So I finally got to the point where I was tired of thinking about exercising and getting healthier and more in shape and actually ‘doing’ something about it. I had seen an ad post on facebook for a program that was offering to help you lose 20 pounds in 42 days aka 6 weeks for FREE. The Camp Transformation Center isn’t new, but they were opening up a location NEW to the high desert. I thought this was too good to be true, so I had to check it out.
I went to one of their open houses / orientations. I kept running every reason through my head of why this wouldn’t work. Not because I couldn’t do it, but all of the things my life throws at me that would make it hard and an actual commitment to get there and do what was needed to succeed. I thought about my ‘day’ job working a 4 10 hour day work week which normally meant working overtime plus with drive time more like a 12 to 14 hour work days.
As I contemplated everything that would keep me from doing this, I asked myself … if you want this, just do it. So without figuring out all the details I signed up. It is FREE, but you pay for it up front and then upon successful completion of the program aka losing 20 pounds, you get your money back. What a better motivator and great marketing plan.
The first week wasn’t has hard as I thought it was going to be. Don’t get me wrong, every inch of my body hurt and squatting to go to the bathroom was the worse, but actually going and making it work into my schedule wasn’t a problem. The eating / meal plan wasn’t an issue either. Other than fish, I liked everything on the list. So following the damn instructions #FTDI wasn’t an issue. I’m not a big fan of all the protein shakes and other supplements, not even when I was pregnant was I able to stomach the special vitamins you are suppose to take. But I purchased what was required and used them until I ran out and opt not to get more. But I had a friend who was selling supplements (Plexus) and I figured I give them a try! They worked so much better than what the camp supplied, but I kept it a secret that I was using the new supplements.
They also have a secret group on facebook to use for past and current challengers to give and get support, which is fabulous and positive. No whining allowed! Plus the staff all have facebook pages for you to connect with them for additional support and encouragement! Each week I was losing weight but it wasn’t until the 4th week that I really started noticing it in my clothes when I would get dressed. Then I pulled out some outfits shoved in the back of my closet that I hadn’t worn in over two years and they fit! Now that was a good day! What a great feeling. One week I had only lost 1 pound and I was somewhat shocked, but I had been sick and didn’t go workout for 3 days. The program talks about when you hit a plateau and that is when one of the trainers explained Carb Cycling to me, and I was all over it and the next week I lost 8 pounds!
I had somewhat made up my mind in the beginning that I would do this once to kick start myself to lose weight , eat better and workout. But that I would not resign up. I just wanted my money back. Then that last weekend prior to our final weigh in, I started thinking more about what was I really going to do to keep the weight off and continue the process. I’m not one to workout and stay motivated unless I have a HUGE goal (i.e., big event, wedding, MONEY, etc. ) that I’m going to be in or go to or get. I’ve done the roller coaster of joining gyms, programs, personal trainers to always get to where I wanted to be for a reason other than just for me! I have also always had a workout buddy. A girlfriend who kept me accountable. Now that I am back in Southern California my workout buddy is gone and I have no huge event to work towards…what was I going to do? So I started to think maybe I should just do a second challenge. Of course I started to also think about all the things in my life that were going to make it hard for me to succeed again. But I was thinking about how much I do enjoy going, the connections I have made with others in the program and how I just love all the staff. Let’s not forget the program works!
I had weighed myself over the final weekend and was right on target so wasn’t really worried. I was at 20 give or take 1 pound but kind of got complacent that I would make the cut. On the final weigh in day I went in prior to going to work so was at The Camp at 4 am, trying to not let my nerves get to me I was staying positive that I had lost the whole 20 pounds. Much to my surprise I had NOT! But was close. I was shocked and wanted to cry. But as true inspirational people Jeff and Michelle are, they immediately were where are your workout clothes, get on the elliptical and work it off, we joked if I needed to pee or taking off some clothes too! But, I didn’t come prepared; for one I didn’t know it was an option and two really never thought I hadn’t lost the whole 20. So to make a long story even longer, after doing an hour and 10 miles and not having any thing else in me … I officially was weighing in (and yes I stripped down to my bra and panties) but freaking made weight and lost 20.2 pounds! I immediately cried! I was proud of myself for giving my all PLUS the love and support of everyone at The Camp! They could have easily said “Oh sucks you didn’t make it.” They didn’t, they truly want everyone to succeed! I was that close and they do really care! So when asked if I was going to redo the challenge I without hesitation said YES!
We have a three (3) week break before the next challenge starts but I’m still working out and eating more clean but not as strict as I wait for January 5th, 2015 to get here! I did have an In & Out Burger (1/4 of one before it made my stomach upset), fries disgusts me. Then again, I never cheated and I stuck to the program. So maybe I can survive without all the deep fried foods! My weakness is carbs. I love pasta and breads. While I wait for the next challenge I’m allowing myself a few carbs, don’t want to over do it. During the program I did avoid certain situations in the beginning to avoid being tempted but feel stronger now that I can say ‘NO’ to the temptations.
The Plexus supplements improved my gut health as well as gave me sustainable energy to get all the workouts in and my carb cravings were no longer an issue. What every program you are doing to get to your healthy lifestyle goals, remember Plexus will partner well with your workouts, eating / nutrition plan and so much more. Get serious about your health!
Phase I of the new me complete! Phase II is in the making NOW!
To Be Continued…
www.facebook.com/MsShannonsJourney
**Repost/Updated from December 2014**
I did do another boot camp and successfully lost another 20 pounds. I used my success to help others with starting their journey to a healthier lifestyle with Plexus, moving more, and eating better.
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