Destination Boot Camp Success Story: Amanda

Meet Amanda! This is a picture of her in June as she started Destination Boot Camp. This other picture is her completing a 4 mile run just a few days ago as a part of her 6 month milestone challenge with her DBC teammates.

Here is her story:

How did you feel before DBC?

"Before Destination Boot Camp I was fed up with being tired and always having an excuse for why I wasn't able to workout or eat healthy.  I had let my job of being a teacher consume my life and my compressed discs in my lower back convinced me I was no longer able to do the exercises I used to love, which lead me to regaining the 100 pounds I had lost a few years earlier. I was done with these excuses. I had lost weight before and I knew I could do it again. 

Remember when you started this journey? How does your weight loss journey now compare to what you thought going into it? 

I thought when starting this process that I would struggle to find workouts I enjoyed because of my lower back pain. In the past I always did bootcamp workouts and I knew I needed to find lower impact alternatives.

I originally found water aerobics that I felt strong doing and really enjoyed. Then I incorporated aqua Zumba and then land Zumba. I fell in love with Zumba and have now become an instructor. I look forward to leading these workouts so I can continue to help others change their lives. 

I've also found Barre and Pilates Reformer have really helped me gain core and lower back strength.  There are so many wonderful workouts available that don't hurt my back. I actually look forward to my workouts 6 days a week for 70 minutes. 

What has been your biggest "Aha" or breakthrough moment? 

About five months into my journey, I hit a weight loss plateau. I went three weeks without losing any weight when I had been averaging 2-4 pounds a week up until that point. I didn't let myself get discouraged or self sabotage like I always would in the past. I chose to trust the process.  

I realized I had the tools to reset and jumpstart my metabolism. I went back to Phase 1 on the State of Slim program and saw my weight loss pick back up quickly.  I had successfully beat a plateau for the first time in my life. I didn't let it beat me! 

What are you most proud of/grateful for so far? 

I'm so proud of myself for sticking to the program for the first six months of my transformation. I'm 100% dedicated to transforming my life. I'm putting myself first and not letting anything get in my way of getting in my workouts, eating on-plan, and meal prepping each week. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering this journey, what would it be?

Sign up right away! There is no other experience like it.  You will go to Colorado knowing no one and leave with a family of coaches and teammates who understand exactly what you are going through and who will be by your side for your lifetime. This experience is worth every penny and you will not regret it! 

How do you feel now? 

I'm feeling fantastic now. I'm a whole new person! I'm much happier and loving my life. I look forward to getting up everyday to see what new experiences are ahead of me. The highlight of my day has become my time at the gym. 

My body has gotten so much stronger in the past six months and I love challenging myself daily to see what new things I can do.  I've run/walked three 5Ks, improving my time each race, and completed my bike, run, swim portions of my June team's six month milestone Ironman triathlons. I have two more sprint triathlons on my schedule. These are activities I never would have signed up for six months ago.  Now I look forward to the challenges! 

What has been the most valuable part of DBC?    

The most valuable part of DBC is the support from both my coaches and my teammates. Each time I've lost weight in the past, my family and friends have been supportive and this time is no different. However, most of them don't understand what I'm going through. 

With DBC, I'm surrounded by people who experienced the same week at DBC with me and are walking the same journey with me daily. If I'm struggling or need some support, each of my teammates is a phone call away. They always make me feel like I'm not alone. I truly believe this program is the only one that offers this type of support. 

How has this journey changed your life? 

My life has changed forever now that I'm a part of DBC. Even after my year graduation and celebration in June 2016, I'll be a member of the DBC nation. I'll have the support of others who have had the same experiences forever. I'll also have the tools to maintain my weight (which I've never had before). 

I can use these tools to continue to pay it forward. My dream is to help others transform their lives using everything I've learned throughout the process.  I want to live my life to the fullest. I want to conquer things I've always dreamt about but never thought were possible because of my weight. I've learned that I can do anything I want as long as I commit to working hard, believing in myself, and never giving up!"

Transformation is scary. It's scary leaving your comfort zone... and even risking the disappointment of failure. But what if this time was different? What if you actually lived your dream. All of the people who have succeeded on DBC weren't perfect. They just were willing to try again. Why don't you try again? Click here if you're ready to start living that dream. 

Destination Boot Camp Success Story: Karen

If you missed my last post on Ken, I'm highlighting different State of Slimmers and Destination Boot Campers who have either successfully transformed their life and hit their goal weight or are in the process of getting there. I love learning from other's success and applying it to my goals. 

Take a look at Karen. She's lost over 70 pounds since June and is on the way to hitting her goals!

Before

How did you feel before DBC?

"Before coming to Destination Boot Camp, I was totally frustrated. I turned the big “6" - “0" in May 2015 and I knew it was now or never to make a change. I’ve been overweight or have perceived myself as being overweight my entire life. 

Watching my parents struggle with health issues, some related to weight and others to diet, I knew I had to do something or I would find myself lacking quality of life in the not-so-distant future. In 2008 I joined a gym and went to bootcamp every day... I got strong and more toned but I could not lose much weight. I hired a coach, changed gyms, went to lectures and seminars on nutrition by experts in their field, and met with a dietician. 

I learned a lot but I just could not find the key to losing. I heard about a weight loss resort and over a two year period returned to the resort on four different occasions. I learned a lot, worked out hard but in the end I was a failure...  I could not translate what I learned at the resort into my everyday, hectic life-- at least not for very long. I was totally frustrated but determined to get the weight off. I just did not know how. The task was daunting!

At DBC

Remember when you started this journey? How does your weight loss journey now compare to what you thought going into it? 

All I knew when I signed up for DBC was that they said the program was unlike any other (yea right, they all say that) and that it was based on science (intriguing if it was “real” science) but what hooked me was the focused on mind set. 

I came to DBC knowing a lot about food and a lot about how to work out hard. I knew the missing component was keeping my mind positively focused long enough to get the weight off. The focus on the mindset was way more intense and far exceeded my expectation in a very positive way. I submitted to “trusting the process” and with the tools I learned, I find this the easiest and best total transformation program I’ve ever experienced-- even with my hectic lifestyle. 

DBC is transformational in every way. I am happy and enjoying life. And most of all, I know I will reach my ultimate goals.

What has been your biggest "Aha" or breakthrough moment? 

My biggest "aha" came in a lecture Dr. Holly gave about "Choosing Your Hard”. It is hard to follow a healthy eating plan and to work out 6 days a week but it is even harder to be over weight, self conscience, out of breath, out of shape and not able to enjoy activities I once loved because of my weight, and simply just feeling bad about yourself and life. 

When I recognized that every choice I make in life has hard consequences and it’s a matter of deciding the outcome I want for my life, that was the lightbulb for me. The “hard” I choose is to live life to it’s fullest, which means I choose the healthy hard! 

NOW!

What are you most proud of/grateful for so far? 

I am grateful for the chance I took on this wonderful opportunity, for all the many positive, caring people involved in putting this program together, and coaches whose boundless energy and enthusiasm keep me motivated. 

I am also grateful for the connections and friendships I have made with all my teammates, all of whom are on individual journeys but come together to create a unit that supports and encourages each other-- a journey of one surrounded and supported by many. 

I am proud to be a part of something bigger than myself and I am proud that I have stayed committed to the process.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering this journey, what would it be?

The one piece of advice I would give to someone considering doing this program, who truly is ready to transform their life, is to take that first step, pick up the phone and commit 100% by signing up for the entire year! Without health you have nothing. Trust the process and commit to doing everything you are asked to do during the program. If you do that you will find success.

How do you feel now? 

Terrific, awesome and honored to be a part of this great program.

What has been the most valuable part of DBC?

The commitment everyone at DBC makese to making our journey a success.

How has this journey changed your life? 

Beside the almost 70 pounds I have lost, I am living my life with joy for the first time in years thanks to all I have learn at Destination Boot Camp. I love this program!"

Are you ready to transform your life? Do you see parts of our story in Karen's? If I can tell you one thing, it's never too late change. If you're ready for change, click here to find out what your next step should be. 

NEW! On the Dr. Holly Facebook Page: Videos

If you've missed my video page on Facebook, PLEASE check it out! I started doing these videos because I think it's helpful for you to see me in my world, struggling and succeeding right alongside you. Each month, I share my personal challenge and invite you to take it with me.

Get ready for 2016. I've got some NEW and EXCITING things in store!!

Click here to see all of my videos.

Destination Boot Camp Success Story: Ken

Over the next few weeks, I'm highlighting people who have embraced the power of transformation on their weight loss journey. Some of them are just starting out, others are successfully maintaining their goal weight, while others are still in the process of reaching their goal. 

Today, I want you to meet Ken. He's one of my Destination Boot Campers who started out this March and is still on the road!

1. How did you feel before DBC?  

Health wise.  Fine.  I had the typical struggles of a morbidly obese person:  blood rushing to head when you try to tie your shoes, not being able to clamp my own ski boots, terrible chaffing when walking more than 1/4 mile, having to rock a time or two to get out of a chair.  Lots of other issues of a similar nature.  But in general, denial that it was a real problem.  

With respect to how I felt about the likelihood of DBC working - very pessimistic.  Thought it was to hype a book meant to generate revenue.  

2. Remember when you started this journey? How does your weight loss journey now compare to what you thought going into it? 

WAY EASIER than I thought it would be!  I thought I would be terribly hungry ALL THE TIME and having to eat stuff I really didn't like.  The opposite is true - I often had to force myself to eat per the program.  Six meals ... if my sixth meal wasn't the almond vanilla protein shake (I considered a treat!) I may not have been as successful.  

3. What has been your biggest "Aha" or breakthrough moment? 

Surrendering!  I am a very analytical person and always want to do it my way.  So from the very beginning I decided to go all in.  

4. What are you most proud of/grateful for so far?

The pride of my family in my transformation.  

5. If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering this journey, what would it be?  

From the great philosopher Nike: "Just do it!".  

6. How do you feel now? 

I feel the same with more stamina, better attitude, better outlook on life.  Recently did a Triathlon ... never thought I would do that! 

7. What has been the most valuable part of DBC?  

The staff.  I love my coach (don't share this with her. It will just go to her head - JK).  All of the staff are more than employees.  They are part of a team, and are genuine, kind, and caring perople.  EXCEPT when Peggy calls me out in an airport and makes me give her 25 push-ups.  Not sure what I did ... you can share this with her!!!! :)

8. How has this journey changed your life?  

After my DBC experience, I encouraged (demanded!) my wife go to the june DBC camp.  She's been with me for the last six months and keeps me on track.  It has strengthened our marriage.   

Extreme Weight Loss: Hannah

This week was so bittersweet! I can't believe that the Finale episode of Extreme Weight Loss is already here but there was no better way to end the season than with Hannah's story. The theme of her journey is living in a NO EXCUSE zone. My State of Slimmers use the mantra, "No Excuses. No Regrets."

Address your barrier, but instead of spending all of your energy thinking about you can't do, spend energy thinking about what you can do. I hear so many excuses all the time: "If I was chosen for Extreme Weight Loss... If Chris and Heidi were helping me... If I didn't have a  bad back... If my family supported me... Watch my video blog to really help you excuse-proof your journey:

Hannah had a fractured foot-- that was a legitimate roadblock. But she didn't let that stop her; she found ways to work around her injury. Spend your energy thinking about what you can do, not what you can't do. Refuse to let your excuses get in your way. This is the result of living with No Excuses!

This week, I'm challenging to look at the barriers you have in your life. Instead of telling me what you CAN'T do with them, tell me what you CAN do. Share it on the Dr. Holly page!

If you need help living in a no-excuse zone, check out State of Slim and Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp. Both of these CU Anschutz Health & Wellness Center weight loss programs teach you how to live with NO excuses and NO regrets!

Extreme Weight Loss: Kim

One thing I love about Extreme Weight Loss is that there are consistent themes that flow throughout the show-- and really, throughout all transformation journeys. Some of those themes that I see in successful weight loss stories are things like feeling your fears and getting out of your comfort zone. The body follows the mind and you have to get that mental side of things down to reach your goals.

With Kim, I love how she began with the end in mind: sewing a dress that she could fit into at her finale. The dress represented so many things, not just focussing on her new size, but visualizing how she would feel. This is the end result of that:

Here's my video blog on Kim's episode. Check it out to get all of my thoughts on how you can use her transformation to help you transform too!

All of my clients create vision boards to represent how they want to FEEL, not just how they want to LOOK. Once you visualize, then you need to take ACTION. See it in your mind, then be it. Here are some vision/action boards my State of Slimmers just created.

Now, I want you to create your vision/action board and share it on the Dr. Holly page! What's going to be your Little Red Dress?  Our State of Slim program can help you. All it is takes is that first step – Visualize yourself here with us now, working on YOUR transformations! Learn more about State of Slim here.

What's the thing you'll use to visualize where you want to be? Ready, go!