Start weight: 192
Current weight: 150
Total loss:
32 pounds
Total inches: Over 40!
Starting dress size: 18/20
Current dress size: 6/8
I have been using Billy’s boot camp since February 1, 2005. Prior to receiving my boot camp DVDs, I was doing the original Tae Bo workouts for about 2 months following the birth of my second child. The results I have had are remarkable. And I don’t just mean the physical changes, which are wonderful, but also the changes I have had mentally and emotionally. An added bonus has been the support, motivation and friendships I have made through the Billy Blanks Club!
For most of my life, I have struggled with weight. I have tried all kinds of diets and exercise routines. I have been anorexic and I have been obese. I could always lose the weight, but once I did, I would return to old habits and the weight would come back. Shortly after graduating from law school, which I attended in New Orleans and put on some weight living there, I saw the original infomercials for Tae Bo. I was so inspired and motivated by what I saw, and purchased the original 4 videos. I couldn’t believe how much fun I was having working out and how great I felt. I was getting in shape, I felt strong, powerful, self-confident.
I lived in Alaska at the time and had been doing Tae Bo for about 5 months. It helped with the stress of a grinding profession, and helped me have the cardiovascular strength to hike the many mountains in South Central Alaska. Despite all the other exercise programs I had tried, Tae Bo was the one that made me feel great from the inside out. In just 5 months, I was already getting into the best shape of my life. I was hooked.
Then, in an unlikely turn of events, I found myself lost in the wilderness up there for 12 days. I am positive that my 5 months of Tae Bo helped me have the physical ability to survive, as well as the emotional stability to stay positive and steadfast. In addition, Tae Bo gave me strength of self that gave me the confidence that I could survive. That is not the only reason I survived, but I know it played a huge role. Unfortunately, 12 days of bush-whacking, mountain climbing and no food took its toll on my body physically. I was in no shape to do Tae Bo for quite a while after that experience.
It took me about 4 ½ years to get back on track and motivated to pick up my old Tae Bo videos. I was at my heaviest and wearing a size 18 (sometimes a 20). Shortly after that, I found out I was pregnant with my second baby and had to give up my Tae Bo. However, I kept active during the pregnancy, and knew I would return to Tae Bo once the baby arrived. And I did. I did Tae Bo for about 2 months, and then wanted more. So I went online, and found Billy’s Boot Camp. Without a second thought, I pulled out my credit card and purchased all the Boot Camp DVDs.
They arrived on January 31, 2005. From the minute I started Basic Training, an amazing thing happened. I felt fit. I felt great. I felt I could do anything. I logged onto the Club and found the February challenge. For the first time in my life, I pushed myself to do push ups. I could only manage about 10 at a time from my knees, but Billy’s motivation kept me pushing myself. By the end of March, I could do 200 push ups from my toes! I couldn’t believe it.
It has been 5 months since I started boot camp. I am now wearing a size 10, which is showing signs of becoming too big. I bought a 2 piece bathing suit for the summer, which is the first time since I cannot remember when that I am comfortable in a bathing suit. I had a goal that I would fit into a good pair of Levis and a certain linen dress by this summer. I have met those goals! The combination of the Billy Bands and the push ups has given my shoulders and arms definition like never before. My back side has never been so firm and lifted. It is wonderful watching the results happen right before my eyes!
But that is only the physical changes I have experienced. The reason I stick with Tae Bo and Billy’s Boot Camp is how it has changed me on the inside. I have more confidence than ever. I am more focused in my life, I have goals I am working toward; I have a genuine love for myself. I could never stop these workouts because the feeling I have when I am finished cannot be matched by anything: No food, no drink, no drug. It is an amazing feeling. My greatest hope is to share it with as many people as I can. I have already “recruited” about a dozen people, and I am not finished!
And then, the biggest blessing that has come from Billy’s Boot Camp is one I would never have expected. It is the family and friendships I have forged through The Billy Blanks Club. The support, motivation and inspiration that lives on the boards is just amazing. The ability to hear from Billy, Shellie, Sara and all the Tae Bo instructors who participate is incredible. It is a special place, a second home. It has definitely kept me motivated to always strive to do my best and be the best I can be at any given moment.
So that is my story. I am still a work in progress, but I know this is a lifelong change. I truly believe that anyone, no matter where they are today, can achieve fantastic, life-changing results through Billy’s Boot Camp and Tae Bo. All they have to do is give it a try, just once.
Billy is incredibly inspirational, but there is one saying from Boot Camp I take to heart and carry with me every day: “Where I am today, is where my mind put me. Where I’ll be tomorrow, is where my mind puts me.”
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