Cheryl Wilson
I am a busy finance professional who often works 60 hours a week or more. I have been working out fairly consistently with varying results for over ten years. As my schedule got busier, I was looking for a way to get into better shape without spending hours at the gym. And I needed something that would keep me interested and motivated – anyone who’s been using the elliptical for the past five years can probably relate – the same workout over and over gets boring no matter what. I’ve gone to personal training sessions at some of Chicago’s most expensive gyms and essentially they were all the same. Very expensive for the trainee, but the trainer is a wage employee making less than a third of that and you are just another hour slot filled. $80/hour that never really felt worth it no matter how nice (or mean) the trainer was.

I was a bit skeptical of the boot camp-style training sessions because I thought that you had to lift heavy weights on the machines at the gym to get results. No way would a pair of 8 lb dumbbells improve the shape of my arms after I’d been working out for years. And I wouldn’t have to do a cardio session after the training session? But when Andra told me she’d not been a member of a gym for years and she personally trained this way, I had to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised!

The boot camp-style personal training sessions with Andra were the best health related decision that I’ve made. Although the sessions are challenging, they are actually fun. I have never been bored during a session and in almost three months I have not even come close to having the same session twice! Every training session is fresh, new and interesting. And the exercises are hard work, but not complicated. I can do them on my own as well.

The results have been fantastic! In only 10 weeks, a combination of the boot camp-style training sessions and healthy eating (nothing drastic and I still enjoy dessert and wine in moderation) has dropped my clothing size from a 10 to a 6. I have lost ten pounds of fat and gained three pounds of muscle. My arms have never been so toned and I have seen ab muscles for the first time in my life! Overall, I feel healthier, stronger and more confident. I am now a true believer in the boot camp-style of training and I’ll never go back to being bored I the gym for hours a day. Thanks Andra!


Renee Davis
I decided to attend the Chicago Boot camp upon my 49th birthday in order to improve my overall health, energy and confidence. After 3 sessions, this experience has completely changed my life, and therefore, I plan to continue all year. I was your typical athlete and joined the gym in hopes of creating a self motivated program – well of course, this good intention never materialized and as a result the gym was a complete disappointment and waste of money. Boot camp is perfect for me because it requires me to set aside a scheduled time in order to get my work out completed first thing in the morning and the program provides an individual pushing me to meet my goals. The program has incredible workouts which consist of weight training, obstacle courses, running, etc. The nice thing about the workouts is that there are never two days which are exactly alike. The coaches vary the workouts in order to prevent boredom and to meet everyone’s fitness level. One of the most surprising outcomes has been the friendships I have gained as part of my boot camp experience. The women are fantastic and extremely encouraging. Because of the program, I am much stronger, leaner, have a higher energy level throughout the day and have tons of confidence. At 49, I feel that I’m in much better shape – almost as good of shape as when I participated in collegiate sports. I am a huge believer in boot camp because of the workouts, friendships and the coaches. Thank you Chicago Boot camp.


Irene
I didn't know what to expect my first day at boot camp and was a bit intimidated. It didn't take me long to realize that the women there were no different from me. I love that the workout is done outside. The time passes so quickly and you never know what is planned for you. Each day is different and it is never boring. I learned the emphasis isn't on losing weight but becoming stronger and improving your current fitness level. I feel better physically and have also discovered a sense of well-being mentally. I have so much more energy. Our coach was tough, and took our workouts seriously, but encouraged us with her knowledge and motivation. Even on the days of freezing temperatures, ice covered sidewalks, and the rain, she kept us all going. There was never anything but friendly competition among these women. I have attended 3 sessions so far and have learned so much. I hope to be able to join again and am so happy to have found this boot camp.


Simone Peer
Thank you for leading such an inspiring and wonderful morning workout. Your enthusiasm and encouragement have fueled my inspiration to get up every (ok, most) morning(s)--rain, shine, snow, cold, balmy, or breezy--and push myself to physical limits I've never really done before. And I feel/see the difference. Even though I'm not excited about getting up and out, I actually can not imagine not doing it now. It's like a secret morning life/world that few others dare to share and yet where magic happens, friendships are formed, and I (we) get to be/come fully fabulous.


Amber McNeil
If you are serious about making a health and fitness lifestyle change, then Boot Camp Chicago is what you are looking for. I have been part of three sessions, ranging from 3-5 weeks at a time, and I feel great! The coach, Andra Shrader is WONDERFUL! She will challenge and help you attain realistic goals. The women who attend have now become my friends. We are of all different ages and sizes yet we are committed to holding each other accountable. Boot Camp starts at 6 am and ends promptly at 7. (a.m., that is) What is accomplished in that hour is nothing short of a miracle. You have your cardio, your strength, and your flexibility training. The next session starts Jan. 15 in Oak Park, IL . I suggest you sign up now! Spaces fill up very quickly. And we "repeat campers" want our space!! :) Anyone who follows through with one session of boot camp will come out with at least 10 -15 new friends, an increase in self-confidence, more knowledge about making better food choices, and so much more!


Jayne
I can't thank you enough for the past three weeks . . . it has really help me in so many ways. The day after my first boot camp my father passed away after a brief illness. Even though my thoughts and heart were elsewhere, I stuck with it. I really feel that mentally I'm in a better place and that has really helped me with my grief and sadness. Coming to boot camp has definitely been the best thing for me . . . plus I feel like I've lost a few pounds! I appreciate all your encouragement and look forward to continuing my workouts.