Ormond Adventure Boot Camp

Time to ROCK Your Jeans

2011-12-02T17:11:00.005-05:00

Take the Ormond Adventure Boot
Camp Challenge that starts
Monday, December 5th!

What you Get:
• 3 Weeks of Fat Burning Boot Camps!
• 1 Week of at home workouts during our refocus week!
• Fat Loss Nutrition Meal Plan!
• Measurement Guide and Chart to track your progress!
• Participation in "closed" Facebook group!
• Daily emails with tips, motivation and slimming recipes!

How it Works:
• Try on a pair of jeans you’ve been dying to get into!
• Get a friend to join you and do this challenge together!
• Follow the meal plan – We promise you won’t be hungry!
• “Get your Booty to Boot Camp” and we’ll take care of the rest!
• Try on your new favorite jeans and go out and CELEBRATE!

All Rock Your Jeans participants will be entered to win a NEW pair of designer jeans to ROCK and ROCK STAR treatment with a personal fitting session from:
I WANT TO ROCK MY JEANS CHALLENGE COST:
$110 - 3 DAYS PER WEEK
$140 - 4 DAYS PER WEEK
$170 - 5 DAYS PER WEEK

Visit www.OrmondBootCamp.com for more details and to register!
Or CALL NOW 386-547-9393

2011-11-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

11 Nice Ways to Say 'No' to Food Pushers

During the holiday season, food temptations are everywhere. From stuffing and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving to eggnog and sugar cookies in December, the seasonal temptations are endless. It can be tough enough to navigate the turkey buffet without having your great aunt force an extra helping of potatoes on your plate or resisting Grandma Dolly's pleas that you take a second piece of her famous apple pie.

Food pushers range from well-intentioned loved ones to total diet saboteurs. Regardless of their motivation, it's important to stick to your guns. You can always be honest and say that you're simply trying to eat healthier, but if that response gets ignored (or doesn't come easily), the following retorts to their food-forcing ways will keep you in control of what goes on your plate and in your mouth!

Note: These tips work year-round at birthday parties, family get-togethers and Sunday brunches with friends alike!

The Push: "It's my specialty, you have to try it!"

Your Response: "I will in a bit!"

Why It Works: Stalling is a great tactic with food pushers. Odds are the offender won't follow you around making sure you actually try the dish. If they catch up with you by the end of the party to ask what you thought, tell them that it slipped your mind but you'll be sure to try it next time.

The Push: "This [insert name of high-calorie dish] is my favorite. You'll love it!"

Your Response: "I had some already—so delicious!"

Why It Works: A white lie in this situation isn't going to hurt anybody. You'll get out of eating food you don't want or need, and the food pusher will have gotten a compliment on what probably is a delicious dish.

The Push: "It's just once a year!"

Your Response: "But I'll probably live to celebrate more holidays if I stick with my diet plan!"

Why It Works: People can sometimes see healthy eating as vain—a means to the end result of losing weight and looking better. It's harder for a food pusher to argue with you if you bring attention to the fact that you eat right and exercise for better health and a longer life. Looking good just happens to be a side effect!

The Push: "Looks like someone is obsessed with dieting…"

Your Response: "I wouldn't say obsessed, but I am conscious of what I eat."

Why It Works: Words like "food snob" or "obsessed" are pretty harsh when they're thrown around by food pushers. But don't let passive-aggressive comments like this bring you down—or make you veer away from your good eating intentions. Acknowledging your willpower and healthy food choices might influence others to be more conscious of what they eat. Sometimes you just have to combat food pushers with a little straightforward kindness.

The Push: "If you don't try my dish, I'm just going to have to force you to eat it!"

Your Response: "Sorry, but I don't like (or can't eat) [insert ingredient here]."

Why It Works: It's hard to argue with someone's personal food preferences. If someone doesn't like an ingredient whether its sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or butter, odds are that he or she hasn't liked it for a very long time. If you'd like to get creative with this one, go into detail about how you got sick on the ingredient as a kid or how your mom says you always threw it across the room as a baby. Who can argue with that?

The Push: "You need some meat on your bones."

Your Response: "Trust me, I'm in no danger of wasting away!"

Why It Works: This food push is definitely on the passive-aggressive side. Using humor to fight back will defuse any tension while making it clear where you stand.

The Push: "One bite isn't going to kill you."

Your Response: "I know, but once you pop you can't stop! And I'm sure it's so delicious I wouldn't be able to stop!"

Why It Works: This is another situation where humor will serve to distract the food pusher from his or her mission. It's a way to say "thanks, but no thanks" while making it clear that you're not interested in overindulging.

The Push: "But it's your favorite!"

Your Response: "I think I've overdosed on it; I just can't eat it anymore!"

Why It Works: If you have a favorite holiday dish that everyone knows you love, it can be especially tough to escape this push. If a loved one made the dish specifically for you, the guilt can be enough to push you over the edge. But people understand that food preferences change, and most have been in that situation of enjoying a dish so much that they can't touch it for awhile.

The Push: [Someone puts an extra helping on your plate without you asking.]

Your Response: Push it around with your fork like you did as a kid to make it look like you tried it.

Why It Works: While putting food on someone else's plate can be viewed as passive-aggressive, it was probably done with love. (Let's hope!) Making it look like you ate a bite or two can be an easy way out of the situation, but you can also just leave it alone and claim that you've already had your fill. (After all, you didn't add that extra helping!)

The Push: "Have another drink!"

Your Response: "I have to drive."

Why It Works: No one will argue with the fact that you want to drive home sober. If they do, you should have no qualms walking away from the conversation, period. If they offer a place for you to stay, you can always get out of the situation by blaming an early morning commitment or the fact that you need to get home to let the dog out. Kids will also get you out of everything.

The Push: "We have so many leftovers. Take some!"

Your Response: "That's OK! Just think, you'll have your meals for tomorrow taken care of."

Why It Works: Not every party guest wants to deal with the hassle of taking food with them, and this makes it clear that you'd rather the food stay. If the host is insistent, you can feign worry that they'll go bad in the car because you're not going straight home, or it'll go bad in your fridge because you've already been given so many leftovers at other parties recently. Or be polite and take them. You'll have more control of your food intake away from the party anyway. So whether you don't eat the leftovers at all or whether you split a piece of pie with your spouse, you're in control in this situation.

These tactics can work wonders in social situations, but honesty is sometimes the best policy. A simple "No, thank you" is hard for a food pusher to beat, especially if it's repeated emphatically. Remember, too, that it's okay to have treats in moderation, so don't deprive yourself of your favorite holiday foods. Just make sure that you're the one in control of your splurges—not a friend, family member or co-worker who doesn't know your fitness and health goals!

sparkpeople.com

2011-11-02T15:28:00.002-04:00

Take the Ormond Adventure Boot
Camp Challenge that starts
Monday, November 7th!

What you Get:
• 3 Weeks of Fat Burning Boot Camps!
• 1 Week of at home workouts during our refocus week!
• Fat Loss Nutrition Meal Plan!
• Measurement Guide and Chart to track your progress!
• Participation in "closed" Facebook group!
• Daily emails with tips, motivation and slimming recipes!

How it Works:
• Try on a pair of jeans you’ve been dying to get into!
• Get a friend to join you and do this challenge together!
• Follow the meal plan – We promise you won’t be hungry!
• “Get your Booty to Boot Camp” and we’ll take care of the rest!
• Try on your new favorite jeans and go out and CELEBRATE!

All Rock Your Jeans participants will be entered to win a NEW pair of designer jeans to ROCK!

I WANT TO ROCK MY JEANS CHALLENGE COST:
$110 - 3 DAYS PER WEEK
$140 - 4 DAYS PER WEEK
$170 - 5 DAYS PER WEEK

Visit www.OrmondBootCamp.com for more details and to register!
Or CALL NOW 386-547-9393

Do Fat Burners Really Work?

2011-06-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

Fat burners are essentially pills which contain certain herbal ingredients such as Ephedra, HCA, Chitosan and Pyruvate, all of which claim to either increase energy, stimulate your metabolism and/or suppress your appetite.

It's hard to say whether they work. Try to find a conclusive study about just about any dietary supplement, including so-called fat burners, and you're in for a long day. What we do know is that most supplements need further study and, more importantly, the purity of supplements is definitely suspect. Supplements aren't standardized so you don't know if what's listed on the bottle is what you're getting. Plus, no one knows what the long-term effects of these supplements are and, even scarier, how they interact with other medications. All very scary facts.

2011-06-03T16:54:00.001-04:00

A lot of people look for a magic pill to change their bodies. They want fast and easy results. Sometimes, the supplement industry would have you believe that what it sells are magic pills, but believe me, they aren't. However, the right ones can be incredibly beneficial and can fill in the gaps in your nutrition and allow your body to function at its highest level.

Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA we must be smart about what we purchase. This is a list of the supplements that science has shown to be beneficial - and the supplements that I trust and take myself.

1. Multi-vitamin -The all in one supplement. These help guarantee that you're receiving all your essential nutrients, including a healthy does of antioxidants. Women, you'll want to select a product that supplies iron. Men, you generally do not need to supplement iron in your diet.

2. Vitamin B Complex - B Vitamins assist with almost every process and system in your body, including healthy digestion, a strong nervous system, good hair, skin and nails and energy production. Vitamin B helps convert carbohydrates into glucose, which your body then converts into energy. (also knows as your metabolism). Coffee and alcohol drinkers....your need for Vitamin B is increased!

3. Ground flaxseed - These little seeds help reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Make sure you've purchased "ground" and then sprinkle in your salad, protein shakes, yogurt, etc. Take in 2-4 tablespoons daily.

4. Green Tea Extract - I admit on this one that I don't drink as often as I would like because I'm not a tea or coffee fan. However, Green tea extract offers one of the best sources of antioxidants because they fight off dangerous free radicals which are the primary source of aging. It also revs up your metabolism, boosts cardiovascular health, offers sustained energy and improves skin quality. Avoid products that include caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, alcohol and gluten.

5. Vitamin D - This is a brand new addition to my daily supplement intake after I researched it after talking to one of our fellow campers. Here is what I've discovered. Scientists have determined that vitamin D plays a vital role in building strong bones, fighting cancer, protecting your body against infection and helping bust your gut and aiding in fat loss. Research indicates that 60% of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D.

Check with your doctor to discuss any deficiencies you may have. Generally a quick blood draw will determine this for you.

How Many Calories Are You Drinking?

2011-05-25T18:09:00.002-04:00

How Many Calories Are You Drinking?
Sneaky Calories in Beverages Really Add Up!

They go down easily and can be found anywhere and everywhere. Water, tea, milk, juice, soda, flavored waters, coffee, energy drinks, smoothies. This list touches just a few of the many categories of beverages but doesn’t even delve into the different brands, sizes, flavors and varieties.

400!!! That's the average number of calories Americans drink on a daily basis, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which showed that around 37 percent of our total daily liquid calories come from sugar-sweetened drinks. So where are all of these calories coming from? Here is a sampling of the calories hiding in your cup.

Soda is the most-discussed beverage that sneaks calories into your day. Soda and fruit flavored drinks can rack up to 250 calories per 12 ounces. Ginger ale and dark cola are the lowest in calorie at about 120 calories per 12 ounces, and cream soda is the highest with about 200 calories per 12 ounces. Portion size does really say it all! When these sugary liquids are sold in 20 ounce, 48 ounce, 1 liter and 2 liter bottles, it would be easy to work up to 800 calories in drinks a day if you're not being conscious of your choices. (Big) gulp!

"Juice" drinks (flavored, sugar-sweetened juice) can rack up more calories per ounce than soda! Orange, grape and cranberry juice drinks have about 216 calories per 12 ounces. But they seem so healthy! Don't let the fact that a portion of the ingredients in those bottles come from fruit fool you. The calories in these beverages should not be overlooked. Thankfully, food labels make it easy to check out the calorie content prior to purchasing a drink. Flip over labels before buying anything, and, of course, check the portion size!

Milk, including non-dairy milk alternatives, is often overlooked when it comes to calories. Although the beverage tastes great and is great for you, it does still contribute calories. A single serving of milk is 8 ounces, which is probably less than what many people pour at meals or on a big bowl of cereal in the morning. A tall dinner glass is about 12 to 16 ounces, which provides 132-168 calories if you choose skim. Fill your glass with 2% milk and that number jumps to 240 calories. These facts don’t discount the key nutrients found in milk that are healthful, but they hopefully encourage a proper serving size.

Many of us can’t function before 11 a.m. without our coffee. The brewed beverage is, by itself, calorie free, which makes it seem innocent. But with all the enticing additives offered by java joints, the numbers rise sharply. An 8 ounce latte made with whole milk is about 130 calories, but add flavored syrup, sugar and whipped cream on top and your drink now tops 200 calories. But when was the last time you ordered a latte that small? Once we bring up the tall, grande and venti sizes it’s a whole new ball game. A venti gingerbread latte with whole milk and whipped cream packs 440 calories into the cup. Granted, this is a large size, fully loaded, but it does a fine job of painting the picture of how many calories you could be drinking if you don't look up the facts beforehand.

Those who don’t drink coffee may turn to energy drinks to put pep in their step. Exercisers may also tend to favor energy drinks and sports drinks pre- or post-workout. These drinks may look tiny and taste light, but they can have up to 112 calories per cup. Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade come in at about half that, around 60 calories per cup. But watch out: the bottles they come in can contain up to 32 ounces—not 8 ounces—which adds up to 240 calories per bottle.

Considering how cheap, accessible and delicious sweetened and caloric beverages are, it's easy to see how the average person consumes hundreds of calories per day from drinks alone. Those liquid calories add up fast for another reason, too: It's so easy to mindlessly drink beverages. If you’re sitting at your desk, driving your car, or watching a movie, it’s not hard to suck down a supersize beverage in 5 minutes without even feeling full or satisfied. Couple this with free refills, and you’ve completed an equation for calorie over-consumption!

So often, we focus on what we're eating when we want to lose weight or get healthier, but don't forget about liquid calories. You don't have to swear off soda or your morning latte to reach your goals. Just be aware of how much you're drinking, and follow these beverage guidelines to fit your favorite tasty drinks into your healthy eating plan.

Sources:
Calorie Consumption Chart, The Beverage Institute for Health and Wellness.
Know Your Daily Liquid Calorie Intake, WomensHealthMag.com.

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking with a Workout Routine

2011-05-23T10:20:00.001-04:00

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking with a Workout Routine

For some of us out there, if we could just convince ourselves that there is enough time in the day to exercise we could be on track to a great fitness program. For others, we get started but quickly lose momentum and give up. To help get started and stay on track, here are a few tips:

1. Throw away the bathing suit you wore in high school… and the memory too. It’s normal to have a mental image of yourself when you last exercised like a fiend. But if that image is from high school, you could be in big trouble. Even if it’s from last year, forget it. Remember as little as possible of what you used to look like. Starting today, make new memories.

2. Prepare. We already know you don’t have the time, so write it down like an appointment every day. You wouldn’t cancel an appointment, why would you cancel on yourself? Aren’t you important too?

3. Start slowly. Do what you're capable of and nothing more to start off. You don't need to prove anything to anyone else but yourself. Start slow and avoid injury.

4. Get the family involved. Run while your daughter rides her bike. Go to a local track and let the kids play their own games. Run with your spouse. Sign up for a local 10K. Walk with your son. Celebrate with a little something special after every activity.

5. Where are your friends? Four words, four reasons – motivation, inspiration, determination, conversation. Surround yourself with friends who think positive and live large. You've always got friends to surround and support you at boot camp!

6. Put the pain in perspective. When the going gets tough, remember that you have survived 600 carpools, 540 loads of laundry (this month), 41 baseball games, 230 dinners and one family vacation. What’s the big deal?

7. Allow yourself to slow down. You’re driving this bus! For the first time today, you are in control.

8. Sign up for a race. It’s a goal to strive for and adds a little meaning to your everyday workout.

9. Run/walk in public. Be proud of your accomplishment. Take in all the sites and be an inspiration to others.

10. Just show up. Get to boot camp! Once you’re there, it’s hard to say no. 98% of life is showing up.

11. Eat. Follow a healthy eating pattern. If you limit your calorie intake to below our recommended calories, you will not have enough energy to work out and your metabolism will slow down.

12. Understand your energy cycle. There are peaks during our days. Even during the week. Try to complete your workout when you feel good about yourself.

13. Wallow in your greatness. You can exercise to become a better exerciser, or you can exercise to become a better mother, a better father, doctor, teacher, or a better friend – or you can exercise to become BETTER. Be proud of that accomplishment.

14. Have fun. Where’s your childlike spirit? When you can make workouts "playouts," you’ve got it made.
Don’t give up on yourself. After all, it’s never too late to be that healthy person you might have been.

2011-04-29T16:26:00.002-04:00

“Biggest Winner, Ultimate Thinner” Challenge
$750 Grand Prize!!!
Open to the Entire Volusia County Community

Contest Runs May 23rd – July 8th
$180 Entry Fee Per Person

Be the Biggest Winner at Adventure Boot Camp this summer!

Rules of the Contest:
• $180 registration fee per person; minimum eight (8) teams.
• 3 people to each team. Must include One (1) non-member.
• A team can consist of Three (3) non-members.
• After you register you will be contacted to share team name and members names.
• The beginning weigh-in must be between May 16th – May 21st (no weigh-ins after May 21st) and the final weigh-in must be done between July 6th – July 8th (no final weigh-ins after July 8th).
• The team that loses the greatest percentage of their starting Team Weight will win.
• Contestants are recommended to complete 4 workouts per week minimally during the contest dates. A combination of strength training, cardiovascular, and group boot camp classes are recommended to achieve maximum results.
• Mandatory weigh-ins every 2 weeks. If any team member fails to weigh-in prior to the required dates below, the team will automatically be disqualified.
o 1st Team Weigh-in: June 6th
o 2nd Team Weigh-in: June 20th
o 3rd Team Weigh-in: July 4th
o 4th and Final Team Weigh-in: July 8th
• Participants must weigh-in without shoes.
• Participants can weigh-in before or after boot camp classes.
• A minimum of eight (8) teams must participate in order to run the contest. A full refund will be given to each participant if the minimum requirements are not met.
• No refunds will be issued after registration fee is paid, with the exception of the minimum requirements not being met.
• The winning team will receive $750.00.
• If there are more than 8 teams, the grand prize is still $750.00.

The winning TEAM will be announced on July 11th!!!

Just for participating in this contest, participants will receive:
• 10% off any personal training or small group training purchased during this period.
• 10% off Kettlebell and TRX Suspension training.

Visit www.OrmondBootCamp.com for more information and to register.
Or Call 386-547-9393 or 386-871-5131 for more information

Win A FREE MONTH OF BOOT CAMP FOR YOU AND A FRIEND

2011-04-13T12:49:00.001-04:00

To win a FREE month of Boot Camp for you AND a friend of your choice ($268 value - two 3-day/week camps) you need to BE A MEMBER OF THIS PAGE Ohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifR JOIN for the vote to count. Post here on THE ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP FACEBOOK page "ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP ROCKS, AND SO DOES ________(insert name of person you are voting for to win). If you are already a member of this page, then you need to post "ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP ROCKS and I want a free month!" The person with the most votes by midnight 4/23 wins! Tell your friends, ask them to be a member of this page, and then to VOTE for YOU!! They must be a member of the group for the vote to count. Only 1 vote per person. Winner announced Sun. 4/24. Let's ROCK this facebook group!

Yeah! The blogger is back!!!!

2011-03-30T09:32:00.001-04:00

Home Sweet Home!!!
After being away from the last Boot Camp Session, man I realize how much of a huge part of my life and routine Boot Camp has become. Last night's Session was awesome Kelli filled in for Michelle( who I hope is not away at another Under Armour Certification not sure I am ready for 3.0), Kelli did great as always her energy was at a High/Infectious Level and she knew when to push and when to back off. Great job last night Energizer Bunny!!!
A special shout out to my Ladies Nicki, Beth, Debbie, Jenn you gals did Awesome thanks for always pushing me and making me want to be the best that I can be. Also, a warm welcome to our Newest Member Eric aka "Minnesota", great job last night man hopefully we will continue to see you many more nights.
I just want to take a quick second to reaffirm why you Guys & Gals are a part of Adventure Bootcamp. It's because" YOU DESERVE TO BE THE BEST YOU POSSIBLE"!!!! Yesterday's Chinese Proverb was Perfect " Be not afraid of going slow but instead of standing still" thanks for the quote Jenn. Just you getting up early in the morning or going to BC after work you are telling yourself today I refuse to stand still because I deserve it. Thanks to all of you who inspire me so much everyday, I appreciate each and everyone of you.
-Stay Moving my Sweaty Friends
Matt

2011-03-17T09:29:00.002-04:00

Leprachaun Pie

A fun pie for St Patricks day or ANY day!

INGREDIENTS
1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
8 oz tub fat free whipped topping, thawed
1 box fat free pistachio pudding
20 oz can crushed pineapple in own juice

DIRECTIONS
Mix thoroughly the whipped topping, pudding powder and drained pineapple. Pile into crust, chill and enjoy!

cut into 6 or 8 servings

Number of Servings: 8

Nutritional Info

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 135.2

Total Fat: 0.1g
Total Carbs: 11.1g
Dietary Fiber: 0.6mg
Protein: 0.1g

Recipe from SparkPeople.

HARD WORK

2011-02-03T09:15:00.001-05:00

Wednesday Night
There is something amazing about HARD WORK, the way it makes you feel afterward is so rewarding. We had another great night, the workout plan was so Intense, very fast paced non stop is more like it, you guys and gals really pushed yourselves keep up the great work. I would like to Congratulate Irene and Kristen two first timers that came tonight and did an amazing job. I hope they love Boot Camp as much as I do, we have fun and work hard welcome to the 5:30pm Ormond Crew. Thank you guys for working so hard, I really do feed off of your energy, and encouragement. I hope you all stay active between now and Next Monday. If you can make it happen please contact Jenn and show up at the Bridge this Saturday, I promise to bring the Laughs if you drag yourself out of bed for a workout with friends.

Until our next time together stay moving!
-Matt

Back in Business!

2011-02-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

Bootcamp 5:30 PM class was back to where it was pre-holiday season, and let me just say it is so much more encouraging to workout with the whole group rather than a select few. I saw a lot of hard work taking place, Michelle was on point as usual. It was great catching up with everyone that had been away, please keep coming because each of you are helping me obtain my goals. So if you are considering skipping a class just tell yourself I have to go Matt needs me to help him lose weight(if you won't do it for yourself do it for me or the others in the class that are there to hold you accountable. Yes I am being selfish, and I am here trying to encourage each of you to be selfish and make time for yourself to workout, this is just as important as every other aspect of your life.

If you are reading this because a friend of yours on FaceBook posted it to their page or you stumbled across this website, you are at least curious about improving your health. I would encourage you to seek out answers from your friend who posted it or our Fearless Leader Jennifer Labonte who's number you can call from this page. I am here to tell you I have lost 40 pounds in five months, and Ormond Bootcamp has helped me come up with a Plan to lose another 40 pounds in the next five months. Start today don't wait until Monday or next session, the battle to train your mind then your body begins NOW.

-Stay Moving my Sweaty Friends
MATT

Top 5 Reasons To LOVE A.M. Exercise

2011-01-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

Top 5 Reasons to Love A.M. Exercise

1. Exercising early in the morning "jump starts" your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, sometimes for up to 24 hours! As a result, you'll be burning more calories all day long--just because you exercised in the morning.

2. Exercising in the morning energizes you for the day--not to mention that gratifying feeling of virtue you have knowing you've done something disciplined and good for you. (Much better than a worm!)

3. Studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity--a benefit that lasts four to ten hours after your workout ends. Exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you're snoozing.

4. Assuming you make exercise a true priority, it shouldn't be a major problem to get up 30 to 60 minutes earlier--especially since regular exercise generally means a higher quality of sleep, which in turn means you'll probably require less sleep. (If getting up 30 to 60 minutes earlier each day seems too daunting, you can ease into it with 10 to 20 minutes at first.)

5. When you exercise at about the same time every morning--especially if you wake up regularly at about the same time--you're regulating your body's endocrine system and circadian rhythms. Your body learns that you do the same thing just about every day, and it begins to prepare for waking and exercise several hours before you actually open your eyes.

Exercise Extra: More than 90% of those who exercise consistently have a morning fitness routine. If you want to exercise on a regular basis, the odds are in your favor if you squeeze your workout into the a.m.

21 Day Rapid Fat Loss Program

2010-12-22T11:22:00.003-05:00

I've been getting a lot of emails asking if we are are going to be doing another "fat flush" promotion. I'm so excited those of you that just finished our 2 week program have been talking up your successes! We saw weight loss from so many between 3-12 pounds in just 2 weeks! So many people are looking for a fast solution to help with shrinking the waist, hips and buns area....

While there is no quick fix (I don't care what the infomercials claim) I did go to the drawing board and crafted a 21 day rapid fat loss program that's right up your alley - if you want fast results.

You probably know that many of our boot camps are pretty much full, but we do have room for another small group so I thought I'd let you know that my 21 Day Rapid Fat Loss program starts Monday, January 3rd and the best part is the 21 day program is discounted to only $157 for a 5 day per week program or $97 for a 3 day per week program.

The only catch is that since I put the registration up yesterday I've already had 5 new participants sign up and we can only handle 10 more into this program. So if you're ready to fit into your skinny jeans again and want to firm and tone your body all while dropping inches and pounds then make sure to register for our 21 Day Rapid Fat Loss Bootcamp. ** Returning campers can select to join in with our 21 day program or select "boot camp classes only" on our registration page.**

Here's how to register....

Go to www.ormondbootcamp.com and select the 21 Day Rapid Fat Loss registration. OR sign up for our boot camp classes only without committing to the full program if you're simply looking for awesome calorie busting workouts alone.

Classes will start Monday, January 3rd.

Looking forward to seeing you all then. Feel free to contact me anytime!

Jennifer Labonte
Owner, Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp
386-547-9393

Turkey Burner!

2010-12-02T09:42:00.002-05:00

Post Turkey Workout:
So Great to be back to burn some Turkey Weekend Calories!! We had a great turn out on Monday night hoping that continues Wednesday night too. It was fun to catch up with everyone have some laughs and get sweaty together. Michelle executed Jenn's workout to perfection, it was a vicious cycle with burning off those mash potatoes in mind. I will say I am proud of the amount of food I ate last weekend in past years I would not have thought twice to get a second huge plate, it's even been a spectacle where my family would take my picture as my plate's have been piled up so high. This year one and done I have worked too hard to make poor decisions like that anymore. I had encouraged you all to get out and be the one to take a walk with the family after Turkey settled into your belly's. I must report I didn't take my own advice, I didn't realize that my wife's family eats at 6pm, so I decided to take my girls for a walk on Friday while all of you were all our shopping with the Black Friday Crazy's.
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, As the Holiday's crowd our calendar's with party's and events please remember to make smart choices with your food, and don't forget to schedule yourself into Boot Camp. We have all accomplished so much these last few months let's not let old habits creep back into this month and risk damaging what we have worked so hard for.
-Stay Moving My Sweaty Friends
Matt

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T12:52:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving:
Happy Turkey Day from everyone at Ormond Adventure Boot Camp. Remember to live life with the same intensity that you bring to every Boot Camp Session. Take the time today to let those special people in your life know how much they mean to you, Love, Laugh, enjoy life today. Also please try and do something active today, this is a great opportunity to show your friends and family how an active lifestyle is here to stay for you. Be the one person that motivates and organizes a family walk after the Turkey has settled in your belly's. I look forward to hearing all about your active Turkey Day Activities on Monday.
-Stay Moving My Friends
Matt

Welcome Back Campers!

2010-11-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

Welcome Back Monday Night:

So it was nice to be back to the Boot Camp Grind if you will, don’t get me wrong running bridges and Beach St on my week off is fun!! But there is something special about having a trainer just beat you up and push you out of your comfort zone. Michelle aka Under Armour has really been getting me motivated these last few weeks she feeds off of us when we are working hard she works us harder, she is really good at knowing when to push you some more and when to give you space(for fear of a death stare which is why she wears her Hater Blockers). Love me some Boot Camp!!!

For those of you who are running/walking this weekend’s 5k please don’t stress or be nervous, try and be excited as we have to know how bad we are to one day look back to see how far we have come. What I am trying to say is most of us are not Olympic Athletes we are moms, dads, boyfriends or girlfriends, we didn't get out of shape over night but this is a really neat opportunity for us to find our starting point. So the next time we do a 5k we will have a challenge in front of us, don’t be concerned with the idea of a RACE, focus on racing yourself push yourself harder than you think you can go and then push a little bit more. Just pretend Jennifer, Michelle, Kelli or Angela is right there pushing you to be your best, I know each of you have had a moment at Boot Camp where you didn't think you can do one more Rep and the trainer encourages you to do more and in that moment you realize you are capable of reaching higher.

Stay Moving My Friends

-Matty

Three of a kind

2010-11-08T18:41:00.001-05:00

Three of a Kind:
Thursday Night, so Kelli(The Energizer Bunny) was sick which made me sad ;) But seriously we did miss you Kelli the combo of you and Under Armour each we is perfect. The class was small Hoosier Katie, Dancing Nicki and myself were the only campers. Michelle did a great job adjusting on the fly with our group, we were all working through some minor injuries but she was there every step of the way pushing and stretching us. The workout was CORE & MORE seems like it was more core because man I can totally feel it every time I move. Great combo of stations mixed in some exercises and sprinkled in a few runs, I am just glad Michelle stepped up and stood in for our sick Kelli. I cannot afford to miss a workout I have come to far to stop this journey.
I want to implore you all to make yourself a priority I know your kids schools are having functions, their after school activities are even more demanding during the fall and there is multiple parties every weekend from here until 2011, trust me if you actually look at your schedule it is mind blowing. Write it down you must workout I know you don't have to look good in a bathing suit anytime soon but who cares the reason we are out of shape is b/c for too long we have not built exercise into our weekly routine. Don't wait until late spring to dust of the fat, start today.
-Matty

Do You Suffer From SAD?

2010-11-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL BOOT CAMP OWNER: THIS FALL AND WINTER, LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH EXERCISE

(ORMOND BEACH, FL November 4, 2010) – Baby, it’s dark outside! As Daylight Savings Time is coming to an end on November 7, we will be in for a long, dark winter. It will be pitch black when we wake up in the morning and just as dark when we get home from work.

Is it any wonder that the shrinking daylight can give us winter blues?

“Shorter periods of light during our waking hours can trigger a seasonal depression commonly known as ‘SAD,’” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner of Adventure Boot Camp in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, FL, citing statistics indicating that between 4 and 6 percent of people in the United States suffer from SAD each year. Another 10 to 20 percent may experience a milder form of a winter-onset depressive disorder.

“It may seem like a low percentage, but those numbers translate into millions of people,” she points out.

Fortunately, the cure for the seasonal blues is easy: exercise! Research published in the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

“There are several ways in which being active and fit will make us feel better,” Labonte says. “Exercise releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals such as endorphins, reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression, and raises body temperature, which can have calming effects. There are a lot of factors at work here, and they are all good!”

Labonte says that while any regular and consistent physical activity is beneficial, fitness boot camps are especially effective because they encompass a wide variety of exercises that invigorate body and mind.

“Boot camp workouts include cardio, strength, balance, and core training, so all your body parts and systems are put through the paces,” she says. “Plus, you are part of a group where everyone encourages each other. This social aspect is helpful for people who are prone to depression – last thing you want to do is exercise alone.”

All these perks are the reason why boot camps are rated by the ACSM among the top 20 exercise trends for 2011 – as they have been in 2010.

Of course, no matter how good and beneficial an exercise program is, if you suffer from anxiety or depression, working out may be the last thing you want to do – at least until spring!

“When it’s dark outside, you might not feel like going out, but do try to get motivated,” Labonte advises. “Once you do, you will see what a big and positive difference exercise makes to your mood, not to mention health in general.

About Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp:
A 14-year veteran in the fitness industry, Jennifer Labonte launched the Ormond Advenure Boot Camp in November 2008. Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.OrmondBootCamp.com. Labonte can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393.

Crazy Week!

2010-11-04T10:01:00.000-04:00

Crazy Week!!
So I am a few days behind in my blogging so let me catch you guys up on what happened at our last few classes. Saturday I started off joking around like always but the workout was so intense UNDER ARMOUR (our trainer Michelle) made sure I got quiet real fast she pushed us really hard as there was only four of us so let me just say that she was able to watch our form on every single rep. It's really nice getting the attention to detail but it also means you are getting pushed harder. Blue was able to take her jump rope skills to new levels on the obstacle course, congrats BLUE.
Monday described in one phrase "Burpees, Burpees, Burpees" another small class means a TON of attention from Under Armour. On top of that every single exercise was separated by a minute of Burpees(Thanks Jenn). Oh by the way for those of you who are unaware of what a Burpee is well you jump straight up with arms extended over head, then put your arms on the ground jump you legs out to put yourself in a push up position do the push up then bring your feet back underneath you and start everything all over again, and that is one rep. So as you can see Monday was a lot of fun especially with only five of us. I joke around but these workouts really get you to push yourself to the limit.
Wednesday Fit Test Day there was four brave souls that dared to do a minute of sit ups, a minute of push ups then a 1.1 mile run, after which we participated in the regular class. Thanks to "Beastmode Betty", "Dancing Nicki", "A4 Audi" for pushing me further than I thought I could during the fit test. You guys did so great both Nicki and Betty beat their previous times, as for "A4 Audi" and I this was our first time doing the Fit Test, so we now have a bench mark going forward. After the test we had a five minute period to catch our breath while the others showed up. A big welcome back to "Hoosier Katie", "B-Money Brian", and "Cheetah Brent", you guys did great today and brought a lot of good energy back to the group so thanks for going out of your way to make it out. The workout was LEGS let me just tell you I anticipate being very sore tomorrow.
With the holidays coming our schedules are only going to get even more busy, please find a way to make time for yourself. Don't allow a busy schedule to interfere with your workouts, they are just as important as scheduling the rest of your holiday plans. You can make the two coexist you just have to make it a priority. See you all very soon and remember these classes fill up fast so sign up for our next session that starts November 15th.
-Matty

Legs Legs and More Legs

2010-10-29T09:34:00.001-04:00

Wednesday Night:
Wow, so I was at a training class in Jacksonville and I arrived late to the workout and everyone was getting their butt's kicked. So I pull my knee braces up and walk over to an open area put my mat, weights and towel down and Under Armour says run a lap, I said well hello to you too. So upon getting back to my mat I have a list of workouts waiting for me, with a lap to run as the rest period between workouts. I was pushing myself so hard a few people asked me if I was okay I must have looked rough. I was just really sweaty and really focused, wanted to push extra hard since I was only getting in half the workout. I know it was a tough workout as there was very little talking until it was over.
As far as Thursday night I was unable to attend as I was late coming back from day two of training in Jacksonville, I cannot wait to hear about the workout. I know Kelli was really excited about it and I even heard that Pumpkins would be involved. I will be there Saturday I hope to see you all out there starting your weekend off the right way.
-Stay Moving My Friends
Two Shoes

2010-10-27T14:40:00.002-04:00

MSG: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets

A widespread and silent killer that’s worse for your health than alcohol, nicotine and many drugs is likely lurking in your kitchen cabinets right now.

[1] “It” is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that’s known widely as an addition to Chinese food, but that’s actually added to thousands of the foods you and your family regularly eat, especially if you are like most Americans and eat the majority of your food as processed foods or in restaurants.

MSG is one of the worst food additives on the market and is used in canned soups, crackers, meats, salad dressings, frozen dinners and much more. It’s found in your local supermarket and restaurants, in your child’s school cafeteria and, amazingly, even in baby food and infant formula.

MSG is more than just a seasoning like salt and pepper, it actually enhances the flavor of foods, making processed meats and frozen dinners taste fresher and smell better, salad dressings more tasty, and canned foods less tinny.

While MSG’s benefits to the food industry are quite clear, this food additive could be slowly and silently doing major damage to your health.

What Exactly is MSG?

You may remember when the MSG powder called “Accent” first hit the U.S. market. Well, it was many decades prior to this, in 1908, that monosodium glutamate was invented. The inventor was Kikunae Ikeda, a Japanese man who identified the natural flavor enhancing substance of seaweed.

Taking a hint from this substance, they were able to create the man-made additive MSG, and he and a partner went on to form Ajinomoto, which is now the world’s largest producer of MSG (and interestingly also a drug manufacturer).[2]

Chemically speaking, MSG is approximately 78 percent free glutamic acid, 21 percent sodium, and up to 1 percent contaminants.[3]

It’s a misconception that MSG is a flavor or “meat tenderizer.” In reality, MSG has very little taste at all, yet when you eat MSG, you think the food you’re eating has more protein and tastes better. It does this by tricking your tongue, using a little-known fifth basic taste: umami.

Umami is the taste of glutamate, which is a savory flavor found in many Japanese foods, bacon and also in the toxic food additive MSG. It is because of umami that foods with MSG taste heartier, more robust and generally better to a lot of people than foods without it.

The ingredient didn’t become widespread in the United States until after World War II, when the U.S. military realized Japanese rations were much tastier than the U.S. versions because of MSG.

In 1959, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration labeled MSG as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), and it has remained that way ever since. Yet, it was a telling sign when just 10 years later a condition known as “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” entered the medical literature, describing the numerous side effects, from numbness to heart palpitations, that people experienced after eating MSG.

Today that syndrome is more appropriately called “MSG Symptom Complex,” which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifies as "short-term reactions" to MSG. More on those “reactions” to come.

Why MSG is so Dangerous

One of the best overviews of the very real dangers of MSG comes from Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon and author of “Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills.” In it he explains that MSG is an excitotoxin, which means it overexcites your cells to the point of damage or death, causing brain damage to varying degrees -- and potentially even triggering or worsening learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and more.

Part of the problem also is that free glutamic acid is the same neurotransmitter that your brain, nervous system, eyes, pancreas and other organs use to initiate certain processes in your body.[4] Even the FDA states:

“Studies have shown that the body uses glutamate, an amino acid, as a nerve impulse transmitter in the brain and that there are glutamate-responsive tissues in other parts of the body, as well.

Abnormal function of glutamate receptors has been linked with certain neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's chorea. Injections of glutamate in laboratory animals have resulted in damage to nerve cells in the brain.”[5]

Although the FDA continues to claim that consuming MSG in food does not cause these ill effects, many other experts say otherwise.

According to Dr. Blaylock, numerous glutamate receptors have been found both within your heart's electrical conduction system and the heart muscle itself. This can be damaging to your heart, and may even explain the sudden deaths sometimes seen among young athletes.

He says:

“When an excess of food-borne excitotoxins, such as MSG, hydrolyzed protein soy protein isolate and concentrate, natural flavoring, sodium caseinate and aspartate from aspartame, are consumed, these glutamate receptors are over-stimulated, producing cardiac arrhythmias.

When magnesium stores are low, as we see in athletes, the glutamate receptors are so sensitive that even low levels of these excitotoxins can result in cardiac arrhythmias and death.”[6]

Many other adverse effects have also been linked to regular consumption of MSG, including:

Obesity
Eye damage
Headaches
Fatigue and disorientation
Depression
Further, even the FDA admits that “short-term reactions” known as MSG Symptom Complex can occur in certain groups of people, namely those who have eaten “large doses” of MSG or those who have asthma.[7]

According to the FDA, MSG Symptom Complex can involve symptoms such as:

Numbness
Burning sensation
Tingling
Facial pressure or tightness
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Headache
Nausea
Rapid heartbeat
Drowsiness
Weakness
No one knows for sure just how many people may be “sensitive” to MSG, but studies from the 1970s suggested that 25 percent to 30 percent of the U.S. population was intolerant of MSG -- at levels then found in food. Since the use of MSG has expanded dramatically since that time, it’s been estimated that up to 40 percent of the population may be impacted.[8]

How to Determine if MSG is in Your Food

Food manufacturers are not stupid, and they’ve caught on to the fact that people like you want to avoid eating this nasty food additive. As a result, do you think they responded by removing MSG from their products? Well, a few may have, but most of them just tried to “clean” their labels. In other words, they tried to hide the fact that MSG is an ingredient.

How do they do this? By using names that you would never associate with MSG.

You see, it’s required by the FDA that food manufacturers list the ingredient “monosodium glutamate” on food labels, but they do not have to label ingredients that contain free glutamic acid, even though it’s the main component of MSG.

There are over 40 labeled ingredients that contain glutamic acid,[9] but you’d never know it just from their names alone. Further, in some foods glutamic acid is formed during processing and, again, food labels give you no way of knowing for sure.

Tips for Keeping MSG Out of Your Diet

In general, if a food is processed you can assume it contains MSG (or one of its pseudo-ingredients). So if you stick to a whole, fresh foods diet, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll avoid this toxin.

The other place where you’ll need to watch out for MSG is in restaurants. You can ask your server which menu items are MSG-free, and request that no MSG be added to your meal, but of course the only place where you can be entirely sure of what’s added to your food is in your own kitchen.

To be on the safe side, you should also know what ingredients to watch out for on packaged foods. Here is a list of ingredients that ALWAYS contain MSG:

Autolyzed Yeast Calcium Caseinate Gelatin
Glutamate Glutamic Acid Hydrolyzed Protein
Monopotassium Glutamate Monosodium Glutamate Sodium Caseinate
Textured Protein Yeast Extract Yeast Food
Yeast Nutrient

These ingredients OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing:[10]

Flavors and Flavorings Seasonings Natural Flavors and Flavorings Natural Pork Flavoring Natural Beef Flavoring
Natural Chicken Flavoring Soy Sauce Soy Protein Isolate Soy Protein Bouillon
Stock Broth Malt Extract Malt Flavoring Barley Malt
Anything Enzyme Modified Carrageenan Maltodextrin Pectin Enzymes
Protease Corn Starch Citric Acid Powdered Milk Anything Protein Fortified
Anything Ultra-Pasteurized

So if you do eat processed foods, please remember to be on the lookout for these many hidden names for MSG.

Choosing to be MSG-Free

Making a decision to avoid MSG in your diet as much as possible is a wise choice for nearly everyone. Admittedly, it does take a bit more planning and time in the kitchen to prepare food at home, using fresh, locally grown ingredients. But knowing that your food is pure and free of toxic additives like MSG will make it well worth it.

Plus, choosing whole foods will ultimately give you better flavor and more health value than any MSG-laden processed food you could buy at your supermarket.

Dr. Mercola is the founder of the world’s most visited natural health web site, Mercola.com. You can learn the hazardous side effects of OTC Remedies by getting a FREE copy of his latest special report The Dangers of Over the Counter Remedies by going to his Report Page.

Case of the Mundays?

2010-10-26T12:21:00.001-04:00

Case of the Mundays....Not this guy:

Let me just start by saying the weekend was awesome the Walk for Cancer was a really neat experience to see so many people come together for such a great cause. So I also heard that Boot Camp on Saturday only had 3 students and that Under Armour destroyed those individuals who were brave enough to come out on Saturday, so great job to you three Warriors!!

Now back to tonight's class, I don't know why but I was in rare form today I definitely win the award for class clown. I was joking around the whole night, I had so much fun tonight and my workout did not suffer. What better way to workout by pushing to new levels of fitness and laughing really hard with good friends. I don't know about you guys but I am ADDICTED to Boot Camp!!! So the workout was insane I am pretty sure that I won't be able to use my Biceps tomorrow, thanks a lot Jennifer. Mostly upper body very fast paced, we ran out of time and we were supposed to do ABS so Under Armour offered to stay and 90% of the class stayed the extra ten minutes very proud of you guys. Also big thanks to Beth and Under Armour for staying after the AB session to run with me. I see a number of you pushing really hard and I want to take a second to tell you that you are doing great and to keep it up. I am taking my journey to PHASE 2 I am going to push harder, you all have my permission to push me harder if you see me slacking off.

I want to encourage everyone to make a small goal that you want to accomplish by the end of this class, and then do everything you can to accomplish it. Lesson learned tonight there is no reason that working out can't be fun too, as adults we don't have as many fun moments as when we were younger; lets keep making our workouts fun.

-Stay moving my friends
Matty

EXERCISE IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

2010-10-25T15:58:00.000-04:00

Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp
OrmondBootCamp@aol.com
124 N. Nova Road, #155
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.OrmondBootCamp.com
386-547-9393

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL BOOT CAMP OWNER: EXERCISE IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH

(ORMOND BEACH, FL October 25, 2010) – We would all like to live longer and better, and we have the resources to do that. However, a recent study shows a truly alarming statistic: When it comes to life expectancy rates, the United States lags behind other wealthy nations.

The study’s findings, published in the current issue of Health Affairs magazine, shows that 15-year survival rates among 45- and 65-year-old Americans dropped to the 12th place worldwide. Among the main culprits for the decline in longevity are smoking and obesity.

“While smoking is prevalent in many other countries as well, studies show that the US remains the home of the most obese adults,” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner of the Adventure Boot Camp in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, FL. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 67 percent of Americans aged 20 and older are either overweight or obese. And research has shown that these people have an increased risk of premature death as compared to individuals with a healthy weight.”

Labonte points to what doctors and public health officials have been saying for years: that obesity-caused ailments such as heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, as well as some kinds of cancer, can lead to premature death.

“The obvious conclusion is that obese or grossly overweight people must lose weight and get healthy,” Labonte notes. “They should speak with their physicians about proper nutrition and physical exercise.”

In fact, many studies suggest that, when practiced along with healthy eating habits, regular exercise halves the risk of dying prematurely. “There is plenty of convincing evidence that physical activity helps prevent the very same diseases that are responsible for early death,” Labonte notes.

The “convincing evidence” Labonte is referring to is borne out by several studies examining the effects of exercise on longevity. “Basically, they all reached the same conclusion, which is that regular exercise reduces early mortality in both men and women by 20 to 35 percent,” she says. “But that’s not all – one study showed that being physically fit can lower the risk of premature death by as much as 50 percent.”

What is the connection between exercise and increased life span? Labonte says there are several. Firstly, a regular fitness routine can prevent heart disease - the nation's leading killer. Secondly, it will help people lose weight, staving off diabetes and other diseases.

“Whichever way you look at it, exercise can be very beneficial in preventing serious medical conditions and, consequently, increasing your life span,” she points out.

Of course, if you are not used to working out on regular basis – or at all – getting into a fitness routine so that you can lose weight and stay healthy may not be easy, at least initially.

“It’s a gradual process but you shouldn’t give up,” Labonte cautions. “Keep at it and not only will you see results such as weight loss and better health, but you will actually live long enough to enjoy them!”

2010-10-22T16:20:00.002-04:00

Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp
OrmondBootCamp@aol.com
124 N. Nova Road, #155
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.OrmondBootCamp.com
386-547-9393

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A HEALTH ALERT BY LOCAL BOOT CAMP OWNER: GET OFF THE COUCH AND START MOVING!

(ORMOND BEACH, FL October 14, 2010) – When it comes to physical fitness, we are not exactly a nation of movers and shakers. In fact, according to a just-released survey, a staggering 95.9 percent of respondents lead mostly sedentary lifestyles.

The study, published in the October 2010 issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reports that only 5 percent of 80,000 Americans surveyed for this research, engage in physical exercise on any given day.

“These findings are truly alarming,” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner and trainer at Adventure Boot Camp in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, FL. “Regular exercise is essential for our health, but far too many people prefer inactivity, exposing themselves to many diseases and even premature death.”

It is a well-established fact that sedentary lifestyle along with poor dietary habits can lead to type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain forms of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and a host of other chronic ailments.

According to US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), another major study linked sedentary lifestyles to 23 percent of deaths from major – and mostly preventable - chronic diseases.

The good news in all this, Labonte notes, is that many medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease - the number 1 killer of Americans - could be prevented with sensible eating and regular exercise.

DHHS says physical activity can reduce the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. On average, people who are physically active outlive those who are inactive.

“It is absolutely mind-boggling that many serious and potentially fatal diseases could be prevented with something as simple as exercise,” Labonte observes.

Fortunately, getting – and staying - in shape is easy, Labonte says, referring to the Physical Activity Guidelines recently issued by the DHHS.

“They are the most comprehensive recommendations ever published and they stress the importance of exercise,” she notes. “Of particular interest is the recommendation that, for optimum effect, people should do a variety of workouts, such as moderate and vigorous-intensity activities, as well as muscle-strengthening exercises.”

Labonte concedes it may not be clear to a lot of people just what kind of exercises they should be doing. “They may be totally motivated to start getting fit but then they hit a brick wall because they have no clue which exercise works best on which part of the body or muscle group,” she says. “This is where fitness camps are really a great value.”

Because they vary exercise routines, focusing on resistance, flexibility and interval training, “boot camps are very effective not only for cardiovascular health but also for weight loss, improved immunity, stronger bones, joints and muscles, and overall physical and mental well-being,” Labonte points out.

In view of the frightening statistics reported by the new study, Labonte issues this “call to action” to all those who’d rather sit in front of TV than exercise: “Wake up and smell the coffee. But after you drink it, start working out like your life and health depended on it – because they do!”

About Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp:
A 14-year veteran in the fitness industry, Jennifer Labonte launched the Ormond Advenure Boot Camp in November 2008. Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.OrmondBootCamp.com. Labonte can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393.

# # #

About Jennifer Labonte, Fitness Expert:
Labonte, a certified fitness boot camp instructor with 14 years of experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393 and is available for media interviews on a wide range of topics related to health, wellness and fitness.

The Teacher Becomes The Student

2010-10-22T15:45:00.001-04:00

The Teacher becomes The Student:
So "Under Armour" joined our class as a student, it was really neat to see her on our side of the class. She was a trooper too because I made sure to welcome her to class as a fellow student. It was encouraging to see her work so her when normally she is pushing us to work hard, she did a great job of walking the walk. So I guess its Kelli's turn to come to one of Under Armour's classes, this is your official invite Kelli. Great class tonight glad to workout with my Sweaty Friends, also Adi came out for a second straight day you are doing so great buddy keep coming out, we will all help you achieve your goals. Tonight's lesson learned is no matter how far along you are in your fitness level you can always learn and be pushed by others. I encourage all of the campers to reach out and invite a friend a family member or a coworker to come out to class, so that we can help them begin or strengthen their fitness journey. I won't be there Saturday(I am going to be at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk) but I know you guys will work so hard and I expect to hear fun stories when I see you all again on Monday. Until next time!!
-Keep Moving My Friends
Matty

Welcome Back My Friends

2010-10-21T09:56:00.001-04:00

Welcome Back:
It's been so refreshing to come back and be with my "Sweaty Friends" as my two daughters call my boot camp class! I tell you what there are a lot of things that I love about boot camp the workouts, having good trainers pushing me, losing 25 lbs has been awesome. But, the thing I love the most is The People I would not push myself as hard without them. I love how we help push and hold each other accountable for our goals and we have so much fun together. If you are looking for a great workout and a great group of people, I have the place for you come on down to Ormond Boot Camp. Monday and Wednesday classes have gone really well "Under Armour" formerly known as Michelle has been really pushing us to new limits so far this week. Its almost like she has her own goals for pushing us to new places we didn't know that we were capable of going. Also we have had a few new campers this week really cool to see new faces at the beginning of their personal journeys, I hope that they continue to come. Because if they stick with it they will be successful in their journeys as the trainers and the campers will help them every step of the way. I hope to see you all very soon.
-Stay moving my friends

What have you done this week?

2010-10-16T18:03:00.001-04:00

Off Week:
Hello all, I wanted to share with you guys that Beth, Katie & myself have met at the Bridge a few times this week. We have had a lot of fun this week mostly cardio walking the bridge running the Docks and running Beach St. I hope to hear from you all in regards to what you have been doing to stay busy. As it is extremely busy to keep moving on our off weeks, this is a great opportunity to take the dogs for a walk throw your kids in a stroller and walk/run or even take your older kids to a field throw a frisbee kick a soccer ball, heck go clean up the beach. I am sure you get the point the important thing is that you are out LIVING LIFE to the fullest. No more giving yourself the crumbs of a hectic week, stand up and fight for yourself. I hope to see all of you starting your training for the 5k, see you Monday!!!
-"Until Next Time Stay Moving My Friends" Matty

Article from New Smyrna News Observer

2010-10-13T16:33:00.001-04:00

Boot Camp Trainer Gives The Skinny On Post-Summer Weight Loss
Wednesday, September 22, 2010 02:01 PM

Special to the Observer

ORMOND BEACH - As summer turns into fall, there is no better time than present to start shedding those extra pounds from the beer, greasy brats, mayo-laden potato salad, fatty ice cream, and all the other high-calorie summer food splurges.
“Many people plan to be active during the summer but end up not exercising at all,” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner and trainer at Adventure Boot Camp Ormond Beach & Port Orange, the pounds from all the cookouts keep piling on and, by the time September rolls in, these folks need to seriously get back into, or start, a good fitness routine that not only speeds up the metabolism but also offers multiple health benefits.”
However, many people, especially those who have not exercised before, may not know what kind of fitness program will whip them into great shape, burn those pesky calories, and motivate them to keep working out.
“Once boredom sets in, people lose their motivation to exercise,” Labonte observes. “That can happen if your workout routine is monotonous or doesn’t yield the desired results."
The key to a successful workout, she says, is to make exercise not only results-oriented, but also interesting and enjoyable, so that people will keep coming back for more.
That’s where fitness boot camps kick in – no pun intended.
“We are in a group setting, where people encourage and cheer each other on, so you don’t feel like you are in it alone,” Labonte says. “There is a pleasant social aspect to it, which makes this type of interactive exercise more interesting. And, if you are serious about losing weight and getting in shape, you must stay motivated and focused. ”
Even more importantly, boot camps are very effective in terms of overall health benefits. By incorporating strength, agility, balance, flexibility and interval training into each session, “the workouts exercise your heart, your muscles, your whole body,” Labonte says. “That is what we are trying to achieve in each session.”
An additional perk for all those trying to lose weight: “Boot camp workouts can burn-off up to 600 calories during a single hour-long exercise session, so if you keep at it, you will see those extra pounds melt right before your eyes,” Labonte adds.
In fact, boot camps are so efficient in burning calories and improving muscular fitness that the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the country’s leading authority on fitness, rates boot camps among the top 10 fitness trends for 2010.
As one of the leading boot camp trainers in the area, Labonte sees first-hand the effectiveness of this kind of comprehensive training program and believes its popularity will continue to gain momentum in the future.
“Everyone who participates regularly in our boot camps can see amazing – and sometimes spectacular – results,” Labonte says. “It is the ultimate workout program, regardless of your age, shape, or level of fitness." Boot Camp schedules are available at www.OrmondBootCamp.com.

Daddy Day Care

2010-10-07T09:41:00.001-04:00

Wednesday: Daddy Day Care

So Late Tuesday Night I got a call saying that my baby sitter couldn't watch my two young girls during my Wednesday Night Boot Camp class. So this sent my mind scrambling for ideas of how I can workout with a 2 & 3 year old. So I threw my gym clothes in my bag and also a jogging stroller in the back of my truck. When I got to work I sent Jenn an email advising her that I was going to come run while they did the workout( I knew if I went home I wouldn't workout alone). It just so happened that her 11 year old daughter was coming to class too, so she said bring the girls everything will be fine. So I setup my workout station next to the playground so I could watch my girls and do as much of the workout as possible( I got in about 80% of the workout). My girls were amazing they were watching me saying "Daddy what are you doing" , they were so cute and very good. They know my workout friends as "My Sweaty Friends" so they were saying "Daddy you Sweaty boy"....LOL. Kids are amazing!!
Lesson to be learned STOP LOOKING FOR EXCUSES NOT TO GET HEALTHY & START LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS. If I can make it work so can you, life is never going to stop so you can workout for 3 months straight with no interruptions. So you need to figure out how make it work, don't waste another day the time is NOW!!!!!
-Daddy Matty

Article from Orlando Sentinel

2010-10-06T19:14:00.002-04:00

Can I work out when I’m sick?
Advice, At the gym, Current Affairs, Health news, On the Web, Science — posted by Audrea Huff on October, 6 2010 3:11 PM
Discuss This: Comments(0) | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it

The beautiful, fall weather in Florida has finally arrived — and so has flu season.

Up to 20 percent of the U.S. population on average gets the flu each year, and even more are likely to get a common cold — adults average between 2 to 4 colds a year, mostly between September and May — according to the American Lung Association.

Don’t want to get sick? There’s no magic bullet, but exercise can reduce your chances.

“Among many other benefits of physical exercise is that it is a great immunity booster,” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner of Adventure Boot Camp in Ormond Beach and Port Orange, Florida, in a news release.

“Certainly, exercise is not a cure-all for whatever ails you, and even the most ardent fitness aficionados will get sick once in a while,” Labonte says. “However, there is all this compelling evidence suggesting that exercise may lower your risks of common infections.”

Research cited by the American College of Sports Medicine shows that regular exercise can boost the immune system by either stopping viruses before they attack or by reducing the duration of cold symptoms by half. Studies have shown that people who work out regularly report fewer colds than those who do not exercise.

So you’re a fitness junkie and you pick up a bug from a loved one.

Can you still work out?

Many experts use the “neck rule“: If your symptoms are above the neck, it’s probably safe; if they’re below the neck — congestion in your chest, aches in your limbs — it’s a sign of an illness that may be worse than the common cold, so it’s best to sit on the sideline and rest.

The exception to the “neck rule” is fever: Working out with a fever will stress your heart further, Dr. Rick Kellerman of the American Academy of Family Physicians tells CNN.

The Workout Was the PRIZE

2010-10-06T14:07:00.001-04:00

Monday: Nutrition Game Show w/ Workouts as the Prizes!!!

So after our warm up we got into groups of two we then proceeded to answer 10 questions, get a question right do an exercise get an answer wrong do same exercise double the reps as a correct answer(needless to say Bob Barker's prizes suck compared to these). I know what you are thinking man I really missed out on some awesome prizes, yep you totally missed out. Even though I am being sarcastic it was fun spin on a workout, nice way to make you think you are getting a treat. Brent and I were doing great we got our First 5 correct then went 0-3 and then finished up with two correct answers. I think the prizes for #5 were 40 alternating lunges for correct answer and 80 for incorrect, so glad we got that one right. After the game show was over we played pick your poison on the Obstacle course, in all reality the only thing we picked was our starting spot. Katie and I did the 9 stations together and man let me tell you the girl really pushed herself hard, she made me work harder when I didn't want too. The workout was good, the weather was perfect, Brian turned 21 on Monday, Kelli's little sister joined us she did great, all in all a great session. Jimbo is quiet most of the time but dang that dude works hard really impressed with him, like a silent assassin. We did miss Michelle but we had fun with Kelli on a Monday normally she destroys us on Thursdays(this week Michelle gets to trash us on Thursday).
Lesson learned from Monday's class you always have a CHOICE and that CHOICE always has consequences good or bad. It's time you start making the GOOD CHOICE'S you deserve to be at your best.
-Athlete in Training

2010-10-05T09:22:00.001-04:00

Birthday Girl
Saturday's Class:
First off it was Beth's Birthday Katie brought a balloon for her and made her workout next to it, kind of funny seeing a huge Birthday Balloon Floating beside her while she was working out. We had a real good turn out Brian, Jaime, Beth, Katie, Jody, Lismer, Debbie, Norma, Jessica, Michelle, myself and I believe someone joined us during warm ups so I didn't get to meet her. Anyway's thanks so much for coming out on a Saturday morning to get healthy, it makes it easier knowing I am not going to be the only one attending(helps me get out of bed).
The workout was really good I was able to push myself really hard, I have been struggling with a cold and its still hard to breath but I had my best day in at least the last five workouts. I know the group was working hard because it was really quiet for most of the session. This week is kind of different as Monday Night we have Kelli, Wednesday we have Jennifer, and Thursday we have Michelle after her new certification at an Under Armour Camp. So needless to say I anticipate an extremely hard week. Hope to see some new faces this week and can't wait to see the 5:30pm Ormond Crew.
-TWO SHOES

Stop giving yourself the leftovers!

2010-10-02T11:38:00.001-04:00

Thursday Night.
I loved this workout it was 75% weights, with some obstacle course and jump rope mixed in. If you weren't at class last night you totally missed out on a great workout. This morning I started coughing and man my abs are sooooo sore. We had a lot of fun last night even though there wasn't much talking because of the design of the workout it was go at your own pace so everyone was at different stages. I guess since I am one of the people that talks the most I bring it on myself, but for whatever reason Kelly was all over me last night. Matt do another one, Matt go faster, Matt why are you giving me the death stare we haven't even started(in my defense I was just looking at her w/ a serious face while she explained the workout), come on Matt, lets go Matt. So lesson to all you readers out there if you don't want to be called out don't be the class clown LOL. I really do love going to Boot Camp my energy levels are ten times what they were before I started, I am really progressing. Again I want to encourage anyone that has never come or maybe you have come and for whatever reason stopped coming, get up today and sign up for either this Saturday's class or be there for Monday's class. Don't wait for a new session to begin as you will find plenty of excuses between now and then. As Katie said to me recently "Matt for so long I have taken care of everything and everyone and have loved all of it, but I forgot about myself." Now she makes herself and Boot Camp a priority.
STOP GIVING YOURSELF THE LEFTOVERS!!
See you on Saturday,
-Matty

Two is better than one!

2010-09-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Night.
Whoever said two is better than one never experienced the exercise that Jennifer Labonte designed for our class last night. So after our warm up and stretch period Michelle says pick a partner and pick a station, so each station had two workouts. Brent and I team up we started on Body Builders & Upright Rows, I did rows while he did body builders for one minute then we did 25 jumping jacks then we switched exercises. We did that twice then a one minute run then we came back and were fortunate enough to switch to a new station to start the process all over again ;) Oh yeah there were 8 or 9 stations, so you can imagine how awesome it was. Funny story happened to me there was this EVIL workout that involved a huge blue ball while laying on the ground, needless to say on my first rep my right Hamstring felt like it was going to rip off the bone and Michelle comes over trying to get me to do some reps so she is now assisting me I am LOL trying to tell her that my Hammy is tightening up and I need to stop but Brent was making me LOL so she just thought I was being difficult. Finally I stopped LOL so I could tell her I can't do it, she then helped stretch me out but man those 30 seconds were pretty funny.
It was a very fast paced intense organized workout, these boot camp trainers are awesome, I have not once done the same workout yet and I am in the middle of my third session. So not only do they push you they keep it fresh they modify the workouts for your ability and or injury status( example my bad knees they always have an alternate for me if I need it). So no matter what type of shape you are in good or bad, no matter how many past injuries you have had Ormond Boot Camp will work for and with you and your individual needs. Come check us out Thursday Nights class will be insane in a great way.
-Matty

Silent Night

2010-09-29T14:10:00.002-04:00

"Silent Night"
Last night we were so QUIET Michelle must have asked us five times are you guys okay because we weren't really talking. The weather was rough last night very sticky, hardly any breeze maybe everyone was just drained from the weekend and a long Monday. Whatever it was that had us quiet it didn't keep us from working HARD. I was stuck between Jaime & Jody man they were working SO hard they really pushed me and made me workout Harder, Jody and I were talking between workouts while trying to catch our breath about how much we were sweating we looked like we had just got out of the lazy river at Wet N Wild. After about 20 minutes our group started to have a little fun, a few jokes here a couple dance moves by Lismer & Nikki. Overall the class was really good, it is a lot of fun working out with other people who are willing to push hard and laugh hard. I can't wait until Wednesday until then be good and have fun, just remember you never know who is watching or listening to you. I was pleasantly surprised by someone who pulled me a side and thanked me for an encouraging word I had given, you just never know when you might brighten some one's day.
-Two Shoes Matty

How I celebrated National Health and Fitness Day!

2010-09-25T13:49:00.002-04:00

Hello Boot Campers, let me start by saying that the reason I didn't post about Thursday nights workout was because my fears came true, I was part of the Perfect Storm! Now you might be saying I didn't hear about a storm on Thursday night and that is because you didn't come to class. Jennifer designed a routine that border lined something you would see performed as torture to some bad guy in a dark cold dungeon, and Mrs Kelly was the executor of said torture and man did she execute that exercise to perfection. In all seriousness the workout was really hard and intense but it was so awesome, they really do push us so much harder then we are willing to push ourselves without them so please ladies please keep up the great work.
Today was my first Saturday class and WOW it was so worth it. I got to meet some cool new faces Jessica and Norma you Gals did awesome keep up the great work at the morning class. Also I saw some of my 5:30pm Ormond Crew, Brian & Beth you guys killed it especially for a Saturday, I think Brian officially woke up once we started stretching, and Beth is really hitting new levels really cool to see fellow campers advance in their fitness. It wasn't too hot and there was a really nice Breeze, the session was hard but real good, we did a little bit of everything. There was an obstacle course to break up the exercises, nothing like getting a break by doing a 4 minute obstacle course(thanks Jennifer). Looking forward to another amazing session Monday, have a great weekend my friends.

I want to encourage anyone that is reading to get up and do something today make a change don't wait for Monday to come, don't waste another day you can do it I promise!!!!

It's Addicting...

2010-09-25T13:46:00.002-04:00

WOW!!
Wednesday was Intense!! First let me give props to those who decided that they would do a Fit Test BEFORE class began. Brent, Brian, Jim, Nikki, Beth and Sharon, Sunny attempted to but due to a counting error decided to step down ;) These brave six did as many Sit ups and push ups in 1 minute as they could, then ran a mile as fast as they could. I am have really cool news all six runners finished their Mile run in UNDER 10:00 minutes, great job Gang the fastest time was 7:28. Sounds like a good workout to me but these individuals decided to really push themselves and stay for the regular session( they must be addicted to Bootcamp).
Michelle brought the pain last night folks, I am still fighting my cold and let me tell you normally I am joking around with the gang but not last night I was hanging on for dear life. My goal was to just finish the class, i actually surprised myself even though during the running I could barely breath I pushed through. Something really cool is happening with the group we are all getting dialed in and we have actually started to realize when someone needs that extra little push.
As far as tonight goes Kelli(the Thursday night Trainer) is so excited about tonight's class that starting on Tuesday she was posting on facebook and sending the whole class emails. Which honestly scares me, I have no idea what she has cooked up in that little Energizer Bunny Head of hers. I am sure tomorrow's Blog will have many great stories, hopefully I will be able to type.
-Matt

A LOT of boot camp FUN!

2010-09-22T12:00:00.002-04:00

Man last night's workout was really tough, I am fighting a cold and man the exercises were really good but really hard at the same time. The 5:30pm crew had a lot of LOL moments last night from Nikki's Dancing the second the music came on to Jody completing his least favorite exercise to me being a complete goof ball while trying to make the gang laugh. Michelle is so awesome she puts up with us through our good and bad moments, as you can imagine 15 people sweating and trying to push themselves to new levels occasionally a complaint or two will come out of our mouths. But Michelle is right there encouraging us every step of the way, last night was "Tough Love Night" she was bound and determined to push us through the tough workout. I love the bootcamp especially the people in the 5:30pm Ormond Crew, the second I stepped out of my truck and dragged my gear( water bottle, weights, towel, and mat) to my spot for the night, I hear Beth yell M-A-T-T-Y!!!!!!! I tell you what I really was struggling with the thought of working out until she yelled out my name, our group is super encouraging and a lot of fun from all different back grounds. So if you are looking for something fun to do that also helps you get healthy come and check out the 5:30pm Ormond Crew.
-Matt

Time to take charge!

2010-09-20T15:37:00.002-04:00

Hello Bootcamp Bloggers,
My name is Matt I am about to start my second Full Boot Camp Session I have officially completed 1.5 sessions. I decided to attend one day and I have been hooked ever since, over the last 5-6 weeks I have dropped 21lbs. I am 31, Full time worker, with two toddler kids and my wife is pregnant with our third(and final), so I have plenty of excuses just like you not to attend. BUT, six weeks ago I stood up for myself and decided that the excuses are no logger good enough. My Laziness and plain Apathy were keeping from living a happy and healthy life and all it costs me besides a small fee is for me to commit three hours per week for three weeks. Add all that up people and all you have to initially commit to is 9 HOURS per month, sounds pretty pathetic to me when I replay that in my mind, I let my excuses talk me out of 9 Hours a month. but, not anymore. All I am trying to encourage you to do is commit to NINE HOURS this month to start getting Healthy.
I will not promise you that you want be sore or that you won't want to quit or that everything will be perfect and just wonderful, BUT I will promise you this if you commit to a full session you will start to feel changes in your body and your mind. You will start to have more energy, you will start to make better choices in what you feed your body, you will start to love and absolutely know that you can not do without your NINE hours of bootcamp. You will actually start making time for walks, runs, swims, playing outside with your children or pets.
Bootcamp is helping me change my life one day at a time, it's time for you to do the same, contact one of the trainers immediately so that you can start your Journey.
Until next time my friends,
Matt

2010-09-13T12:53:00.000-04:00

Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp
OrmondBootCamp@aol.com
124 N. Nova Road, #155
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
www.OrmondBootCamp.com
386-547-9393

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL BOOT CAMP TRAINER GIVES THE SKINNY ON POST-SUMMER WEIGHT LOSS

(ORMOND BEACH, FL September 13, 2010) – As summer turns into fall, there is no better time than present to start shedding those extra pounds from the beer, greasy brats, mayo-laden potato salad, fatty ice cream, and all the other high-calorie summer food splurges.

“Many people plan to be active during the summer but end up not exercising at all,” says Jennifer Labonte, CPT, owner and trainer at Adventure Boot Camp Ormond Beach & Port Orange, the pounds from all the cookouts keep piling on and, by the time September rolls in, these folks need to seriously get back into, or start, a good fitness routine that not only speeds up the metabolism but also offers multiple health benefits.”

However, many people, especially those who have not exercised before, may not know what kind of fitness program will whip them into great shape, burn those pesky calories, and motivate them to keep working out.
“Once boredom sets in, people lose their motivation to exercise,” Labonte observes. “That can happen if your workout routine is monotonous or doesn’t yield the desired results."

The key to a successful workout, she says, is to make exercise not only results-oriented, but also interesting and enjoyable, so that people will keep coming back for more.

That’s where fitness boot camps kick in – no pun intended.

“We are in a group setting, where people encourage and cheer each other on, so you don’t feel like you are in it alone,” Labonte says. “There is a pleasant social aspect to it, which makes this type of interactive exercise more interesting. And, if you are serious about losing weight and getting in shape, you must stay motivated and focused. ”

Even more importantly, boot camps are very effective in terms of overall health benefits. By incorporating strength, agility, balance, flexibility and interval training into each session, “the workouts exercise your heart, your muscles, your whole body,” Labonte says. “That is what we are trying to achieve in each session.”
An additional perk for all those trying to lose weight: “Boot camp workouts can burn off up to 600 calories during a single hour-long exercise session, so if you keep at it, you will see those extra pounds melt right before your eyes,” Labonte adds.
In fact, boot camps are so efficient in burning calories and improving muscular fitness that the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the country’s leading authority on fitness, rates boot camps among the top 10 fitness trends for 2010.

As one of the leading boot camp trainers in the area, Labonte sees first-hand the effectiveness of this kind of comprehensive training program and believes its popularity will continue to gain momentum in the future.

“Everyone who participates regularly in our boot camps can see amazing – and sometimes spectacular – results,” Labonte says. “It is the ultimate workout program, regardless of your age, shape, or level of fitness."
About Ormond & Port Orange Adventure Boot Camp:
A 14-year veteran in the fitness industry, Jennifer Labonte launched the Ormond Advenure Boot Camp in November 2008. Schedules and client testimonials are available at www.OrmondBootCamp.com. Labonte can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393.

# # #

About Jennifer Labonte, Fitness Expert:
Labonte, a certified fitness boot camp instructor with 14 years of experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at Info@OrmondBootCamp.com or 386-547-9393 and is available for media interviews on a wide range of topics related to health, wellness and fitness.

2010-08-20T17:20:00.002-04:00

Wednesday morning's total body boot camp was intense. I haven't been to boot camp in like 3 weeks, and boy it sure kicked me in the butt! The next morning, every muscle in my body was sore! I can't believe how much stamina you lose in just 3 weeks of not working out. It was an amazing workout over all. We did a little bit everything, just enough to work every muscle in my body and be sore the next day! I'll be sure to not take 3 weeks off again!!

Better Your Best!

2010-07-12T11:38:00.001-04:00

Weds July 7th

I have been going to boot camp for 5 months, and I am addicted. I love how everyday Jen makes up something different, which is great because you never get bored of boot camp. Some days you wonder “where in the world does she come up with this stuff?” For instance, the title of this morning’s workout was “Better your Best” we did a series of 10 different types of workouts from squats to punching with weights. Sounds fairly easy right? But today’s goal is to go through all the 10 exercises in 3 different rounds, trying to better your best reps that you completed in one minute in all of the exercises. We had written our number of reps on a piece of paper so that we didn’t forget what we did for that exercise the next time around. It was great, because we all had set personal goals for ourselves and tried our hardest to “better our best”. Mentally, we all wanted to quit, but because we had our goals, we kept on going to do the best we could do. It’s only been a couple hours since boot camp this morning and I am already sore everywhere. Cant wait to see what Jen has up her sleeve tomorrow morning.

Playing in the rain!

2010-07-12T11:35:00.001-04:00

Friday July 2nd

Walking to my car to drive to boot camp Friday morning, I had notice it was drizzling and that the ground was soaked. Usually when it’s raining, we usually have boot camp in the gym, which no one really likes because it is bright and tends to get hot fast. I was the first one there, so Jen let me decide whether to stay outside or go into the gym. My vote was to stay outside. We had a tough workout that day with almost every type of arm exercise you can think of, with some cardio in between. In the end, everyone appreciated the rain; it kept us cool from this summer’s heat and kept the bugs away. What I love about going to the 5:45am class is that it is all women and it is still dark outside. So even if the rain messed up our hair, or ran our mascara off from the night before, we wouldn’t have to worry about what we look like because there are no men there and no light to show all of our imperfections! Haha. Needless to say, on the drive home, I could barely hold my arms up on the steering wheel from all the arm exercises we did, they felt like Jello. What a great work-out. =)

Feeling HOT! HOT! HOT!

2010-06-17T09:58:00.002-04:00

Mon. 6/14/10 and Tue. 6/15/10 5:30 pm Boot Camp:

Can I just begin by saying that it is extremely HOT HOT HOT and steamy at boot camp lately. It was a record high yesterday at like 103 degrees! Thank god for the covered overhang where we do part of the boot camp or there would probably be some heat strokes! The workouts have been really great though. Both nights were a combination of doing exercises at our mats for 2 minutes and then running/jogging/fast walking out to the obstacle course. The obstacle course has been set up in stations which I really like. One station will be jump roping and one will be alternating lunges and one will be squats, etc. etc.

I discovered that I can now do a part of the Burpie that I haven't been able to do in the past. I can kick my legs out and in instead of walking them out and in. It's small but it's an improvement and frankly that's all I'm looking for. Small steady improvements! One of the things I love about boot camp is that you have other people in the same boat as you. Just when you feel like giving up you can look over and see the others doing the exercises and it somehow keeps you going. Whatever it takes is what I say. Until next time....

What an accomplishment!

2010-06-17T09:57:00.001-04:00

Tue. 6/8/10 Boot camp:

Tonight's boot camp was actually a make-up day for one of the days last week that got rained out. There were only 4 of us so we were able to go under the covered area at the school THANK GOD because this one was a killer! It was all about the cardio tonight. We rotated doing a minute of cardio moves at our mat (jump squats, frog jumps, mountain climbers, etc.) and then you had to do the obstacle course for 2 minutes. It was back and forth until we finished up with ab work and planks. The covered area really saved us because we were working so hard.

Once again, I walked away completely wiped but feeling really good. I love the stretching that we do at the beginning and end of each class. It's a nice way to start and finish a good workout. I hear our next boot camp is supposed to be an awesome workout with some new equipment and I actually am looking forward to what is in store for us!

Rock hard abs.....

2010-06-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

Mon. June 7th 5:30 pm bootcamp:

Tonight's boot camp was "Cardio/Core." We did all kinds of running or running in place switching off to jumping jacks and squat jumps, etc. Then we got down on our mats to do core exercises which are so hard for me. I don't remember the name of the core exercise where you roll back while holding a weight and then end up in a standing position but it is one of the hardest exercises for me. I can never seem to get up to a standing position without using my hands to push me up. Another one my personal goals to keep working on. I do know that I wasn't able to do a plank on my hands just my elbows and now I can do it starting out on my hands. I can only stay up about 8 to 10 seconds before taking a quick break and starting again but that is definitely progress!

I thought we might get rained out yet again but it just stayed cloudy which was a blessing. I was hoping for some rain by about the middle of class because sweat was pouring off me! This week we are doing 4 classes in a row to make up for the rain day last week - ugh! This is going to be a challenge but I always feel so good driving home from boot camp. The sense of accomplishment that is felt is all one can hope for! Am looking forward to what is in store for us tonight!

No pills and a lower cholesterol...

2010-06-08T08:34:00.002-04:00

June 2nd 5:30 pm boot camp

Today was the first day of my second boot camp. The sun was shining and it was HOT HOT HOT! I would like to begin by saying that the last 3 times I had my blood work done to check my cholesterol/triglicerides, etc. my numbers were too high. My doctor started having the, "it might be time to start thinking about going on a cholesterol lowering medication" talk with me. I never got on the medication because I knew I was going to be having another baby. Well, I had my 2nd baby and then it was time to go see my doctor again. It had been a year since I had my blood work checked. I did 3 weeks of boot camp before having my blood drawn again. I was so nervous when it was time to see my doctor about the results. My doctor happily informed me that all of my numbers dropped by like 40 points. HUGE! My cholesterol is great and he said to keep doing whatever it is I am doing! I totally attribute the lowered cholesterol numbers to boot camp 100%.

This session was challenging but that is no surprise since I am a returning boot camper. 2 campers that I know of said they felt like they were going to throw-up. Nobody ever did though. Lets hope there is a breeze in the air for the next class tomorrow night!

Success!

2010-05-21T12:59:00.001-04:00

May 20th 5:30 pm boot camp....

Well tonight was the last session of my first boot camp! I made it through! Once again, Angie gave us a really great workout! We did 3 different exercises in sets of threes for 1 minute each. For instance, we did step ups for 1 min. then tricep dips for 1 min. then shoulder presses for 1 minute. Some of them included running at a sprint for 1 minute. Then we spent some time "sitting" on the wall which had my thighs burning! We finished up with some ab work. Once again, I LOVED it!

I'm coming back during the off week and will also be doing June's boot camp. I'm so glad I made the leap to join but it wouldn't have been without Mandy Burfield. A shout out to you if your reading this Mandy! Thank you so much! Thank you to Angie for giving us some great workouts and for all of her encouragement along the way. Keep it coming! See you next week!

Cardio Queen...

2010-05-20T17:20:00.000-04:00

Wed. May 19th boot camp:

Let me just begin by saying that I LOVED this session! I Got such a great workout. Tonight's boot camp was all about CARDIO and I wouldn't mind if we did this workout once a week! Now I'm not saying it was easy by any stretch. This was an INTENSE class. Angie had a board filled out with a list of exercises that really got your heart going. You had to start by doing 20 - 40 reps of each exercise as you worked down the list at your own pace. I was going along doing the exercises and then got to the "do 3 laps" line and I thought to myself, holy .... really? The laps were changed to 2 instead of 3 THANK GOD. I'm not sure I could have done 3 laps after doing all of the exercises. Well, I could have done the 3 but I would have had to fast walk some of it. I was able to jog for 2 straight laps without stopping to fast walk. The run was around the perimeter of the school and then you had to come back to your mat and start the whole list over! I don't love running but I do like how it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you complete it. I ended up making it through the list again except for the running. Once again, sweat was pouring into my eyeballs! We still had time left over to do some ab work on our mats. I'm always happy to finish with ab work as I desperately need help in this area!

Tonight is the last session of this boot camp and I already feel so much better about myself. Now I just have to work on my diet! I go back to work from maternity leave in 2 weeks and that by itself will help just by not sitting around at home all day. Wonder what's in store for us at our last session of boot camp tonight??? I am not looking forward to the body fat test. Oh well, all I can say is I'm trying to do something about it!

The love/hate relationship with the BURPIE!

2010-05-18T11:13:00.001-04:00

May 17, 2010 Monday night boot camp:

Let me just begin by saying that I LOVED this class. I walked away (barely!) feeling like I got a really great workout. This is the last week of my first boot camp and I am hooked! Tonight's class began with the instructor, Angie, handing us a piece of paper with "300" at the top followed by a list of different kinds of leg exercises. We basically did 20 to 40 reps on each exercise until we had reached a total of 300 reps! These exercises worked your quads, glutes, hamstrings, thighs, etc. You could choose to use hand weights during most of the exercises if you wanted. I found myself starting with 5 lb weights and then quickly changing to my 3 lb weights and then to no weights at all! Wow! Was a little daunting at first but once you got going it went by relatively fast. We were able to work at our own pace so you didn't feel like you had to compromise your form to keep up. By the end, sweat was dripping profusely into my eyeballs. This is when I know I'm getting a really good workout.

I would like to take the time to state how much I despise the exercise called a Burpie. First of all, who even came up with the name of this exercise? Dr. Oz was doing these burpies on his show a couple of weeks ago so this is not just a boot camp term! Anyway, I probably despise them so much because I have a really hard time doing them! Burpies are going on my own personal list of exercise improvements that need to be made!

A little birdie told me that I am going to get the cardio I asked for more of at this Wed. night's boot camp. I better be careful about what I ask for because I'm sure this will be a killer! Am looking forward to what is in store for us on Wed. night!

Jodi-

2010-05-13T15:40:00.001-04:00

May 12th.... It's All Core, All the Time! Written by Jodi, from the Port Orange class.

Tonight's session was all about your CORE! Groups of 4 did 4 different exercises and most of them were associated with your core. No time to get bored because we essentially ended up doing about 16 different exercises. Lots of planks and exercises where you start out on your mat and end up in a standing position. SO VERY HARD! I am waiting for the day where I can do it in a nice fluid movement! I am so weak in my core so I really need to work on this! I'm hoping for some more Cardio in later sessions. Once again, the breeze god was with us tonight! Lets hope this trend continues as long as possible because it's only going to get hotter!

2010-05-13T15:36:00.002-04:00

First time Adventure Boot Camper, Jodi, shares her boot camp experience. Do you feel the burn too????

May 10th 5:30 p.m. boot camp...

Thank god there was a breeze in the air this evening because this class was a killer! This is my first boot camp and I've made it to the 2nd week! I had a baby 9 weeks ago so boot camp is definitely a challenge for me. I can honestly say that I LOVE IT! The instructor, Angie, is really good at showing modifications for every exercise so that you can work out at your own level.

Tonight we worked our bodies from head to toe! Lots of lunges and squats incorporating weights with each exercise. We worked shoulders, biceps, triceps, quads, glutes, etc. you name it, we worked it! So far there has been an obstacle course set up each night and it really helps to get your heart rate going in between sets. The skiing part of the obstacle course looked easier than it actually was!

One of my biggest weaknesses, among many, is tricep pushups. Wow! Let me just say it again, WOW! Angie makes everything look so easy when she demonstrates it and when I go to do it I can't even do one! It is my personal goal to do at least 3 in a row with proper form!

Am looking forward to what is in store for us on Wednesday night!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

2010-04-30T19:24:00.002-04:00

Today was ‘100’ day…and it’s just as grueling as it sounds. You’re expected to do 100 reps of every exercise that is on the list of things to do. I did, however, kind of like it! I know that sounds very sadistic and strange coming from someone who hates to exercise, but I actually surprised myself and did much, much more than I thought I could do. I also liked it because the next time we do ‘100’ day I’ll be able to see how much more I can do than what I did today. It’s just another way for me to gauge how much more physically fit I’m getting and I’m finding that I really appreciate having other motivating factors other than the scale. I have gone from weighing every day, to weighing about once a week (which is slightly more mentally healthy, lol). Call it a breakthrough or whatever you want, but I’m becoming less and less reliant on the scale for personal satisfaction…which is exactly what Angie has been trying to ingrain in my head for the last several weeks. Geez, I think this stuff is actually starting to work.

So, another session starts on Monday, May 3rd in Port Orange. I'll see you there!

2010-04-19T19:09:00.002-04:00

Tonight's workout was ALL legs. We did every squat and lunge you can imagine! When I first started bootcamp, I could only do a few at a time, but tonight I was able to do all of the squats and lunges. Also, tonight was the first time I thought to myself "wow, this is a really good workout" instead of "oh my gosh, I want to die". I was able to appreciate what I was doing as a workout and not just torture, lol!

As I've mentioned in the past, I like working my legs because I've seen a lot of changes in them since I've started bootcamp. I've always had big calves, but now I'm starting to see definition in them.

In between squats and lunges, we ran a little bit. Now, I do not like to run. I have always said that I only run when chased. I feel like I can't breathe when I run. But tonight, my friend Natalie "taught" me how to breathe. And I actually ran more than I (and Natalie) thought I would. So, Natalie, if you're reading this, thanks! It doesn't mean I like to run any more than I did, but at least I won't feel like I'm suffocating!

As a side note, today is the start of the third week of this session and it's just flown by. It's already time to register for the next session. If you've been considering trying bootcamp, take the next step and sign up at www.ormondbootcamp.com. You definitely won't regret it!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

2010-04-18T20:45:00.002-04:00

Great news...I've got muscles! I mean, I KNEW I had muscles. They have just been hiding until recently. I just found some on my arms! It's very cool to see results!

Tonight's session was tough, but went quickly. We did stations where each station consisted of four exercises and we did each exercise for two minutes at a time. Now, I love doing stations. Time flies when you're doing stations. I mean, I can do anything for two minutes. Well...maybe not jumping jacks just yet. But Angie told me I could modify after I gave her a full minute of real jumping jacks. Conveniently, Angie "forgot" to tell me when I had done my first minute, so I ended up doing more real jumping jacks than I intended. Very sneaky, that girl. She really does push me to do more than I think I can. I feel that's one of the best things about bootcamp. You don't get away with too much, and believe me, I try, lol!

Monday, April 12, 2010

2010-04-18T20:37:00.003-04:00

Today I was feeling a little under the weather, but my friend Natalie, who's also doing bootcamp in Port Orange, convinced me that I needed to come and see what I could do. I managed to make it through and I'm glad I came. I do feel better after working out. Every time I complete a night of bootcamp, I feel like I've accomplished something. Tonight was legs and cardio. Love those squats, lol!

2010-04-05T22:07:00.002-04:00

Today was the first day of boot camp at the new location in Port Orange. I'm so happy to have bootcamp practically in my back yard. I walked to bootcamp! We all met at Port Orange Elementary and got down to business. Angie put us through the ringer. Lots of cardio and legs. I used to hate working my legs, but since I started bootcamp a month ago, I've noticed a difference in my legs and rear end. So, legs are my favorite now, lol!

I haven't seen much movement on the scale, but I also haven't been real strict on the eating plan. But I'm happy with the progress I've made in such a short amount of time. Speaking of progress, I was able to do something tonight that I wasn't able to do before: plank push-ups. Tonight I was able to move back and forth on my toes when before, I couldn't. The best I could do was to just hold the plank for a couple of seconds at a time. I feel really good about that. It's all about baby steps for me!

Monday, March 22, 2010

2010-03-24T14:07:00.003-04:00

Monday night's bootcamp was the hardest one I've done yet. I definitely had to go at my own pace for a lot of the hour. That's one of the main reasons I like bootcamp. It really is for all fitness levels. You have the flexibility of taking it to whatever level you are comfortable with. I have a friend who is in great shape and loves to exercise (which I have a hard time wrapping my head around) and I know she would have loved the challenge of the same workout that gave me such a hard time.

Since this was the beginning of my fourth week, I had Jennifer measure my body fat. If you remember, I started at 36%. I'm now at 34.6%, so I've lost 1.4%. I'm ok with that, but I want to have lost more. I know one of my problems is my inability to consistently keep a food journal. So, even though I'm getting my exercise in, who knows how many calories I'm putting in my body. The good news is that I have started buying healthier foods for snacks and for making lunch with. So, I have all of the tools I need, I just need the motivation to stick to the food plan and write it ALL down. Even the cookies... Anyone have any ideas on how to stick with keeping a food journal? Please help!

2010-03-19T17:28:00.004-04:00

One of our new campers has volunteered to share her experiences with Ormond Adventure Boot Camp and take you on her journey. Cheer her on and post your own experiences along the way.

Jennifer Labonte, Owner and Chief Motivator of Ormond Adventure Boot Camp

Monday, March 1, 2010

Well, I just made it through my first ever Boot Camp! Going in, I was nervous. Nervous I wouldn’t be able to finish the whole hour. Nervous I wouldn’t be able to keep up, or even do any of the exercises. Nervous I would be so sore afterwards that I wouldn’t be able to function like a normal person. (I’ll let you know how this last part works out!) But, I surprised myself! I didn’t give up! And I’m proud of myself! Don’t get me wrong, it was HARD!! Boot Camp is no joke! But I definitely liked the challenge.

After class, Jennifer measured my body fat, gave me an eating plan, and instructed me to keep a food journal. My body fat number is high: 36%! I look forward to watching that number decrease, for sure! I made sure to weigh this morning so I’d have a good starting number, although Jennifer told me to try not to go by the number on the scale. That may be my biggest challenge yet! I’m used to weighing every morning, but will try to weigh only once a week…

Now a little background about me: I’ve never stuck with an exercise plan. And I’ve needed to. I was almost 11 pounds at birth and starting packing it on from there. Finally, almost two years ago, at 301 lbs., I decided to undergo Gastric Bypass surgery. I’ve lost 104 lbs., but recently started to gain. I’ve gained back 17 lbs. and I’m terrified. So, when my friend Angie told me about Ormond Adventure Boot Camp, I got excited. I desperately want, no NEED, to find something I enjoy doing that will help me maintain my new healthier lifestyle.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

My second night of Boot Camp went fairly well. Kelli was leading us through the “board”, which is a list of exercises on a dry-erase board that you go through basically at your own pace, which for me, was SLOW. I’m still getting used to this working out thing! There are some things I had a really hard time doing. For example, Burpees. These were designed by someone who hates me, I’m sure of it! I think I did maybe 5…barely.

I’m still sore from Monday night, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be working through it with sore muscles. I mean, my legs HURT! But, I have two Boot Camps under my belt, which for me is something of an accomplishment! Did I mention my legs hurt? You know, I really like that we did something completely different tonight than we did Monday night. Boot Camp is definitely not boring. I like not knowing what to expect. Although I do know I can expect sore legs and other body parts!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tonight’s workout with Jennifer was all about upper body. Shoulders and arms…not my strongest body parts!! When I say I have no upper body strength, I’m not kidding. When I do a “girly” push-up, I can barely lower myself. So, needless to say, I need as much upper body work as I can get, but I’m going to hate every minute of it! This being said, I actually did not hate it! We did a circuit that consisted of a bunch of different exercises. By the time I wanted to cry because my arms were burning, it was time to switch to a different station. This is my favorite thing about Boot Camp. You don’t do one particular exercise for what seems like an eternity. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. This helps me make it though. In fact, the hour really goes by fast. And it seems crazy to me, but even after only three nights of Boot Camp, I already feel like I’m making progress. Small progress, but progress nonetheless.

I weighed this morning and have maintained since last week. I tried not to weigh during the week but I did anyway. I gained a couple of pounds during the week but then went back to my starting weight this morning. I’m ok with that, though. Rome was not built in a day!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Well, yesterday was my two-year Gastric Bypass surgery anniversary. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. It’s really hard to believe it’s taken that long to find something I like as much as I like Boot Camp. I’m so glad I started this journey!

It’s been raining all day but we did our workout outside. It was wet and messy. And I was tired. But I made it through again. I’m so proud of myself. Kelli had us doing a lot of cardio tonight, which I have to admit I haven’t been great about keeping up with during the week. Jennifer has given me an interval plan to do on my nights off from Boot Camp so I will start incorporating that into my week. The food journal Jennifer asked me to start has been a struggle. It’s so difficult for me. I can come up with all kinds of excuses, but the fact is, I just need to do it. I’ve made the commitment to coming to Boot Camp. I need to start committing to the whole program. That is my goal for the coming week: More days of cardio and a food journal every day. Wish me luck!

Eggnog that wont stay on your hips till Valentine's Day?? Yes!

2009-12-13T11:29:00.009-05:00

Recently we have become fans of Hungry Girl, this is a great website and book series that sends out e-blasts for healthy alternatives to stuff we love that just isnt really all that healthy! You can check out her website at www.hungry-girl.com. She very well may be our new BFF!

We wanted to share with you a recent article of hers that gives you three different alternatives to that thick creamy calorie ridden goodness from the Gods that we know and love as eggnog. Enjoy and let us know if you made any of these recipes and what you thought!

Staying Fit During the Holidays It CAN be Done!

2009-12-09T07:28:00.003-05:00

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and boy, do we make the most of it. We eat, we drink, we indulge and then we end up feeling like bloated whales by the time it's all over. It's almost an unspoken rule that, with the holidays, comes unlimited eating and incompleted workouts, but this year, you have a choice.

You don't have to let every party become your own personal eating contest, and you don't have to let shopping take the place of your usual exercise routine. All it takes is flexibility, creativity and a new way of defining exercise.

Keep Moving

It's tempting to ditch your workouts as your days fill up with holiday preparations, parties and errands, but now more than ever, you need to stay active. Exercise will help you deal with added stress and give you energy for everything you need to accomplish. It will also help you manage your weight through the maze of parties and gatherings you'll be attending. If you have trouble sticking with your usual routine this time of year, come up with a new one. Forget the rules, lower your standards and do whatever you need to do to keep moving:

Remember to work hard. Keep your perceived exertion¹ at 8 or 9 for the entire workout.
Exercise wherever you can. Ormond Boot Camp has two sessions that are in the morning and are most convenient for girls on the go. We meet 5 days a week at 5:45 and MWF at 9:30. See website for more information!
Make it a family affair. As you gather together with your family, plan active things to do. Walk around the neighborhood to look at holiday decorations. Play football before the big meal at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Plan contests with the kids to see who can run the farthest or who can do the most push-ups. Challenge everyone to a snow-shoveling contest, and then build a snow person out of the remains.
Don't forget strength training. Maintain your muscle mass by paring down your routine to the basics. Choose compound, multi-joint movements² to make sure you're getting the most out of your time. This new strength-training workout³ is a great place to start. It involves a variety of compound moves that target the large muscles of the body with plenty of core work thrown in as well.

Control Your Eating

Eating yourself into a coma seems inevitable during the holidays, what with all the yummy delights available. Treating every party as if it's an invitation to indulge, however, is a sure way to add pounds. Below are a few reminders for keeping the calories in check:

Eat Before You Go. Rules to live by: never go grocery shopping while hungry, and similarly, never hit a holiday party on an empty stomach. You'll be less tempted to overindulge if your belly's full of something healthy.
Choose One Treat. Once at the party, choose one thing to indulge in and make it good. No chips -- you can have those any old time. Pick something you only get during the holidays.
Control Your Drinking. Alcohol is an easy way to consume more calories than you need, so avoid mixed or fruity drinks, and have a glass of water for every drink you consume. Also, definitely avoid the egg nog; it has up to 350 calories a cup.
Don't Skip Meals. It's tempting to skip meals to make up for whatever nightmare food you'll eat later, but just like the empty-stomach rule, if you're starving, your rational mind will be unavailable for healthy food choices. Eat small meals all day to avoid going nuts at the buffet table.

However you deal with the holidays, make this the year that you don't gain extra weight. Make a decision to do everything you can to stay active and eat healthy while not depriving yourself of all the fun. Like everything else in life, it's all about moderation. Happy Holidays!

If you are looking for ideas for Holiday gifts for your friends or relatives, Adventure Boot Camp for Women has gift certificates available in any denomination!

If your wishing for a Ormond Adventure Boot Camp for Women certificate under your tree this year, have your spouse or relative contact me at ormondbootcamp@aol.com and I will mail the certificate directly to them.

If you want to secure a work out buddy in the New Year, get a gift certificate for your friend so she reaps the benefits of being a Boot Camper. With the purchase of her gift certificate, you will receive 1/2 off your session!

Contact Jennifer at ormondbootcamp@aol.com for more information or call 386-547-9393

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe - Healthy Green Bean Casserole

2009-11-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

Healthy Green Bean Casserole!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 medium sweet onion, (half diced, half thinly sliced), divided
8 ounces mushrooms, chopped
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup low-fat milk
3 tablespoons dry sherry, (see Ingredient Note)
1 pound frozen French-cut green beans, (about 4 cups)
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons buttermilk powder, (see Ingredient Note)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and slightly translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the mushroom juices are almost evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the vegetables; stir to coat. Add milk and sherry and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Stir in green beans and return to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in sour cream and buttermilk powder. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Whisk the remaining 1/3 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a shallow dish. Add sliced onion; toss to coat. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion along with any remaining flour mixture and cook, turning once or twice, until golden and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Spread the onion topping over the casserole.
Bake the casserole until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

Ingredient notes:
Don't use the high-sodium “cooking sherry” sold in many supermarkets. Instead, purchase dry sherry sold with other fortified wines.
Look for buttermilk powder, such as Saco Buttermilk Blend, in the baking section or with the powdered milk in most supermarkets.

Nutrition

Per serving: 212 calories; 10 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 10 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 3 g fiber; 533 mg sodium; 259 mg potassium.

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe - Sweet Potato Casserole

2009-11-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

My absolute favorite dish to make on Thanksgiving is Sweet Potato Casserole. Mind you, mine is made with about 30 lbs of butter, 100 lbs of brown sugar...ok kidding but seriously, it is NOT HEALTHY. So I came across this recipe and had to share it.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Casserole

2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, (3 medium), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons frozen orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pan. Mash with a potato masher. Measure out 3 cups. (Reserve any extra for another use.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square (or similar 2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
Whisk eggs, oil and honey in a medium bowl. Add mashed sweet potato and mix well. Stir in milk, orange zest, vanilla and salt. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
To prepare topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, oil and butter in a small bowl. Blend with a fork or your fingertips until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake the casserole until heated through and the top is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 242 calories; 10 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 46 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 4 g fiber; 170 mg sodium; 351 mg potassium.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Casserole

2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, (3 medium), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping

1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons frozen orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preparation

Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pan. Mash with a potato masher. Measure out 3 cups. (Reserve any extra for another use.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square (or similar 2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
Whisk eggs, oil and honey in a medium bowl. Add mashed sweet potato and mix well. Stir in milk, orange zest, vanilla and salt. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
To prepare topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, oil and butter in a small bowl. Blend with a fork or your fingertips until crumbly. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake the casserole until heated through and the top is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 242 calories; 10 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 46 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 4 g fiber; 170 mg sodium; 351 mg potassium.

Campers Choice

2009-11-19T08:25:00.005-05:00

My third day of boot camp was the Campers Choice. My fellow campers who attended camp on Monday suggested their favorite (or least favorite) exercises and created our work out routine yesterday, weather it was burpees, lunges or the obstacle course. It was an intense day but I got through it. It's funny, although I have missed more sessions that I have gone to this month, I still feel a difference. I woke up earlier (on my own) today than I have in a while and while I am a little sore, it isn't near as bad as the first two sessions. Now I sit here and wish I was able to attend more sessions in November. That is my goal for December! Speaking of which, did you know the average person gains 5-8 pounds in the month of December?

If your going to see New Moon this weekend, keep this in mind.....The Today Show had a feature on movie theater popcorn. A $12 medium-popcorn-and-soda combo contains 1,610 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat — the equivalent of three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with 12 pats of butter.

We are featuring a week worth of healthy Thanksgiving menu ideas so check back on the blog everyday for a new recipe. Also, as a reminder, Jenn is selling gift certificates for Ormond Adventure Boot Camp, perfect for the Holiday Season. With a purchase of one for a friend, you will receive 1/2 off your session! Click here for more info.

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe - Pear Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing

2009-11-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Day two of our healthy Thanksgiving Day Menu, we are bringing you stuffing. Pear Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing that is!! This recipe is also courtesy of Eating Well.

Ingredients

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced, cut into ribbons
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cups diced fennel bulb
1/4 cup minced shallot
2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
8 cups stale baguette, preferably multi-grain (not sourdough), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 Bosc pears, ripe but firm, chopped
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto; cook, stirring, until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
Wipe out the pan and heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, fennel and shallot and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add sage, thyme and rosemary and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Transfer everything to a large bowl and gently stir in bread, pears, parsley, hazelnuts and the prosciutto. Add broth; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish; cover with foil.
Bake for 40 minutes; remove the foil and bake until the top is beginning to crisp, 25 to 30 minutes more.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 3 and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

Note: If you don't have stale bread ready to use, spread the baguette cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 250°F until crisped and dry, about 15 minutes.
Tip: To toast chopped nuts & seeds: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving: 176 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 9 g protein; 6 g fiber; 489 mg sodium; 283 mg potassium.

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe - TURKEY!

2009-11-18T19:49:00.001-05:00

We are starting off our Healthy Thanksgiving Menu with the ever so popular Turkey. We have found some great recipes online, this one is compliments of Eating Well. Check back tomorrow, we will be featuring side dishes! Gobble Gobble.

Lemon Garlic Roast Turkey with White Wine Gravy.

Ingredients

10 cloves garlic, divided
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup kosher salt
1 12-pound natural or organic turkey, (see Shopping Tip)
1/4 cup freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 cup packed fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine, or dry vermouth
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

Crush 6 cloves garlic and add to a very large stockpot (or clean bucket). Stir in lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt and 4 quarts cold water.
Remove giblets from turkey (if included) and trim excess skin. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 24 hours. If the turkey is not fully submerged, turn it every 8 hours.
Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse well and pat dry. Discard the brine.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Place the remaining 4 cloves garlic, lemon zest, oregano, oil, pepper and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a paste. (Alternatively, chop garlic, lemon zest and oregano on a cutting board until finely minced, then place in a small bowl and stir in oil, pepper and water.) Loosen the skin over the breast and thigh meat. Rub the paste all over the turkey, under the skin onto the breast meat and leg meat and a little inside the cavity. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey. Tie the legs together with kitchen string. Place the turkey breast-side down in a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for 1 hour. Turn it breast-side up on the rack, add 1 cup water to the pan, and continue roasting 1 hour more. Baste the turkey with pan drippings, tent with foil and continue roasting, basting every 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone registers 165°F, 30 to 45 minutes more.
Transfer the turkey to a large cutting board; let rest for 20 minutes before removing the string and carving.
Meanwhile, pour any pan juices and fat into a large glass measuring cup and place in the freezer until the fat rises to the top, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, pour the pan juices and fat into a fat separator then pour the defatted juices into a large measuring cup.) Whisk flour with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl.
Set the roasting pan over two burners on medium heat. Add wine (or vermouth); bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Continue cooking until reduced, about 3 minutes. 10. Remove the pan juices from the freezer, skim off the fat with a spoon and discard. Add the defatted juices and broth to the roasting pan; return to a simmer, whisking often. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the flour mixture and simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve and serve with the turkey.

Tips & Notes

Shopping tip: Look for turkey labeled “natural” or “organic” in natural-foods stores or well-stocked supermarkets. Turkeys labeled “heritage” are also typically “natural.” If you can't find one, don't overlook this recipe. It works with conventional turkey, too; just skip the brining (Steps 1-2) and start with Step 3.

Nutrition

Per serving: 180 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 66 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 26 g protein; 0 g fiber; 120 mg sodium; 273 mg potassium.

Ormond Boot Camp Gift Certificates now available for everyone on your Holiday list.

2009-11-17T19:39:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for ideas for Holiday gifts for your friends or relatives, Adventure Boot Camp for Women has gift certificates available in any denomination!

If your wishing for a Ormond Adventure Boot Camp for Women certificate under your tree this year, have your spouse or relative contact me at ormondbootcamp@aol.com and I will mail the certificate directly to them.

If you want to secure a work out buddy in the New Year, get a gift certificate for your friend so she reaps the benefits of being a Boot Camper. With the purchase of her gift certificate, you will receive 1/2 off your session!

Contact Jennifer at ormondbootcamp@aol.com for more information or call 386-547-9393

Come join us at Riverfest this weekend!!

2009-11-16T07:08:00.001-05:00

SAVE THE DATE
RiverFest
November 21st and 22nd
Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park

Admission is FREE.
35 bands, fun for the kids, kayak races, vendor booths and more!
Ormond Boot Camp will have a booth, come say hello!

For More Information:
www.ormondriverfest.com

Metabolism 101

2009-11-12T06:48:00.003-05:00

Factors that affect speed of metabolism

1. BODY SIZE:
Size of the body has a major influence on the speed of metabolism. A naturally big body means more cells to maintain which requires more calories, therefore larger people tend to have a high metabolism.

2. WEIGHT GAIN
Extra weight also helps speed up metabolism as each movement requires the contraction of more muscle cells to move the mass, even if much of the extra weight gained is fat it still requires more effort to move, however fat is not metabolically active so metabolism speed will only be higher during movement.

3. BODY COMPOSITION:
Body composition or proportion of weight determines the speed of metabolism. Body composition is the difference between total lean weight compared to fat weight. A higher percentage of lean body weight results in a high metabolic rate compared with individuals of the same weight with a higher fat percentage, think of a body builder compared to a Sumo wrestler!

Just to clear any confusion!!!!!
An overweight person weighing the same as an athlete can burn almost the same amount of calories during exercise, however, the leaner person burns many more calories at rest because lean body weight is much more metabolically active than fat weight. Problems are exaggerated if an overweight person leads a sedentary life, turning down a chance to speed up metabolism naturally!

4. SEX:
Men naturally have a higher degree of lean muscle and research suggests this is mainly due to the male sex hormones resulting in the difference in body size and composition.

5. AGE:
Age affects the metabolism for both men and women. After 30 years of age there is usually a gradual decline in lean body weight and an increase in fat weight although this is mainly due to hormonal changes. This will lead to a lowering of the metabolism.

A decline in our metabolic rate can also be attributed to a gradual change in lifestyle (ie. Kids, new job, injury).

6. HEREDITARY:
Differences in our genes can affect metabolism. Some people can have the same weight, fat content and age but have different body types, which result in different metabolic rates.

7. HORMONES:
Hormones control many of the body's main chemical processes, therefore can influence metabolism. A rise in some of the body's important hormones through regular exercise or even through genetic disorders can increase lean weight and change body composition.

8. PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE:
Stress and anxiety can cause a rapid increase in energy expenditure. When a person is said to be "on edge" or nervous they are in a state of high alert, different chemicals circulate the blood vessels and communicate to cells to break down energy stores ready to provide a greater supply of energy if needed.

9. TEMPERATURE:
It may sound strange but the climate around us can influence the speed of metabolism. If we are too cold we shiver which burns up much energy from the constant contraction and relaxation of muscle cells trying to produce heat to maintain a constant body temperature. When we are hot we also burn more calories through the process of sweating

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us! .

Salmon Florentine Recipe

2009-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

2 packages (10 oz each) frozen spinach, thawed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup minced shallots

2 teaspoons minced garlic

5 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta

4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each), rinsed and patted dry

PREPARATION Heat oven to 350°. Squeeze spinach of all excess liquid. Set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add spinach, tomatoes, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; cook, stirring, 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; let cool about 15 minutes. Add ricotta; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pack about 1/2 cup spinach mixture on top of each fillet, matching the shape of the fillet. Place fillets on a rimmed baking sheet or in a glass baking dish; bake until cooked through, 15 minutes.

The skinny 334 calories per serving, 14 g fat (3 g saturated), 11 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 43 g protein

Have a healthier Thanksgiving

2009-11-09T13:04:00.004-05:00

I found the following video on Self Magazines website. This is the time of year that food temptations get to the most of us. Start planning your Thanksgiving menu now so you can find healthy and yummy recipes!

No....day one at Boot Camp didn't kill me :)

2009-11-09T12:48:00.005-05:00

Of course it figures that I decide to join boot camp in the worst possible week. I survived day one and opted not to go to class on Wednesday since I was a little tender. So what happened to Friday and today's class? My brother got married on Saturday. I had family stuff going on and didn't want to over do it (especially after seeing Jen's comment on Facebook Thursday night "I've got 100 on my mind..."). I knew that I would be work the weekends food and drinks with a ton of dancing at my Brothers reception. Not to fear, I will be attending class on Wednesday!

Have you been by TJ Maxx lately? I got an awesome exercise mat and weights there. Very pink, girly and reasonably priced. See, I am going back to class, I bought equipment :)

How to Lose Belly Fat

2009-11-09T07:18:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I asked you to think about your current fitness goals. I received a lot of great, thought out answers and I appreciate the time you put into yourselves. "Toning your core or abdominal muscles" was a common goal for many. This is true for most women! I've spent some time putting together the facts about losing belly fat. Truth be told, most of you have great abs....they are unfortunately hidden under some extra fat that we continue to work out losing. It's not hopeless and I'll help you get there! Below is a great article, "How To Lose Belly Fat" that is a good read when you have a few minutes!

Developing a lean, flat stomach takes time and patience, especially when it comes to those last few pounds in those hard to lose places. The lower abdominal fat can be one of the most stubborn and exercise-resistant areas from which to lose abdominal fat. I can tell you from both personal experience and from watching clients over the years that there is only one way to lose fat in the so-called "stubborn areas," and that is with the correct combination of proper diet, aerobic exercise (BOOT CAMP), abdominal training (BOOT CAMP), and weight training (BOOT CAMP). Starting to see a pattern?

The first thing you need to realize is that it is impossible to "spot reduce" fat from one specific part of the body. So if you come to me and say that everything is great except for your “abs” I can’t give you that magic exercise that will take care of it. Fat loss occurs systemically, meaning that you can’t control where the fat comes from. When you burn fat from energy, you will draw it from all areas of the body, and the first place you tend to put it on will be the last place it comes off (doesn’t seem fair, but that’s life!). The reason everyone has those "stubborn" spots is because each of us is born with a genetic pattern of fat storage, just as we inherit hair color, eye color, and other physical traits. In women, the stubborn areas tend to be hips, thighs, and the waist. In men, the troublesome areas are usually the lower abs and the "love handles." This is why all of our goals are different….we all have different “stubborn areas.”

Training the abdominals every day with hundreds of repetitions will certainly tighten and tone the muscles, but it will do little to remove the fat obscuring the muscles. In fact, it is possible to have a great set of abs that you can’t even see because they are covered up with a layer of fat! This is probably true in many of you with all the core work we do!

Contrary to popular belief, the best way to burn the layer of flab from your midsection is not to do more abdominal exercises, but to do more cardiovascular exercise. Aerobic exercise is the real secret to burning fat. Walking, jogging, bicycling, elliptical exercise and stair climbing are all great fat burners but most don’t put enough intensity or duration into these workouts. Most people give up too early in the fat burning workout. During the first 10 minutes of aerobic activity, glycogen (stored carbohydrates) is the primary fuel source. If you stop after 20 minutes, you’re only getting half of your workout done! You get the cardiovascular health benefits, but you don’t get much fat loss. Because you don't burn significant amounts of fat until glycogen stores are depleted, the key to maximum fat loss is to work out aerobically for 30-60 minutes continuously per session. At boot camp we generally are in our fat burning zones for 45 minutes. The rest is warm up, cool down and abdominal work.

Time to listen up….Even if you’re doing cardio every day, without a good balanced diet, you still won’t see results. Abdominal fat loss is a 50% exercise, 50% nutrition combination. A fat loss plan must be lower in calories (never under 1,200 calories for women). Regardless of how much you workout, if the number of calories you take in is greater than the amount you burn, you’ll still put on abdominal fat. Ideally, you should spread your calories out into five small meals a day instead of 2 or 3 big ones so that you don’t overeat in one feeding. Eat a variety of foods that are all natural, low in fat and low in sugar, with about 55% of the calories coming from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 15% from fat. If you’re having a really difficult time losing the last few pounds, keep the protein up and decrease your carbohydrate, especially late in the day and at night. Please do not restrict your diet completely of “carbs” though. You need a little to fuel your fire and get through your workouts and your daily routines.

The final component of your abdominal fat-reducing program is resistance training. It is important to train the entire body. Working one muscle group to the exclusion of others is a common cause of muscular imbalance. Building strong abs without also developing the muscles of the lower back could easily lead to injury. Many people are under the impression that they should only do cardiovascular activities until the weight comes off, then add weight training later on. It’s true that weight training is an anaerobic, so it burns more glycogen than body fat. However, working out with weights will increase your lean body mass, which in turn raises your resting metabolic rate. The faster your metabolism is, the more fat you will burn! A complete program should always include aerobic exercise and weight training for every muscle group.

As always I’m here to help with the food plans, answer questions and track your progress. Call or email me anytime!

Compliments of Ormond Adventure Boot Camp

Jennifer Labonte

547-9393

Roasted Balsamic Eggplant

2009-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is a fantastic recipe for Eggplant and it is a versatile recipe. You can serve it warm or chilled, as a side dish or spread for pita bread.

Ingredients:
• 2 large eggplants, peeled and sliced into 1/8 pieces
• 4 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 tsp four blend pepper, ground
• Olive oil cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the eggplant onto two non-stick cookie sheets coated with cooking oil spray.
3. Spray the eggplant with olive oil cooking spray. Then put the eggplant into the oven and let it cook for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and push the eggplant into the center of the cookie sheets with a spatula.
5. Mix the olive oil and garlic together. Drizzle the mixture on top of each eggplant and return to the oven to cook for another 10 minutes, or until they’re tender.
6. When it’s cooked, remove the eggplant from the oven and place it in a bowl. Then chop and mash using a fork.
7. Finally, add the balsamic vinegar and continue to mash.

Nutritoinal Value (for each 112g serving)
Calories: 53.1, Fat: 2.7 g, Protein: 1.2 g, Cholesterol: 0, Fiber: 2.9g.

Makes 8 servings.

My first day at bootcamp (and the morning after)

2009-11-03T10:15:00.003-05:00

Back in August, my counterpart "Meredith" started Ormond Adventure Boot Camp for Women. I sat back amazed that she was was so dedicated in waking up at 5am to go work out. I am not exactly the definition of a morning person so the early morning class was not for me. After seeing what 2 months has done for her, I made a vow that I would start Boot Camp in November.

As "Meredith" has been sharing her sweat, pain and tears, I too will share my experiences with Boot Camp. I am 30 years old and used to be an athlete. I played multiple sports in High School and used to work out quite a bit until I hit my mid twenties. Then I gave up. I want to take action before its too late.

Yesterday was my first day at Boot Camp. I was a bit nervous going in, mostly being I had stayed up a little too late on Sunday and had one too many glasses of wine. I already knew Jen so I had a feeling she wouldn't be easy on me. She corrected me a few times and pointed out that I needed to do deeper lunges because I am tall (so not fair...) but other than that, she made the work out decently enjoyable as she kicked our butts.

I learned that I truly hate tricep pushups. I don't even think hate is a strong enough word for my feelings on those things. The cardio was intense but I got through it ("Meredith" said it was the worst she ever had it). I had a few moments that I sat there and thought what on earth did I sign up for. The sky did spin a few times but I think that was a result of the Chardonnay from the previous night. I love the 9:30 class since it is on the intercoastal under the Granada Bridge. I got to stare in jealousy at all the boaters while I was doing an obstacle course. It definitely made it easier to get through the hour course.

My muscles started aching around 8pm last night. I took some ibuprofen and woke up this morning and had muscles aching that I didn't know were in my body. It isn't my worst post workout experience but I do hurt.

I am very excited to start this venture. I am going to do my hardest to attend all three classes during the week. Stay tuned tomorrow to see how I really feel about that!

Ministrone Soup

2009-10-31T06:50:00.000-04:00

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 carrot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken broth
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1 can (16 ounces) canned chickpeas or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup uncooked small shell pasta
1 small zucchini, diced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans and pasta. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add zucchini. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more.

Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Ladle into individual bowls and serve immediately.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

2009-10-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween is right around the corner! What better way to get ready for the trick or treaters than with this Curried Pumpkin Soup. Not only is it delicious, but it is very low in calories (93 per serving!)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbs curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, chopped
• 15-oz can pumpkin puree
• 2 2/3 C low-sodium chicken broth
• 2/3 C water
• 1 tsp brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pour oil into a large saucepan and place over medium heat. Add onions garlic, garlic, curry, cumin, and cayenne. Sauté stirring often, until onions are soft. Stir apples, pumpkin, broth, water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then let simmer covered with heat reduced to low. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Puree food in a food processor of blender. Just before serving, return to pot on low heat.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Calories: 93, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 1 g, Fiber: 6g, Carbs: 15.5g

Its been a year!

2009-10-27T06:41:00.003-04:00

At the end of each boot camp, we celebrate making a successful journey through the three week session. This November session is officially one year of Adventure Boot Camp classes, and we have a lot of special things planned for you! Weekly giveaway prizes, Healthy treats and more will be yours during this session. If you sign up for this session, beginning next Monday you will receive Special Anniversary T-shirts at the end of the session. Dont forget that if you bring a friend to sign up with you, your boot camp is 1/2 off!!

Healthy & Easy Minestrone Soup

2009-10-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

Minestrone Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1 carrot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken broth
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1 can (16 ounces) canned chickpeas or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup uncooked small shell pasta
1 small zucchini, diced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans and pasta. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add zucchini. Cover and cook for 5 minutes more.

Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Ladle into individual bowls and serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

Calories 190; Protein 9g; Carbohydrates 30g; Total fat 4g; Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 400mg; Saturated fat 0.5g; Monounsaturated fat 2.5g; Calcium 73mg; Fiber 8g; Potassium 682mg

I need a work out buddy!

2009-10-20T07:11:00.004-04:00

I need a workout buddy. I know I have spoke about this before, but it is really hard to stay motivated when you are solo. Even though once you get there, you have a bunch of wonderful women that have the same goal in mind. That also makes the hour go by a little quicker, but what about when your alarm goes off? Having a work out buddy gives you just another incentive to get your butt up. You know the deal, you just have to get there! This article from Open Air Fitness gives some great ideas.

Finding a Workout Buddy

A workout buddy makes all the difference in the world - for me too, and I'm supposed to be the role model. Having someone who is expecting me to show up, counting on me to be ready, and needing me for encouragement and motivation, makes me be more consistent and just plain better at my workouts.

Without a workout buddy, you may skip a day here and there for really lame reasons, you may cut your workout short, do fewer repetitions, or just not push as hard. That's why I really believe in working out with friends. If you need help finding a workout buddy, I have some ideas on how you can find one.

Look first to your family and friends. Who has a similar desire to get fit and be consistent at it? Who will push you and hold you accountable?
You could go to Craigslist and post an ad.
Your workout buddy doesn’t have to be someone at the exact same fitness level as you, though sometimes that helps. The main thing about a workout buddy is that it’s someone who is there for you (and vice versa) in all things health and fitness. That will make you accountable for showing up, work out (each at your own level), and still push and encourage each other

If you bring a work out buddy to Ormond Boot Camp-you will receive 1/2 on your boot camp session....now that is motivation!

If you have been reading this blog and looking on the website and thinking this is something that might be for you (it is!!)...y You can do this, because I can and I am! Contact Jen (386) 547-9393
A fresh new session starts one week from Monday! Come join us!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Skinny Cosmo

2009-10-19T07:49:00.002-04:00

The sneaky trickster here is regular cranberry juice, which should be called sugar with cranberry flavoring. This light version uses only one type of alcohol, which drastically cuts your calorie count.
Ingredients:

3 oz. light cranberry juice drink
1 oz. raspberry vodka
Squeeze of lime
Lime twist, as garnish

Shake together with ice. Strain ice cubes and pour into fancy fluted glass. Look incredibly trendy and thin at the same time.

Calories before:413
Calories now: 98

Cardioooooo oooh it hurtssss sooooo good....

2009-10-08T08:53:00.004-04:00

It is UNNATURAL that is 95 degrees out in the second week of October. This is just ridiculous. But at 5:30 am it was humid for sure but off we go. Jen proudly announced that today was cardio, cardio, nothing but cardio. I absolutely hate hate hate cardio....how is that for being positive! But according to any fitness guru will tell you, you can lift weights till you are blue in the face (hey, we told you to breathe!!) but you will never lose that extra weight if you dont raise that heart rate. So, just like eating your vegetables kids, on we went with our cardio hour. Thankfully, as usual the hour went by very very quickly...and afterwards, I felt soooo good! Its a love, hate thing really....

Tomorrow I am promised a full body work out! Hope everyone is thinking about the cooler weather that will be here soon, and that will motivate you to get moving. This would be a good time to remind you that most Christmas parties are less than two months away! I am full of good news today, huh!

If you bring a work out buddy you will receive 1/2 on your boot camp session....now that is motivation!

If you have been reading this blog and looking on the website and thinking this is something that might be for you (it is!!)...y You can do this, because I can and I am! Contact Jen (386) 547-9393
A fresh new session starts one week from Monday! Come join us!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Chicken Shepherds Pie

2009-10-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

A great comfort classic with a healthy twist. YUM-O!

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 to 6 yams (depending on size)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow or white onion, chopped
• 1½ lb lean ground chicken
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel yams and cut into small pieces. Bring to a boil on stovetop and let simmer 20 minutes or until soft. Mash with a hand mixer or hand masher and set aside.

2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in frying pan. Add onion and sauté about 3 minutes. Add ground chicken and garlic. Once chicken is almost cooked through, add mushrooms, carrots, celery and sauté until the chicken is fully cooked. In a deep baking dish, layer the chicken mixture on the bottom, cover with a thin layer of mashed yams, then another layer of chicken and top with the remaining yams. Bake for about 20 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes and serve.

NUTRIENTS PER SERVING:
Calories: 390, Total Fats: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 75 mg, Sodium: 75 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 48 g, Dietary Fiber: 8 g, Sugars: 16 g, Protein: 22 g, Iron: 2 mg

Give your metabolism a kickstart w/ this salad

2009-09-29T09:59:00.000-04:00

Did you know that is a high chance that you have natural fat-burning food sitting in your kitchen?

Ginger: Is a vasodilator, which means it expands blood vessels to increase body heat and metabolism by as much as 20 percent.

Garlic: Is a thermogenic, packing enough power to keep insulin levels low to maximize fat-burning and boost metabolism. Garlic also supports a healthy immune system!

Plums: Is a great source of fiber, which can help keep you regular – an important piece of your fat-loss puzzle.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Monounsaturated fats increase the breakdown of fat in fat cells. Also, swapping other fats, like saturated oils and butter, for extra-virgin olive oil is a better, waist-happy option overall.

Balsamic Vinegar: It carries essential enzymes to help digestion and boost metabolism, is a natural appetite suppressant & the amino acids have been shown to slow the effects of aging.

Spinach: Is a fat-free way to get a dose of iron to help boost energy.

Check out this salad recipe from Oxygen Magazines website.

Super Salad
Ready in 5 minutes • Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium garlic glove, pressed
• A pinch of grated gingerroot (optional for added spice!)
• 1 cup spinach (organic is best)
• 1 medium-sized plum, cut into chunks, skin on

What to do: To make the dressing, combine wet ingredients, garlic and ginger (if desired) into a small bowl and whisk. Add a pinch of salt and coarse black pepper if you like.

Combine the spinach and sliced plum in another bowl and drizzle dressing over top. Enjoy! A fiber-packed, fat-burning, age-defying salad to go.

NUTRIENTS PER SERVING:

Calories: 190 g, Total Fats: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g,
Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 40 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 14 g,
Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 8 g, Protein: 2 g, Iron: 1 m

2009-09-26T08:38:00.002-04:00

Quick and Easy Summer (And Year Long) Fixes!

1. Swap regular ice cream for low fat and save hundreds of calories per cup (please watch your serving size),

2. Craving a dessert but want something healthy? Try yogurt and pineapple. It's a sweet treat and loaded with calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

3. Don't confuse thirst for hunger. If you're hungrier than usual see if drinking water curbs your hunger pains. Especially during the summer months.

4. Reduce those high calorie fru-fru drinks. For example, replace the coconut milk in your pina colada with a few drops of coconut extract. - SEE BELOW for some easy fixes

5. Feeling sluggish or getting lots of uncommon headaches? Stay hydrated! Drink 8 ounces of water for every 15 minutes when training outdoors. We can't squeeze all 8 ounces in during class obviously, so drink some before, some during and some after. Continue to drink more than the above recommended throughout the rest of the day.

Great Recipe for fat-burning fudgesicles

2009-09-22T09:42:00.004-04:00

No need to adjust your monitors. I really just said the word fat-burning and fudge in the same sentence. I was on Oxygen Magazines website and came across this fun recipe.

Fat-burning, high-protein fudgesicles:
Combine 1 cup of egg whites (pasteurized in the carton) with 1 to 2 servings of chocolate protein powder and a dash of cayenne pepper for a little fat burning. Blend and freeze in a popsicle tray for 2 to 3 hours.

Fall is in the air, now that is inspiring!

2009-09-22T07:39:00.003-04:00

When people ask me about bootcamp, I kind of stumble over what we actually do there. Today, I decided to rub the sleep out of my eyes and make mental notes. Today was one of my favorite days as we break out in groups and do sessions of four sets of exercises. These four exercises varies, from burpees...(i like to call them vomits)... side bends, skaters, air squats, it goes on and on-for two minute intervals which is broken up after 4 exercises by a quick run (so I walk half of it...I am trying, really). It makes the hour go by really fast.

Have you ever been made fun of by the teacher in a group workout? I have and it will stick with you every time you exercise that it will happen again. When I get nervous- I have to remember that at Ormond Boot Camp the women there are in it for the same goals you are and there are all levels working out with no nerves, no judgement. I leave there with a full body workout, feeling accomplished and ready to start my day. Why can't I remember this feeling every morning when I try to talk myself out of working out! I almost want to write myself a note, in detail that would show up on my iphone when my alarm goes off...is that extreme?

Now that the weather is getting a tad cooler, it is the time to FALL into some new habits and a new workout regime!!

If you have been reading this blog and looking on the website and thinking this is something that might be for you (it is!!)...y You can do this, because I can and I am! Contact Jen (386) 547-9393
A fresh new session starts one week from Monday! Come join us!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Staying Motivated...is sometimes hard!

2009-09-14T08:06:00.004-04:00

Well, it happens...the urge to stay motivated leaves you..and let me tell you it can spiral. As I sat this morning and looked really hard at the clock, it said 4:45...plenty of time to get up and get dressed-I started wavering on why I shouldn't go...I'm tired, my stomach hurts...my boyfriend is sick and I dont want to disturb him...how pathetic is that?? As I rolled back over and woke up at 7:30...the guilt is overwhelming. On to Google I go, to motivate myself (and you) to make good on my promise to get up and start over tomorrow. Jolene Christenson offers some good motivation advice in an article from Ezine.

In women's fitness there are a number of ways to stay motivated to exercise. But only one option is long term, extremely effective, and results oriented. That option is a workout buddy. The good thing about Ormond Boot Camp is that even if you don't have a workout buddy initially, you are essentially coming to camp each day with 8-10 women who will encourage you. They are all ages, shapes, abilities and have different goals and reasons for being there. These are great reasons to show up....in some ways your presence matters to them to.

Workout buddies are awesome. They are there for you to keep you pumped and excited. They will listen to you when you are struggling or feeling weak. Plus, they will push you beyond what you thought your limits were and help you to achieve new heights and conquer your goals in your womens fitness endeavor. And when your first goal is met, they will stay with you to help you reach your new goal and any new ones after that.

A workout buddy can be your personal trainer, friend, partner or mate, family member, coworker, or room mate. As long as both of you know what each other's goals are they can help guide you and stay on track. They will encourage you to not give up or give in. Plus, they will keep you accountable. And trust me, that helps on the days when you don't want to work out or stick to your healthy eating regimen.

Till tomorrow (I promise)

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Make a change for you!

September is Self Help Month...how can we help YOU??

2009-09-09T09:07:00.004-04:00

It is never too late to start a work out program to best build toward your goal of improved self image. Its not rocket science to know that when you look great, you feel great! We know sometimes its hard to work out when you havent for a while....or never have. Its intimidating and the sheer anxiety of putting on any workout wear can be terrifying! We have all been there!

Start your first step today and join us this week at Ormond Boot Camp for Women. Here you will be surrounded by women who have like minded goals...if nothing else, we are all a little crazy because we get up so early to work out but nice all the same!

Each day is different, and that shakes things up and you are MORE than encouraged to work at your own pace. Say it with me, there is always a variation to whatever exercise and any level you are doing! Take a deep breath and start a new direction and come join us! You will be amazed how wonderful you will feel!

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Great start to Boot Camp!

2009-09-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

We had great weather and motivated campers for our first day back. Perfect start to the new Adventure Boot Camp session. Congratulations to our newest campers on making it through day one and our returning campers are looking stronger than ever!

I'm looking forward to seeing those of you that weren't there today at some of our other classes this week. Call me or email me anytime with questions. I love hearing from you!

If your not already doing so, make sure to read my blog at ormondbootcamp.blogspot.com. You can also follow me on twitter for fitness nutrition tips & join the Ormond Adventure Boot Camp fan page on facebook.

Kidnastics for Moms/Dads and Tots!

2009-09-01T14:08:00.002-04:00

Beginning Thursday, September 24th I will be instructing a Kidnastics class for Moms or Dads and Tots at Temple Beth El School from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. It's a class full of fun, movement and lots of laughs. It's also a great way to get children interacting with other friends their age.

My children took these same classes when they were little and I'm so excited to be a part of it.

Please contact me and I will send you the application.

2009-08-31T20:50:00.004-04:00

Did you miss your work out this morning?? As we take a breather this week, dont forget to tell your friends that we will start again on September 8th, that's Tuesday after Labor Day...now that the kids are back in school and back on schedule...its time for you to start a new schedule too! New month, new you!

Found an interesting article on the Today Show website, that talks about 20 ways to eat better. One of the tips was interesting: If you can’t grow it, don’t eat it
A potato comes from the ground, an egg from a hen. But where did that Pop-tart come from? If your best guess is “aisle 7,” pass it up. “Unprocessed, whole foods will give you the most benefits,” says Michelle K. Berman, R.D., of Fairfax, Virginia. Processing takes out nutrients such as antioxidants and fiber, and even when chemists add them back, nothing stacks up to Mother Nature

Food for thought, at best! See you next week at Ormond Boot Camp!! If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. New Class starts on September 8th! You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Common Mistakes we make when working out!

2009-08-25T09:28:00.004-04:00

For some people like me- just putting on the gym clothes is a HUGE step. To think that there is actually stuff beyond that makes me a little nervous. There are a number of ways people can go wrong on their path to better health and a sexier bod. Thanks to moveurbody.com, here are some common mistakes people make when trying get fit and ways that you can avoid them:

Not setting a goal: Of course, it’s great to workout. But exercising without a plan isn’t going to cut it. It’s important to set a realistic fitness goal so you actually have something to work toward. Coming up with a goal gives you something to keep you motivated and going back and getting up each morning to Ormond Boot Camp. Measuring success is very important. That is why when you sign up, Jennifer does a assessment before and after so you see the results.

Setting an unrealistic fitness goal: I would like to be 115, like when I was 21....then I woke up from my post workout slumber. These type of goals, although I am kidding (sort of... I know that I will never be that skinny ever again...) will set me up for disappointment.It could be dangerous to your health if you are striving for a goal that is far too aggressive. A more attainable and healthy weight loss goal is more like 1-2 pounds a week. Maybe your goal doesn’t involve weight loss at all. Another great goal would be to have more energy during the day or to be able to run around with your kids without being out of breath. Although I will mention, getting out of bed and actually making it there to Ormond Boot Camp was my immediate first goal.

Never changing your routine: Your body gets used to doing the same exercises day in and day out. After a while, you will not get much out of your workout if you do not switch it up. At Ormond Boot Camp, each exercise comes with variations....if you are new you can modify...if you need to take it to the next level....there is a way to do that....oh yes, there is!

Working only one part of the body (aka “believing the spot-reducing myth”): Spot reducing, or only losing weight/toning one specific part of your body, doesn’t work. Even if you work your abs for 30 minutes a day, every day, you will not get a six pack. You must do a combination of cardiovascular, endurance, strength, and core training as well eat a healthy diet to see overall results. That is why each day you come to Ormond Boot Camp, while there may be a focus on a certain part of the body, we will always give your body some cardio and some abs work.

The good thing is, you are making a difference in your life by making the effort to come to Ormond Boot Camp. Campers, what are your mistakes or goals you find when you are working out?

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Week Two Down, One Week Left for This Session!

2009-08-21T12:50:00.007-04:00

The old me would have said one week to go! I really like Fridays class. I think that there is a sense of accomplishment of the fact that I am off work on Fridays and made it there anyway! Not to mention its the end of the week! The structure of the class on Friday is a little different and I really like it. It makes the time go by pretty quickly...I mean, isn't that whats its all about?? In my typical baby steps fashion, I had my first protein drink today! It wasn't bad, i.e. I didnt wince one time!

Today, I want to talk to you a little bit about girls using weights when they work out. Ormond Boot Campers use small dumbbells when we work out...don't worry...they are little guys. The good news is, if you gain some muscle you will decrease in size. Studies show that women dont normally gain size from using weights when they work out. We have less of those male hormones that make muscles grow. So, please dont think you are gonna turn into the Incredible Hulk if you add weights to your routine.

You will not look like this!

Are you aware that if you add muscle to your body, you will be able to eat more without gaining weight? That makes the pasta argument that much more exciting!This is because for each pound of muscle you gain, you increase your resting metabolism. Studies performed by Wayne Wescott, PHD found that the average woman who performs weightlifting 2 to 3 times a week for 2 months will gain nearly 2 pounds of muscle and will lose 3.5 pounds of fat. Thanks to Girly Fitness for these facts!

School starts for your little ones on Monday, but try to stay focused and stay on your routine. If you have been reading this blog and looking on the website and thinking this is something that might be for you (it is!!)...you can come next week and start or get your mind and your family into a routine NOW and then come join us for a fresh new session. Let the kids go back to school for next week and the week after when we are off and be ready to roll on September 8th when we start a new session. You can do this, because I can and I am!

Have a good weekend and drink lots of water!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Start your day off the right way with us!

Make a Labor Day Resolution

2009-08-18T08:22:00.000-04:00

The Time Is Now!

It's Time To Register for our September session which starts on Tuesday, September 8th. Classes are already on the site. This is a 3 week session!
Please log in at www.OrmondBootCamp.com and register now or repeat campers can email me now at ormondbootcamp@aol.com and let me know to save you a spot.

Wait, didnt we already do lunges??

2009-08-17T18:44:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday! Meredith here, join me as I go through the process of making it through Ormond Boot Camp! Today begins Week 2...and I still am trying to go at it with as much gusto as possible. I am 5'9" and I have only a slight idea how much I weigh...lets face it...the scale will never say 125 like I want it to...so why go through the mental agony of what the number says. So, I do the how the clothes fit test...not the best gauge I agree...but let me live in my fantasy world, ok?? This weekend I grabbed my jeans to go to dinner and LOW AND BEHOLD...they were a little big! That was enough incentive to get up this morning!

Today was Legs day...a new obstacle course. a ton of lunges and leg work! OWWWW! But, I am getting really good at talking myself into not getting discouraged or distracted. If you were in my head, you would laugh. It sounds like this: I can do this... its just an hour... think of the benefits... oh my god you have to be kidding me... i like this song.... look at all the stars...stop getting distracted...I have to fold laundry...STOP getting distracted...oh goody, we are in the final stretch...and on it goes... I had a little issue today and had to slow down a little but I kept moving...like Jennifer said, youd be in bed if you werent here so at least you are moving...Good Point!

Till Wednesday!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am.

I made it! Through Week 1 That is!

2009-08-14T19:28:00.003-04:00

This morning, I hit the snooze at 5am...I know, I know! Shame on me! Then, I started arguing with myself...is it still raining?? Should I get up? The good news, like I suggested earlier is that I now have a work out buddy, so I knew she was waiting for me! Boy, would I have caught the wrath of God had I stood her up! If you can believe it, NO nervous butterflies as I pulled in this morning! I can DO this!

Today was awesome! We did 3...or was it four? series of 4 separate exercises in groups of three...and then we ran that lovely trail and went on to a new series of exercises. I have to say this was really enjoyable! I loved that there was such a shake-up! The music was a little different too...or maybe I was just paying more attention today!

After a week, the one thing that I really love about Ormond Boot Camp is the energy I feel throughout the day. I love that I am learning the exercises and if I have any questions, Jennifer is a step away to assist me. Throughout the week, I have had second thoughts on every thing I have eaten and I hope that this will pay off. The fellow campers also are very friendly and I cant wait till Monday! Have a great weekend and if you have any comments about your experience! Please leave them below!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. If I can do this, so can you!

Day 2...here we go,.

2009-08-12T07:07:00.001-04:00

I bet you all thought you would have heard from me yesterday as I was supposed to go to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...a little word of advice...listen to Jen when she says drink a lot of water!!! Think of it as you are moving some of these muscles for the first time in a long time. The more water you drink, the more fluid your muscles will become literally and physically.
Today started day 2...alarm went off at 5am...got dressed, grabbed my mat fell over my own two feet looking for my shoes in the dark but off I was. When I pulled up today, I was surprised that there were already people there. Instant nerves...I would be interested to know if I am the only person that gets nervous when she exercises??

I was still a little sore from Monday, and I was grateful for the warm up exercise. Today all the exercises were totally different! I thought that was great, it really made the hour go by very quickly...yes, I said that out loud! I was clearly in the presence of ladies that have been there more than one session and instead of being intimidating...it was very comforting. It didnt make me want to overachieve to catch up and kill myself but I have a feeling maybe these girls have been where I was at one point. Jump rope is like riding a bike, you dont forget how to do it. But make no mistake, that is one heck of a cardio minute!

So here it is 7:21 and I am awake, showered and ready to start my day. It is challenging to get up that early, but once you are there and get going....thats half the battle.
Going to drink some water now...till next time!

-M

If you are an Ormond Boot Camper and would like to share your experience today or any time, please comment below. To find out how you can be a part of Ormond Boot Camp click here. You can go 3,4, or 5 times a week at 5:30 or 9:30am. Change your life and your body just an hour a day!