All Stars of the Month at The Bootcamp Effect

“How Bad Do You Want It?!?!
This is a question that Josh will ask you often. My name is Shannon and the answer to this question for me is really really bad!!! I’ve had two pregnancies and gained 60 lbs the first one hung onto 40 of those pounds and then prceeded to gain 50 more with my second. Apparently I love food. Now I love bootcamp! A friend asked me to do some research about maybe doing an excercise class while our girls were in preschool nothing seemed to fit the time frame that we had. Then I found The Bootcamp Effect online, on the add it said try a class for free…. I wasn’t the “type” to do bootcamp but who could say no to a free class. I said to my girlfriend well we will try this one class and if we don’t like it then we don’t have to go back because I’m not really the “Type” to do bootcamp I hate being yelled at. Well I’m here to say I’m sooooo the bootcamp type!! There is no yelling at you like a drill seargent. Josh is encouraging, supportive and just when you think your going to quit he makes you laugh or asks you how bad do you want it Shannon? How bad do you want that lean, tone body? Which makes me work harder. This class is fun, motivating and every class is different. My husband likes to hike and I had a hard time keeping up…. Not anymore! This class has given me confidence to feel good about myself and the stamina to keep up to my husband hiking. I’m looking forward to the coming months shedding more pounds and buying some new clothes. Thanks Josh for being a great coach and making me realize just how bad I want that lean tone body.”
-Shannon Clarke

“Before coming to bootcamp I was working out at home to Jillian Michaels DVDs. I “thought” I was giving it 100%, but let’s be honest; it’s pretty easy to quit early, pause it, or just plain press stop! Since I wasn’t seeing results, I quit doing them.  I knew I wanted to join something and I also knew it wasn’t going to be another gym. I need variety and a group setting – that’s why I chose The Bootcamp Effect.  After only a few weeks I started seeing results and I feel awesome! No more DVDs for me! ”
-Kim Dean

“Josh and his trainers are really good at motivating you and adapting the exercises to your fitness and skill level, from beginner to advanced there is something here for everyone. The workouts are challenging and the people that attend are great. Overall, Bootcamp has a fun positive atmosphere. I can tell you from experience that the first class might be tough but if you are motivated, follow the dietary guidelines, and do the best that you can every time you are at Bootcamp, you will really start to notice changes in the way you feel and look. Josh will give you the tools and support you need to achieve your goals, the rest is up to you! So what are you waiting for?”
- Jason Robertson

Ive lost 30lbs!!!!!!!
Bootcamp has been an amazing experience. I have done things that ive never thought possible. i have lifted weights that i never knew i could do!. Krystine and Josh have been so supportive and encouraging in my weighloss journey!! After having 2 kids it was hard to think i could wear pre pregnancy clothes…but now they are too big!! Its a great feeling!! I feel awesome!! Thanks Bootcamp Effect!!!
- Jen Kaps

“My aim was to feel strong and confident in my physical body. Again…After 8 years of putting that on the back burner… Wow I feel great again and I really trust that strength in my body again. Just a few months (at any age)…Anything and everything is possible.”
Sonora Wallace

“For the past 10 years I have had a fairly decent work out regime, reducing my weight from 230lbs to 205 lbs. AND I am only 5 7” so yes I am a bit of tank…an old 48 year old last of the Baby Boomers 1962 model…a cart horse not a pedigree race horse… Within what I was doing for work outs I was stagnating, getting injured, too many long repetitious work outs… Anyhoo…I was pissing around in my driveway last September pizzling with my bike lamenting my training doldrums, trying to move a roll of belly fat out of the way so I could adjust the bike brakes, when I Josh’s dad, Bobby crossed my path with the Saunders’ family hound… I told him about…two sore knees, work outs kinda blah…weight going up, motivation going down, sick of thinking what to do…tired of not making progress. Bob told me about Josh’s program and 10 minutes later he was back with sign up forms and an information package… So I signed up for the Boot Camp Effect…in October of last year… I was about to get coached by some kid whose nose I used to wipe during cul de sac road hockey games?? Zounds!! Well…the weight is down to 188 lbs so at least 15 lbs off…AND Muscle mass is up…tone is better…energy is higher… I am not doing everything I am told vis a vis eating and if I was then I think I would be lighter and more toned and CUT!!?? For the first time in my life CUT with washboard abs…okay settle down that is the next phase….this fall….stay tuned…back to the testimonial… The work outs are diverse…they are fun…Josh and his staff are high energy and knowledgeable (remember Josh has a degree from a major BC university in this stuff so this is not a random program)… The motivation is positive, energetic, encouraging and consistent…and the trainers are always sensitive to individual needs…different strokes for different folks. My knee pain, thanks to strengthening the quads and other leg muscles via several million body weight squats and other techniques…is virtually gone and I do have a Teflon knee ligament…the roll of belly fat is definitely diminished….there is a modest V shape taper…I am stronger and faster… This is a class for every man and /or woman 19-80 years old (except probably for prima donnas who know it all anyway…) who is motivated to get fitter but doesn’t want to be an expert…who wants to get buff…or who just wants to trim a little…or just feel better…or learn how to work out with proper form and technique…or get into a positive group exercise scenario… And the cost? Well compare it to the cost of medication if you crap out through sloth and avarice, the cost of a gym membership you never use and wouldn’t know what to do when you are there anyway… Ohh yes and both of my daughters have used the program too..they both love it also… SO THERE…what the hell are you waiting for…sign up and all aboard the pain train!! (Just kidding there is no pain train…unless you want there to be…)”
Ian Tate
Male Age 48…
The bald guy sweating all over the work out room…

“When I was halfway through my first workout in early May this year, I was reminded of what Dr. McCoy said, ‘You have to be Vulcan kidding me!”. But somehow, I overcame the nausea, the shin splints, got used to not drinking (never thought that would happen), reduced my calorie intake (still miss Lays potato chips though) and now I am in the best shape I have been in, in the last 10 years. I am down 20lbs in 10 weeks and have lost 2 inches off my waist. I have just tossed all my size 36 pants, so I won’t be tempted to go back to that size again. Although it took some time to arrive at a decision to start this program, I started on this road as many do, by looking at ourselves, our family and friends, and some life-changing occurrences in our lives. I made the decision to change my lifestyle the old-fashioned way, eating less, eating better and exercising. I found Josh’s program and took the plunge. I was initially impressed with not only Josh’s technical knowledge but his encouragement and motivational approach to lifestyles and his ability to provide different programs on an on-going basis. This certainly helps to avoid a ‘routine’ which I sometimes found to be mundane when going to the gym. Josh also recognizes his clients as individuals and provides advice, tailored to the individual. It is also very helpful to have many like-minded, good people at the workouts, who are motivated and committed to a better lifestyle. I am now at the point that I make the workouts a priority. By attending Bootcamp three times a week (including a trip to Las Vegas) I have achieved my weight loss goal, but also feel more energetic, sleep better, and do not need pain killers for my back. I think goals are important and should be re-assessed form time to time. Now that I have achieved one of mine, I look forward to improve my conditioning with the goal of playing tennis again. Remember, whatever your motivation, success is 90% mental and the rest is in your head, and it doesn’t take a Vulcan mind-meld to do it.”
David Kneale

“I would highly recommend The Bootcamp Effect for anyone who wants to get off the couch and improve their health. I have noticed a huge improvement both physically and mentally in just 6 weeks. The workouts are challenging and varied so you never get bored. Exercising with a group is fun and the camaraderie keeps me going. Classes feel as if you have your own personal trainer in a fun, fast-paced environment. I feel muscles that I never knew I had! Josh is a perfect instructor for a boot camp as he is fun and a master motivator. He offers various levels of exercies for people of different fitness levels – intense or a little more gentle – both are possible here. Josh knows his stuff!”
Nancy Funnelle

“After thanking Josh for his help, I told him he’s stuck with me… just because my wedding has passed doesn’t mean I’m giving up bootcamp! It’s the best and most motivating workout regime I’ve ever done; Josh helped me achieve my weight-loss goal for my wedding/vacation, and now I’m ready for more! His support throughout, especially when I felt like I was on a weight-loss stand-still, helped push me harder than I could have ever pushed myself. Besides the fitness, his knowledge and advice on diet helped me achieve better weight-loss than months on Weight Watchers. Josh is the best personal trainer I have ever worked with and I recommend him to EVERYONE I can…. I was in Maui for 2 weeks and mentioned SEVERAL times to my husband that I really missed bootcamp and couldn’t wait to get back at it! YOU ROCK JOSH!”
Andrea Haeber Plautz

“I joined boot camp under the impression I only needed to lose a few pounds and tone up. My first day of boot camp, I was eager and nervous as hell! I bombed at the warm up! I couldn’t do two jumping jacks without stopping for a breather! And a burpee? What was a burpee? You want me to do that?? I didn’t do so well on that either. I found myself asking everyone if boot camp would get “easier”, they said the same thing I say to newbie’s in the group now- Nope! Lol.. As the weeks went on, I still went with the motions, feeling a little defeated at times as I still could not complete a warm up. Josh motivated me to challenge myself and once I started to do that, the results were rewarding! Pounds and inches started sliding off! Even after I sprained my ankle and pulled a muscle and thought this would be it for my workout days…. Josh pushed me through and found me alternative exercise to keep me moving! The weight and the inches started to come off rapidly! Josh is a great motivator, sort of like another conscious to me, talking me through the negative thoughts. No matter how poorly you feel you have done, he pushes you to do more, faster! This was the great feeling of accomplishment at the end of the boot camp workouts. Upon receiving a consult from the nutritionist I learned how much and what to put in my mouth and that eating healthy never tasted so good! Now, 15lbs lighter and several inches smaller, I think my first impression was a false one. Not only have I lost the desired amount, I achieved more than just “toning up” I have muscles now I never knew existed and a whole different perspective on health and exercise! I learned exercise doesn’t have to be repetitive and can be so much fun! Thank you Josh and The Boot camp Effect for making this possible.”
Joelene Matsalla”My first day of Boot camp was fun!!! Mainly because I was uncoordinated, lost my balance a few times and really didn’t have a clue what I was doing. But Sunday (the day after) I sure felt it. My body hurt so bad I could barely move. My body had no clue what was in store for me the following 9 months after. I learnt how to exercise and do the moves properly and how to challenge my body. Now boot camp is fun plus rewarding. I learnt how to eat healthy again and to not live to eat but eat to live. A special thanks to our trainer Josh who made my first experience with Boot camp a wonderful one! Cheers!! Now I have leaner and sexier curves. Hard work and motivation really does pay off! Bring on the bikini weather I am ready to kick some ass!”
Raelene Matsalla

“When I started bootcamp, I honestly wasn’t expecting ‘fun’ to be in my description. I’m pretty happy to work out solo at the gym with my iPod, but nothing was improving, and it was hard to be motivated. Josh makes morning workouts enjoyable, even before I’ve had my coffee! (I’m not a morning person and exercise before noon was previously unheard of, so this is a big compliment, Josh!) The time positively flies by, and I look forward to the classes. A different workout every day keeps it interesting, and the flexibility of attending whenever I want was the deciding factor. Finding this bootcamp was truly the kick I needed to make some changes, and seeing the results is an amazing feeling! I’m walking another 60km’s in July for cancer, and I’m looking forward to doing it with less pain this time around. Thanks Josh, your commitment and support of each & every member is unparalleled!”
Jennifer Kirk

“For me growing up I was always in decent shape. Working out was always something I enjoyed….then my son happened. My metabolism seemed to diminish as I indulged in all those yummy foods or leftovers left behind by my boy. Fast food became a motto for me being so busy working and taking care of my son, trying to make sure he was eating properly. I kind of lost myself and what made me feel good in trying to take care of him. Slowly but surely the pounds came on. I would try to get back into the gym routine but with no results I became very unmotivated. Then a friend of mine told me about The Bootcamp Effect and to give it a try for free. I was extremely nervous my first day in being able to keep up with everyone but after hearing about her results I thought what do I have to lose! I must say, after day one I could feel more muscles in my body than I thought I even had, and it was amazing! I knew this was going to be something I needed to keep up with because no gym workout had ever made me feel like that! Every class is different, interesting, and a new challenge! Josh will push you to your limit all while laughing through it! I think of this as an extra ab workout! Unlike the pressure of a drill sergeant, when Josh yells at you to push yourself he does it with a huge smile on his face. There are people of all fitness levels motivating and pushing each other to do and be the best they can. Josh never lacks the energy for any class I have been to and if I am feeling tired he definently motivates me to get my butt in gear. Now I must also mention the fact that you get to talk to a nutritionist as well. I really learned that eating is also a big part in weight loss and just because you work out does not mean you can eat what you want. Needless to say joining Josh’s Bootcamp Effect was one of the best decisions I had ever made! It makes you feel great, look great, and also relieves the stress from the day. Thank you Josh for your motivation and enthusiasm. It really comes out that you love what you do which makes you the best. You always go above and beyond the basic workout class and show extra support for each person! I’m absolutely hooked!!”
Hayley Woodruff

“Up until two years ago, I was the definition of “skinny fat”. I never had to worry about working out or what I ate. I would have Wendy’s and a bag of chips, three meals a day. All of a sudden my metabolism stopped liked a derailed freight train. I would go to the gym or work out at home 4 or 5 days a week and see minimal results. Without any results to keep me going, that habit quickly disappeared. Getting frustrated I joined Josh’s boot camp with a friend and fell in love. Every day there is a completely different routine to keep you surprised and excited for the next session. I could not be more satisfied with the results. Josh doesn’t only push you to work hard, but he motivates you to push yourself to your highest potential.”
Kayla Kedrosky

“I have been a very active person my whole life. Working out for me is a hobby, but I love to set goals and work towards achieving them so when I found that attending the local gym and doing the general fitness classes was not helping me achieve my goals, I started to look for something else. I didn’t know what that was going to be until I found Josh’s bootcamp on the web. His bootcamp is the most fun I have ever had working out. The variety of exercises every day keeps every class interesting and challenging. I saw some very dramatic changes in my body within the first 6 weeks and liked very much what I saw. I was so excited to have such fast results. Josh is the most attentive personal trainer I have ever met. He focuses on each person individually and personalized every workout. Thank you Josh for such a great experience and I know that The Bootcamp Effect is the only workout routine I will need from now on.”
Belinda Fitchette

“I have previously worked out 3 times a week at a local gym for 3 months without ever seeing results. Talk about a motivation killer. It was hard enough for me to push myself to go each day, but without any positive changes, I ended up giving up and cancelling my membership. A friend of mine told me how happy she was with her experience at The Bootcamp Effect, so I thought I would have to give it a try. Not only did I start seeing results within the first month, but I started to actually enjoy working out. Every workout is so different from the next, and that’s what I like. It keeps you interested and makes you want to come back. Josh is an awesome trainer. From the encouragement, to the guidance, to the constant support, he really helps you set goals for yourself and reach them. He also prepares you for a healthy future. I didn’t realize how bad I was eating until I started eating healthy, big thanks to the 30 day meal plan for some great ideas. I have surpassed my initial goal that I had set for myself but I have since realized that I can do so much more and that’s how my 3 month trial turned into a year round lifestyle change. Thanks Josh!”
“How am I to know what I can achieve if I quit?”
Samantha Cook

“My experience tells me that things that turn out negatively usually serve a purpose for something in relation to be more of a positive experience. As is the case with one local bootcamp not working out and having to resort to Google only to find The Bootcamp Effect and meeting Josh Saunders, the man behind the madness (madness is a good thing is this context). Now, I’m in it for the long haul. It’s not a bootcamp to help me fit into that favorite shirt from years ago, it’s a bootcamp to keep me fit and in good health from now on. This is not a typical bootcamp and my success and progress thus far in such a short time is proof. I was active here and there, however, I wasn’t burning fat, building muscle, and losing as much weight like I’m doing now. Every month, I don’t shave off ten seconds off my 1-mile run; I shave off thirty. The high intensity interval training and strength conditioning activities change every session so it’s nice to do something different to keep it interesting and fun. Having someone to prepare, encourage, evaluate, and educate you on lifestyle, health, diet, and fitness in a highly positive manner is only the beginning. Josh possesses a wealth of information in this field and works with everyone individually and as a group. The Bootcamp Effect is there to show you that you can exceed your own expectations of yourself, challenge yourself beyond what you thought was possible, and have you realize your actual potential and surpass your own goals. A positive attitude, commitment, good pair of runners, and a cold bottle of water and you’re on the fat loss super-highway.”

“I started the summer program of The Bootcamp Effect with the intention of getting in shape. I have now gone through almost two months and not only do I feel more energetic I am now purely addicted to working out. I never want to miss a night and if I do I feel guilty ( like a kid caught with his hand in the candy jar ). I have never felt like this at a gym, where I would have dropped out by now. I owe alot to Josh and his training. He is very personable, knowledgeable, encouraging and yet makes you work for it. I won’t tell you it is easy, somethings you have to work for and I know this is one of them but with Josh on your side he will help you see and achieve your goals.”
Favorite exercise: plank to push up
Favorite theme: tuesday tabata
Favorite quote: “I am not afraid to die on a treadmill.”
Favorite workout song: “Loud” by Anakin Slayd
Stacey McKay

“I was working out at a gym four days a week, an hour on the treadmill or elliptical ’til sweating like crazy, 30 min. of weights, arms, legs and of course abs: 200 to 400 sit-ups on one of those neck saving stomach crunching machines. I was stuck, I couldn’t get to that next level, and lose that “last 10 lbs.” My friend found The Bootcamp Effect on line so we gave it a shot. My goal was to lose 5-8 lbs and see definition. One hour class, three days a week. In four weeks with Josh (and the right eating habits) I lost 7 lbs. I’m shocked how fast I’ve seen such major changes in my shape. It’s a killer workout, but worth it. And the best part is I got to go shopping ’cause none of my pants fit anymore!! Thanks Josh. Can’t wait to see what the next four weeks will do.”
Favorite exercise: push-ups
Lease favorite exercise: burpees
Favorite quote: all of them!!!
Karen Lougheed

I joined bootcamp to help lose the extra baby weight! My son was born last November and I had 15 to 20 extra pounds on me that just wouldn’t budge. I joined bootcamp in the beginning of May and have since lost 15 of those stubborn pounds! I was nervous about joining a bootcamp because in past experiences with fitness classes I became bored quickly. Josh is great at motivating me. He switches up the class themes and styles every time! You never know what class will be like until you get there. I had a C-section so I have some trouble with hard abdominal workouts, and Josh always helps out with modifications. And his nutrition assistance has helped me realize what I was doing wrong before! I am not only sure that I will lose the additional weight I want to, I’m positive that I can maintain it throughout the rest of my life! I am out of my “fat jeans” and was able to buy my first pair of hot mama jeans! Bring on the shopping!”
Favourite Bootcamp Exercise: The bear crawl! Hands on the floor, feet on the floor and GO! As long as I don’t fall on my face, it’s a good bear walk! I’ve nearly face planted five times, but I still give it my all.
Favourite Bootcamp Theme: Ring around the parkie! So much cardio. So much variety. It’s easy to push myself during this theme because you can look at the routine as baby steps: “Okay, all I’ve got left to do is 25 step-ups and then I can run. Okay, all I’ve got to do is pull the tire a few more feet, and I can run again! Go! Go! Go!”
Least favourite Exercise: The fire hydrant. Well, really, it’s a love-hate thing. I love doing them but the next day, my body hates me for it! I can’t believe I went for FIVE MINUTES doing this exercise on one leg.
Favourite workout song: Kickstart my heart – Motley Crue
Favourite inspirational quote: Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. (Pun intended! But honestly, they’re words I live by.)
Favourite snack: Snap peas! So tasty!
Amy Reid

“I attended the Bootcamp Effect for 2 months. Josh is an amazing instructor! He provides a very positive enviroment for you to meet your goals. He starts out every class with an inspirational quote. When you struggle, he drives you to push through it and thats what i did with his motivation. The excercises change regularly, you will not get bored! My favorite exercises were the mat push, and boxing but I can’t forget the tough but very rewarding burpee’s! I met my goals, give the Bootcamp Effect a try, you won’t be disapointed!”
Matt Corrigan