Boot camp trainer becomes the client

Have you seen the Hair Club For Men commercials where the spokesman says “I’m not just the president, I’m a client”. Well, 8 weeks ago my husband and I were planning a whole new boot camp experience, called BCx. As we began to map out the program, I decided I wanted to experience boot camp as a client and not a trainer.

After a busy season, although my workouts still existed, I lost my drive and focus. Like many people, I was just going through the motions. Then my mom and dad both decided to do the program so I convinced my best friend, and workout partner, to join us. The decision was made! I was about to commit to 8 weeks of boot camp.

I have to admit I was a little nervous. Although I live a pretty public life, I am private about some things. I’m also not the most coordinated person in the world so I’ve never been one to take group exercise classes. Putting pride and fear aside, I did it anyway – and what a great experience!

Over the last 6 weeks I’ve been able to experience the benefits of the boot camp firsthand. Although everyone does boot camp for a different reason, it has a certain value to each individual. Some do it for social reasons, others do it for fast results, many do it for accountability and a few just like the challenge.

While driving to boot camp one morning, I thought to myself, “what would I do without boot camp?” Since I am in the 6:30am class, I can tell you very quickly what I’d be doing – sleeping! I don’t like waking up before 7:00am - and now I’m waking up at 4:30-5:30 every morning and loving it.

Another benefit I’ve discovered is balance. If it were up to me, I would just lift weights. Although I do run, I hate cardio and hate yoga even more. Since the current program incorporates several different types of training, it has forced me to do things I would never do on my own. It’s only natural to avoid things you aren’t good at and focus on your strong areas, but this leads to a very imbalanced body. Being a part of a program like this has taken me out of my comfort zone - and although I don’t like yoga, I know my body needs it desperately.

In addition, it’s helped me make time for myself. I tend to put work and tasks ahead of my training, eating, and pretty much anything else. Boot camp has helped me manage my time and prioritize. If it weren’t for the set times I signed up for, I would have procrastinated the day away, squeezing in workouts at the last minute Now, I get my workouts out of the way, rest better, have more energy, and am enjoying the fast results – not to mention the time with the members.

As a fitness professional, it’ easy for people to think I just love working out and dieting, but that’s not the case. Working out is always a chore for me. Dieting is a lifestyle, but I’ll always prefer a burger and fries. I’m doing boot camp because I know I need it, just like anyone else – and I’m hooked.

Being told what to eat isn't the answer to weight loss

Most people are overwhelmed when it comes to dieting. So much so, many would just prefer to be told what to do. That’s why diets are so tempting. Regimented diets tell you what to eat so you don’t have to think.

I refer to this type of step-by-step diet program as the “ABC Diet”. This is when a diet program gives you a list of things you can and cannot eat. At first, this seems like the logical plan, but eventually the limited selection gets old.

Let use my favorite analogy - money. Let’s say I gave you $500 for a shopping spree for clothes and I told you exactly what to buy in order to stay within your budget. That sounds perfect until you realize I’m sending you to the local discount clothing mart.

Although you are not too excited about shopping for your new wardrobe at the savings mart, you go anyway. The styles on the list aren’t your favorite, but you suck it up and stick to the plan.

The problem arises when one day you find yourself in a nice mall looking at all the beautiful clothes that aren’t on your list. Suddenly you feel deprived so you decide to splurge. After buying the greatest outfit, you realize how unsatisfied you are with your discount clothes. You decide the strict shopping rules aren’t for you.

Do you see the parallel? This is why ABC Diets don’t always work. The emphasis is often on what you can and cannot eat instead of the actual budget, when the budget is what makes any ABC Diet Plan successful.

Let’s go back to the analogy. What if I didn’t give you a list of things to buy but just gave you a budget. You could shop anywhere you wanted and buy all the styles you liked – I even bet you’d get some great deals too! This is exactly how you should look at dieting.

Start with using the same caloric budget as most ABC Diet Plans - 1200 calories for women and 1500 calories for men. Next, find foods that fit your budget. Just like you compare prices, you need to compare calories. Lastly, shop for quality foods. The same way quality fabrics last longer, quality foods keep you fueled longer – which means one very satisfied dieter.

Dieting, like shopping on a budget, takes a little work. However, with a little education and research you can find delicious foods that meet your caloric budget and satisfy your taste buds.

Steve had a great interview with just finished steve's interview w/ the ABC affiliate for the bridal bootcamp premiere on VH1.

loves waking up to a cup o' joe & a morning run with my Steve! What a great way to wake up!!!!

loves productive weekends! Clean closets, clean cabinets, clean email inbox....oh my! Now gotta get ready for the Premiere June 9! Yahoo!

Is going to Bedazzled's memorial day sale! Yahooo!

BCx -Check, Run -Check, Grocery Shop -Check, Clean Fridge -Check, Do Laundry -Check, Sweep/Mop -Check, Relax...starting on that NOW!!!!!!!!!