DumBell Fitness Supports the Wounded Warrior Project!

On Saturday, May 26th, DumBell Fitness recruits gathered at Bellows Beach for a family Boot Camp course. We are thrilled to announce that our DumBell family raised $400 for the Wounded Warrior Project! We couldn't be more proud of everyone for coming together for this wonderful cause. After the course was over, everyone gathered with their families to pick up trash on the beach. What a fabulous way to kick off Memorial Day weekend! Thanks again to everyone that donated their time and money. Stay turned for more charity Boot Camp events in the future! 

Laurie Weber rocking the leg station! 

Christina leading the way through the agility course! 

Ladders on the beach! 

Don't let your monster eat that sand! 

When in doubt, plank! 

The kiddos joined in the fun, too! 

Paris Landry helping keep the agility course organized! 

Alicia Palmer working hard on those back and tricep muscles! 

Alison Fournier killing those biceps! 

Looking good, Laurie! 

This group raised $400 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Amazing! 

Thanks to our trainers for donating their time! 

Flexing for a cause! 

DumBell Success Stories: Kristy Ortega

Today's Success Story features Ford Island Boot Camper Kristy Ortega! We love how unique her story is! 


"I was dragging my feet when I was first asked to be a Success Story because I am more of a work in progress: my journey is not complete yet. My story is not about weight loss as much as being in shape," begins Kristy. "As busy moms, we tend to put everyone else first and tend to neglect ourselves."

"After having foot surgery, I was so out of shape and a bit overweight from being inactive and I knew it was time to put me first! So, I decided to join DumBell Fitness," remembers Kristy. "My neighbors were attending Boot Camp so I thought I would give it a shot. Before my first session, I was so nervous! That first workout was extremely hard, but I kept coming. Christina motivated me each day during my first month, even though she made me very nervous because she liked to yell at me! She was exactly what I needed in my life. My motto was to just keep coming and eventually it would get easier.....and before I knew it I wasn't dying every day after class."

Overall, Kristy has lost 15 pounds. "The weight was very slow to come off at first, but after 6 months I was the Biggest Loser with a 7 pound weight loss! As my first year passed with DumBell Fitness I was down from a size 12 to a size 6, but needed more motivation. So, I decided to become a runner and signed up for my first half marathon! Christina's motivation to run at least 20 minutes after Boot Camp each day helped sustain the cardio I needed for the half marathon. As an older Boot Camper, I thought to myself, 'what the heck have I signed up for!?' As I trained I found that I enjoyed running even though after my back surgery 18 years ago I never thought that would be possible. But I did it! Yes, me, Kristy Ortega, ran a half marathon!"

Kristy's workout routine is Boot Camp 3 times a week, and she also tries to run 10-15 miles a week. "Boot Camp has helped me become a stronger person both physically and mentally because I no longer use any excuses. I can do it if I try...I have to at least try. I just make sure I show up each class. I am not the fastest and hardly ever in the front, but I show up each session and try my hardest for me. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to diet, so class and Christina are a daily reminder that I need to fuel my body with healthy food to get the best results. I have learned that diet is the key ingredient in making healthy choices. I have used Weight Watchers to help me keep a food diary and keep me honest. It's a great tool to help me understand what is a healthy choice. I was shocked by what I thought was healthy! Christina helped me learn that just because I mess up one day, I shouldn't give up, but remember that tomorrow is a new, fresh start."

Christina was proud to watch Kristy's journey to a healthy lifestyle, saying "During her first few months of Boot Camp, Kristy struggled to take the weight off. But then the light went on, and her weight just started to fall off. Month after month, I saw the definition coming out in her arms and legs. She started wearing spandex workout clothes and she had a major confidence boost! Her friends, at least 3 or 4, saw her success and joined the class because of her. When she started, she wasn't the best runner, but now she is always pushing her way to the front of the line, and with a smile on her face! She uses the heaviest resistance band and the biggest medicine ball for almost ALL of our exercises. She's tiny in stature, but her enthusiasm for health is huge! And, it's contagious." 

"I love Christina! She knows just how to motivate you and show you that you are the only one that can help yourself," says Kristy. "She will meet you half way, but you have to show up, too! I love how all the other members are so encouraging, and I can honestly say I'm addicted to the program. I have met some really awesome people through my experience at DumBell Fitness and have enjoyed every bit of the class. I love Christina's wonderful sense of humor; I am so blessed to have her in my life!  She has NO IDEA what she and her program has done for me!"

"I am honored to be a Success Story but stay tuned....I'm just getting started! I just move at a slower pace!"

You look amazing, Kristy! 

Clean Eating: Laurie's Favorite Recipes!

Today's post features DumBell Trainer Laurie Weber's favorite clean-eating recipes! We can't wait to try them out! 

The first recipe I want to share with you is my Gazpacho recipe. Laurie LOVES Gazpacho! I make it differently every time, but here's my "base" recipe. It makes a HUGE batch! 


Gazpacho: 

4 containers grape tomatoes (I personally find these the most flavorful) 

1 cucumber, peeled and diced 

1/2 of a red pepper, seeded and chopped 

1/2 of a small red onion, peeled and chopped 

1/2 of a zucchini, chopped 

2 large garlic cloves, chopped 

1/4 bunch fresh parsley

1 tablespoon fresh basil 

1/4 cup red wine vinegar 
1/4 cup EVOO
Sea salt and pepper to taste


Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend. Store in airtight container and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. 

Here's where my husband thinks I get a little crazy with my Gazpacho obsession. I use this wonderful soup for a variety of snacks. Sometimes, I...

--Use it as a snack with pita chips

--Put it in a toasted whole wheat pita with feta or hummus on top

--Serve it over pre-grilled chicken chunks (that I make in advance and keep in the fridge for the week)

--Scoop over quinoa, whole wheat pasta, or brown rice

--Top with black olives and/or Fage Greek yogurt and eat with pita chips

--Take Triscuit and Kashi chips, spread with cream cheese, then dip in Gazpacho for an appetizer! 

Did I mention that Laurie loves Gazpacho? :-) 

Another staple in my house is this Quinoa salad. It's packed with protein and veggies, and has been adapted from a Clean Eating recipe. This recipe is very versatile. Use whatever ingredients you have on hand, or that sound good at the time!

Quinoa Salad

2 cups cooked quinoa (cooked with 50% water and 50% vegetable broth) 

1/2 cup edamame

2 handfuls of halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped 

1/4 cup crumbled feta 

2 tablespoons EVOO

Seasoned white rice vinegar (I use the Star brand) 

Squirt of lime juice 

Chopped fresh parsley 

DumBell Gives Back!

Join the DumBell Fitness Crew on Saturday, May 26th for a charity beach Boot Camp! All proceeds from the day will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. We'll be meeting on the public side of Bellows Beach to workout and clean up the beach at 0830. As military spouses and family members, this cause is particularly close to our hearts! Please check out our flyer and join us if you can. If you're not able to join us, please do still consider donating to this wonderful cause. 

Boot Campers are also invited to attend a 5K that benefits McGrew Crew's Stacey Snee, the reigning 2012 Mrs. Hawaii! Stacey will soon be competing in the Mrs. America pageant, and this event will support her journey to the crown. The 5K race will kick off on Saturday, June 2nd with a Tot Run at 0730, a Keiki Run at 0745, followed by the 5K run at 0830. Please join the DumBell Fitness crew for a morning of exercise and fundraising! 

DumBell Success Stories: Lorene Bessman

Today's DumBell Success Story features the lovely Lorene Bessman, long-time Ford Island recruit. Congratulations, Lorene! 

“Christina told me the other day that I look smoking hot. I was totally taken off guard and didn’t know how to respond. It’s been a while since I felt so strong and smoking hot!” says Lorene Bessman, veteran Dumbell Fitness Recruit. Lorene has been taking the Ford Island 0830 class for almost a year, but started out in the Hot Mama’s course. “I was pregnant when we first moved to Hawaii and would walk by the Ford Island Boot Campers. I could not wait to get out there, so I put my name on the waiting list three months before my due date. I was also very lucky to get to take the Hot Mama’s course for one month before I gave birth to my youngest, Samantha.”

Lorene with her family, shortly after giving birth to her 3rd child! 

Outside of Boot Camp, Lorene runs every Tuesday with a fellow recruit. “For the last 8 years I have been a power walker, but Christina inspired me to try running again. Since January, I have run two 5Ks, one 10K, and plan running another 10K in July. On Thursdays and Saturdays I either walk, bike, do the elliptical, or take a spinning class. Sunday is my only day off.”

Lead DumBell Fitness Trainer Christina Landry can attest to Lorene’s commitment to running. “I used to see her walking on the Ford Island bridge, but now I see her running. She is such an inspiration!”

Lorene was always good about eating healthy meals, but struggled when it came to snacking. She now tries to snack on fruits, veggies, and the 100-calorie bag of almonds and walnuts. “The monthly weigh-ins at Boot Camp definitely motivate me,” says Lorene. “Each month when I see the pounds and inches lost I am motivated to keep working hard. And, I can’t wait to get to the next weigh-in!”
 

Lorene has inspired both Christina and her fellow classmates: “Lorene has been such a pleasure to have in our classes: both the Hot Mama's and the Ford Island Boot Camp location,” says Christina. “She has constantly pushed herself to do her best every single month and it has paid off in spades. Just this morning, during our Week 3 Boot Camp, we had a rest period of 1 minute. Instead of resting, doing nothing, Lorene went down and ‘rested’ in the plank position. Her enthusiasm was contagious and the entire class noticed her dedication and planked with her! It was a true testament of her steady drive of wanting more for herself.” 

Lorene looking beautiful over Mother's Day Weekend 2012! 

Lorene also loves her Ford Island classmates and credits them with keeping her motived. “I love the camaraderie with the MWF FI Crew. I feel like I am part of a team and we are always cheering each other on. Christina is a tough coach but she truly wants all of us to do well and be healthy. She makes us push ourselves further than we thought we could go.  She has definitely inspired me to be a healthier, stronger person. I still can't believe I am no longer doing push ups on my knees! Thank you, Christina!”

Wednesday's Winner: Angela Wallis

Congratulations to this week's Wednesday's Winner, Angela Wallis! An inaugural Pearl City recruit, Angela will soon be PCSing to the mainland. We're thrilled to be able to feature her success today!

 
Angela has been in the Pearl City Boot Camp since Thanksgiving of 2011, right when the new location was opening. To date, Angela has lost 40 pounds. Angela says, "I began counting calories and taking control of my eating at the beginning of November, and lost 7 pounds before my initial Boot Camp weigh-in. I was wearing size 13/15 jeans and now a size 6 is getting too big!"

Angela and her son, pre-Boot Camp. 

Angela credits her success to religiously logging everything she eats. "I count calories and weigh my food. If I go out to eat, I usually know what I'm ordering beforehand. I have learned that I won't be a perfect eater when it comes to the types of food I eat, but I have taken control of my portion sizes and I choose healthier options when eating out."

"I was extremely hesitant about joining the class," Angela confesses. "I joined because my friend signed up and I had no reason to not try it, too. I watched the online videos and had a huge sense of fear before the first day. And honestly, my first day did not go very well! The 2-minute warm up was not easy for me. I was at the back of the group and my goal was just to keep going and to not stop or walk. During the class I felt faint and ended up spending some time lying by a tree. But I kept going to class and ended up the Biggest Loser that month!" 

Pearl City trainer Laurie Weber says, "It was clear that Angela would be a Boot Camp success the first time I talked to her about her goals. She had an impending PCS date and was looking forward to being reunited with her husband. She wanted to make some serious changes, and had a steadfast deadline in mind. She knew her life would change if and when she met her goals. Even when things got rough, she never lost sight of where she wanted to go! I could not be more proud of her. She looks amazing! I am continually inspired by the people around me that do exactly what she has done."

Angela says that Boot Camp has been a big motivator in keeping her on track. "I want to do well on the scale and/or with measurements every month for not only myself, but for Laurie," says Angela. "Laurie is extremely motivating and a great trainer. When my family had to go on emergency leave, she was kind enough to send me the workouts so I could continue while on the mainland. She is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work. She always says that she is not trying to show off, but to show what is possible."

"This is currently the last month that we'll be on island, and I'm sad to be leaving the class," says Angela. "I feel like I'm just starting to get to a good point with my health and fitness. Hopefully I can take everything that I've learned with me and continue to do well. And even though this is my last month, I'm hoping to put up good numbers and measurements for my final weigh-in!" 

Looking fantastic, Angela!  Congratulations! 

Healthy Habits: Skinny Cocktails

Alcoholic drinks can be so incredibly damaging to one's weight-loss goals. Please, please, please, stop consuming so many calories in your drinks! A study done by Prevention Magazine showed that having a second cocktail can reduce your body's fat-burning ability by up to 73%. That's scary stuff!  

It's OK to enjoy a cocktail, but try to do so reasonably. Avoid shots and multiple beers, which are both full of empty calories. Don't try to keep up with the boys. If you're choosing a mixed drink, try to avoid the sugary extras, such a colas and juices.

Wine can be a good choice. Some experts prefer that you drink white wine, citing that it is lower in carbs. Others state that red wine is better because of it's heart-healthy benefits. Whichever you choose, try to limit yourself to one or two glasses. And be sure that your glasses are just 4oz each! (For most wine glasses, this is about half full.) 

Here's some skinny cocktails to enjoy this summer: 

White Citrus Sangria 

4 servings

1 bottle Lipton 100% Natural Diet Green Tea with Citrus

1 3/4 cups white wine

1/4 cup orange juice

1 orange, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

1 lime, sliced 

Combine Lipton Tea and juices in large pitcher. Stir in fruit, and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve in ice-filled glasses. 

Calories: 100 per serving. 

Strawberry Margaritas 

4 servings 

3 1/2 cups strawberries

2 1/2 cups crushed ice

1/2 cup tequila

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup sugar

3 tablespoons Cointreau (orange-flavored liqueur) 

Lime wedges (optional)

Combine strawberries, ice, tequila, lime juice, sugar, and liqueur in a blender, and process until the mixture is smooth. Pour the margaritas into 4 large glasses. Garnish margaritas with a lime wedge, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Calories: 198 per serving. 

DumBell Fitness Demos: Triple Treat Variation

This DumBell Fitness Demo shows a new variation to the abdominal exercise, Triple Treats! 

Wednesday's Winners: Rebecca Schirmacher

Today's Wednesday's Winner is Rebecca Schirmacher, a veteran Ford Island Boot Camper. Great work, Rebecca!

Rebecca has been attending the Ford Island 0830 class for nearly two and a half years. During her first year of class, she lost 25 pounds. "What I love so much about Christina's class is that I can always hear her voice in my head telling me I can, even when I feel it is impossible!"

Shortly after completing her first year at Ford Island, Rebecca became pregnant. "I continued with Boot Camp until I was 32 weeks along, but then we figured I should rest a bit. Ha! My daughter is now 6 months old and I have lost all but 5 pounds of my pregnancy weight. I am so excited! So, in all, I have lost a total of 43 pounds during my time in Christina's class."

Lead DumBell Fitness Trainer Christina Landry says, "I remember when Rebecca started Boot Camp more than 2 years ago with a group of her friends. Three of them quit immediately (and have since admitted they regret quitting!). But not Rebecca. She stuck with it and started dropping weight immediately."

Rebecca maintained her "clean" eating habits while pregnant, and always found time to put in some cardio workouts. Christina says, "When Rebecca first told me she was pregnant, I was so happy for her. I thought I might not be seeing her until after she gave birth, but that was not the case with her! She continued to come to class and made the appropriate modifications. It was such a joy to watch her become the true definition of a 'Strong Mama!' When she returned post-baby, she was determined to take off the weight, and boy did she! She lost the pounds, stayed strong, and persevered to become an overall healthier wife and mother."

Rebecca flexing with Christina (aka, the Princess of Pain)! 

Rebecca says, "If I had not come into this wonderful program, I would be the same old tired mom, sitting on the sidelines of my life. Thank you, Christina! You have changed my life in more ways than you could know!" 

Quick Tips: Importance of Sunscreen

You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: it's so important to wear sunscreen! I encourage our Boot Campers to wear it everyday to Boot Camp, and to even keep an extra tube in their bag for reapplication as necessary. As we move into the warmer summer months, I wanted to encourage you to really pay attention to protecting your skin.

First of all, you should wear some form of sunscreen every single day--whether or not you're working out! Try to always apply 30 minutes before going out into the sun. For Boot Camp or beach time, make sure to wear a sunscreen with at least a 50 SPF rating that is both waterproof and sweat proof. Wearing a hat as well will provide you with even more protection!
 
My all-time favorite sunscreen is Coppertone Nutrashield SPF 70. It glides on easily and is waterproof. It can be hard to find in stores, but I think it's totally worth it. I'm not a fan of the spray-on sunscreens: they are full of extra chemicals, and they just don't protect you as well. If you must use them, make sure your first layer of sunscreen of the day is a lotion with a high SPF. Then, reapply using the spray.

I also try to rotate my brands of sunscreen every three months. A study a few years ago indicated that after using the same brand for an extended period of time, it can actually become less effective.

Find the brand that works for you, and always be protected! Here's to a summer of healthy and protected skin!

DumBell Success Stories: Angie Howard

Today's DumBell Success Story features Angie Howard, a Ford Island recruit. The enthusiasm in her story is so contagious. Thank you for sharing this with us, Angie! 


Angie originally started Boot Camp in May 2010 when the first Ford Island 7:15am MWF class was offered. "At that time, my health was in a downward spiral. I had become complacent and had no idea the damage I was doing to my body. When I first started the course, all I cared about was losing weight. As the months went on I realized that I needed to change my lifestyle completely," says Angie. 

In January of 2011 Angie had to quit Boot Camp due to a new job opportunity. "In my time off from Boot Camp," Angie says, "I completed my first 10K, The Great Aloha Run, and a 1/2 Marathon! I owed all that to the confidence I gained from Boot Camp and Christina!" After a few months, the Ford Island Evening course opened up. "Since I had a full-time job and my husband was deploying, I needed something to keep me accountable so I wouldn't have a pity part for myself every day. Even though I lost the weight I had gained during my time off, once my husband returned home from deployment, I again took time off from classes. I fell into the trap of homecoming happiness and got complacent. I let the needs of my husband, my puppies, and my job come before my own." 

Finally, Angie decided enough was enough and returned to the Ford Island Evening class in February 2012. She had been avoiding the scale because she knew she had gained weight. At her initial weigh-in, she discovered she had gained 19 pounds since she started in May of 2010. "I was embarrassed, mad, sad, and so many other emotions," remembers Angie. "I had no idea what to do. I went home that evening and cried for a long time. I couldn't believe that only a few months of unhealthy eating and little to no working out could do that much damage to my body. I decided it was time for an overall change again. I needed to put in ALL the work in order to get the results I wanted." 

And work she did. Not only was Angie working out at Boot Camp, she also regularly put in cardio during the week, and lost 5 pounds her first month back. "I thought I was going to be the Biggest Loser that month, but feel short by 1 pound. I didn't let that ruin my spirits though! I signed up for the next month and continued to lose the weight, despite being sick twice that month and missing 3 classes." 

"In my second month, I hit a plateau; I was stuck at the same weight for 2 weeks. I asked my trainer Laurie for some guidance and she told me to track my food and calories on the app called My Fitness Pal. What I found out was that I wasn't taking in enough calories and my body was in starvation mode," explains Angie. "I adjusted my food intake and within 2 days, 2 more pounds came off! I was so stoked because weigh-ins were that week. When I stepped on the scale this time I just had a feeling I was going to finally win the Biggest Loser! And sure enough, that evening at Boot Camp, Laurie announced that I had won, losing 7.4 pounds that month and 4% of my body weight." 

Angie credits Laurie for keeping her on track. "Laurie is an amazing trainer! She always knows what positive things to say to our class to keep us motivated. She is always available after class to answer our questions and helps us in whatever way possible to reach our goals." 

"Angie's commitment reminds me of Babe Ruth standing at the plate and pointing to where the ball should go," says trainer Laurie Weber. "She decided she was ready to change, she committed herself to the goal, POINTED herself in that direction and made it happen. She had NO excuses, even with a birthday celebration in the middle of the month and also after being sick and missing a few classes. She wrote it all down, kept it clean, and owned her results!' 

"Her determination was evident," Laurie continues. "She pushed herself hard during workouts and was always in the front of the running pack. She goes three times through the agility course and never stands still, even during water breaks. As I say in class, 'you either get good at accomplishments or you get good at making excuses.' Angie got good at her accomplishments! I am so proud of her!" 

Angie and Ford Island Evening instructor Laurie Weber!

"Since I started back at Boot Camp this year, I have lost 13 pounds and over 13 inches total," says Angie. "People notice at work and I am back to being my happy, confident self! I am only halfway to my goal, but I know that it is possible if I do the work and eat healthy and clean! The biggest thing I have learned from class is that no matter what is going on in your life, you have to set some time out to take care of yourself! Boot Camp is like a good friend; it is always there when you need it to build your confidence back up and get you back to the person you know you are!" 

Healthy Habits: 3 Day Fruit Flush

Nowadays it seems that everyone is trying some sort of health cleanse. Many are very harsh and restrictive, and frankly, just plain unhealthy. But, I have to admit, over the years I've tried most of them. I was often lethargic and unable to continue my everyday activities effecitvely--being a good employee, a good mom, and a good wife. One day I ran across this 3 Day Fruit Flush by Jay Robb, and I've been using it monthly ever since. It's a cleanse that focuses on resetting your body rather than just rapidly cleaning out your intestines. I start this program every month on the first day of my cycle. I usually feel bloated after my period and I love the clean feeling I get after the Fruit Flush. I particularly love it because it's not too intense, and allows you enough calories to get through your day. And, since it is only three days, it doesn't seem as daunting as other options. I encourage you to give it a try! 

Here's the details: 

Day 1: Pre-Flush

On the first day of the detox, combine 1 1/4 cup of whey protein powder mixed with 1 quart of water. Drink 6 oz. of the protein mixture every 2 hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Then drink 8 to 12 oz. of water an hour after consuming the protein mixture. At 6 p.m. eat 3 to 6 oz. of lean meat with 3 to 6 cups of raw vegetable salad and 2 oz. of olive oil, flax seed oil or half of an avocado with lemon juice.

Day 2 & 3: Flushing Day

On the second and third day of the detox, have one serving of fruit every 2 hours beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Also drink 8 to 12 oz. of water 1 hour after each serving of fruit. At 6 p.m., combine 5 tbsp. of protein powder with 12 oz. of water, and drink it while eating a raw vegetable salad plus 1 to 2 tbsp. of olive oil or flaxseed oil or half of an avocado plus lemon juice. Drink 8 to 12 oz. of water 1 hour after eating the salad.

Fruit Serving Sizes

On the Fruit Cleanse Diet, the following are one serving of fruit: two medium applies, six apricots, one banana, 1 1/2 cups of berries, 2 cups cantaloupe or other melon, 1 cup grapes, one mango, two oranges, two nectarines, three peaches, one pear, 1 cup pineapple, three plums or four tomatoes.

Wednesday's Winners: Sarah Lewis

This week's Wednesday's Winner is Sarah Lewis, a new recruit from the Ford Island 7:15 class. Way to go, Sarah! 


Since beginning Boot Camp in March, Sarah Lewis has lost a whopping 10 pounds. "I started eating healthfully back in January, and since then have lost a total of 25 pounds. I knew I needed to add exercise to my diet routine, and so my addiction to Boot Camp was born!"

 Lead trainer Christina Landry says of Sarah, "Sometimes it takes months to really reach a participant and convince them this program can change their lives. But not Sarah! From the very first day, I could tell she wanted to make that change. She put every ounce of energy she had into every single workout. I have never seen her slacking off. "

"I honestly thought I would hate Boot Camp, but being a former athlete I love the competition that the class offers," says Sarah. "I always try to keep up with the person in front of me, and I love the Biggest Loser competition! It really motivates me to keep pushing myself. I was really nervous to start Boot Camp, especially being in a class where I didn't know anyone, but all the ladies at Ford Island made me feel welcome right away. There is always constant encouragement, and always someone telling me to never give up. "

Sarah and Christina posing after class! 

Landry says, "Sarah gave herself a better life last month by putting herself first for at least one hour. I saw her confidence building inside. This was especially evident on measurement day when she knew she had put in the work and was going to see success on the scale. Sometimes, it's not always about the numbers. It's also about a feeling that radiates inside and beams out for others to see. I look forward to watching Sarah continue to excel in this course!" 

Introducing DumBell "Fish"!

Boot Camp just has a way of bringing people together, and we always love it when we see our recruits getting together outside class in the name of fitness! One particular group, who have nicknamed themselves DumBell "Fish", have started a swimming group that meets weekly to practice their strokes and to train for competitions. Their group spans across multiple Boot Camp classes, and they even work out a pool schedule that allows them to watch each other's children while they swim laps. No excuses in this group!

Last weekend several of the "Fish" participated in the 26th Annual Dash and Splash biathlon in Kailua. The participants were decked out in DumBell shirts, hats, and new swim caps, and many more were there to cheer them on. Here's a few photos from the day. Way to go, DumBell "Fish''! 

Ready to run! 

Modeling the new DumBell swim caps! 

Looking good, "Fish"!