Boot Camp Challenge

Hey my friends, I hope your day is awesome!

Today I am inviting you to my kitchen table for some kitchen table talk. Real talk.

You may or may not be aware, but I am going to be the Mother of the Bride (MOB). Yep, my daughter, Victoria is getting married in just three weeks.

Not even gonna lie, it has definitely been quite the journey. Planning a wedding is no joke. And, throughout this journey, I have had the blessing of watching my daughter navigate with such sensibility, a peaceful spirit and a love for God.

So, I asked her to join us this week on our podcast and share the hi's and low's of planning a wedding AND staying on track with her fitness.

And, here is what she shared:

• Her top secret diet plan to prepare for the wedding day (and I share mine also cuz, MOB).

• The greatest emotional stressor for both Tors and myself, and how we dealt with it.

• Tors number one strategy for staying on her fitness plan and the added benefits she didn't expect.

I know I say it every week, but I am so thankful for YOU.

I so appreciate you taking time to listen to our podcasts and share your thoughts, ideas and comments.

I am truly thankful for you. I'm beyond blessed you are part of our BCC fitfam.

Much love, xoxo

"You only get one life. Make the best of it." - Kristina Koob, Boot Camp Challenge® Camper

Food IS medicine. It CAN heal. Kristina is living proof of it.

In my latest podcast, Kristina sits down with me and shares how suddenly last year she just wasn't feeling well. Always going to the bathroom. Always thirsty. Just feeling "off," she says, and she thought to herself... well, maybe it's menopause. She went to the doctor and got the news she most dreaded: She had Type 2 diabetes, the same disease she watched take the life of her 70-year old aunt.

We hear about diabetes all the time, but what exactly is it?

Well, first of all, you could be one of the MILLIONS in line to get it right now and not even know it.

Diabetes is a life-long disease that affects the way your body handles glucose, a kind of sugar, in your blood. Most people with the condition have type 2. There are about 27 million people in the U.S. with it. Another 86 million have prediabetes: their blood glucose is not normal, but not high enough to be diabetes yet.

If you've ever struggled with picking out foods for weight loss or just to make healthier choices, imagine if your life depended on it. Kristina spent hours and hours in grocery store aisles, dissecting and investigating food labels and discovered first hand just how deceiving packaging can be-- what you think is healthy is not necessarily healthy at all. Then, imagine also having to give yourself an insulin shot. Every. Single. Day. For Kristina, that was no way to live.

"I still want to be golfing when I'm 80."

So, she made a choice. And, this is what surprised me the most. She was going to go into full-on battle with this disease armed with... FOOD & EXERCISE.

The information she shares about how simply jumping around her house or eating an apple can change her blood sugar levels is astonishing when you think about it. What if we all had a way to actually SEE the physiological effects of the food we are putting inside our bodies IMMEDIATELY? It would change our whole paradigm. If your body could just ring an alarm that would scream, "THIS is what you're doing to me when you do this or when you DON'T move your body!" This realization would kick in FAST: You have ONE BODY. Nourish it. Feed it well. Honor it. Kristina listened to her body. And, guess what!? Kristina is NO LONGER on insulin.

If you have time, please take a listen to Kristina's story. We asked that she share it in hopes that it would maybe help you or someone you love. If you have time to listen, I truly believe it will not just motivate you to go look inside your pantry right now, but EMPOWER you to make the right food choices.

As always, thank you much for spending some time with me today.

Much love, xoxo

I am inviting you to grab a coffee, tea or wine and take a seat cuz I got a story for you!

My guest on this week's podcast is a coach of a university cheerleading squad, winner of four national championships, top sales rep within her company, a wife, mother, and a fitness professional.

And, she has a child with severe special needs.

I would like you to meet my friend Carrie. Carrie and I met close to twenty years ago while teaching "aerobics". Between us, we have six kids, two husbands (the originals), fifty plus years in the fitness industry and forty plus years of running businesses.

We try to meet monthly for lunch, wine and conversation. And, when we meet, we talk about everything from college kids, to special needs kids. Marriages and how hard they are to keep going. Being a control freak and giving up control. And, everything in between.

When you listen to Carrie, you can't help be in awe of her joyful heart, her truth bombs (we both cry a little on here) and her servant's heart for others.

So, I invited her to share her thoughts, stories and nuggets of wisdom with us. And, as always, she gets right to the guts of whatever the topic. Here are just few:

• The most important lesson she has learned raising a special needs son.
• The benefits of giving up control when you are a control freak.
• Her number one strategy to stay organized living a crazy filled life.
• Sticking with it when she wanted to quit because… legacy.
• How she is able to "do it all" but not really.
• The number one life lesson she hopes her college kids take away from her.

Carrie, I love you so much. I love your energy, your tenacity, your persistence and your passion. Most of all, I love you for your transparency and sharing your story with all of us. You are an inspiration!

Much love, xoxo

I would like to introduce you to Mary Margaret! (Her real name is Margaret Bridgett but EVERYONE gets a nickname).

I met Mary Margaret over two years ago when she signed up for her first Boot Camp Challenge®. She was the first to arrive on the first day of camp. 5:10am, I believe (we start at 5:30am). She is so tiny, maybe 5ft tall. She has a huge smile and tons of energy.

She shared she had just started weight watchers and was ready to add exercise to her life. She said she had never exercised before, wasn't sure if she could do it, but wanted to give it a go. She was so brave.

During her first year, Mary Margaret took all the exercise options. And, she walked. She told me she couldn't run, but it was her goal. As the months passed, Mary started running. She also lost 30 pounds.

And then, she had a heart attack.

Yep, I said heart attack.

Mary Margaret was visiting with her daughter when the symptoms starting presenting themselves. And, she did what most of us would likely do: immediately went into denial. She thought it wasn't possible to be having a heart attack because she is young (56), working out for the first time in her life, and down in her weight!

But she WAS having a heart attack. And, in our latest podcast, Mary Margaret shares her whole story. In it, she tells us:

- The very first symptom she had, and why she thought it wasn't a heart attack.

- The one sign very common in women that most don't know about.

- What the doctor said saved her life (and she keeps doing to this day).

- The first question her cardiologist asks at every check-up.

Mary Margaret, thank you for being brave yet again and sharing your story. I know many of us are now armed with the knowledge to protect our hearts and the wisdom to know when to dial 911. xoxo

And to all of you who are listening to our podcast - thank you. I feel honored you are listening. I appreciate your time. I totally understand how important it is, and I will always try my best to provide you with the greatest information and content on the planet.

I am truly thankful for you. I'm beyond blessed you are a part our BCC fitfam.

Much love, xoxo

Hi my friends!

I want to first thank you for taking the time to listen to this weeks' podcast. Not only will you find inspiration and courage, you will hear some hard truths and harsh realities.

On this episode, I invited a very special guest. Her name is Jenn Messer, and she is one of the most inspirational and motivating trainers I have ever had the privilege with which to work. She launches BCC in the Christianburg, Virginia area as well as trains clients personally, and advocates for healthy hearts through the American Heart Association.

She also lost her brother, Jimbo, who was also a BCC trainer and part of our fitfam, over a year ago at the age of 40. He was an amazing man, loving father and awesome husband, brother and trainer. Jimbo left us way too soon.

When Jenn received the call that Jimbo had suffered heart failure on his run, in shock, she bolted to the hospital. What she learned from the doctors that could possibly be the cause for his death, well, it shocked her. And when she shared the story with me, I, too, was heartbroken.

I asked Jenn if she would be open to share their story with you. She said yes.

Jenn, your courage, strength and faithfulness to educate all of us on the perils of supplements leaves me in awe. Thank you for sharing your story, Jimbos story and for being an inspiration to all of us.

And to you, our listeners, thank you SO much for taking the time to listen to my podcast. I do know how valuable your time is and feel blessed you are giving me a bit.

Much love, xoxo

A few weeks back I had the most awesome afternoon with my friend Stacy Cody. She is our team/trainer manager for Boot Camp Challenge®.

And, she is a professional fashionista. Like forreals. She has been dressing peeps for over three decades. Some famous and then some ordinary folks like myself. And when she styles people, she is able to make them look more thin, more tall, more short, more round, more whatever you want. And, she is genius.

So I asked if she would share her secrets, tips and tricks around fashion and dressing for our body type, and she said yes! Because, fitness and fashion go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Or gin and tonic. Or milk and cookies. :)

So, grab your Prosecco (my fav champs), have a cuddle on your couch and take a listen to our latest podcast. I think you are gonna LOVE this chat! :)

Here are a few things Stacy shares:

- Her top THREE fashion tips that make all women look FABULOUS!

- How the size of your purse can make you look thin!

- How to pick YOUR basic color that you must always keep in your closet.

- What I have in common with a triangle and Marilyn Monroe.

- The NUMBER ONE thing women do wrong when picking out their outfit.

Thank you SO much for taking the time to listen to my podcast. I do know how valuable your time is and feel blessed you are giving me a bit.

And, I love your opinions and comments. Please keep sharing with me you what like and what you don't. And, I will continue making you podcasts with the greatest content on the planet :)

Much love, xoxo

Smiles, Me

Friend! How is January treating you? Here in the Lou, it is giving us the cold shoulder. And, by cold, I mean FREEZING!

But we are finally back at camp again and that makes me happy. I feel so much more myself when I am working with you. YOU never fail to inspire me (awwww, cue the sappy music :))

Over holiday break, I had the most amazing conversation with Angelo Bezzole. Angelo is married to our BCC trainer, Sammie Bezzole. And, I have known him for ten years. And, this is what I didn't know- he held the title of Mr. Universe for middle weight class - OMG!

When I learned of his experiences, shows and competitions, I was intrigued to hear about his strategies for becoming a world class athlete, the obstacles he faced when pursuing his dreams, and how he managed the discipline to maintain his level of fitness.

Then I asked him if he would share them with you. And, he said yes!

So, grab your coffee or wine and pull up a seat (or jump on your treadmill and take a walk. He will definitely inspire you to move!) and push-play on our latest podcast.

Here are a few things Angelo shares:

- What he chose to do over playing college football.

- Why being an athlete is the most selfish decision- and why you have to do it.

- Why 8 out of 10 people will fail to reach their goals.

- The ONE thing you need to find success - and it is NOT what you think!

One more thing- thank you. Thank you for listening to my podcast. Every time I put one out, I feel super blessed you take a listen.

And, I love your opinions and comments. Please keep sharing with me you what like and what you don't. And, I will continue making you podcasts that you want to hear!

Much love, xoxo

Smiles, Me

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2018. And, here in the Midwest it is a very cold start (it was -6 this morn!)

Did you enjoy your New Year celebrations? Mine were awesome. Spent time with family, friends and had so much fun. My heart is so full :)

And, so is my belly. O.M.G. I am seriously excited about eating clean and getting back to my normal routine. Are you like that? Love the holidays but grateful to get back to your schedule?

And, by getting back to IT OR starting IT is what I chat about in this podcast. And, by IT, I am referring to working out.

I know some of you get quite frustrated when trying to start a program or restart your fitness regime. And, I totally get you. You are not sure what to do. Or how to do it. Or, when to do it. Or even how often to do it!

So, in my latest podcast I break it all down for you. I cover:

- The best workout program for YOU.

- How often you should workout to get the best results.

- The number one cause of injury in new exercisers.

- The number one strategy to get me off my couch.

If you have been contemplating a workout program but have been procrastinating because you just don't know how, OR you have a fear of working out, I hope you can take a listen.

I really feel these strategies will help you move forward and find success.

Now, grab a coffee or wine and push play on my latest episode of our BCC podcast.

Oh, and one more thing- thank you. I feel honored you are listening. I appreciate your time. I totally understand how important it is, and I will always try my best to provide you with the greatest information and content on the planet.

I am truly thankful for you. I'm beyond blessed you are a part our BCC fitfam.

Much love, xoxo

Smiles, Me

I am SO FREAKIN EXCITED!

I seriously LOVE this time of year. I love the chaos, the traditions, the parties, the meaning, and just the whole season. (I mean, seriously, look at my house! :)

BUT, and this is a big BUT, I do struggle with staying on track with my fitness and wellness during this time. I find myself trying to skip workouts, passing on my quiet time, and putting everything before ME.

Here is the problem with putting me last. I become susceptible to sickness (and, the flu just flew through here last week. I used my jedi mind tricks to avoid it. I'm awesome). I also become cranky cuz I am tired and have not worked out. I, literally, suck the joy out of my own season!

SO, in order to combat these pitfalls, I have put some strategies in place. Cuz, you know, I am a strategy girl :).

And, I share them with you in my latest podcast. And, here are a few other things I share:

- A strategy my grammy told me to help me sleep. And, it's gross.

- What I HAVE to do to fall asleep.

- How to drink during the holidays (always your favorite).

- My one regret from this past week.

I kept this podcast on the shorter side cuz I know how crazy busy you are. And, I know I say this all the time, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart; thank you, thank you, thank you, for giving me your time. I totally understand how important it is, and I will always try my best to provide you with the greatest information and content on the planet.

I am truly thankful for you.

Have I most wonderful Christmas and holiday season and I will "see" you next year.

Much love, xoxo

Smiles, Me

I hope you are having a most awesome Tuesday!

I want to share with you my newest podcast. This one is on stretching. DON'T CLICK OUT OF THIS! I know you are thinking you don't NEED to stretch. You don't WANT to stretch. You are NOT going to stretch. I know exactly what you are thinking cuz you have been telling me this for over thirty years!

But before you click out, give me 10 seconds to tell you why you should listen to this podcast.

I invited Sammie Bezzole (that right there is why you should listen cuz she is amazeballs) to talk about how she had to go from competitive dancer, fitness professional, and runner to attending aqua classes with the senior population (she was 22).

She also shares how she was able to wrap her head around doing yoga instead of running. I asked her how she was able to change her mindset, and her answer shocked me.

We get into a detailed discussion about acupuncture (we have both had it done), how stretching is no longer optional for either of us, and how there is only one person with whom you should compete (hint: it is NOT your spouse).

Lastly, Sammie shares how stretching is not only healing to the body but sanity for the mind.

Now, seriously, doesn't this sound like something you want to listen to while you are running or doing laundry or stretching? :)

Now, go grab some eye pillows (just kidding, you totes have to pay attention!) and join me for this stretching episode of our BCC podcast.

Oh, and one more thing; I never want to forget to say thank you. I feel honored you are listening. I appreciate your time. I totally understand how important it is, and I will always try my best to provide you with the greatest information and content on the planet.

I am truly thankful for you. I'm beyond blessed you are a part our BCC fitfam.

Much love, xoxo Me