Bangin' Body @ Belleville Sportsplex

Hello!

Boot camp has grown into something I would never have imagined. Can you say God is great? I guess only He knows His plan, and it is up to me to allow Him to do what He will. It is with His work that boot camp moved into the Belleville Family Jetsplex (Sportsplex)! We are warm and we have plenty of room, so if you haven't joined us you should come check us out.

I don't have pics to post just yet, but I want to let everyone know where we are and that God has blessed us to continue the madness of health and wellness. :-) To those of you who decided not to join us this time...WE MISS YOU!!!! We hope you decide to check us out in the future. We have so many great things approaching. I will do my best to keep you posted here so you can choose when to join us for special events.

Finally, to those who are still with us and going strong, I am honored to be your trainer, fitness instructor, and friend. The awesome group we have is why we have been able to continue to go forth as we have. You are a dynamic group of people and Bangin' Body is YOU!!!! Thank you for being who you are, when you are, and what you are! I appreciate you!

Bangin' Body Trainer,

Shawnta

Week 5 - Tuesday - Boot Camp

And they already want more! This morning's workout was a bit gruesome, and I can honestly say this because I did the entire thing with the campers. Yes. I led, but I also did everything I asked them to do. We were all soaked by the end of the workout.

Of course our dear friend Mr. Scale joined us at boot camp today, and his BFF, Tape Measure, found his way to Bellevue as well. They were only there to encourage us to give our best, stay motivated, and realize that everyone's results are different, but all positive results ARE results. Even if they are spiritual, mental, emotional, or physical, it is still a move in the right direction.

Then we hit it!!!!! We ran about 2.5 miles and stopped along the way to do shoulder presses, tricep extensions, upright rows, front raises, bicep curl, jacks, deltoid raises, planks, and squats. We even had time during our workout to make a mature man *blush*. He was smiling for the duration of his walk after feeling the energy of all of the Bangin' Body Boot Campers today. Even after all of this, we found time to run sprints in 22-25 seconds. The Angel of Hope gave everyone the motivation needed to finish their run strong! Wooo Hoo!!!! Go campers!

There were even some campers who wanted more. Renee, Pam, Julie, and Linda came back for more at 5 p.m. Jessica and her lovely baby girls joined us for the evening workout as well and that is exactly what we managed to do. We did 4-minute intervals of all of our exercises. I know we all felt every bit of this workout. I can't wait to see what we all feel like in the a.m.

I apologize that there are no pics for the blog tonight, but I would like to say thank you to Pam for all of the beautiful pics and special art she has been able use to give our pics her professional touch. Thank you Pam.

See you in the morning Ladies!

It was Monday @ Boot Camp

but you couldn't tell because WE ROCKED IT!!! My ladies looked great today. Check 'em out...

Jane, Lisa, Renee ready 4 my Cue!

Trainer: Andrea Pumped up

The ladies: working the arms

Bonnie: Punching w/the weights

Tabitha: Posing in Purple

Trainer: Matrecha Strong Pose

Renee: Cycling Abs (1 minute, 45 sec, 30 sec, 15 sec) Go Girl!!!

Trecha Posing, Tammie giving me the evil eye

See you tomorrow morning ladies.

Week 5 of Boot Camp - Motivation

Hi my Bangin' Bodies! I didn't post to the blog during week five because I had so much going on...my apologies!!! However, I want to start week five with some motivation from one of your workout partners.

From Linda Saputo:

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am so looking forward to the next two weeks and am resting today hoping I can do my best to run this week. Since the time I have been in boot camp so much has changed for me. My mind, my spirit and just the enthusiasm to keep going. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to spend quality time with and making new friends is something you should never stop doing. I don’t want any campers to leave…..what we start together, we finish together. I could go on and on and I know I should put this on the blog but oh well just had to express my feelings. Special thanks to you Shawnta and to all of the trainers and campers, I don’t want this to end.

Linda

Now...let's get out there and give our absolute best. I can't wait to see everyone there. The Bellevue Park is really nice. Let's take advantage of its beauty and serenity and allow ourselves to feed off the energy!

Boot Camp End of Week 3

Wow! It has been fifteen days and twenty-one workout sessions already. That is powerful in itself. To those of you who have been present every session - YOU ARE AMAZING! I know that it takes a special kind of dedication and will power to wake up each morning (drive an hour :-)) , put a smile on, and give 100% of your energy for an hour and a half. However, you do it and you do it well.

I have watched my boot campers run, walk, do push-ups, squats, lunges, shuffles, jump rope, tricep-dips, race one another, complete numerous amounts of abdominal exercises AND smile, laugh, complain, whine, cry, ache, endure, get on the scale, kick the scale, roll their eyes at me and my trainers, hug me and my trainers, and so many other things that go along with making a lifelong change. I have seen you begin to transform mentally, physically, and emotionally, and it gives my heart joy to be part of it all.

In the upcoming week you have time to reflect on what you can do to create more positive changes in your body. What can you do differently? What are your realistic short term goals? Do your homework. Eat small portions. Then I want you to come to week 4 of boot camp fired up and ready to make it happen.

I look forward to what is to come and so should you!

Week 3 Day 13 of Boot Camp

Wasn't this morning a great morning to have a CRAZY woman motivate us through our entire workout? Wow! What a workout.

I was tardy yesterday morning, but when I arrived you guys were already sweaty and telling me that your legs were killing you. That means that Ashley was hitting those large muscles just like she planned. In case you haven't noticed, this week's focus is legs and abs. You should be feeling (or not feeling - LOL) both areas. They are either, tense, a little knotted up, tender, or just feeling like you worked 'em. GREAT! That is the plan.

Then....Trecha absolutely gave us an awesome workout this morning. Even I wanted to complain a bit. Instead, I used my positive thoughts and words and I made it through. If you thought I was the tough one, now you know the truth. Go Trecha!

Some of you stepped on the scale today. Let me say that the scale is a measurement of your weight. If you are losing, GREAT! Whether that loss is a pound or 10 pounds it is all good. However, I want you to know that inches, strength, breathing, endurance, a positive mindset, healthier life choices and confidence are what you really want to weigh in on. If any of this is changing for you then you are well on your way to lifelong health and fitness. I do not want you to use the scale as the only way to monitor your changes. Loss on the scale will happen; we will figure it out together!!! :-)

You have two more days to go this week and then you have a week off. You can make it. We hope to have homework prepared tomorrow because I know that some of you would like to hit the road to begin your weekend. Please be very careful with your eating and your drinking. You would be surprised to know how far you can set yourself back with a cheat day; it is scary. All I know is that if I am working out as hard as you are, there is no way I am putting anything bad in my body. You look great! You should feel great!

Trainers - thank you so much for your smiles and your enthusiasm. This morning was tough for me. I am still trying to recover from my lack of sleep Sunday night, and I am feeling a little anxious about my residency so my stomach is in knots and I am still not sleeping very well. I just want you to know that working with you is awesome. I don't have to worry about boot camp because each of you is a great leader. Thank you!

Til next time...

Day 11 of Boot Camp

Guess what? You completed 2.5 miles today. You were awesome! I hope the way it was broken up made it an easier task for you. Each of you looked strong. Amanda was completely killing the run. She was giving Josh the blues, but he was keeping up. Lisa even took the lead and looked like she could have run for longer. Go LISA!!!

Now let's talk about our birthday girl...Miss "I am running faster." and she was. That's what happens when you gain cardiovascular endurance, mind control, and strength in yourself - you make it so that we (the trainers) have to create more challenging workouts for you. Thank you Ms. Renee for giving us a challenge & HAPPY 20...30.. I mean 40th...oooppps...BIRTHDAY!!!

I heard some unbelievable things today while running/walking around the trail. Statements like I am going to run the entire time - My calves are hurting but I am not stopping - I am fine! No complaining remember. You are all amazing. Two of the campers were running/walking even though their hips hurt like heck. You made me proud today. I look forward to the rest of this week because I know that there is more greatness in you and you can't wait to show me.

One thing I need to say is please listen to your body. The most important thing is that you are healthy. If you are in pain and that pain is not subsiding, you need to take a break. If that pain continues, you may need to see a physician. I want you to be fit and healthy and you can't do that without a strong body.

This week is going to be fun - I can tell. Keep smiling, giving your best, and showing up to workout. Remember, if you can't make it to boot camp find another workout.
BE THE BEST YOU THAT YOU CAN BE!

Boot Camp at Shiloh Park

Hey, hey, hey, hey!!!! You made this week of boot camp a true success. It's Friday and your smiling faces tell me that you are ready for that last push before the weekend. You have completed everything from your 1 mile test to your free-throw shooting, to your partner sprints, to dropping and giving me 25 for being tardy; you are the reason boot camp exists. I know you are feeling awesome because my glutes are kicking butt from today's walking lunges and line squats. Today was a great way to begin the weekend.

To those of you who didn't make it today because of work obligations or reasons beyond your control, it's okay. I just want everyone to remember that the weekend is not an excuse to forget that you are eating clean, drinking plenty of water, and making healthy decisions. Renee, Tabitha, and Linda, I have to tell you that you are the bomb! You made it to every session. I didn't hear you complain once, and I know the trainers and I were in your faces more than you wanted us to be. HooRah!!!

Boot campers, you have overcome headaches and nausea and cramps in the side and achy calves and shins, and it will pay off for you. Even I felt a little sick a few days this week. A lack of sleep will do that to you. I cannot stress enough that you get enough rest, relaxation, and rejuvination before you return to boot camp next week. We will be in O'Fallon Park.

Please do not use the weekend as an excuse to forget to eat clean. You should also check out myvemma.com/shawnta web site so that you can check out the multi-vitamin that Ms. Ellery presented to us. Our food doesn't always provide us with the vitamins and minerals we need; therefore, the vitamin acts as a supplement. Check it out and give either the Verve Energy drink or the liquid vitamin a try.

1, 2, 3...we are a team...this is our workout...we won't whine or pout...

Week 2 of Boot Camp

Boot camp is back in session! I am glad to say that we have a number of new clients added to our camp and we have had men join us everyday this week. Yes. We are sure to thank them for the daily eye candy. LOL! We are missing a few clients from week one because of vacations or work schedules, but I am sure they will be back.

I have to start by saying that this week has been challenging because of the heat and humidity. The weather is definitely a reminder that we must drink plenty of fluids and listen to our body. In spite of the weather we all give our best and just enjoy the sweat. I for one have been able to wring my shorts and top out at the end of each boot camp session. We have had a couple of close calls with nausea, feelings of faintness, and even a few thoughts of I am just not gonna make it. None of that matters because we are there and we are working it out, and we aren't alone.

Ashley, Matrecha, and Andrea are bringing it BIG this week. We have infused ideas from each of the trainers. Ashley kept us organized and made great cards for today's drills. Matrecha purchased jump ropes for Tuesday's drills, and killed our legs with her intervals. Andrea presented the gallon water idea and the entire theme of working in groups and changing stations is hers. I must say...we work well together Ladies! And...

We are excited about an addition to the training team this week. Chan, my best friend visiting me from North Carolina, jumped right in and found her place like she has been with us all along. The campers have accepted her with open arms. I am so glad because tomorrow at 6 a.m. Chan is leading camp and if you think I am tough when you multiply that by 100...you have Chan. Get ready.

There is so much more I want to say...Thank you Pam for taking beautiful pictures documenting our camaraderie. Congratulations go out to Denise, Renee, Carmen, Kim, Diane, Tasha, Felecia, Jane, Mia, and Tabitha for the amazing results you are gaining. HooRah!!! goes out to all who haven't missed a day this week. HooRah!!! goes out to those working through pains, and injuries, and bruises...to those who have gone to the doctor and are keeping in contact with me because they really want to be at camp with us. To Tammy L...my Tammy L. We miss you and HooRah!!!

Two visiting trainers tomorrow so tune in to find out how the sessions went. Better yet, show up and Give 'em one!

Day 5 of Boot Camp

Happy "40th" Birthday Josh! & Thank you to Julie for providing us with eye-candy this morning. Did we hit the trail hard or did we hit the trail hard, ladies??!! We worked it this morning! The warm-up was crazy intense, thanks Trecha, but it targeted every muscle group. It also included stretching to get us ready for the next 45 minutes of our workout. The pictures won't be uploaded today, but it will happen so get ready.


Runners: Ashley sent me a document that includes your times, and once again, everyone came in well under 33 minutes. Of course Josh led the way with 28:57, and Lisa wasn't far behind with a time of 30:48. If anyone else is interested in their time please let me know and I will share it with you. Otherwise, everyone did an awesome job this week, and I am sure you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Thank you Ashley for your awesome routines and training techniques. My husband loved the hill climb.


Run/Walkers: You had the pleasure of me as your trainer today. HooRah! Barb started out front with me and Tabitha wasn't far behind us; eventually Tabitha and Jane took the lead. Not far behind them Pam, Tanya, and a couple of other campers were right on their heels. Your team rocked this weeks camp! Everyone improved and I know you feel great. Some of us are going through sugar/caffeine/alcohol withdrawal, but you can make it. Remember that you are not alone.


Walkers: Bravo! You have overcome so many obstacles this week. I know it has been difficult and there were times when you thought you weren't going to be able to lift your feet another step, but guess what? YOU DID!!!! Can you believe you made it through this week? I am sure Andrea kept you going. A quick recap: You walked 1.5 miles 4 out of the 5 days this week, and some of that you jogged. If you felt like me at all this week, hot baths, Epsom salt, and ibuprofen were your best friends, but you did what it took to finish the week. You should feel so good about yourself because you have started the journey on the road to healthy life changes.

We were missing a couple of people this morning, and I will make it a point to call and check on them this weekend. If you see them be sure you let them know we missed them and we expect to see them at the next boot camp week.

Finally, please know that without all of you there is no boot camp. I am deeply moved by your dedication, strength, and drive. I feel your spirit through your smile, your laugh, your hi-five, your hug, and even your complaint. I am grateful to be associated with such a wonderful group of high-spirited women.

Next week: Shiloh Park - Greenmount Rd. & Frank Scott Pkwy. - behind Target (somewhere in there)



Tune in then...

Day 4 of Boot Camp

Rain, rain you can stay, we worked out anyway today!!!! The ladies rocked it in spite of the weather. "I felt like a kid playing in the rain." (Ms. Barb) We had a great time and still got our workout on. It's called dedication.

The tennis courts set the perfect scene for our warm-up and workout. We splashed in the puddles, did horse leg squats, did single leg slides, circled up and did high knees, and we felt great! Kim almost kicked me in the forehead because she was feeling so good.

However, I think we all felt the need to stretch and get the kinks out. Heidi, I totally appreciate the suggestion because it was confirmation to what we already planned. Thanks! We know how it is to go, go, go, and eventually feel the need to slow down. Therefore, we ended the workout fifteen minutes early to make time for stretching.

We met under the pavilion, strategically placed our mats, and found every kink we could get to. The tension almost immediately released as we began. It warranted a few oh's and ah's, and we even found a muscle Julie had been trying to figure out how to stretch. I hope this helped ladies because tomorrow is the final day in week one and we want to feel the burn over the weekend.

To those of us who made it back for session two this evening...Give 'em one! Hoorah!!!! Ashley made us climb hills and do frog jumps and push ups. Matrecha had us on the climb- running the bleachers, doing push-ups off the bleachers, and completing tricep dips. We had to do more than she planned because we had a cheater or two in the evening group. Our guest visitor was one of them. My honey, Keith, joined us for the evening session today. We love the eye candy, but the cheating means we have to do more because we are a team and we have to do it until we get it right. Hoorah!!

Overall, today was awesome! The sun shined and bid us good morning as we finished our final stretch, and as the evening sun set we were chanting- Be the best me I can be! I would say we are well on our way.

Day 3 of Boot Camp

"Bangin' Body Boot Camp is for me!
To get results-
Change the way I think and eat!
No time for negativity!
I've gotta be the best body I can be!" Andrea (1 of my awesome trainers) began the morning with this chant. What a perfect way to start. I won't tell you where she was when the idea hit her, but I will say that it is where many of us probably find inspiration. LOL. Go Andrea!

Can you say UNDER 33 MINUTES? I can't hear you! UNDER 33 MINUTES! My runners ran their three miles in under 33 minutes today. Yes. All of them finished in under 33 minutes. I am so proud of them. The goal is to complete it in under 30 minutes and I know they can do it. Ashley will time them again Friday, and again when they return on the 22nd of June. Keep pushing them Ashley. Go Ladies!!!

Although a couple of my run/walkers were on a leisure stroll this morning...checking out the scenery...they didn't walk for long. Instead, they kicked it up a notch and even did the stanky leg. Imagine that! Seriously! Their trainers, Andrea and Matrecha, gave the ladies a superb workout and had them doing everything from knee ups to high kicks to push ups. As the sweat dripped from their faces, the smiles brightened up the gloomy sky that was left from our storm on Monday. Nice Job!

My walkers embarked upon a different workout this morning and were more than willing to embrace it. We walked, jogged, shuffled, lunged, ran bleachers, and even did step-ups on the bleachers. Did they give up? NO! Did they complain? NO! All I heard was them encouraging one another and pushing each other to keep going. We had a migraine, a knee that ached like crazy because of the weather, and bodies that were still feeling the pain from the previous day's workout, but that didn't stop them. I hope Katrina got the day off...LOL. Keep up the good work ladies!

In the midst of my mad rush from the park, to the shower, to my classroom, and into the gymnasium for 8th grade graduation, I made time to thank God for His favor. It is only with Him that I am, and that I have, and that I can, and that I am willing. It is because of Him and I am truly grateful.

See you in the a.m. :-)

Day 2 of Boot Camp

Alright!!!! Give 'em one! Hoorah!!!! This is from my trainer Ashley. She taught her runners this chant today. Anytime other boot campers passed or were in formation for training, her runners would "Give 'em one!". Hoorah to Ashley and the runners!

The run/walkers received a little extra push today. I was able to run the entire trail two times so I could have a little one on one time with them. When I got close I challenged them to run with me "on my hip" for a slooooow count of ten. I hope they show up in the morning. ;-) They did a wonderful job.

The walkers are stepping it up! How about Pam #1 and Pam #2 passing some of my run/walkers? What's up with that? Are you for real? I am going to have to keep my eye on them tomorrow. Don't get it twisted. Most of the walkers are only walking because of injuries, but they are working it out for sure. I absolutely love it.

I must mention that we had two sessions today and some campers showed up for both. Give 'em one!!!! You are truly dedicated to creating life changes. I am so proud of all of you.

As you can probably tell, I am having the time of my life, doing what I love, and meeting fabulous women everyday. Women do so much for everyone in life! Working out, whether it is in a gym, on the tennis court, on a bicycle, or in Bangin' Body Boot Camp, is something you can do for yourself. Do it ladies! Be the Best Body You can Be.

Until next time...

Day 1 of Boot Camp

Today was an awesome day! I had the opportunity to meet 39 women in the park @ 6 a.m., motivate them to get moving, and take them through a rigorous workout. I couldn't have done this without my three trainers Andrea, Ashley, and Matrecha. They were there early and ready to work. We quickly signed everyone in, had each person step on the scale, and completed waist and hip measurements. You should have seen the faces. It didn't matter though because they were still smiling and the comments made were positive and hopeful for the forthcoming results. Everyone was excited and the positive energy was contagious!

Tomorrow we will pass out t-shirts to those who registered in advance. Once I get their permission I will post some pics. I look forward to the coming days and I can't wait to show off the before and afters.

Stay tuned!