Real Boot Campers Share Their Stories

Photo Credit: Simonson Photography

OC Adventure Boot Camp changed my life! A few months before my 40th birthday I decided I needed to make a change in my life. After losing forty pounds on my own, I knew I needed a more formal workout routine to complete my transformation. A friend recommended boot camp and it sounded like fun. I started with a two-week boot camp in May of 2007. I was hooked from day one! The trainers I have worked with are knowledgeable and caring and the boot camp staff has been so supportive. I haven’t missed a camp since I started.

The early morning boot camp classes fit into my schedule perfectly. I never thought of myself as a morning person, but I found that I love getting my workout completed first thing in the morning. No matter what else happens during my day, I have given myself an hour devoted to my health and fitness.

I have now lost a total of 110 pounds! I remember that I had to walk during our first mile test in September of 2007 and clocked in at over 12 minutes. Now I can run an 8 minute mile and on Sunday, October 12, I ran the Long Beach Half-Marathon. I have also made some great new fitness-minded friends. We walk and run on the weekends and work out together during the "off" boot camp weeks.

I am so grateful that I found OC Adventure Boot Camp!

- Heidi C.

I’ve been able to manage my weight by watching what I ate but the last several years, that stopped working and I just felt weak and unhealthy so I needed to make a change. I remembered some of what I learned in the gym orientation glass I took back in college (1993) and thought I could go to the gym on my own but just lacked motivation. Friends have tried to help but I just kept falling "off the wagon" after a few days. So I thought I would try 1 month of Boot Camp to keep me accountable.

At first I couldn’t even run a single lap without feeling like I was going to pass out but after 5 weeks of Boot Camp I had no problem running the 5K O.C. Mud Run and had a blast doing it. This is my 2nd month and I’m looking forward to more improvements!

-Michele Vasquez – Tustin Ranch Boot Camper

I always thought I was relatively fit.  I ran on a treadmill between 10-12 miles and I thought I was pretty good shape.  The OC Boot Camp has made me realize just how out of shape I really was.  Since joining OC Boot Camp about 6 months ago, I have toned my arms, legs and abs.  I have never hurt so good before. I have found muscles I never new I had.  My stomach is getting flatter and my under arm flags are disappearing.   I look forward each morning to getting up,  being outside and getting fit.  These instructors make getting up at 4:30 worth it!  

-Diann Buckingham

I started OC ABC in September of 2008 after learning about the program through a friend and current camper.  I was very reluctant to join anything called "boot camp" especially since it had been years since I worked out consistently … and also that it started at 5:30 AM!!  After adjusting to the sleep deprivation, I quickly fell in love with the program.  Our instructor, Sam, does an excellent job of recommending easier or harder exercises in order to meet each camper’s personal fitness level.  

I quickly found myself eating better, going to bed early and challenging myself each morning.  I have noticed an increase in my strength, as well as my level of endurance.  In February of 2009, I completed my first 5K race … something I never thought would be possible.   I love finishing my work-out before my day begins and have even found that I am more energized throughout the day.  

Annie Huhnerkoch, 27
Corona del Mar

When I started boot camp in Huntington Beach with Sam as my instructor, it was really just to get one of my friends off my back who had been nagging me to join her for some time…that was 9 months and 7 boot camps ago. I have since January become a paid up annual subscriber and have missed only a couple of days due to illness or injury. Boot camp has literally become addictive and is like a tonic.

Boot camp has become part of my daily routine, just like showering or brushing my teeth and the bonus is by 6.30am my exercise programme is over and no matter how pear-shaped my day goes, it can never interfere with my exercise plan.

With Samantha’s constant guidance, instruction and expertise, I have become fitter now than I have been since my teens and have more energy and strength to deal with the demands of being a full time mother with a part time job. It is such an inspiring programme with no two days alike therefore there is never a chance to ever get bored with the programme.

In my whole adult life I have never stuck to an exercise programme for longer than a few weeks and I am so proud of the fact that I am still here 9 months later and managed to get through a winter of dark mornings and really cold temperatures…the fact that during my week off I am lying there twiddling my thumbs at 5 o’clock must mean something!

Boot camp is fantastic and I wouldn’t sacrifice it for a thing.

Kirsten Classen, Costa Mesa

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and humor throughout this camp. You made working out that early in the morning very comfortable yet very challenging at the same time. Everyday that I drove away I felt better and better, just 1 day closer to getting the body back that I once had. It also helped me tremendously with quitting smoking . I cannot wait to do this camp again and I am looking forward to giving it my all and going for 5 days a week this time. I have also encourages two of my girlfriends to join camps, although they don’t live near RSM but they are very excited to start the Irvine and Aliso Viejo camps.

Thank you again, you are quite an inspiration J .

~Alison Oddo, smoke free 35 days and counting!

I really enjoy your class and you are an inspiration. Thank you for being so upbeat and considerate of everyone’s different physical levels, I have never felt so included in a class before.

~Leigh Ortiz

Thank you sooooooo much for an incredible experience in exercising. It was empowering and I look forward to coming back.

~Marie Penton

Thank you for your inspiration mentally and physically. I look forward to my transformation INSIDE and OUT. I’m so excited!

~ Suzanne

Hi Samantha, I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that I joined the RSM boot camp! It’s an amazing experience and I can tell you, it beats the gym!! The instructor is great.

I Just wanted to let you know that I am having a great time in your boot camp and am so glad you are teaching it! You make it so enjoyable and fun! THANK YOU! You almost make waking up at that ungodly hour bearable! ~Rachel Burch

This fitness and weight loss program is honestly the best gift I have given myself. It is motivating, stimulating and challenging…everything my old routine lacked. It jumpstarts my day and I have met a wonderful group of women from all walks of life. I receive dedicated personal instruction – I couldn’t ask for anything more in an exercise program. You need to do this for yourself.

Kristin Daniels

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I hope that you and John have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know that I am very thankful for both of you and the passion that you both have for helping others to improve themselves.
I have benefited so much from your boot camps!! I look forward to starting again after the holidays!

Fondly,
Colleen Myers

John is the Tony Robbins of Fitness; he believes in the impossible and strives for the best in himself and others! Through his many talents from Adventure Boot Camps to Lifestyle Coaching, John is truly a leader in the industry. You’ll want to consult with John if you’re looking to achieve the highest in personal peak performance! Tamilee Webb M.A. ‘Ms Buns of Steel’

I am currently enrolled in the June boot camp at Capo Beach for the second time. My training experience with Tonya Williams has been exceptional. She has a unique way of making sure that all levels are challenged and she has been diligent in making sure all of us are using the proper form, technique and focus – which gives us the best return for our workout. I have trained and run marathons for the past 15 years – but after working with Tonya these past four weeks, I am noticing my training runs (I do these in the evenings) have been easier and faster. My strength and endurance has also vastly improved over the past 4 weeks – thanks to Tonya’s very challenging sessions.

I will be definitely signing up for a 3rd session in July!

Sincerely,
Debbie Y.

I can’t tell you how boot camp has changed my life for the better. I can count a least nine things that have been improved because of boot camp. You have been really great in motivating me to a new fitness level. Thank you!"

- Jan T. of Irvine

I just wanted to say thank you for making Boot Camp so much fun…I believe it’s your warm, gentle and humorous spirit combined with your professionalism, knowledge and dedication that makes Adventure Boot Camp a continuing success!

Fondly, Xochill

I have somewhat of an unusual testimonial I thought I’d share with you. On Wednesday after our hike I had a dentist appointment to have a crown work up on a tooth that broke. My dentist is here in Yorba Linda, and her name is Caroline Dang…..she’s a great dentist. She was drilling away on my tooth when the anesthetic started to wear off…..I motioned her, and she stopped and gave me another shot and continued. She still wasn’t finished when I felt the pain coming back again…..she had to stop again and give me yet a third shot to numb me so she could finish. She couldn’t understand why the medication was going through me so quickly because I had to have a crown once before and that didn’t happen. I mentioned that I had just gone on a "climb up Mt. Everest" that morning and she said that was it…..my metabolism was running so high that the medication was running through my body faster than normal. She was impressed…..so was I!

I really enjoyed the hike….even though I am so badly out of shape, I just hung in there and made it to the top…..like everyone else…..and boy was that view gorgeous! I appreciate that you lag behind for us slower ones…..you make us feel so good about ourselves…..I can’t wait for next Wednesday’s hike!

Thank you John,
Barbara Taylor

I was completely bored with exercising. I have exercised my whole life and needed a change. It’s great to be excited about my workout program again. I’m beginning by 3rd camp soon!

Pat Beckman, age 68

The Adventure Boot Camp is simply the best! I particularly like the variety of activities and the sense of fun that’s built into the program. I really felt like I was getting the maximum benefit out of the program. I highly recommend the program to anyone wanting to improve their fitness and overall health. Linda Landers

I have to admit I was a little skeptical about something entitled "Boot Camp". I envisioned a lot of yelling and not the most nurturing environment. However, since day one of camp, I have been nothing but thrilled to wake up and hang out with my newly acquainted friends. After two camps, I have learned so many new exercises that have stirred muscles I didn’t know I had! The biggest change for me has occurred in my arms, hips and abs. I feel so much leaner and firm. I’m into a size 4 and my energy level has seen a significant boost. So, whether it’s interval training with weights or yoga and pilates, I look forward to every morning’s new adventure. Lisa M.

Wow! What can I say about Boot Camp. I can say so much I don’t know where to begin. I am 32 years old and have tried many different things to try and get myself into shape. Including working out with a personal trainer that cost me ALOT of money and just ended up hurting my knees. When I thought about doing Boot Camp the idea of getting up to workout at 5:30 in the morning freaked me out a little. Well, I am currently involved in my second camp. After the first 4 week camp I noticed a difference in my body composition that I never had prior. I have never really had a weight problem, yet was never really toned either. My legs and butt were on the flabby side, and as I get older I noticed it getting worse. Right now I feel so good in my clothes – I can’t believe it. People have noticed a change in my body. My hips had started getting little fat pockets on the sides and those are GONE! I am amazed at the results of the training that John gives us. Getting up and working out at 5:30 has been easy to adjust to and believe it or not, I have lots of energy throughout the day. I Love Camp and John Ellis is one of the nicest guys I know. He is not your typical arrogant personal trainer type guy. He is awesome. He is so knowledgeable and so helpful in the morning to everyone in the camp. I can’t say enough good things about him. I I love camp and I love what is happening to my body as a result of it!

Thank you John Ellis for the dedication to all of us! You are awesome!

Lisa Gray

In Febuary of this year, I started my first boot camp with John Ellis, I must say I was a bit unsure of my strength and abilities. Could I even keep up? Boot Camp? I’ve been there before! In 1988 I left the United States Marine Corps after serving eight years and being in the best shape of my life. Now, I’m a 47 year old female, 50 pounds overweight and in the worst shape of my life. I allowed allowed the corporate demons to suck up my soul for the past 12 years. I have tried every diet in the book from Weight Watchers, Fit For Life, drugs and personal training – unsuccessfully. Now it was time for a rebirth and I knew boot camp would do it. But could I handle it 22 years later when waking up at 0430 is a challenge in itself . Well John Ellis makes sure everyone at camp finds their personal success as he lifts our spirits and demands that each of us embrace our personal strength to the best of our abilities. As this was accomplished so was a gradual physical, emotional and mental transformation. Now while attending my third boot camp, I am stronger, healthier, with noticeable increased energy levels and have dropped one dress size. I have achieved my personal goals and much more . My weight, I no longer worry about because I feel too good to be preoccupied my with negative thoughts. This is truly a life changing experience and if your ready for the commitment, join the journey, come aboard. If not, stay home and sleep your way through life! I did it for 12 years. !!

Sempre Fi
Pat Ortegel

I have been away from a fitness lifestyle for years. I replaced fitness for watching my bottom lines grow. I saw John’s ad and was compelled to act for two reasons: #1: it didn’t sound like a sissy camp. #2: I had no time management rationalizations to use against exercising locally from 5:30-6:30am, a time slot previously reserved for snoring. What is the result? I have more energy and I am proud of myself for getting something started. I did not choose this program because of John’s extensive crendentials. Now that I have done this for two weeks, I know that it is his expertise at working different muscle groups every day & incorporating different exercises that has made the workout difficult, and yet possible for me. The variety keeps it fresh and makes it a total body workout. I would highly recommend this program for anyone seeking to rekindle their love for a fitness lifestyle. Melinda, Coto de Caza

I arrived at boot camp overweight and out of shape – a true couch potato who loved food and hated exercise. But, I knew it was time for a change and John’s boot camp sounded like just the cure. What I was really looking for was something to jump start me into better fitness and eating habits. What could be better than four weeks of intense fitness training with other women under the guidance of an experienced trainer? And the classes were great! The variety of activities and pace of the class made the hour fly by each day. Don’t get me wrong, it was a lot of hard work. John pushed me harder than I would ever push myself working out alone. But he also allowed for the individual abilities of each participant. It didn’t matter that I was the slowest or the weakest. What matters is that I worked at and improved at everything. And the results are impressive. During the four weeks, I lost eight pounds. I lost two inches each around my chest, waist, and hips. I also lost over one inch on each arm and leg. I improved my one mile run time by 10%. Plus, I have more energy than ever. Best of all, it has given me just the boost I was looking to attain. I’m now eating better, sleeping better, and exercising regularly. I have the hope and belief that I can continue my new fitness habits and my journey to a leaner and healthier me. And I’m looking forward to returning to future boot camps to challenge myself again.

Thanks John!
Diana, RSM