I read about the New You Boot camp in Hello Magazine in the summer of 2008. I was interested to know more about how it could be possible to drop a dress size in only a week. Onto the web site I went and after reading about other girls experiences and the professional way the program was presented I printed off the information to give some thought to whether this would really be for me.

I had a weeks holiday booked to go to Ireland late Summer which due to a serious family illness we came home early to support the family and therefore cancelled my leave. By Autumn I was really in need of a break and started to read the details of the New You Boot camp again. I have a big birthday coming up in December 2008 and had already set myself a goal of loosing 7 pounds and improving my fitness and eating plan, all of which were suffering due to general life getting in the way.

The decision was made, a week in Devon with lots of exercise and healthy eating had to be the answer. The phone call was made and the financial investment in my welfare too, the commitment was done. As the weeks passed leading up the camp I accumulated all the kit I would require. I have a love of the outdoors and therefore had a lot of the clothing already but my Trainer from my gym, Caroline was a god send and she lent me lots of items to make sure I wasn’t going to turn up unprepared!

The week that followed was an amazing experience and a huge challenge to survive 12 hours of various types of activities and exercise. The staff were excellent at persuading you to go that extra mile and not to give up! The first three days were the worst getting used to 5-30 am starts, no caffeine and eating only what was given to you, and I still hate porridge! The results were amazing 9 pounds lost and 6 and a half inches and my goal well and truly reached. I also made some great friends who were there to help you through it all and I cant wait for our 2009 reunion.

On my return to normal life, I am glad to say the morning runs are now part of my weekly routine along with the fantastic meals I now enjoy from the recipe book given to us on the course, and on the days I don’t have time to visit the gym I use the exercises the staff show us that can so easily be done at home, an exercise mat an a weight bar was all I needed. Two weeks on I have lost a further 2 pounds and feel fantastic and already buying that smaller dress size! Life and health is a precious commodity some times it just takes an amazing experience to show you the light.

Thanks to all the staff and fellow girls in Devon October 2008.*