DumBell Success Stories: April Davis

Today's Success Story is a very special one! Not only is April Davis a long-time recruit, she is also a valuable part of the Ford Island childcare staff. We are thrilled to feature her Success Story today! 

April began taking class in October 2010. "I had stalled in losing weight on my own, and a friend of mine was willing to sign up for classes, too. I had originally started my weight loss journey at a whopping 197 pounds in August 2009, and had managed to lose about 20 pounds taking a nutrition class through Bloch Arena. I finished the class feeling happier and motivated to hit my goal of 160 pounds. That week after I finished the class, I tore a chunk of cartilage out from behind my kneecap. During the long process of getting military doctors to fix my knee and not just treat the pain, it was also discovered that I have two other painful issues with my knee: osteoarthritis that was greatly exacerbated by the injury and chronic tendinitis. During the rest and physical therapy I had tried to eat carefully to maintain my weight loss, but with barely even being able to walk 1/2 a mile without excruciating pain it was difficult to burn the calories to lose. At my first Boot Camp weigh in, I weighed 184 pounds. I was restricted to activities with little to no impact I had to modify a lot of the exercises. I pushed through every class and pound by pound dropped my weight. It took just over a year to reach my goal of 160 and I have maintained within a few pounds ever since December of 2011."

April in 2010 

"I love to run and Boot Camp has given me the muscle strength in my leg to withstand the hard impact to my knee," says April. "I run as often as possible, typically two days a week, and I try to take one cardio class a week as well. Lately, I've really come to enjoy a particular Spin class on Saturday mornings!"  

April doesn't subscribe to a particular diet, but follows Christina's suggestion of having carbs, fruit, and protein in the morning, and then tapering her carbs through the rest of the day. "I have a huge sweet tooth so I do allow myself one serving of dessert a week. I try to make even my desserts at home so that I can control the sugar and fats. I have had to teach myself to cook for small portions. It helps me and my family to resist the urge to overeat. And if I am satisfied, it's ok to not finish my plate." 

"I love the strong, supportive women in class and the healthy competition," says April. "We all can run against each other, determined to be first, and still say 'great job!' and mean it afterwards. That competition and support has brought me from an 11:30-12 minute mile to an 8:30-9 minute mile pace, even on my long runs that are 7-8 miles." 

April's second favorite part of Boot Camp? "I can't get enough Christina-isms! It's incredibly difficult to workout and laugh at the same time, but it would never be the same without Christina's sense of humor. She herself is motivating, I know she wants us to discover the best in ourselves and that her pushing in class shows me I am capable of being stronger. I have changed my entire way of thinking from 'I'm just trying to get through this to burn calories' to 'I need to make this harder so I can become more.'"

Trainer Christina Landry loves that April never lets anything get in her way. "In the beginning I could tell she wanted change because she had steady and gradual weight loss. Even with a painful, previous knee injury, she made as-needed modifications in every single class.
She even traveled all the way from Wahiawa every morning to participate with us! She maintained her weight loss for about a year, and then she went through another amazing transformation when her husband deployed. It wasn't just about losing weight anymore; she wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. It was like the light bulb went off in her head: she wanted to be healthy, not just thin. The change is also evident in her family. Just last month her husband won our Biggest Loser competition for the Halsey Terrace PM class! April is an amazingly strong woman, and she's a wonderful example of what can be achieved once you finally lay down the excuses and put forth genuine efforts." 

"I am thrilled to watch DumBell Fitness grow," says April. "When we do eventually PCS off-island, I will leave class with a heavy heart, but I am a changed woman and will take this knowledge, strength, and motivation with me. I will be anxiously waiting for DBF to go global!" 

April in March 2012

April in August 2012--looking great! 

DumBell Success Stories: Kim Bissell

Today's Success Story is one of our favorites! Please join us in congratulating the wonderful Kim Bissell! 

Kim first started Boot Camp 11 months ago at Halsey Terrace as part of the inaugural class. "I was on the cusp of beginning a change in my life. I had exercised faithfully for the previous 8 years, but I found myself plateauing. I was ready to challenge myself even more, so I decided to join DumBell and go for it!" 

Kim in 2000

In addition to Boot Camp, Kim does an extra 2 days of cardio per week. "When I started out, that included Zumba on my off days. But as my level of fitness increased, so did my desire to push myself personally. I even hired a sitter over the summer when my husband was deployed to continue my workouts. I now attend a Spinning class and run on my off days. Usually, I take weekends off." 

"For my nutrition, I follow Robb Wolf's 'The Paleo Solution' diet about 85%," explains Kim. "It eliminates processed foods, sugars and legumes, but I don't focus on what I can't have! My daily diet consists of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil and grass-fed meat. On occasion, I have what I want, like a burrito or margarita, but I now make that the exception, not the norm. I also incorporate AdvoCare into my nutritional regime. In the past year, I have shed 25 pounds. I feel fantastic and know I am fueling my body with everything that goes in my mouth."

Kim adores her Halsey trainer, Alison Fournier. "She is so knowledgeable, that even in my 11th month, I doubt my body's capabilities sometimes. But I know she will push me as far as I can go, safely. I am mostly motivated my personal accomplishments, though. With eating well and working out, my body has become very strong. It's a daily choice to continue the progress. I also love all the women in every class I have taken! I see us as one strong unit. Newbies or Oldies, we are one, and that gives me strength to do my best. I have 60 minutes to give it my all, for me, and I aim to do that every Boot Camp day."

Alison returns the compliment, saying, "Kim is amazing! She has been in my class since I started at Halsey Terrace. I've watched her grow stronger physically and mentally, and lose weight while doing so. I love to push her to her limits in class--she never gives up! She always takes my challenge to the next level. She inspires me and the class with her knowledge of nutrition ( the Paleo diet) and desire to be/get stronger. Kim is always helping the other ladies with words of inspiration, and helping them push harder and move faster!" 

"My journey has been long," says Kim. "At 40 years old, I am the healthiest and happiest I have ever been. I too have daily lessons that God teaches me, struggles in life, but having my health at the forefront of my purpose better allows me to face those challenges. At my heaviest weight (pre-boot camp), I was 60 pounds heavier than I am now. I carry that woman in me every day. But, I choose now to move forward and continue to eat well, exercise and hopefully motivate others to do the same. I do that because I want every woman to feel the way I do and know it is possible.  I thank Christina, Alison, and all the DumBell Staff for this opportunity I have been given to be the best I can be." 

Kim and her husband at the Khaki Ball in September 2012! 

DumBell Success Stories: Stephanie Sherard

Congratulations to today's DumBell Success Story, Stephanie Sherard! 

Stephanie Sherard, also known as "Preacher's Wife," has been in the Ford Island MWF 0830 course for two and a half years. She first joined upon the recommendation of a friend. "I am so thankful I ran into my old pal and that she told me about her experience with DumBell Fitness. She had two kids, but looked toned and she had lost weight! I had to know what she was doing!" 

"I started taking Boot Camp because I was sick of feeling fat and tired. And, I was thrilled that there was someone on site to watch my baby," says Stephanie. "I think the biggest obstacle for me was not having the option of childcare while working out. It was an excuse I would use a lot!" 

Outside of Boot Camp, Stephanie runs with her kids and husband on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. She also takes Yoga on Tuesday mornings. Stephanie also tries to eat a clean diet. "I try to eat my wholegrain carbohydrates in the morning and then taper off as the day goes by. When dinner comes around, I eat lean proteins and vegetables. Our family also has one cheat day per week. It was hard in the beginning, but now it is a routine that we all look forward to."
 
Stephanie also took DumBell CORP to tweak her diet. "I wanted to refresh what I already knew and to learn more--I did not go to lose weight. I learned a lot of good things from the class! I recommend taking it along with Boot Camp so that you get a good amount of knowledge to start the road to a better and healthier you." 

"My favorite part of Boot Camp is getting to work out outside in sunny Hawaii," says Stephanie. "I never know what fun exercise I'm going to do that day. My favorite part about Christina is that she is very motivating and I like the sense of humor she brings to the class. She has a way of making you laugh even when you don't want to!" 

"I love seeing Stephanie at Boot Camp," says Ford Island trainer Christina Landry. "I could tell she wanted the change when she started over two years ago. She lost fat and gained muscle within her first two months and it showed! She visibly looked healthier, leaner, and more energetic. Stephanie always has the best attitude at Boot Camp. She smiles at my jokes (which I love) even though she already heard them a hundred times. I love her enthusiasm and it is contagious. In fact, she even had her husband, Shawn, join the Boot Camp for a couple of months. I also love seeing Stephanie out in town. She is always dressed to the nines and showing off her amazingly fit body! She's a true testament that a military wife can be a good wife, a good mother, and be good to herself all at the same time." 

Stephanie and her husband Shawn, who also occasionally takes Boot Camp! 

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Stephanie! 

DumBell Success Stories: Heidi Holloway

A big shout out to today's amazing Success Story, Ford Island recruit Heidi Holloway! 


When Heidi first moved to Hawaii, she had gained 15 pounds. "I had let myself fall back into a very lazy routine," recalls Heidi. "I knew after all the hard work I had done before moving here to reach my goal weight, I needed to find a new program. So when a few friends of mine mentioned Boot Camp and how awesome it was, I got on the wait list knowing that  accountability was exactly what I needed to get back on track!" 

Heidi pre-boot camp

Outside of Boot Camp, Heidi swims, bikes, and runs on her off days. She has also recently started competing in triathlons!

"Nutrition has always been a big challenge for me. I am a pretty picky eater and I don't like wasting money to try things and then find out I won't eat them," says Heidi. "I decided to sign up for DumBell CORP and I learned a lot about the quality of the food I am putting in my body, and I have been trying to stick to as healthy and clean of a diet as possible! And even more so, I'm trying to instill healthy eating habits in my children. I have heard Christina say it before, and it has become a common phrase in my house, 'When you know better, you do better', and I am doing everything I can to make sure my family knows the right choices to make!"

Initially, Heidi was most motivated to attend Boot Camp only because she'd paid for it. "Now, it is more of a how-much-harder-can-I-push-myself-today motivation! Working out or running on my own, I don't push myself as hard as I do with other people around. I am for sure the person who is competing with my neighbor, whoever that may be. I may not win every time, but either way I am pushing myself to the limit everyday!"

Heidi can't name just one favorite part about DumBell Fitness Boot Camps. "I love the style of the work out, and I love the program and all the people in it are AMAZING! Christina has exactly the right balance of push and encouragement for me. Without fail, when I am feeling like I can't finish a set of burpies, she bursts out with one of her Christina-isms and I am somehow able to to push through!"

"Heidi was already on a weight loss journey before entering Boot Camp," says trainer Christina Landry. "The DumBell Fitness program built on that success and took Heidi to another level. I loved watching her blossom into the triathlete she is today. Heidi is constantly challenging herself, whether it be with more weight or resistance at Boot Camp, or a new race around the island. And she does not keep her new knowledge a secret; she has transferred her healthier way a life on to her husband, children, and other friends. Seeing Heidi's success is proof that lasting changes can happen and a new level of fitness can be achieved on a continual basis. As I and many of her friends already know, Heidi's  drive for overall wellness and fitness is contagious. She is a great role model for our community and I am honored and humbled to be a part of her journey."

"I just want to say to everyone involved in DumBell Fitness, and especially Christina, thank you so much for helping me become the strong and confident BADASS that I have always wanted to be! And to anyone just starting out, if I can do it....then that must mean it is possible! There is absolutely nothing holding me back, and that is an amazing feeling!" 

Looking great, Heidi! 

DumBell Success Stories: The Ladies of Waiea Court!

Today we are thrilled to showcase a unique success story. We are featuring four women from the Pearl City Boot Camp. They joined together, they support each other, and they are succeeding together! Congratulations, ladies!

Four ladies from Pearl City: Meghan Blackhall, Alana Evans, Sally Harper, and Feather Nelson, otherwise known as the Ladies of Waiea Court, are collectively kicking serious booty in class. The first recruit to join in March was Meghan Blackhall. Soon after, Alana, Sally, and Feather followed. Pearl City trainer Laurie Weber remembers first meeting these women. "It was clear when this group showed up walking to class together with their kids of various ages in strollers, riding bikes or scooters... they were in this thing together!"

Without further delay...here are the ladies of Waiea Court! 

Alana, Meghan, Sally, and Feather

Meghan Blackhall: "I used to run through the community four days a week and I would pass Laurie's house. She had Dumbell Fitness advertised on a chalk board outside her house with the website. I became interested and went home and did some research about the company and what they have to offer. Shortly after doing some research, I went to the pool with Sally and it must have been fate because Laurie came to the pool as well. I started talking to her about the classes and when I could start. The most motivational statement she said to me was "You either get good at achieving your goals, or you get good at making excuses". She was absolutely right; I didn't have any excuses! My husband is deployed, I don't have any children, and even though I am a full time student my schedule didn't clash with the time Dumbell Fitness was offered. I went the first month by myself and I began getting compliments from my neighbors. Feather was such a sweetheart and would always compliment me on my arms. This made me push harder to get Alana, Sally and Feather to sign up and do it with me. Now we all support each other and hold each other responsible for our actions, especially when it comes to food. We have shared food, recipies, and websites. Recently on our off days we have been meeting each other in the mornings to workout together. Sally and I have been running together and recently we just hiked Koko Head! We keep things interesting by being each others cheerleaders and trying to lighten up the mood with jokes when things get hard. Having such a wonderful support group has definitely made my life transformation easier and fun. Thank you Laurie, Sally, Alana, and Feather for being such a great support team!"

Sally Harper:  "For me it all started the day I met Laurie at the pool. Meghan asked if she was the teacher for the Boot Camp class in Pearl City. Laurie said yes, and she got my attention when she said the program had free childcare! The session had just started the previous Monday, but I waited until the next month to jump onboard. I had no more excuses! Meghan, who joined first, would come back to the cul de sac and give us a report on the workout. I was eager to start. I've been 'losing' weight for 5 years. We mentioned it to Alana and Feather. For me, I was glad we all started together. We did and still do take pictures of our food and make sure we are going to workout. We are always checking in on each other and give each other a hard time if we slip. Meeting this group of ladies has changed me for the better. Not only am I working out and pushing myself, but I have friends that are right next door. My husband is glad that I have found this group of women and workout class!"

Alana Evans: "I thought that I could work out on my own around my husband's schedule, but that didn't last very long! I decided that since Meghan and Sally were going to do Boot Camp, plus the kids would be together in the childcare room, I would join as well. If someone has to miss a class, and our husbands can't watch the kids, one of us babysits so the other can go to make-up classes. We all want each other to succeed at our goals. We often text the food we're eating to each other! It helps keep us accountable. I think we all just encourage each other. We started running on days off together if we could. Now I feel better and if I don't work out or eat healthy, I can feel it, and I don't like it. I think we found a great support system in each other! I am so sad that I am leaving the island, but I know the girls will keep it up and I will, too, somehow!"

Feather Nelson: "I've never been one who's been active or athletic and am just good with getting by, in any aspect. I've never been one to push myself or do better. Until now! I was active duty and had always done the minimum on everything, sad to say. I did what was required and nothing more on bi-annual PT tests. I used to dread mandatory PT days. I was the worst, always last, always dying! I was also an avid smoker. I smoked a pack a day! However, I made it through. I completed my service and took a full time job as wife and mommy. After my second baby in September, I just accepted my weight and health as it was. It is what it is kinda deal. The girls on my street had mentioned this work out group (with child care included!) and they were so excited about it. They didn't ask, they TOLD me that I was also joining. I know I wouldn't have done it without them. It's taken me this long to actually do something about myself. Be it my weight, my fitness, my well being...I was just okay with getting by. And now, I feel amazing! I have a long way to go yet, but I'm on my way. If it wasn't for these ladies and our awesome trainer pushing me, I would still be on my couch, not eating right, not living right. I set a goal of losing 10 pounds every month but have not reached it yet. I've only made it to losing 6 pounds a month, but that's fine with me! With the support system we have and with DumBell Fitness' encouragement, I'm loving every step of this new journey and look forward to every work out with an awesome group of gals!"

"The enthusiasm of this group is contagious," says Laurie. "They cheer each other on during class, they engage in 'sassy' talk when the exercises get challenging, and they shout answers to my rhetorical questions! They run by my house during our off weeks and shout 'good morning!' while I'm still in my pajamas. They send me pictures of their food and tag me in their pictures on Facebook--they are always keeping themselves accountable!" 

These ladies know how to make getting fit fun! 

Together, these ladies have lost a total of 37.4 pounds and 24.5 inches since joining in the Spring. Proof that having a true support system can truly be the key to success! Way to go, ladies! 

DumBell Success Stories: Linda Groom

Today we are happy to highlight the success story of long-time Ford Island Boot Camper Linda Groom! Congratulations, Linda! 


Linda joined the 0715 Ford Island Boot Camp in September 2010 to prepare for a scheduled hysterectomy in December. "I wanted to give myself the best chance of a  quicker post-op recovery. I returned to Boot Camp at 5 weeks post-op! It felt better to exercise than to be inactive."
 
Linda's weekly exercise routine is Boot Camp on MWF, and walking or swimming 3-4 times per week. "I try to walk for 20 minutes or swim for 30 minutes," says Linda. "On our off weeks, I run for about 50 minutes for swim for 30 minutes Monday-Friday."

To stay accountable for her diet, Linda weighs in weekly at Weight Watchers. "I try to not buy a lot of dessert or snack items because it is too easy to waste calories on stuff that's in my pantry. I drink mostly water. However, I do like coffee! I always aim to keep fresh fruit in the house, salads in the fridge and to serve vegetable and a protein for dinner."

"I didn't exercise at all growing up," recalls Linda. "I always felt like maybe I could have, but wasn't able to participate in sports because of my parent's work schedules. I couldn't really swim, despite growing up on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, MD. I did know how to water ski, though, and that was actually my first date with my husband, Tom!"
 
Linda credits her 35-year stint as an Army wife for motivating her to exercise daily. "You always see people out running (early!) when you live in military housing and feel like a slug if you haven't done anything that day! That's is why I like the 0715 class because I start the day off early, and I can check that off my list for the day. It's a friendly, non-competitive group despite the transiency of many of the ladies."

"Boot Camp has given me the edge to do the toning that aerobics never accomplished for me," says Linda. "Toning wasn't an area that I had been able (or willing) to tackle on my own. Anyone can do Boot Camp. It seems a little brutal at first, but it's totally doable. I'm 57 years old and still able to crank out the routines, even though I'm not a fast runner!"

"Christina might not like this," laughs Linda, "but I find it mindless to obey her commands! I don't even have to think about what to do next. She barks out commands; I obey! I feel that she truly cares about the ladies that attend. Many women battle their weight for a lifetime and think poorly of themselves. I appreciate the efforts to give these ladies the chance to improve their fitness and overall health, and ultimately their marriages and ability to care for their families."

Christina loves having Linda in her morning classes. "She is a true example Boot Camp works for anyone at any stage of their lives. She has worked up to the heaviest level of weights and bands. She is a mother of 6 and still finds the time to put herself and her health first for one hour a day. I love her positive attitude and that she always brings some of her family along. Linda understands that fitness is not just about achieving a specific goal, it's about living a healthy lifestyle at every level of fitness and at any age." 

Linda with her children and husband! 

"It's an incredible blessing to be a military wife, a patriot, and an encourager to our active duty husbands," says Linda. "We owe it to them (and to God) to attempt to get into the best shape possible to care for our families. I challenge every woman to try Boot Camp for awhile. It offers a physical challenge, lovely scenery (we live in paradise!) and encouragement for the long haul of aiming to live healthy." 

DumBell Success Stories: Alicia Heil

Please join us in congratulating Alicia Heil, this week's DumBell Success Story! 


You have probably seen Ford Island 0830 Boot Camper Alicia Heil pushing her jogging stroller over the Ford Island bridge in the morning! Alicia first started taking the course because she was seeking more than just cardio, and she was also eager to meet new people who had similar interests.

"I would like to think I am a dedicated jogger," says Alicia. "I jog 5-7 days a week, usually pushing my 'mini trainer' in the stroller." When she is unable to get in 6 days of jogging, or if she is off from Boot Camp, she does Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. "My family and I also have an active lifestyle that includes hiking, biking, swimming, and other sports. We try very hard to spend either Saturday or Sunday each week doing one of those activities."

Alicia pushing her running stroller, a familiar sight on Ford Island! 

Alicia doesn't follow a specific diet, but instead focuses on a well-balanced diet. "I have never been successful at dieting. Anytime I tried in the past, I would do good for 2-3 days but then end up binge-eating on pretty much everything in site! Now, I try to include as many fresh foods as possible, focusing on unprocessed foods and home-cooked meals. I'll very rarely have a soda or an espresso as a special treat!"

"Being fit and healthy is a lifetime commitment," says Alicia. "Boot Camp motivates me to always try harder to become a better me: to be the best and healthiest person, mother, and wife to my family and friends. I come from a heavier family (my twin sister is 4 inches shorter than me and 50+ pounds heavier) so my fitness is something that I have to work on daily."

Alicia's favorite part of Boot Camp is Christina's passion for helping military spouses. "She helps spouses become not only better and healthier people, but she helps them believe in themselves. She shows them that anything is possible with enough hard work and dedication."

"I used to be a lunch time jogger, but when I moved to Hawaii I realized I needed something to help with the daily stresses of life as well as being able to keep fit. Living in Hawaii, with the daily sunshine, there really is no excuse to not get outside!

"Like everything else in life, running takes practice," Alicia says. "Over the past 2 1/2 years I went from just running the landing strip on Ford Island to finishing first in my age group in the North Shore marathon! When I decided to start running long-distance, I had to become faster in order to achieve the distance I wanted within the amount of time I wanted to complete it in. Boot Camp has given me the strength, endurance and knowledge to be healthy and fit person I am today!"

"Alicia is a wonderful example of practice makes perfect," says trainer Christina Landry. "She has always been a strong runner, but as most avid runners know, muscle mass can be severely diminished to feed the long-distance cardio runs. Alicia initially came to class with little coordination, and she used smaller weights because of her tiny frame. However, after just two months, she learned how to use her body in the most optimal way and began using the heaviest resistance in ALL strength conditioning elements. Alicia is always encouraging others to join her on runs, and is a great role model for her class. We love having her in the DumBell Fitness family as a true testament of good health regardless of military-life obstacles."

Congratulations, Alicia! We love watching your accomplishments! 

DumBell Success Stories: A look back!

Our favorite blog posts are those that showcase the successes of our recruits. Today, we wanted to highlight all of our past "success stories" because they deserve more than one day in the spotlight! If you missed these the first time, definitely take a moment to read them. You will no doubt be inspired! 

Congrats again to all of our Success Stories! So proud to be part of your journey. 

Lori Stoffers 

Jayde Gaines 

Katy Chaffin 

Carmen "Aggie" Paguirigan

Cody Vernon 

Stacey Snee 

Erin Zavala 

Angie Howard 

Lorene Bessman 

Kristy Ortega 

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! 

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!”