Cathy Empey

With encouragement from friends that workout at The Bootcamp Effect, I actually walked into the doors of BE at the end of June. I saw a workout in progress and I felt overwhelmed (a bit scared) and thought I don’t think I can do that. 🙂 And with summer on the way, a busy life, a business and six kids, I decided timing was not right for me. I kept feeling miserable about myself, but in the back of my mind I knew I needed to make changes. But I wasn’t ready yet. I had been on the email list of the bootcamp for about a year. I loved the emails, the Facebook page, and the advice and info that was helpful and simple. I saw the email for The Biggest Winner (and my friends messaging me to get back and try my free week!) so I decided September 2014, I will try it, and sign up for the contest at the same time. Some extra motivation. I am thankful for the encouragement I received right from the get-go.My very first week at BE was the start of The Biggest Winner. Monday, September 16th. (A day I will never forget!) I worked out so hard that I actually got sick at the end of the workout, but I did it! And I finished my workout. I pushed myself from the very first day. I did the next day,Tuesday (I took the Wednesday off) Then I went for the rest of the week. The second week I did 5x (Monday to Friday) per week until the end of October. When I was starting to feel more comfortable in October, I upped my intensity in my workouts, and I was starting to feel really good, and making progress I could see and feel. The weight started coming off, and so did the inches. In November, I did 6x per week (Monday – Saturday) In the last 4 weeks of The Biggest Winner I decided to double up my Tuesdays and Thursday cardio when I was able to.I also had a printed paper calendar on my dresser for every month of the contest, and recorded all of my workouts, how I was feeling daily. A checkmark for every workout completed. Visual proof, and a record of the work I put in. The challenges etc. On a top sheet, I recorded all of my goals for the next month. In simple bullet points. I looked these goals daily. I also put post it notes on my mirror to keep me inspired.As for my eating, I followed as best as I could the BE Fit Nutrition guidelines provided, and I asked for advice when I wasn’t sure or needed help. I was drinking 8-12 glasses of water daily, and I gave myself a once a week splurge (usually on the weekend) and then back on track the very next day. I recorded everything I ate in myfitnesspal.com. I also tried to get as much sleep as I could, and upped my healthy fats. I also did weekly weigh ins at BE to keep me motivated every week. In the first week I lost a good amount, and then the next three weeks I didn’t lose anything, but my body was making changes that I could see. I never gave up, even when I didn’t even think I would reach my 10%. I just kept ramping up my intensity, asking for help and pushing myself each and every workout. At the end of 12 weeks I made my 10% and I was really proud of myself for not giving up. Even if I didn’t win the contest, I am still SO happy with my results! The contest for me was just a beginning, and the after photo is my “in progress” and here I am now at week 14 and I am still losing! I have continued with 5-6x per week classes, and am running 3x per week. I am going to be starting a 10 km run clinic in January. I have big goals for myself in 2014 and I am so encouraged and supported at the BE. I know I will reach my goals! I thought running was my favourite thing in the whole world, but The Bootcamp Effect has become my second family and favourite workout! I am so happy when I am there, and proud that I am still working at my goals! I am so excited for 2014!