I basically have been carrying an extra 20 pounds around since I had my kids (over 20 years ago!!!) and slow have lost most muscle tone. (Thankfully I walk a lot and run now and then so that has helped me not be 40 pounds overweight nor completely out of shape.) When I arrived at boot camp, I wondered if this could make any difference. I was willing to give it a try and am so glad I did. I have been astounded at the results. I am now "unstuck" after 20 years!!!!! It almost feels miraculous. I love showing up, being told what to do and trusting the process Erica has put in place for her campers. Her expertise and example have been so helpful. I haven't been bored once and I am always amazed at the variety of things she are getting us all to do. She has moved me way out of my comfort zone and really motivated me to get out of a very big rut I was in. Then, she offered the 21-day challenge. Okay, I had done weightwatchers, etc. It's not like I didn't have the information I needed to lose weight on my own - but I could never stick to it and I didn't have the time to go to meetings, track stuff, etc. - and I always found excuses to stop. For some reason - her simple 21 day plan has been perfect for me. I decided to follow it exactly and I pretty much did that with the exceptions of a few substitutions. The treat day and the treat meals that are sprinkled in were a great idea. I have felt great. I look so much better. I love eating this way! My family is amazed. I took one weekend off and then now am starting in again on another session of this 21 day challenge. I am thinking I could actually achieve the weight loss I have always wished for and maintain it as a "tuff girl." I am not sure what the combination of things was - but her program has just totally clicked for me. Thank you so much!
~ Janice (Livermore) July 2011
I started Tuff Girl Boot Camp, 3 times a week about 3 months ago, as a way to change up my normal exercise routine and gain some body strength. After the first 2 weeks, I was addicted. Each day I went, the workouts were varied, and challenging. Whether we are using cardio, weightlifting, body resistance, or core I found that I was working all muscle groups without even knowing. Push ups, pull ups. squats, lunges, curls, plank, leg raises, dips, ropes, sprints; we do it all. Some days the workouts are games, or teams, which bond other tuff girls to encourage each other and push to complete it strong. Tuff Girl workouts leave you feeling energized and yourself confidence boosted. The trainer Erica is very observant of each individual that joins. She will increase the workouts to your needs, or show you modifications so that you are able to get a fulfilling workout. Her experience and knowledge of cross training, along with nutrition, equips you with the tools to succeed. Erica is encouraging, motivating, and you get the attention of a personal trainer in a group setting. She even goes out of her way to organize social functions, in order to interact with her clients out of boot camp.
What gym can give you that? I have lost inches over my entire body. I have increased my cardio strength, where I am able to run a full 5k. I no longer dread working out for my health, but eagerly await boot camp every week. Tuff Girl is a program that I highly recommend even when you feel intimidated to start or change your workout routine. The hardest part is choosing to go, and the rest you will find that you are able to accomplish more than you thought you could.
~ Karen W. (Livermore) June 2011
I'm addicted to boot camp. I feel overall better, and look forward to each one to challenge myself. It helps to manage my everyday stress. The woman are great, and motivate me each day.
~ Anonymous March 2011
I am really glad there are programs like this. It's really helps knowing if you don't show up to bootcamp, it will be noticed. A gym doesn't notice if someone is there or not. Sometimes that is all the motivation we need.
~ Anonymous February 2011
I am so excited and just logged on to jillianmichaels.com! Thanks for the awesome reward! I want to tell you how happy I am, it is so nice to look in the mirror and have me looking back. I still have plenty of work ahead but I can at least say I am off on a great start!
~ Karen F. (Livermore) November 2010
I’ve been a participant in Tuff Girl Fitness Boot Camp since February 2010 (with a month off in between) and I can’t sing its praises enough! I’ve lost about 20 pounds and 11.4% body fat, without truly dieting. I’ve lost 2 inches from each arm, 3 ½ inches from my chest, 4 inches from my waist, 3 inches from my hips and 3 inches from each thigh and I’m still losing! I’m much stronger, more active and I feel better than I have in years! They put together a great program for each day of boot camp and every day is different so your muscles don’t get the chance to get used to any one exercise, therefore, you get better results. I haven’t been able to stick to a workout program in years, which contributed to my heavy weight. But this program works and I’m seeing results so it’s easier to keep up with it. My husband keeps commenting on my progress I’ve made and wants me to keep being a Tuff Girl! When I started, I weighed 215 pounds and at 5’2”, I was considered obese. I’m now 195 and still considered obese, but not for long since I also began meal logging. If you think you can’t do it because you’re overweight and out of shape, you’re wrong! If I can do it, so can you! Come join us at camp and see what being a TUFF GIRL can do for you!
~ Julie (Livermore) September 2010
Tuff Girl Fitness Boot Camp has been great!! After Erica evaluated my fitness level she started me out at a good level but soon pushed me to do more than I ever thought I could!! I have toned up and lost inches. Erica has a nice, clean work environment that is very welcoming with a variety of work out equipment. She changes it up every class and I can't wait to get outside for the outdoor boot camps this spring.
~ Lisa (Livermore) May 2010
I have to admit that I was hesitant to join Tuff Girl Boot Camp because I've never really enjoyed working out and I didn't think I could get up early. However, once I started the four week boot camp I was extremely happy with my choice. I can see results that I would never see working out on my own. I really like that Erica pushes and encourages us to do our workout to the best of our ability. While still being mindful of each individual's limitations. Even though I knew it would take longer than four weeks to get my body into the shape I want it to be in, I feel like I got a great start to accomplishing what I came for. I love that we do a variety of exercises. I feel like we exercise various muscles and it doesn't feel too repetitive or boring. I will definitely do additional boot camps.
~ Michelle (Fremont) March 2010
Thank you for jump starting me into a healthier lifestyle. I was watching The Biggest Loser last night and I was thinking about you because of the trainer (Jillian). I know you really like her, but I think you are a WAY better trainer than her. Seriously! I like your personal style and how you give positive feedback as well as push us to do our best.
~ Naomie (Livermore) Feburary 2010