Testimonials from my clients
PAGE 1 | PAGE 2
I started "Boot Camps to Go" in early October weighing in at 325 pounds. Two months later, I am down to 300. My goal was to get down to under 300 by Christmas, which is now a reality, given almost two and a half weeks to go. While it wasn't easy it has been well worth it. I'm doing things I never dreamed I would ever be able to do at all or or ever again (lunges, pull ups, running, sprinting, crunches, squats, jumping rope, etc), especially after undergoing knee surgery due to a partially torn meniscus less then two years ago. And the amazing thing was how I started noticing a difference in things that one takes for granting in just two to three weeks. My energy level and stamina has increased. I can now slide in and out of restaurant booths without any trouble and have space between my abdomen and the
table. I can get off the couch without having to strain like before.
I no longer snore and don't have to use my C-Pap due to sleep apnea. I can tie my shoes without loosing my breath or feel like I'm going to blow a major artery in my head. I can kneel in church during Mass and have space between my abdomen and the pew. Walking through airports or up stairs with baggage is now a piece of cake, with me no longer being out of breath and having to rest. After about three weeks of boot camp I had to fly out of town for a business trip...the seatbelt fit!! I'm wearing clothes that I haven't worn in years due to getting so big and have also been able to wear new clothes that have been hanging in the closet in the hopes that one day I could fit in to them. Thanks to "Boot Camps to Go" I can now wear them. Most important is that my wife and kids have noticed the change and have commented on it and are proud of me, especially since I can DO fun things with them as opposed to just watching from the sidelines.Now I am getting ready to finish my second month of boot camp as my second "Hell Week" comes to a close. While I'm not the fastest, best conditioned or strongest person out there I have come a long way in a short period of time. I do realize that I have a long way to go (my goal is to get down to about 220 pounds), which I realize is now obtainable given my initial success and doing such in the right way... through proper exercise and nutrition, which is what "Boot Camps to Go" has provided. Laurel, Mike, Chris and Lisa, I can't thank you all enough and want you to know that you all have been a God-send and have truly saved my life.
For anyone who thinks they are too overweight or too out of shape to do "Boot Camps to Go" I say the only thing that is stopping you is you. Give it a try because the only thing you have to lose is weight and an unhealthy lifestyle. Although it sounds like a cliche it is true..If I was able to do it at 325 pounds, so can you!!!
Sal B, 42
In June of 2007 I applied for the opportunity to become an FBI Special Agent. I received an invitation to phase I testing in August and after a lot of studying and preparation I passed the exam. At the phase I test the FBI recruiter explained that those applicants who passed would not be considered for phase II until they could pass the FBI physical fitness test (PFT) through personal assessment. A lot of emphasis was put on this due to the fact that the majority of applicants due not pass phase II testing due to the PFT.
I was already familiar with the PFT requirements and had been hitting the gym and running on a regular bases. When I passed the phase I exam I felt that I needed to kick my training into high gear if I was going to have any chance of getting a phase II invitation. I had heard of boot camp style fitness classes through the local gym and decided to Google it to see what was available. I found Boot Camps To Go and from the description and the photos it seemed to be exactly what I was looking. I emailed Laurel to get more information and to explain my goals and she assured me that with hard work and dedication Boot Camps To Go would help me reach my goal of passing the PFT.
I have successfully completed two sessions and have lost a total of 25 pounds and 6% body fat. Boot Camps To Go has exceeded my expectations and has put me on the fast track to attaining a passing score on the FBI physical fitness test. Laurel, Mike and Chris do an outstanding job of making every workout challenging and interesting. Each workout is different and builds upon strength and endurance. The free clinics with nutritionist Lisa Trone have reinforced what I have found to be the most effective way to diet through portion control and good food choices. The best part of this journey has been to see that the changes that I am making in myself are also making a difference in my children. Watching my 2 and 5 year old sons trying to do push-ups, sit-ups and running has made this all truly worthwhile.
David, 34
I had been hitting the gym 2 or 3 times a week and running 3 times weekly for 6 months. Then I got into a rut and wasn’t seeing the results I was expecting (very frustrated). When I came across the BCTG web site it looked like what I needed to kick start my metabolism and reach the next level. After just 2 weeks into my first month I dropped a pant size and noticed major improvements in overall strength and endurance. Every session was different and fun which didn’t allow the muscles to get used to the routine. Most noticeably were my core muscles which had always been difficult to work in the gym, even with free weights. Laurel, Mike and Chris offer the perfect level of (polite) motivation to get you to the next level, what ever it is. I would recommend BCTG to anyone of any level of fitness.
Brian - 31
As a dancer I've consistently trained with an equal amount of emphasis on muscularity and artistic expression. While Laurel and Mike weren't spewing artistic metaphors and encouraging us to visualize the clouds floating us across the pavement as we sprinted, there was a wonderful amount of creativity in the crafting of each Boot Camp workout. The diversity of each workout kept me intrigued and was wonderfully balanced to target all muscle groups. Part of my interest in participating in Boot Camp was to equally train both sides of my body; often times in dance we more heavily develop one side of our body---it worked! Although Laurel and Mike quickly fell in sync with what I could handle, I felt independent enough in each workout to go as hard or far as I needed, regardless of anyone else's range in the group. On another note, the personal care, concern and attention to all their clients in and outside of the workouts beats service at any gym!! I consistently miss it and have to find a way, soon, to incorporate it back in to my life!
With respect,Lindsay
My son had been attending boot camp for about 5 months, when I decided that I would give it a try to help me get ready for my trip to Peru. I had been attending a spin class for about 4 years and had rejoined my karate class a year earlier. I thought I was in fairly good shape, but boot camp was definitely a challenge! Each session was different and I was surprised that I lost 7lbs. Little did I know that by attending boot camp, I would be able to have and achieve one of the greatest adventures of my life! I was able to climb Wayna (Huayna) Picchu, a 2667m high mountain with an altitude of 2720m above sea level that overlooks Machu Picchu 400m below.
Thanks Laurel, Mike and Chris!Carol S
"Boot Camps" cross-trained me through my first half-marathon, which I completed strong, without injury. Training is already underway for my first full marathon. Thanks for the push, encouragement, and support.
Jennifer W
I have been going to boot camp for about 3 months now and am completely impressed! I have lost weight and inches and have gained tons of energy along with physical and mental strength. I have accomplished things that I told myself I could never do. Laurel and Mike have been an excellent motivator for achieving my fitness goals and believing in me 100%. They offer an incredible workout, which is never duplicated. Working out at boot camp has become something that I greatly enjoy and look forward to. If you are sitting at home reading this testimonial online, I highly advise you to come see what boot camp is all about. I promise they will not let you down and you will be begging for more! My monthly boot camp expense has become my best investment by far. Cheers to my health and fitness!
Casey C
Laurel and Mike:
Just wanted to privately say thanks for providing the "hardcore" workout I've always needed. Not only do I see the results, even if only for a month, but I feel the results. I've weighed in 5 lbs less than a month ago. I can rake the yard now, effortlessly and the ultimate..... I can scrub my entire back in the shower! :>) It definitely shows that people don't need the fluff and fanciness of the pretty air conditioned gyms, just the right agenda with the right trainers. Again, thanks!
Yolanda
I’ve been coming to Boot Camps To Go for more than a year and a half now and I still love it. I’ve gotten stronger, more tone and a lot more healthy. The workouts are never boring—you never know what you are going to be doing—which keeps every workout fresh and interesting. I look forward to pushing myself and seeing the results. It’s the best fitness program I’ve tried. Thanks, Mike and Laurel!
-Fran Gilbert
I have just completed my 3rd month at Boot Camp and it has been an extremely rewarding experience. I am naturally an outdoor gal and have been going to the gym off and on for years but it bores me. Walking and riding my bike have been my routine but I needed to add strength training after my last doctors visit when they diagnosed osteopenia. So, I signed up and started to see results during the first month. I have more energy, my clothing is looser, lost some weight and gained self confidence that I can keep up at a decent pace with the group. Laurel and Mike keep variety in the program which keeps it interesting and the camaraderie of the group keeps you motivated. Try it, you just might like the results too!
-Joyce
As an athlete, I came into bootcamp all ready in good shape. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew that I wanted to challenge myself. Not only did each workout challenge me, they pushed my limits and drove me to a whole new level of fitness. The great thing about the workouts are that they can all be scaled to each person's personal fitness. It's as challenging as you make it. Originally I planned to do bootcamp to learn about different ways to challenge my body. I learned about interval training, kettlebell work and many other methods of punishment. In this learning process my body and mind changed as well. Coming out of bootcamp (for just one month), I am leaner, have better balance, posture, and I feel more mentally sharp. This training is no joke. I've completely changed my workout routine and will continue to use what I've learned from Laurel and Mike.
-Eric
I joined Boot Camps to Go 3 months ago. I am deaf, but Laurel and Mike show me what to do. Even thought Boot Camp it is hard, I am having lots of fun.
Every night is different. Everyone is patient with me and we all try to help each other. I love going to Boot Camp because I have lost 5 pounds.-Travis
///UPDATE///
It has been 2 months now since I first started working out at BCTG, Not only have I lost 14lbs in that time but I can really see and feel the difference in my body. Mike and Laurel can give me something I never had working out at the at the local gym chain for the past 2 years, personal attention and motivation. They know your goals, your strengths and weaknesses and really use that to help you attain the body you want. If you’re in great shape, they will make the workout challenging for you, if you’re in not-so-great shape they will modify the workout to your level, the end result is that no one gets left behind and everyone benefits. You really owe it to yourself to try it!
-Chris F.
The first couple of Bootcamp workouts for me were about survival. Just getting through this type of a total body workout. But, after a solid month of training with you all, I realize that I'm not JUST trying to survive it anymore, I'm pushing myself harder and harder each workout to get the most out of it. I don't feel like I've conquered it because you guys are always switching up the workouts. Its not like running or lifting weights where your body "learns" how to do it efficiently. I still feel the same exhaustion level as I did day one, but my recovery time is like 10 min now instead of 2 full days originally. That's the greatest part. I've just been put through this crazy intense workout, yet by the time I get home, I'm bouncing off the walls with energy. I can't even just sit and watch tv. I'm up stretching, doing push ups, or doing something around the house. I remember one day after a particularly grueling workout with you, I came home, couldn't sit still, jumped on the treadmill for 10 min at a fast pace just to burn off some of the excess energy. Is that crazy? That's the greatest feeling ever. My legs were exhausted, but I had to burn off that "high" otherwise I would have never fallen asleep that night.
After a full month, I'm down to 226lbs and motivated beyond belief. (-12.5lbs) I really look forward to pushing myself past my limits each and every workout. I never know what to expect when I show up, but I know that I'm going to try to push my own expectations with each workout. Eating right has been a big part of the weightloss, but even eating right has become easier because 1. over-eating and Bootcamp do not go well together, and 2. seeing results in strength, stamina, and weight loss make you want to eat better to see even more results.
So anyways, to both you and Mike, keep pushing us, keep raising the bar, keep coming up with crazy workouts. You all are doing great things. I never realized that this was going to be so much fun. I'm having a blast and can't wait to see what you all come up with for the next workout.
Thanks!-Edric
At age 22, I can remember struggling with my weight ever since I was a child. I have been on many diets, and joined a few local gyms, but always seemed like I was headed in the wrong direction, like I didn't have the proper guidance to reach my ultimate goal- Lose weight, be fit, and to have that strength and endurance everyone strives to have. My mom and I joined Boot Camps to Go with the attitude of " Why not, lets try it!!!" Little did we know how much it would help us in the long run.
In September of 06, two months into starting boot camp my life came to a screeching halt, I was hit head on by another driver leaving me with my right foot severed, left hip dislocated, collarbone broken and the tendons to my right hand lacerated. With the strength and endurance I had from doing BCTG the previous two months, helped me in so many ways during all my therapy and recovery as a whole. I was none weight baring on my right foot for six weeks leaving me to pull myself up with one leg, I learned how much upper and lower body strength I had from working out. Today, four months after my accident, I am doing everything normal again except running or jumping and so eager to start boot camp in a couple weeks. So everyone reading this get out there and sign up, you will have fun at every session and I promise, you wont be sorry!
-Jen
Although I have been working out for over a decade, I had fallen into a rut the last few years. I had joined Gold’s Gym but saw few (if any) results. I decided to try Boot Camps To Go after checking out their web site, and I am glad I did. In one month I lost 5lbs of fat and gained muscle all over. My endurance skyrocketed and I was never bored. If your looking to gain functional strength, lose body fat and make your body less injury prone them BCTG is definitely for you. Also don’t let the name fool you, this is not an ego driven class full of jocks, it is the most supportive, friendliest group you’ll ever find. Get ready for an INTENSE workout!
-Chris F.
Boot Camps To Go offers a creative alternative to going to a gym. No day is ever the same so you stay motivated to get in there and sculpt your body to your desires. The results are amazing and the class is fun. What better way is there to work out?
-Crystal G.
Boot camp is so much fun that it keeps me coming back. We work VERY hard and get so much out of it. In 4 months I’ve lost at least 20 pounds and have really firmed up all over. Laurel and Mike helped me reach my fitness goals after I thought I had reached a plateau. They pay attention while we work out making sure our form is correct and that we are getting the most out of every exercise. Each workout is different and it’s not the same old repetition I had experienced for years at ‘the gym.’
I recommend it to anyone – they offer not only the exercise education but opportunities to learn more about nutrition, portion size and so many other everyday things that affect your weight training goals.
-Pattie M.
As an advanced exerciser I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself. Boot Camps to Go is the perfect answer for anyone looking to shock their system with something different. Every session is unique. As someone who has been working out for 7 years, I never thought that I would find something that could be both challenging and fun. I have gained more strength and endurance from attending Boot Camps To Go. I have greater stamina, my running has improved and overall I feel stronger and more fit. Having worked out mainly by myself, I also enjoyed the camaraderie of working out with a group of people that were both motivating and inspiring. Whatever your fitness level, Laurel and Mike will take your workouts to a whole new level and you will definitely see the results!
-Jane K..
Boot Camps to Go was great. I had gotten into a slump with my running schedule. I was getting bored. Going to Boot Camp was fun and rewarding. Laurel and Mike were considerate and patient and knew when to push me to the next level. I left with muscles I never knew I had.
Boot Camp also helped me with tennis and running. When I played tennis, my reflexes improved as well as my endurance. I could get to balls more quickly and outplay my opponents. Since I have not gone to boot camp this summer, I started a training schedule for a 5K. After going to boot camp, I have been able to run faster and build up more miles. I have even dropped 1-2 minutes off my time!
Thanks for everything.
-Elizabeth.
Boot Camps to GO is hard work that makes me proud of what I've done at the end of the session. It's supervised and modified to meet my personal needs. Each time I attend I am accountable to myself and the fitness goals I've set. Boot Camps to Go is never the same twice - always inventive, interesting and challenging.
I enjoy the fact that I can whine, moan, and make excuses and Laurel and Mike listen to me and say [paraphrase], "That's nice... now GET MOVING." They are coaches, guiding with a firm, honest approach. I really feel as if my success is important to them. They are also mentors - sharing stories, diet tips and providing tools necessary for a lifetime of good health and fitness.
After only 3 months of attending Boot Camps to Go, I am significantly stronger, my flexibility has improved and I have more energy throughout the day. I'm also making better food choices. I have a long way yet to go, but I'm already more confidant and looking forward to the changes I'm going to see over the next 3 months.
-Dawn J.
I am having the time of my life and losing weight and inches too. I have been going to boot camp for a little over six weeks and I have lost 16 lbs, 1" from my waist, 1/2" from my hips & chest. This has been really exciting for me. Not only can I see results, but my family and friends can see them also. Laurel's boot camp has been the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time and there is no way that I could ever thank her or her brother Mike("The Drill Sergeant") enough.
Thanks guys,-Anna
When I joined the boot camp, I wasn't sure what to expect. Laurel measured me the first week mainly so I could see improvement on paper. My body fat was off the chart at 44% but after two months I'm back on the chart with a body fat measurement of 39.7. I have more energy than I've ever had in my life, and I see improvement in my ability to do the different exercises at each session. Best of all, the depression I've suffered for as long as I can remember is quickly becoming nothing more than a distant memory. My husband has noticed the loss of inches and my overall improved attitude. What have you got to lose but inches?
-Denise- 55 years old
"I've tried personal trainers and diets... Nothing has shown results for me like Bootcamps to Go has. After about a month, my stomach is getting flatter, pants looser, and I have doubled the amount of pushups and situps I can do! I was never highly motivated to work out. With Laurel as my trainer, I try to never miss a session. Not only do I respect Laurel as a trainer, but she is also very friendly and easy to get along with. It's easier to get up and go when you can actually see results, and you know you have a new friend to work out with when you get there!"
-Jeni
"After spending two years at the gym, I was not satisfied with my results. I finally hired Laurel for personal training and now I have been able to achieve the results I've desired. Not bad for a 62 year old!"
-Shirley
"Laurel was responsible for my training on two major mountaineering expeditions. She can transform a 'couch potato' into a 'terminator' using the most effective and up to date methods out there. My own personal strength and endurance have increased dramatically since training with Laurel. Thanks. I'm ready for the torture to continue..."
-Micheal Douso M.D.
"When I met Laurel, I was very self conscious about my weight. She urged me to start working out with her. Through her persistence and kindness I was able to drop 34 pounds. My self esteem has increased. Laurel has a knack for reading people and knowing what they need to do and hear. She guided me every step of the way to make sure I stayed focused. She makes our workouts fun and mixes things up so I do not get bored. Her love of working out pours into her training and I actually look forward to our workouts."
-Karol
"Laurel worked with my son, Garrett to help him become physically fit. He had always been reluctant to work on his fitness until he started working with Laurel. She took a genuine interest in him and made the workouts interesting and fun. While working with her, both his self-esteem and physical fitness improved. Although Garrett is only 11 years old, I would recommend Laurel to work with any age level. She is patient and considerate of any person regardless of what their present level of fitness is."
-Marie
"I have really enjoyed having Laurel as my personal trainer. She has made my body stronger and more fit and also helped me to feel better about how my body looks. I always leave a session with her feeling great ( and tired!) and knowing she has pushed me to do my best. She has also been great about answering any questions about nutrition and other workouts I could be doing. I know I can count on her to help me get this 39 year old body in the best shape it can be!"
-Beth
"Laurel has taken my 'approaching 40 body' and helped transformed it into "I'm confident enough to wear a bikini in Las Vegas-body". She listens to what you want to achieve and then works together with you and your wants and goals!! She mixes up your work-out so it's new and different every week! I like (but will rarely admit) she works a lot with exercising and balancing so you're working multiple systems at one time!!! I call her every time I have a vacation coming up!! She's great!!!"
-Christine
PAGE 1 | PAGE 2
