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! 

Wednesday's Winners: Lillian Lee

We are excited to feature Ford Island recruit Lillian Lee as today's Wednesday's Winner! Congratulations, Lillian! 


"I began Boot Camp on Monday March 26th, weighing in at 176.4 pounds, " says Lillian. "On June 27, I weighed in at 161.2 pounds. I have a lost a total of 15.2 pounds and 11.75 inches, despite taking a vacation in August!" 

Lillian before joining Boot Camp!

Lillian's workout routine is three "magical" mornings a week at the Ford Island MWF 0830 class, and she is still searching for her favorite cardio workout. "I've done a couple SPIN classes (no ma'am!), a couple Zumba classes, and some other offerings at the base gym. Nowadays, you'll also catch me moving during my children's sports practices (even if it's just walking or stretching) instead of just sitting and waiting." 
 
Lillian is focusing on healthier choices, moderation, and monitoring portion and serving sizes. She also added eating breakfast everyday to her routine. "The 'new me' still enjoys her favorite treat, but much less frequently and in a smaller container!"

Christina has enjoyed watching Lillian's success. "Lillian was one of my many peer pressure enrollments! I would see her walk her little dog around Ford Island while we, the MWF 0830 group, worked out and I would always yell in her direction that she should join our group. (I'm a huge fan of positive peer-pressure!) I could tell that she was just trying to keep up during her first month. However, by the second month she was doing more than keeping up! She was working out harder, lifting more, running faster, and even smiling occasionally during the workout! Her success is proof that sometimes we all need just a little encouragement, a little push to make ourselves better. Lillian is well on her way now, and I love seeing her physical and emotional overhaul."

"I love that every routine has been different the entire duration of my time attending Boot Camp," says Lillian. "My trainer is NOT predictable and she is sincere about empowering individuals. You may hear your name from time to time for the good, the bad, or the ugly. Christina lets you know she is ALWAYS observing, when you least expect it! Everyone has their own story about how she inspired them; she has been able to encourage and improve such a diverse group of spouses. Thank you for letting me share my part of the story."

Christina and Lillian showing off those biceps! 

Way To Go, DumBell Kids!

In July, we held our first DumBell Kids Boot Camp Program! Twenty-six kids participated in one hour classes on Monday and Thursdays at Ford Island. The class, led by trainers Michelle Raigan and Devin Snevel, combined the original DumBell routine with fun modifications for kiddos, including soccer balls and hula hoops! The summer session ended on July 26th, but we'll be hosting future programs during public school breaks! 

Starting class with a run and some jumping jacks! 

Mountain climbers! 

Trainer Michelle leading the way through the obstacle course! 

High knees! 

Time to hula! 

Shuffle! 

Loving the matching outfits! 

It was a hot day! 

Squats! 

Knocking out those push-ups! 

Lower abs! 

These kids were great at jump rope! 

Working those triceps! 

Keeping that core strong! 

The Monday class with their certificates of completion! 

We're so proud of all of our DumBell Kids! Way to go, kiddos! 

Healthy Habits: School Lunches!

The start of school is right around the corner and parents are busy running around buying school supplies and new clothes. But don't forget about planning out healthy lunches for the kids, too! We found some fabulous ideas on Pinterest for creative, fun, and portable meals for children. (Did you know DumBell Fitness is on Pinterest now? Follow us here!) 


Some of our favorites from the Easy LunchBoxes Photo Gallery:

--Egg salad on lettuce with homemade wheat crackers, homemade granola, cucumber rounds, and grapefruit.

--Leftover homemade whole wheat pizza with strawberries and grapes.

--Leftover grilled chicken tenders with honey mustard and BBQ dipping sauces, celery, carrots, and an apple.

--Ham and cheese, cubed, whole wheat pasta with pesto, and crunchy veggie sticks.
 
--Turkey and cheese wrap in whole wheat flat bread, strawberries and salad.

--Mini quiches (make in muffin tins!) with whole wheat crackers and fruit.


A few other tips for keeping school lunches healthy:

--Do NOT pack sugary drinks! Send them with a thermos of water or milk instead. And no, chocolate milk is not a good choice!
 
--Limit sugary treats such a cookies or candy to very special occasions only. For a sweet snack, pack fruits instead!


Here's to a healthy and successful school year! 

Wednesday's Winners: Kelly Fletter

Today's Wednesday's Winner is long-time recruit, Kelly Fletter! Congratulations, Kelly! 

Kelly first began taking Boot Camp in November 2011 at Halsey Terrace. She switched over to the Hickam AFB course when it opened in January 2012, and has been a member of the class ever since! She was also in the inaugural class of CORP, the DumBell supplementary nutritional course. "I have lost 38 pounds since joining Boot Camp. Thirty of those pounds were lost since I started DumBell CORP in April." 

Kelly with her family prior to joining Boot Camp 

Kelly's workout routine is Boot Camp twice a week, and running three times a week for at least an hour. "On top of that," says Kelly, "I have an elliptical, SPIN bike, free weights, medicine balls and bands at home. I aim to do at least 60 minutes of home workouts each day. I put an extra large comfy seat on my SPIN bike and put it in my living room so when I'm watching my shows at night I have no excuses to not be on it. When I use the elliptical I am on the highest level I can be and I push myself to feel the burn." 

Working exercise into her family's quality time is also important to Kelly. "We will go on bike rides and hikes as a family outing and I have gotten my kids into running. So far, they have completed two 10K's and numerous 5K's! Sometimes they don't feel like running when I need to, so they will ride their bikes along side me as I run. I'm trying to instill in them the importance of being healthy and active!" 

"My main struggle in life has always been my diet," says Kelly. "I started eating cleaner in August 2011 and noticed a difference right away in just how I felt.  Since I started DumBell CORP in April I have learned so much! Eating clean and and managing portion control is no longer a struggle for me. I learned so much taking that class with Christina and learned that I was not eating the best I could. I thought I was eating well, but learned that just because the label/box says it's healthy and good for me doesn't mean that's always true. If anyone is struggling, or even if you are not, I highly recommend that class. Knowledge is power and in the war of weight loss/getting healthy/staying healthy, the more power you have, the better."

"All the trainers are wonderful and I can't say enough good things about them," says Kelly. " I currently train with Alicia Palmer at the Hickam Boot Camp and she is awesome! She is always encouraging me and letting me know that I can do it.  She brings a lot of energy to class and we love it. When I first started Boot Camp, Alison Fournier was my instructor and I loved her, too! Alison always encouraged me as well by telling me how far I'd come since I first started class. Christina Landry has also been a big inspiration. CORP was my first real interaction with her, but every week when I weighed in she would tell me that she was proud of me and to keep up the good work. Even when there was a week when I did not lose weight, she told me to not let it get me down, and that she'd see me next week. These trainers and Boot Camp gave me the confidence and encouragement I need!" 

Alicia and Kelly showing off those biceps! 

Kelly's trainer, Alicia, returns the compliment. "Kelly is such a superstar! She is ALWAYS the first one to class, and always has such a great attitude. She is definitely an inspiration to all the other recruits!" 

Trainer's Favorite Playlists: List 4

Today's playlist comes from Christina's Saturday SPIN class! The class loved it, and we hope you do, too! 

Somebody's Watching Me (Hi_Tack Club Mix)--Beatfreaz

Let's Go (feat. Ne-Yo)--Calvin Harris

Invisible (Kaskade Remix)--Skylar Grey

One--Three Dog Night

Survival--Muse

Miss You--Foster the People

Little Talks--Of Monsters And Men

Vogue--Madonna

Sunshine--Matisyahu

Spectrum (Say My Name)--Florence + The Machine

Titanium (feat. Sia)--David Guetta

Don't Move--Phantogram

Crave You (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix)--Flight Facilities

Could You Be Loved--Bob Marley & The Wailers

(Looking for some extra cardio? Join this SPIN class at Hickam on Saturdays! Class starts at 0830.) 

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!