Date of Boot Camp Attended: 4-11 December 2009, Back to Basics
Occupation: Marketing
Martial Status: Married
Age: 34
Where you live:  London

My story:

The day after I got married the first thing I did was raid the fridge and make a fry up, I then found the takeaway menus and put their numbers on speed dial. I went on a major daily binge and ate everything: cakes, chocolate, takeaways, coffee, alcohol, everything I had denied myself for the past six months leading up to my wedding. It felt great to start with, but as I got even more carried away I started to feel really tired, bloated, had teenage spots, could not fit into any of my clothes and felt very negative about myself. I had officially lost the ‘food’ plot and I had NO willpower to stop. Christmas was fast approaching with the temptation of more goodies to stuff my face with, so there was no alternative I needed to take drastic action, so I booked on New You Boot Camp in December.

My husband was the only person who knew I was going, he was very supportive but said that it confirmed what he had always thought, that I was ‘my own brand of crazy’! I was pretty excited, although I knew it was going to be hard, as I had not exercised for a while. What I didn’t realise was that the weather was going to be brutal, it was freezing and rained all week. I shared a room with five other ladies who were lovely and very supportive. We started exercising outside each day at 5.45am, running, sprinting, circuits, pretend army training in a field, boxing, rock climbing and much more. I hated the running as I felt like I had lead legs, but to my surprise I got better throughout the week and really improved. It is amazing what you can do when you are encouraged by others to push yourself, even in terrible weather. It was fascinating to see such an eclectic mix of women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, just going for it in the middle of the Welsh countryside.

I went to New You Boot Camp primarily to lose weight, but I walked away with so much more. I now have the confidence to trust my body and what is can do, a fantastic plus for me, as a jumping accident had left me very nervous and fearful of my horse riding and fitness abilities. I gained a new friend, ‘my wing man’ at camp, she made me laugh and stopped me from throwing a tantrum and going home. I have also become more positive and really appreciate my life after this experience. I lost 8 pounds and 12 inches all over, and I realised anything is possible if you are willing to make a few changes and just try. Since bootcamp I have lost a few more inches and swapped more body fat for muscle. I run every morning with a friend, even when it is freezing and I have set myself a goal this year to get back into the jumping saddle. I have no excuse, as I have said I will provide Sunny with photographic evidence!

On returning home, I enjoyed telling people where I had been for the past week and watching their faces drop with shock. I had a lot of great comments from friends and family, who thought I looked great and said it was a brilliant idea and wanted to know more about New You Boot Camp. I recently bought the New You Boot Camp book, which has helped me curb my habit of bingeing and has encouraged me to continue to eat properly. My body now looks like it did on my wedding day and I intend it to stay that way for as long as humanly possible.

I would encourage anyone to go to this camp, it is a unique experience and gives you a great sense of achievement. I still smile and laugh when I think about the week and I have certainly not regretted it.
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