Summer Sizzler Starts Aug 16th!

July 20 2010 Categorized Under: Info No Commented

A jog between circuit stations

Commit to be Fit

Maybe you’ve been spending most of your summer at bbq’s and drinking margaritas.  Maybe you’ve been reluctant to exercise due to the heat.  Maybe you just need to spice up your routine or find a way to increase your fitness level.  No matter what it is, Power Boot Camp is a THE place be starting August 16th.  You will be challenged, motivated and realize potential in yourself that you may not that have thought possible.  Remember, it doesn’t matter where you’re starting from, it’s how you finish.  Everyone can achieve their goals.  Don’t wait to commit.  Register Today.

Jim’s Story

July 1 2010 Categorized Under: Blog, Testimonial No Commented

“Male, Female, it doesn’t matter.  If you want results this is the place to be!”

Hi, I’m Jim,

Power Boot Camp has no Gender Gap. Ask Jim!

After spending eight years supervising a very fast-paced program that required a lot of running around, I transferred to a job in another department.  Although I was grateful for the new opportunity, what I wasn’t prepared for was what a 100% desk job would have on my waistline.  I kept up with the same workout routine I had for years (even ratcheting it up) and tried to eat healthy (for the most part anyway) but it just had no effect.  There is nothing more discouraging than working out and eating right WITHOUT getting any positive results.  So of course it was no big deal if I skipped working out or eating right for a week or so because it wasn’t doing anything for me anyway.  After 2 years of this I figured it was time to throw something else into the mix…something extreme!

February of this year I went online and started searching for “boot camps.”  There were several different local options but there was one that stuck out for me, Power Boot Camp.  I liked the fact that it was early morning, that it was 4 mornings per week, that it had variety, and a very dedicated and passionate coach (Erica Hedlund).  I emailed Erica and mentioned to her all of the previously mentioned reasons why I was interested in joining, but also asked one other “vital” question before agreeing…”am I going to be the only guy there?”  Erica informed me that she has had male participants in the past but none at the moment.  She encouraged me to sign up for a month’s session and assured me that her routines were for anyone (except for the faint of heart) regardless of gender.  Jogging, regular pushups, decline pushups, squats, bicep curls, suicide runs, etc. She was right, I was sore as hell during the first week.  After that wore off the results followed.  One of the best things about boot camp is each morning we NEVER know what Erica has planned for us (we probably wouldn’t show up if we did) so it’s impossible to get bored, which is what usually discourages me.  At the center of every workout is a fantastic coach who encourages, motivates, pushes, prods, occasionally barks, but always gets that last bit of effort out of us that we could never get on our own.  Male, female, it doesn’t matter.  If you want results this is the place to be!

All Star Training Event raised $725

May 2 2010 Categorized Under: Info No Commented

Flying High

Thank you Everyone!

Power Boot Camp hosted the All Star Workout benefiting the American Heart Association.

This 90 minute workout was coached by the elite training team comprised of Erica Hedlund, Founder and Coach of Power Boot Camp, Annette Siebel, Trainer to professional athletes and 3 time World Boxing Champion Jose “El Gallo” Rivera.

A huge thank you to our other sponsors, Clark University for allowing us to use the  Clark University Athletic Field, USANA, Price Chopper on Cambridge St., IBA Print Shop in Millbury, and Worcester East Middle School for provided the sound system.

Knockout Workout

Thank you also to everyone who came out to workout with us and for your generous donations.  On behalf of all the Coaches, we had a great time and appreciate your enthusiasm and efforts.  It was not an easy day and you all rose to the challenge.

We hope to see you all next year with a new crowd of people as well.  Keep working out, keep eating healthy and living well.  Being healthy and fit in within your Power!

Laura’s Story

April 29 2010 Categorized Under: Blog, Testimonial, Uncategorized No Commented

“After just 5 weeks of camp I am 2 sizes smaller…my cholesterol is in normal range and I sleep all night. I stopped existing and started living.”

Hi, I’m Laura,

You Can Do It Too!

I’m a 44 year old mother of 3 and grandmother of 5. I have been a PCA (Personal Care Attendant) for most of my life, caring for everyone but myself. I am 50 pounds overweight and out of shape. I’ve had multiple knee surgeries and suffer from fibromyalgia.  At 50 pounds overweight, I was recently told that my cholesterol was at a dangerous level, I was borderline diabetic and that I was obese! Imagine my despair? How could I have let this happen?!

I have never been interested in exercise and was the queen of excuses. It was easier to take another pain pill. June 2009, my fifth grandchild, Jordon,  came into this world but not without difficulties. He has low muscle tone and doesn’t move much. The last 9 months have been stressful adding to my excuses. After visiting Jordan, I was driving home, feeling sad and crying.  I realized I needed to do something. My family needs me and I want to live.

The next day I found Erica and Worcester’s Power Boot Camp and signed up. Next thing I knew it was 5:30am and there I was at Boot Camp. Standing there, thinking to myself, “What am I doing here? I can’t do this?” Then, I remembered my grandson, lying, unable to move. “I need to do this and CAN’T is no longer gonna’ be an excuse!”

Erica was so supportive and got me through. By day 3 I knew I was going to make a life change, a commitment to live! I signed up to be an annual camper! I am looking forward to my new life. I have the POWER! After just 5 weeks of camp I am 2 sizes smaller, I haven’t had a flare up of my fibromyalgia, my cholesterol is in normal range and I sleep all night. I stopped existing and started living. Joining Erica at Power Boot Camp was the best decision I’ve made. You can do it too.  You have the POWER!

Becky’s Story

March 22 2010 Categorized Under: Blog, Testimonial, Uncategorized No Commented

“I’ve got the Power! I’ve lost 15 pounds in just two Boot Camps, and I’m not done yet.  Join me at Power Boot Camp!”

Hi, I’m Becky-

Becky Keeps on Bringin' the Power!

Those that know me well know that I have a tendency to be a control freak… I kind of need to be, having balanced a demanding full time job, graduate school, and a family for almost three years now.   Yet the one thing I really lost control over in these three years was taking proper care of me. Fitness and eating well took a backseat to writing my next term paper, working late to finish an important task, and grabbing something quick to eat on the way home or during my lunch break.

I decided that this pattern needed to change.  I am graduating in May, and wanted to enter the next phase of my life in a healthier manner, so I enrolled in Power Boot Camp with Erica.  Two morning sessions were all it took for me to upgrade my plan to an annual enrollment. Camp is challenging, motivating, and helps me start my day off with a clean slate, giving me an hour a day to just focus on me.  I feel like I am back in control of my health and I now have the self discipline I need to make better choices during the rest of my day.  I work so hard in Camp that it feels wrong to later waste that effort through poor nutrition choices.  The results I have gotten speak for themselves and drive me to continue working hard; I have lost 15 pounds in two camps, and am already fitting comfortably in my “skinny jeans”… time to buy a new pair to work towards!

I got the Power! I’ve lost 15 pounds in just two Boot Camps, and I’m not done yet.  Join me at Power Boot Camp!

Update:  After 4 months of Power Boot Camp with Erica, I have now lost over 30 lbs, am 3 sizes smaller, and have had to pick a new long term goal – I already blew past my initial one!  Camp has now become my way to tone everything up and drop those last few pounds I’d like to lose.  I feel better than I have felt since I was in college, and I am looking forward to actually wearing some fun, smaller summer clothes this year!

Going Red is Fashion Forward

March 3 2010 Categorized Under: Blog No Commented

My Own Project Runway

Front to Back: Joyce Grigaitis, Eugenie Smith, Erica Hedlund, Jessica Grupposo, Shonna Walker, MaryEllen Lambert, Regina Canzater, Beth Evans-Fauth

Ok, so the Go Red in Your Own Fashion show was last Wednesday, February 24th at the Atrium in St. Vincent’s Hospital.  I hope some of you attended despite the day’s bleak weather.  I have to say, I think the entire event was a smashing hit!  Although, from my perspective, I only saw from the fashion show on.  I thought the place looked amazing and the comedienne, MaryEllen Rinaldi was hilarious.

The other women who modeled and myself…Ok, before I go on, I have to say that the word model and me in the same sentence sounds so funny.  Does not compute.  It’s just silly in my head.  Anyway….moving on.  The other women who modeled and myself were upstairs in a conference room for many hours as we took turns getting our hair and make-up done by fabulous volunteers from Nicholas Michaels.  Thank you ladies!!!  So, as we were beatified one-by-one and time ticked away, we became increasingly stir-crazy and silly.  See, we were all quiet and professional when we first arrived at 3pm.   By 6pm, we certainly had let our guards down, bonded and had a grand ‘ol time.  Of course, I also MUST add that the staff from the American Heart Association was extremely helpful and a joy to work with as always.

Oh yeah, we also started to get increasingly nervous as the time slipped away.  I do recall several requests for bottles of wine….(ahem).  No worries, St. Vincent’s.  No wine was in the conference room.  The requests were not met.  Tick tock, the time has arrived to depart our room and head downstairs.  Freedom….. and Doom…..dun, dun duh….

We stood anxiously by the elevators as something on the other side was going on,  and I can even recall what to be honest.  As we stood in wait,  a woman from the event came over and offered wine….a few glasses were brought and split.  Kind, kind woman, thank you whoever you are. Unfortunately, I was sick and sipped on my water bottle.

Eugenie Smith, first delivered an inspiring speech.  You go girl!  And then it was time.  Regina Canzater was the leader.  She has the confidence  and sass to set the tone.  I was next.  Ugh!  We were all a bundle of nerves.  We just rallied and did our thing.  If we missed our mark and didn’t move at the exact time.  Oh Well!  We just worked that runway like we owned it.  I have to say, I felt like I was out there for 10 minutes.  I was smiling, flashing the gun show(that’s biceps, nothing else), marking points, twirling, being all flirty with the bottom of my short flowy dress, what more can a girl do to waste time. Oy!  When they said Thank You (which meant I could go) I was like, “no, Thank you for letting me go!”

I admit, I had a great time.  Thank you to my Ladies in Red, for being my sisters in crime, model divas and silly girlfriends for the evening.

All this for an amazing cause.  Our Hearts.  Our Health.  My, aren’t we lucky to be here and celebrate.  Yes, I think we are.


Hitting the Powder with Power!

January 27 2010 Categorized Under: Testimonial No Commented

Erica,

It has been six months since I met you and started my fitness plan.  As you know I needed to build stamina and endurance, so I began as a personal training client, but soon made it into the world of “Power Boot Camp” it has been a great experience!

I wanted to let you know that I have been a skier for years, but always struggled with the body aches and pains both during and after skiing. Moreover I was limited in my capacities. Let me tell you as a result of training with you I had the best skiing weekend in years!!! I felt like I was in my teens again! I spent a FULL day skiing downhill and got up the next morning and went cross country skiing for about 10km without hesitation! My confidence levels in these two sports have skyrocketed and I felt great!

Thanks for the challenging workouts and the constant encouragement.

Sincerely,

Kathryn A. Toomey, Esq.

Worcester, MA

Here’s What you Missed….

January 16 2010 Categorized Under: Info No Commented

If you are not a Fan of the Worcester’s Power Boot Camp FaceBook Page, and if you are not following me on Twitter @CoachErica, here is some of what you missed:

  • “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” ~Edmund Burke…I find that too many people are afraid of what they cannot do “well” and choose to do nothing instead. It is only by doing, by trying and doing again, that we improve and are able to acheive at greater levels. … Don’t make the mistake of doing nothing.

  • Household Exercise Tip – Ditch the laundry basket! Once the laundry is clean, dry and folded…take an item or two and go! If your destination is upstairs this is even better. Don’t be afraid to pick up the pace…run even. Be creative make it a game.

  • “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins- not through strength but by perseverance.” ~H. Jackson Brown….No matter what your challenges may be, continue with forward motion. Eventually, you will prevail!

  • Hope you are all enjoying the break in the freezing weather. Get outside and take a run, jog or a even a brisk walk. Don’t stay cooped up all winter. It’s a great way to get some Vitamin D!

Become a Fan and start Following today.  Don’t miss timely updates, tips and inspiration!

Here’s an important tip!  The next Camp starts Feb 8th. Don’t forget to Register Today. Power Up Now!

I Choose to Get Up!

January 13 2010 Categorized Under: Blog No Commented

Just about a week ago, I put this post on the Worcester’s Power Boot Camp Facebook Page:  “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” ~Vince Lombardi…. How will you choose to define yourself in 2010?

Yesterday, I had to make that very decision.  Because I’m “The Coach” and post inspirational quotes, and often have a way of motivating people to change, it does not mean that I don’t also have my share of bumps and bruises.  It’s quite the opposite in fact.  It is only through my own struggles, both through weight and otherwise that I have been effective.

So, back to yesterday….If you follow me on twitter @CoachErica, you know that I recently had an audition.  What you don’t know is that I had known about this show for over a year (almost 2).  There were some problems securing rights.  Anyway, juggling a family, baby, and business, I don’t audition often and had very much looked forward to this audition and worked harder than normal to prepare.  You all know where this is going.  I was bounced, cut….call it what you want…they didn’t want me.

Naturally, I was overwhelmingly disappointed.  I only gave you a glimpse of my interest in the show and my efforts.  But, what can you do?  In this business, no is no.  So, I worked hard, which means, I am better than I was before.  I didn’t get the part I have been working on…well, it’s time to work on NEW music, maybe at a NEW theater and meet NEW people.  Who knows, but I will move FORWARD.

I choose to get up.  That is how I will define myself.

Whatever your struggle is, whatever knocks you down, it’s just temporary.  Get up!  You’ll be stronger for it.

1 Body

January 6 2010 Categorized Under: Blog No Commented

This was passed onto me, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had this very discussion in different words.  PLEASE READ!

Only 1 Body

Imagine you are sixteen years old and your parents give you your first car. They also give you simple instructions. There is one small hitch, you only get one car, you can never get another. Never. No trade-ins, no trade-ups. Nothing

Ask yourself how would you maintain that car? My guess is you would be meticulous. Frequent oil changes, proper fuel, etc. Now imagine if your parents also told you that none of the replacement parts for this car would ever work as well as the original parts. Not only that, the replacement parts would be expensive to install and cause you to have decreased use of your car for the rest of the cars useful life? In other words, the car would continue to run but, not at the same speed and with the efficiency you were used to.

Wow, now would we ever put a lot of time and effort into maintenance if that were the case.

After reading the above example ask yourself another question. Why is the human body different? Why do we act as if we don’t care about the one body we were given. Same deal. You only get one body. No returns or trade-ins. Sure, we can replace parts but boy it’s a lot of work and it hurts. Besides, the stuff they put in never works as well as the original “factory” parts. The replacement knee or hip doesn’t give you the same feel and performance as the original part.

Think about it. One body. You determine the mileage? You set the maintenance plan?

No refunds, no warranties, no do-overs?

How about this perspective? One of my clients is a very successful businessman. He often is asked to speak to various groups. One thing he tells every group is that you are going to spend time and money on your health. The truth is the process can be a proactive one or a reactive one. Money spent on your health can take the form of a personal trainer, massage therapist and a gym membership or, it can be money spent on cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and plastic surgeons. Either way, you will spend money.

Same goes for time. You can go to the gym or, to the doctors office. It’s up to you. Either way, you will spend time. Some people say things like “I hate to work out”. Try sitting in the emergency room for a few hours and then get back to me. Working out may not seem so bad. Much like a car, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way. However, in so many ways the body is better than a car. With some good hard work you can turn back the odometer on the body. I wrote an article a while back ( Strength Training- The Fountain of Youth) that discussed a study done by McMaster University which showed that muscle tissue of older subjects actually changed at the cellular level and looked more like the younger control subjects after strength training.

Do me a favor, spend some time on preventative maintenance, it beats the heck out of the alternative. Just remember, you will spend both time and money.

Mike Boyle

I can’t agree with Mike more.  I implore you to take preventative measures.   It’s a New Year, change your attitude today.  It’s time to stop making excusing and start making progress!

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