Brandie just completed her very first Meltdown Bootcamp today! She saw some phenomenal results and a huge drop in her body fat percentage in just 8 weeks. Read on to hear about her fears, doubts and how she has continued to conquer them all. At the same time she tells us all about gaining strength and a brand-new family at NGPT.
1. What motivated you to start bootcamp?
I was at a point where my excess weight was incredibly uncomfortable and when I looked in the mirror I didn’t think I looked like “me”. I have always struggled with my weight, but I had gotten to a point where I was tired a lot, and I was so out of shape that I could not walk from the parking lot to my office without getting winded. I really wanted to be healthier, but other things I had tried had not worked out for more than a few weeks. After talking to another client about their success, I decided that I could see what it was all about. My goal in the beginning was to simply try to stick to the program for the entire 8 weeks. What was cool is that my son was looking over my shoulder when I was investigating it - and he joined in with me!
2. Describe your bootcamp experience so far.
It has really changed my life! In the beginning I was very nervous. I had failed at other programs and was not sure what I could accomplish. From day one, the instructors worked with me (I have some previous injuries and they taught me how to modify until I was stronger) and helped me build on my own successes. During week 3 or 4, I was so excited - I remember coming home & shouting to my family, “I was able to do an entire set of plank and holds!” The coaches continue to encourage me to attempt a little more. I have taken it one day at a time and I always feel better after a workout.
3. What’s been your favorite part so far?
I love the variety of classes!! I get bored pretty easily and it hasn’t happened at all at NGPT - and the instructors are AWESOME! Achieving those 100% weeks… I can tell you that I have never been an athletic person who enjoys working out - but when I got those weekly results and I got 100% on the diet and the exercise - that felt FANTASTIC! It has shown me that this is not out of reach, and that I am making progress.
4. What has been the most surprising part of bootcamp?
That I am actually enjoying it & don’t want it to end! I have a very busy family and in the beginning, I was not quite sure how we were going to fit all of this into our schedules - but now, it has become part of our routine. The last two weeks, when we had a LOT of minutes to get in, was extremely challenging and there were days that I was beat. I just kept going and now I am really looking forward to my final weigh in!
I also love the little things that I started to notice - I haven’t had mood swings & I have more energy at work, I no longer get winded walking uphill to my office. I was able to go to a tree-top obstacle/zip lining course!! At home, we have a large cast iron Dutch Oven & lid that we store inside our oven when we aren’t using it - about halfway through bootcamp, I grabbed it one handed and put it on the top of the stove and it felt really light. That was pretty cool. (*I* have muscles in my arms!!!!)
5. What has been the most challenging part of bootcamp?
In week one, it was the meal timing (remembering to eat) and not being able to do a lot of the exercises. Recovery was also difficult at first for me, but I have learned how to take care of myself and rest, too! I had more trouble remembering to take my vitamins than I did getting up for 6 AM classes.
Don’t get me wrong - this has been a lot of work. But the workouts are also challenging in a different way. I am learning how to quiet self-doubts, I keep trying new things and I try to squelch my own fears, because I am really doing it!
6. How has your interaction been with your coaching team and the NGPT community?
I actually get a little emotional on this one… The coaches - every one of them, not just mine - are phenomenal. They are invested and genuinely want you to succeed. Everyone is so encouraging. I have to be honest, I was petrified. I still get a little scared when I try something new but I have always felt supported. I am impressed that NGPT *IS* a community, other clients have come up to give me a high five or tell each other what a great job they are doing! I have tried a lot of different things at a lot of different places - and the familial atmosphere they have at NGPT is beyond my expectations. I could not have come this far without them and I am so grateful!
