Bootcamp Success Story: Holly Staying Ahead of the Curve

Here is a fantastic Success Story from one of our bootcampers, Holly Richardson

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Ben, for developing a fitness program that finally after 15 years was the missing piece of the puzzle in my journey to regain my health! I feel better, more energized and stronger every day because of Ben’s Boot Camp! Not only have I lost 16.75 inches, 11 lbs, lowered my cholesterol, increased my bone density after 1 year, but I feel off the charts so much stronger physically and emotionally!

Like many other people this past year, I felt like a small sailboat in rough seas with family health concerns and business challenges; but I remained strong, balanced, focused and determined to sail through these perfect storms of life. (Thank you Ben!)

When I first spoke with you, I had just been told I had osteoporosis in my lumbar spine, osteopenia in my left hip and left femur head.  I decided to make a commitment to strengthen my bones and intended to Stay Ahead of the Curve (osteoporosis fractures). I was nervous at first about injuries and fractures, but you modified exercises for me and helped guide me in building my foundation and confidence and most importantly removing my fear of injuring myself. Today, I no longer have to modify my exercises and I feel ready for any challenge in or out of class! So bring it on and I will give it my all!! I am 58 years young and stronger and more energized than I have been in 20 years!! I attend 3 boot camp classes weekly, walk or snowshoe 2 – 4 miles with my 2 dogs every day and do yoga when I can fit it in. Life is good!

In March 2010, I had another bone density test and it showed a slight improvement! My Doctor attributed it to my having the test done on a different machine, but I knew differently because I could feel the dramatic difference in my body!

I have always recognized the benefits (energizing, stress-busting, mood-enhancing) of exercise. I had studied dance(2-5 hour workouts daily) in my 20’s and had been a runner for many years before joining the US Navy in 1981 where I experienced my first Boot Camp. During my 10 years of military service I missed maybe 1 or 2 days of work due to injury or illness, but that all changed after I left the military in 1991. My health changed dramatically for the worse with a weakened immune system (possible chemical exposure) and neck and back problems related to incorrectly lifting patients, backpacks, etc. I tried to continue to run 3-5 miles most days and was training for the 1994 Boston Marathon when my back kept breaking down leaving me in bed for days on muscle relaxers. I was told I should never run again. Running had been my friend for a long time, helping me get through many challenges and it was very hard to do, but I did stop running. This was just the beginning of a roller coaster of health challenges and fragility in my spine that continued up until I started Ben’s Boot Camp in 2009. For 15 years there had been at times a nightmare of weeks at a time unable to move without pain, limited mobility, chronic fatigue,  neck braces, endless physical therapy, chiropractic appointments, endless doctors appointments, blood work , acupuncture,  and the endless frustration of needing and wanting to exercise but either not being able to or afraid of the consequences of doing so.  I lived with constant fear and apprehension about the fragility of my back

and the possibility of injuring it. I would try different exercise programs that would work for a while and then my system would break down again and again.  This has been a very long journey searching for a way back to optimal health, but I never gave up and I kept searching for ways to improve my health.  Now, I can say to you reading this “Don’t Give Up!” I continue to fine tune my health habits and have set new goals for the next 6 months for my boot camp workouts.

Remarkably!! I have not injured or strained my back at any time since starting Ben’s over a year and a half ago!!!  I have only strengthened my back/body and my fear of injury is being replaced by confidence in my foundation to handle with grace whatever I respectfully ask of it. This has been a life changing journey for me! I am very grateful for the guidance and support of you and an extraordinary group of fellow boot campers who inspire me each and ever day to be the best I can be on every level! Thank you to all of you!!

And for those of you who considering this journey – Come join us and be inspired and realize your full potential!!

With Gratitude!

Holly

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