’s now on her second Bootcamp and is really getting the hang of things as well as seeing some great results. She battled through her own doubts and worries and continues to come in, work hard, and we just love seeing her progress!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

This past May I went out to Seattle to visit my bother and sister-in-law. On the way back we had a different plane then before and the seat belt didn’t fit. It was embarrassing! I had been trying to lose weight but it was hard and to be honest I had no idea what I was doing. I was stuck. I was tired of being made fun of and hating myself for being this way. That plane trip back was the breaking point. I love to travel, but how can I travel if I can’t even buckle the seat belt. I was at the point where I didn’t care how much it cost… the value of my life was worth a lot more.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far

Bootcamp has been one crazy ride. This is my 2nd bootcamp and it is still is so challenging. I love all the information I am receiving on how to make new food and how to workout. I love going in there and seeing all the people that are going though the same thing I am and I know that I am not alone in this, as I have felt many times before.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

My favorite part is seeing all the little things that have changed in me and in the way that I am living. The physical change in me I never noticed till I saw my 8 week post bootcamp pictures. I couldn’t believe it. Just seeing how much more energy I have as well. I love seeing how far I have come in what I can do in the workouts too.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

The most surprising thing is that I am actually enjoying the workouts. I never thought that I would say that! I remember I did the free trial week and my first class was CCB with Sabra and I started to cry because I was scared and thought there was NO WAY I was going to make it through this. In my mind I expected to be at the same level as everyone else and there was no way that was going to happen. I just had to take it one day at a time and as the bootcamp went on I slowly started to see that no I am not at the same point as other people but I will get there because I could start to see a change from that first workout to that next one. I enjoy them because I enjoy seeing the change.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

The most challenging thing by far is trying to balance everything. I work full-time and I am in school full-time so trying to fit in workouts and prep time for food has been the hardest part by far. I just have to plan everyday out to a T or else It wont happen.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

The NGPT community and coaching team is AMAZING! I have always felt intimidated by gyms because they just seem to judge you and they aren’t always so friendly, so when I first started at NGPT I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was thinking it was going to be the same way. Boy was I wrong. Everyone is so friendly I remember the first time I slipped up and I had to email Lauren that night and tell her. I was so scared that she was going to be mad or disappointed in me, but she wasn’t at all. She understood and just said that “hey it happens, I get it” and talked to me about it and I felt a lot better.
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The Bootcamp Diary: Prianka R

Prianka has seen great success but not without a few challenges along the way. This edition of the Bootcamp Diary really provides some great tips… from when not to exercise on an empty stomach to preparing for the unexpected, Prianka provides a ton of great insight!

1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?

I did the Meltdown program about six months ago and had great success with that. This summer, I kept up the program and my husband expressed interest in trying bootcamp together. It started the same time as IU so it was a great way to start off the school year and get my health and wellbeing into check.

2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.

It started off great, lots of success, but it got overwhelming towards the end. I was out of town the last two weeks. While I kept my workout up, my food became crap which then affected my workouts and reporting. I think the secret is you have to be aware of how diet and exercise affect each other and balance that.

3. What’s been your favorite part so far?

My favorite part is getting to strength training minutes. It’s kind of scary at first because to me it seemed nearly impossible to lift things, but bootcamp works you up to that! Try Strength Matrix or Ring the Bell, they are the hardest classes to do, but you feel so accomplished after. Note to newbies: Don’t do this empty stomach.

4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?

I think for me the most surprising is the unseen results. You get told you will see results, and you think, “Yeah yeah, I’ll lose some weight” and my physique will change. But really, it’s a change in your lifestyle. I’m so much stronger than I ever imagined and I actually feel healthy.

5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?

When unexpected things come up. I had to fly to the west coast and had little notice and I did not prepare for it, that totally threw me off. I recommend coming up with a “unexpected situation” plan before starting bootcamp. You never know what’s going to happen and you should be prepared.

6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?

I’m always surprised by who I meet in the NGPT community. It’s great to have that support. I remember starting and only knowing one person. Now I know a lot of folks, and it’s kind of surprising to see them not wearing workout clothes. I saw Marcey the other day at a cafe and I had to do a double take because I was surprised she wasn’t in workout clothes. It’s kind of funny because they must think the same thing about me. The coaching is great. I really appreciate their support.