I was an overweight child and an overweight teen, with all the insecurities and pain that comes with growing up fat.  I was ridiculed by peers and even members of my own family.  I learned very early to seek comfort in food.  When I went away to college, I lost weight, and became thin, but I smoked cigarettes and became addicted to drugs and alcohol.  I had replaced one addiction with another!  I finally stopped drinking and smoking before I got married and had my son.  I gained sixty pounds with my pregnancy and another twenty pounds after William was born.  I was eighty pounds overweight!  I tried everything, mostly fad diets (South Beach, Atkins).  I even ordered videos and weight loss supplements from infomercials.  Needless to say, none of it was working.  I managed to lose thirty pounds on one diet, but I was gaining all of it back.  That was when I joined WoW! Boot Camp.  I was so nervous the first day, but it was really fun!  I could not even run a complete lap, but it didn’t matter; I wasn’t alone.  I stuck with it and soon I could run a whole mile without stopping.  Granted, the mile took 14 minutes, but it didn’t matter, I had done it!  I was losing weight each month through sensible diet and a great work out regimen provided by WoW!. April was a real motivating force to me - she was there for me every step of the way.  She cheered me on and celebrated every success, no matter how small.  After three months of bootcamp, in February, I enrolled in my first 5k race.  To prepare, April met me and some other girls and jogged the course with us.  I ran that whole race without stopping!  Granted, it took me 38 minutes, but it didn’t matter, I had done it.  I stayed in boot camp and kept running races, each time getting faster and stronger.  In May, I finally weighed under 200 pounds for the first time in years!  In June, I ran a 10k race.  After the 10k, April put a group together to participate in a triathlon in August.  I really wanted to do it, but I was scared and I still had not reached my goal weight.  I worked hard to train, but I was so self-conscious about wearing the triathlon clothes.  I was in tears, and again April was there for me.  I stuck it out and did my first triathlon in August!  I was so excited and my husband was so proud, it was truly a special moment that I will never forget.  I continued to train and completed my second triathlon in October.  In November, I finally reached my goal weight, exactly one year after joining WoW!  These accomplishments have given me the extraordinary feeling that everything was as it was supposed to be.  That everything had led me to this moment and it all had a place and a purpose.  I was 80 pounds overweight, but that sad reality had set me on a journey to discover things about myself I might never have learned otherwise. When I enrolled for my first 5k in February 2007, April said “Hey next year, how about a half marathon”  I had scoffed at this idea, but guess what I’m doing this February!

How a Trip to Publix Saved My Life

September 2007:  It was a Saturday morning and I was heading out of town for a tailgating party at a friend’s house.  I was in charge of bringing the dessert.  I stopped at Publix to pick up a few things to prepare a dessert tray.  Feeling fat and lazy, I waddled my way up to the register with chocolate dipped rice crispy treats, chocolate dipped pretzel rods, chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate pound cake(True story, I swear!).  As I stood in line with my basket of empty calories, I noticed this perfectly petite young lady in the line next to me.  She was decked out from head to toe in workout gear.  She had the perfect body and happiness just radiated from her every move.  Immediately, I decided I didn’t like her.  She was what I wanted to be.  She was fit and she was happy.  She cared about herself and she had will power.  She was stronger than I was. 

After checking out with my basket full of fat, I walked outside to find my car.  I was thinking that I was just destined to be fat and there was nothing I could do about it when I got a sign from God.  Seriously, right in the parking lot in front of me was a car with a bumper that read, "www.wowbootcamp.net.”  (I am willing to bet you can guess who was driving!)  So right there in front of God and Publix, I laughed out loud and threw my hands up in the air.  I said, “Ok, fine God.  I see my sign.”  I got in my car and rushed home to look it up.  I signed up immediately for the October bootcamp.  I tried to get my friends involved, but they all said they didn’t have the money.  Although I am by no means rich, I decided that I had to do it for myself and my sanity no matter what the cost. 

This is just to let you know what a difference a year makes.  A friend just gave my husband and me a CD of some pictures she’s taken since Henry was born and I found these two pictures which show me before and after boot camp.  The second picture was taken in October at Henry’s first birthday party.  The first picture was taken when Henry was two months old - I wore maternity jeans for about four or five months after he was born.  I was so self-conscious about my post-baby body that I didn’t want anyone to take my picture (unless I had a baby in my lap to camouflage the girth), so I had forgotten what I looked like a year ago.  It’s good to be back in shape, and while I miss the boobs of Christmas 2006, I do not miss the belly, hips, or thunder thighs.  Thanks so much for your help this year. - Becky Taylor

This is the best program I have participated in.  I have never seen results like this or have I been as motivated and inspired as all the girls make me.  (Even working with personal trainers.)  This program is such a blessing!!!   cindy scott

Thanks for everything!!  This has been one of the best experiences of my life....and I tell everyone too!! I was telling Dr. Mercer all about WOW....she was very impressed with my weight loss.  Denise L.

As we talked about at my pre-assessment, I had hit a rut in my workouts.  And I had been extremely frustrated that I had been working out so much and not losing weight and not getting the results I want.  Not to mention that I had adopted the mindset that if I worked out, then I didn’t have to be as concerned about my diet.  Well, this weekend I went to put on two skirts that were tight only two weeks ago and now they’re loose!  I am so excited to finally be making some headway!  I think I have lost about 5 lbs in only two weeks and can even see little abs!  I can already tell that bootcamp is giving me that extra push I needed to focus on my diet and really push myself physically.  I can’t wait to see how my body has transformed by the end of the month (just in time for a week at the beach!) Thanks, Crystal

I used to work out and go to weight watchers; however I slowly stopped everything and gained weight.  From time to time I would try to start working out again and counting my points, but I never seemed to stick with it very long.

WoW! has helped me get back to exercise as well as counting my points and watching what I eat. One month ago I would never have imagined that I would be exercising at 5:30 AM for three mornings a week, AND loving it!

Happy Farber
WoW! participant since October 2006

Thanks for caring and for being such a fabulous motivator - you are awesome!

Ethelyn

I LOVED IT!!! Now it seems like it was a dream...tonight and tomorrow. I'm sure I will FEEL the dream! Thanks!!! GO WARRIORS!!! :)

P.

What an incredible way to exercise, learn about nutrition and be with an amazing group of women all motivating each other!!!  5:30 comes very early, but once you are there, it is amazing the amount of energy that overcomes you.  There is something to be said for exercising outside in the dark and under the stars. If you have the desire and opportunity, I say take the challenge and go for it.

B

Thanks Coach!  I've already gotten more done today by 11 am than I normally do by 2 pm.  (Could be that I got up at 4:30) but either way, I'm motivated and energized.  I'm looking forward to a close relationship with my Advil bottle by Wednesday, though.

Stephanie

I thought today was great.  I definitely have some exercises that I realize where I need improvement on but I know it will come as my endurance and cardio increases.  I felt really revived when I was driving home - definitely a good way to start my day.  I also took time to eat breakfast before I left the house this morning which is uncommon for me even though I know I should.  That was actually one of my "short" term goals to eat breakfast every day this month - in hopes of turning it into a regular habit.

S.V.

Thank you so much for your positive reinforcement and genuine care for all of our well-being. I respond well to that and I am really happy in Boot Camp!!!! I feel even better prepared for Sunday's Triathlon event because of Boot Camp! I love you April!

E

"Boot Camp has really given me the jump start I needed!  The workouts are great and so is the group spirit."

Lori

WoW! Boot Camp Accomplishments/Comments

Following through on an exercise program, and actually enjoying myself and looking forward to the next class each day.
Eating better and healthier, but I'm still enjoying what I eat.
Becoming stronger, emotionally, physically and mentally and showing it!
Loser, and proud of it!  :)

One of the key things I will take away from Bootcamp is the ability to keep going and to keep pushing and challenging myself to press on. Being out there with a wide variety of women, all at different levels has provided me with insight about what I can and I am willing to do. Not that I am comparing myself to others, but when I see the effort that others put into what they are doing, I think why can't I? Overall, I think bootcamp has furnished me with an internal motivation that I didn't have beforehand. I now know that I can do a lot more physically, if I put my mind to it! And that is a good feeling.

I am proud that I can get up at 5:30 and exercise, I have changed by lifestyle for the better (being accountable for everything), and I feel better and very happy about things in my life. To me this is a huge accomplishment.

I just weighed in with you and I am so excited.  FYI I lost 11.6 instead of 10.6 (yeah!)!  Thank you a million times. One of my goals is to order water and not Diet Coke while dining out. Also, I try to do a little something for myself each day(taking a nice long hot bath). I cannot believe I am seeing these results with my weight. I am on such a natural high at this moment.

I can get up before 7:00 am and exercise and I can survive on ONE COKE a day!

I broke my 8:06 minute mile. New time 7:57.  I hope to do less on Friday.

I know it's not a big deal, but I ran the whole mile without walking. I have not had any fast food crap since we started and my husband keeps wanting to touch my butt!

Goal:  Perfect attendance at boot camp - I'll be there Friday!
Things I've learned:  I can run and I don't hate it.  I can do a push up.

A goal I set for myself was to not to miss any camp sessions. If I don't get up and go, then the inches and pounds are not going to go away. Everyday I am so excited about feeling so much better both physically and mentally. I have been able to tell that my efforts are really paying off.

Okay.  one half cup of pasta was so heinous.  I mean, that's what gets
thrown away in the sink after you can't quite finish those last THREE bites.
I measured it and I laughed, a sad laugh.  It was curly rotini wheat pasta
so I decided I should throw on a few more pieces, just to be sure I didn't
lose that weight TOO fast.  Thanks for your encouragement today, it helps a
lot!   Xo

I am still so excited about my results from this morning. Now I have to work extra hard to keep it up!! I really appreciate all of your encouragement and suggestions!

Last year at this time I went to Nordstrom to buy some designer jeans. I tried on many pairs and found some I like but by mistake I bought the size 4 instead of 6. When I got them home of course I  couldn't fit into them. Not being near a Nordstrom I also never took them back. Well this morning I thought to myself. "I wonder if those jeans would fit" and tried them on and guess what? Voila!! They fit perfectly. They aren't even tight. WOW, you are my hero!!

I feel so much better and  am so glad I am doing this.

Oh, how I have missed it all!

I was presenting research in Special Education that I have been doing in my doctorate program at UGA.  I felt more confident because I actually felt better in my clothes.  It is amazing how one month of dedication to yourself and your body can make you feel better when presenting to a group of people.  Instead of thinking "are they thinking I look fat standing up here?", I felt they were actually listening to my presentation.

 I feel stronger, have more energy and can tell I'm more toned in my arms, abs and legs.  Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to improve myself in this area.  It has improved my attitude and confidence.  It's also helping me make exercise and healthier eating a part of my family's lifestyle.  Something I definitely want for my children. I appreciate you and your business.

Talk about WOW - I had no idea just how bad I have let myself go until this morning! Talk about a wake-up call! I hit despair but quickly pull out of it to realize that I have taken the first step. As an over-achiever, I hate being in last place...
short-term goal #1 - just be able to do the exercises by the end of Feb.
Goal # 2 - Sign up for next session!
Thanks so much for giving me a head-ups about my shins. I certainly felt what you meant!
If I'm not dead in 4 weeks, I will be stronger!

WOW!!! I know that the loss will plateau, but this is amazing for me!
BTW, I could barely get through 10 minutes on the eliptical before Bootcamp, this past weekend I hit 25 minutes.

I can keep doing this; I WILL be one of your BEST testimonials!

I did the 5k this morning at Barrow. I feel so high
right now. I cannot believe I actually ran my first
5k. I am so excited and I am already planning my next
one for hopefully next weekend. I ran it in 34:38. I
look forward to competing against myself for a better
time. I could not have done this without your help. I
appreciate you. Again, these words seem so
insignificant in comparison to how I really feel. I
cannot convey my gratitude towards you. Thank you.
WOW! All the former boot campers and the current boot
campers were all so supportive this a.m. Arlene,
Summer, Tina ,Ethlyn, Allyson and Shannon helped so
much. What a great feeling of accomplishment!

WoW! Girls

Fitness/Weight Loss Tips

Run/Walk a 5K on the weekend…it ensures that you are getting your exercise in (and it’s fun).

Be discretionary with your sugar intake.  I now only eat dessert if it is REALLY good and not ordinary.  And if I need/want chocolate, I reach for one piece of the Dove Dark.

Eat fruit instead of candy.

Keep track of your progress.  (ie:  # of push-ups and crunches you can do in a min.)

Keep water with you at all times.  (I drink more water from a bottle than I do from a glass.)

OK, I know this seems weird, but for me participating in WoW!  Bootcamp has to be a big #1. It is April, Stephanie AND the women that are a wonderful support network. I have NEVER been able to maintain a fitness program as long as I have been able to with WoW!. It's an individual choice, but for me a solid support system is crucial.

Clean out ALL the junk food at home. It's good for everyone in the house,
including the dog and cat. (Our dog will snarf down anything.) It's not a diet,
it is healthy eating and a wonderful gift.

It's OK to indulge; for me it helps to know I can enjoy a bite or two of
dark chocolate. This way I don't over-indulge when I'm stressed and NEED
comfort in food.

Most restaurants will adjust their menu items, no gravy, no potatoes... ASK!
If they say "no," then you can say no to them next time there is an occasion to
eat out. PS - Pass along the restaurants that provide healthy options. The more consumers speak with their dollars, the better the options.

Never, never, ever hold yourself to other's abilities or accomplishments.
(This one is soooo difficult for me.) We are all unique. The only competition
anyone of us has to worry about is the voice we may hear between our two ears.

Have work out buddies!! (I have made great new friends who hold me accountable!)

Work out 6 days a week.

Cardio activities need to be varied and not always running.

I HAVE to work out in the morning or I usually don't do it!

Have a weekly weigh in. (I can’t weigh every day or I will drive myself crazy!)

Weight Watchers!!!!!!! (The key for me.....attend the meetings, they are very motivating!)

Routine Fitness Program

Drinking Lots of Water

Read Fitness Magazines & Books

Set a Weight Loss Goal

Never quit! And if you do quit, start back as quickly as possible.

Plan ahead. Know what you are going to eat for the day and week if possible. Pack as much of your own food for the day as you can and limit eating out. When you eat out, know what you are going to order before you get there.

Always ask for help, even if it is embarrassing. Find someone who has gone the path you want to go and ask them for help. Asking for help is probably less embarrassing than looking at yourself naked!

more WoW! testimonials