"Christmas' boot camp is not easy,....but it is not impossible and Christmas helps to 'push you' where you need to go. In (5) weeks of training with her, I've lost 10 lbs.,.....but better yet, I've parted ways with my 'love handles' and dropped a pant size! The workout and camaraderie has been much more motivational than any typical gym experience I've been a part of."
-Tobias G. Hinkle, RA
Age: 37
"My workout routine had become just that – routine. It was predictable, comfortable and no longer challenging, although working out 4-6 days a week gave me the illusion of being “in shape”. 30 Days of Christmas was the kick in the butt I needed. Instead of focusing on classic weight lifting exercises in a crowed gym, bootcamp got me outside, simultaneously working on flexibility, core strength, stamina, and cardio – typically in less time than I would spend at the gym. Christmas is an outstanding instructor, who teaches proper form and technique, keeps you motivated and makes sure you have fun doing it! In just one month, I made significant progress both in terms of physical appearance, physical ability, and increased energy levels. This is must for anyone thinking about moving from traditional workouts to functional fitness."
-Tobias G. Hinkle, RA
Age: 37
"My workout routine had become just that – routine. It was predictable, comfortable and no longer challenging, although working out 4-6 days a week gave me the illusion of being “in shape”. 30 Days of Christmas was the kick in the butt I needed. Instead of focusing on classic weight lifting exercises in a crowed gym, bootcamp got me outside, simultaneously working on flexibility, core strength, stamina, and cardio – typically in less time than I would spend at the gym. Christmas is an outstanding instructor, who teaches proper form and technique, keeps you motivated and makes sure you have fun doing it! In just one month, I made significant progress both in terms of physical appearance, physical ability, and increased energy levels. This is must for anyone thinking about moving from traditional workouts to functional fitness."
- Andy Petesch
I've always been a pretty athletic person but during the past few years, I've really let myself go - I could blame it on getting older or the pressures of my career, but mostly, it's that I just haven't felt inspired to take care of my body (and my weekend bills at the Raleigh Times can attest to that!)
My brother, Christopher, is a barista at The Morning Times and introduced me to Christmas' bootcamp via her page on Facebook. I begged my good friend, Caitlin, to join the May class. I didn't know what to expect but Christmas greeted us all with a huge smile and then proceeded to completely and totally kick my butt for the next 40 minutes! In a word, it was - AMAZING.
Christmas is a kind and motivating teacher - she knows exactly how hard to push me to get the best results from me. Each class challenges me - Christmas keeps things interesting by changing our workouts up, so that no class is the same, which is great for someone like me that gets bored easily. There are days when I don't think I'll be able to finish our warm-up, let alone the full workout but having Christmas and the whole class cheering you on, gives you the energy to finish and finish strong.
On a personal level, I've lost 13 pounds and dropped two sizes - and that's just ONE month of bootcamp. I'm wearing clothes that I haven't fit into in years (YEARS!) I'm loving my new muscles and I'm definitely enjoying swimsuit season this year! :)
So, that being said - Thank you, Christmas for reminding me how much I love to work out and for showing me new ways to challenge my body. In a totally cheesy fashion, you've helped me completely change my habits to become a happier, healthier person!"
-Erin Grohs
I've always been a pretty athletic person but during the past few years, I've really let myself go - I could blame it on getting older or the pressures of my career, but mostly, it's that I just haven't felt inspired to take care of my body (and my weekend bills at the Raleigh Times can attest to that!)
My brother, Christopher, is a barista at The Morning Times and introduced me to Christmas' bootcamp via her page on Facebook. I begged my good friend, Caitlin, to join the May class. I didn't know what to expect but Christmas greeted us all with a huge smile and then proceeded to completely and totally kick my butt for the next 40 minutes! In a word, it was - AMAZING.
Christmas is a kind and motivating teacher - she knows exactly how hard to push me to get the best results from me. Each class challenges me - Christmas keeps things interesting by changing our workouts up, so that no class is the same, which is great for someone like me that gets bored easily. There are days when I don't think I'll be able to finish our warm-up, let alone the full workout but having Christmas and the whole class cheering you on, gives you the energy to finish and finish strong.
On a personal level, I've lost 13 pounds and dropped two sizes - and that's just ONE month of bootcamp. I'm wearing clothes that I haven't fit into in years (YEARS!) I'm loving my new muscles and I'm definitely enjoying swimsuit season this year! :)
So, that being said - Thank you, Christmas for reminding me how much I love to work out and for showing me new ways to challenge my body. In a totally cheesy fashion, you've helped me completely change my habits to become a happier, healthier person!"
-Erin Grohs
"I'm on month three of bootcamp so clearly I love every day of it! I haven't had a dramatic weight loss as I'm already at a healthy weight for my frame, but I have noticed I actually have toned muscles now. I feel myself getting stronger every day and notice how nicely my clothes fall around my body. When I first began boot camp I had a difficult time doing a regular push up and never tried any of the high intensity modifications. Now I don't even consider doing a modified push up and am 100% willing to try any high intensity modification. I now know what my body can handle, trust myself and Christmas's suggestions.
I've also noticed myself constantly drinking water, wanting to eat healthier, and actually eating a breakfast. I was always one of the people saying 'eating breakfast makes me feel nauseous' but now when my body tells me I need food, I eat. Though I find myself eating about every 4 hours, I eat smaller healthy meals/snacks and never feel ashamed of eating. This boot camp has helped me get into shape, eat healthier, meet awesome work out buddies and generally made me feel better about myself. I'll keep taking classes as long as they are offered and I'm not traveling for work!"
-Candice Palmer
"When I started bootcamp last October I had muscle, but no real definition. I've always been somewhat fit. After doing the October 2009 camp I gained muscle weight and went up a pants size. I had a friend tell me, "Your butt got bigger - and that's not a bad thing". When I would take a yoga class, I noticed that I was able to hold poses longer and without shaking. Starting off I could do about 5 strict push ups, a after taking the April and May 2010 bootcamps, I'm up to 20. I now have defined calves, which I thought would never happen. I love the workout style because it's intense yet not time consuming. I got to know a lot of great people and after the May camp ended, another bootcamper and I started our own group at a nearby park. I love it!"
-Elizabeth Niemyer
