This week I have heard so many great success stories from you. It reminded me of why I love what I do so much. I am going to start doing some short interviews with some of our campers (and hopefully you too) so they can share their amazing stories in a new series called “I AM Adventure Boot Camp”.

If you would like to share your story please drop me a line and we will set it up.

As many of you know, my dad was a preacher and I would hear him tell people every once in a while a metaphor about the Dead Sea.

He would ask them “What is the one body of water in the world where nothing lives?” Many would know and say “the Dead Sea”. Then he would ask “why is there nothing living in the Dead Sea?” Many would say “the salt content is too high.”

He would say “right”. But then he would ask “why is the salt content too high?” Then they would be stumped.

He would go on to explain to them that the reason the salt content is so high is because the Dead Sea is at the lowest altitude and water only flows into it. No water flows out of it. It is only a taker. Therefore, no life lives in it.

As we gain our freedom it is very important that we help others gain theirs too. It effects your self-esteem. Your subconscious will know that not only do you have intrinsic value but you are helping people and adding value to the lives of others and therefore you are of a great value to the world.

I am not insinuating that you or any of the ladies that are in camp are takers but sometimes we do not understand the value that our story will have to some other ladies that are still stuck.

One last thing, by sharing your story you become a leader. Once you proclaim something it will have a positive effect on you sticking to the actions you know you should be making. So, by helping others you are really helping yourself in a big way too.

I hope you will share your story.

I want to send out a BIG thank you to Alex Milavsky for sharing her story below.

Please join me in congratulating Alex on her wonderful transformation — and feel free to give Alex a “virtual High-5” by leaving a comment below or in person at our 5:30 AM camp. 

This is just the beginning, Alex!  You are a smart, capable, confident and strong woman.  Your transformation is sure to inspire many and I thank you for sharing your story.

Be sure to check out Alex’s photo journey below too!

I AM Adventure Boot Camp…Alex Milavsky

Name: Alexandra Milavsky

Age: 20

What do you do when you’re not at boot camp?
I am a student at SPC, majoring in physical therapy.

Family?
My family is amazing! My Mother actually comes with me to ABC. I honestly don’t think I would be where I am now if it wasn’t for her. She is by far my best friend.

ABC birthday?
(I am assuming this means when I started ABC?) I started ABC just over two years ago, I believe during the end of spring.  (Note from ABC:  Alex’s first camp was February 2011)

Is this your first camp?  If not, how many camps have you done?
It is not my first camp.  (Note from ABC:  Alex is about to start her 12th camp on Monday, September 17, 2012.)

Why did you join ABC?
To answer this I feel like I need to explain when/why I first gained weight. I started to gain in middle school when I was put on depression medication, though I wasn’t depressed. Within a year I had gone from 95lbs to 200lbs, to me, it seemed to happen overnight. Throughout high school I continued to struggle and gained another 20lbs. Then around 10th grade I began suffering from a disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa, which is a gland/ hair follicle disease. It basically causes disgusting/painful cysts to develop on the outside of your skin, there is no cure or way to dull the pain that has been discovered. Slowly through the years my case has become much more chronic so I decided it was time to go back to the dermatologist to see if there were any trials or things I could do to attempt to alleviate SOMETHING. Unfortunately when I walked in the doctor barely even glanced at me before telling me that before she would even LOOK at me I would have to lose at least twenty pounds. I was devastated. Instead of running and hiding under a bridge like I wanted I decided to do something about it, to take it as a challenge. I had to show her that, not only was my HS not related to my weight, that I was worth more than just a quick glance. For about three months I had known about the ABC from my Chiropractor and I decided that it was what I needed to do. For support my mother joined with me, and I have been going NEARLY ever since.

What are your fitness goals?
When I started I began with smaller goals, such as 20 lbs, 15lbs. But then I realized that I needed to have a different type of goal. Though I still would like to lose my last 10lbs, I want to train my body and make it just over all healthier. I want to keep a healthy heart, strong bones, and high stamina.

What do you love most about ABC?
There are so many things I love about ABC. John is an amazing trainer and though he pushes you, he always demonstrates how much he cares about you. He has helped me find my true strength and determination which in turn made me build a new self-confidence, something I didn’t have for a long time. I also love working out. I have a hard time working out alone. Having the other ladies around inspires me, some of their stories are amazing and just keep me going.

Did you have any fears or concerns before you started ABC?  Do you have those same fears now or how has the program affected those fears?
Before I started ABC I was worried about not losing the 20lbs and failing, yet again, to prove myself to my doctor. After losing just over 80lbs I don’t have those fears anymore. I proved it to her, and more importantly I proved it to myself. I now know, with help from this program (and John) that I can do just about anything. I have shocked myself even with how far I have come.

What has surprised you most about your experience with ABC?
What surprised me most would probably be how much fun it is! I NEVER liked working out when I was young. In my elementary school days they turned me off of it when they would send us out to P.E. RIGHT after eating lunch in the heat of the day. With this program you find yourself smiling as you do it, it is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who, like me, never felt comfortable working out.

What results or accomplishments are you most proud of?
Most people I think would say that I should be most proud of the weight I lost. Honestly, though, I believe I am most proud of the confidence and strength I have found. Two years ago I never would have thought that today I would love the woman I am. A testament to that I think will happen in just over two months (right after my 21st Birthday). I am going to be in a very big performance, doing something I never thought I would do, belly dance. 300 plus people are going, and I am proud to be a part of it.

What’s your favorite healthy snack?
I LOVE eating raw veggies. Cucumber, carrots, broccoli…things like that. My friends refer to me as a rabbit most days.

What’s your favorite cheat meal?
Probably any sort of pasta.

What tips would you give others about making it to boot camp every day?
I think  would tell them that even though it is really hard to drag yourself there sometimes, if you do make it, you WILL see a difference.  The more you go, the more results you will see.

What about ABC makes you laugh?
John… he is quite the entertainer.

Favorite ABC exercise and why?
I am actually not sure. I really enjoy doing all of it (even the running, another thing I never thought I would think). The partner exercises we do is really fun, you have someone there to keep pushing you so that you can do your absolute best.

Least favorite ABC exercise and why?
I probably dislike the Inchworm most. It can make your back ache. BUT, John will always show you another way to do a similar workout if you let him know. He is very good at staying tuned in with people, especially since every woman there is a different body type with different problems.

Your advice to prospective boot campers?
If you want a fun way to get active, lose weight, or just become healthier you should come! It was the best decision of my life to join John in ABC.  There is no judging and all love when you show up since most of the women have been in the same places. So come out and join! I would love to meet you and get to know your story.

Click on the picture below to get a better view!  🙂