I simply cannot get anybody to come to boot camp. Most people, especially those who are older, have even said to me “I’m too old for boot camp”. No you aren’t. You just think you are. Really, you aren’t. It’s exercise, not running in the rain and mud with guns over our head at 2:00 AM. Wait, I hope I didn’t just give any ideas! Seriously, I’ve tried to get my husband, who was in the Air Force, to come and he says “I did the real thing and served my time”. Denied. I’ve had co-workers and friends who say they need to build up stamina to come to boot camp. Excuse. It’s simply exercise, not moving a mountain.

So here’s the deal: If you’re reading this and have never exercised a day in your life, it’s doable. You don’t have to workout for an hour. You don’t have to run a marathon. You just need to get moving. Do what you can do and what you enjoy. When I first decided to exercise, I picked walking. I figured that I didn’t have to rely on anybody but myself. Plus, I loved to walk and I still do. I slept better. I felt better. I came up with some great ideas and I also talked to God! On my first walk, I picked an object, I walked to it and came home. That was it. The next day, I did it twice. I decided to just walk 3 days a week. Eventually, I got to where I was walking 7 days a week for 30 minutes. With walking alone, I lost 9 lbs in 2 weeks. I weighed over 230 lbs, so that was a lot.

I eventually joined a gym. Figuring that I could switch it up. I watched the exercise classes while I was on the treadmill. Internally, I made so much fun of those girls. Realistically, I was dying to take the class but I was so scared. I didn’t know anybody so I didn’t go. That made no sense. I would watch with complete envy. It looked like so much fun, but I could never to that. About a year later, I switched gyms. I purposely picked one that offered tons of classes. Sure it was more expensive, but I wanted something different. I started by taking a spin class. Loved it! I loved it so much that there were days that I went at 5:00 in the morning and 5:00 at night. No joke. I seriously loved the class and I even started making friends too! Double bonus. Working out and making friends. How awesome.

The point is this: no matter your age or size, you can get moving. I used to only enjoy exercise by myself. Now, I really miss the days I’m not in a group setting! If you need a buddy, find one. Meet for a walk. Treat it like a doctor’s appointment, well except for the part where you dread it. Find the time and just do it! If you want to bite the bullet and come to boot camp for your first exercise – do it! Even if you read this and don’t know me, send me an e-mail (callie77us@yahoo.com ). Whatever it takes! Just get out there and get going!

On a similar note, I’ve made such great friends at boot camp. This past Friday, a few people got together and went to dinner. So. Much. Fun. We all laughed at how different everybody looked in our regular clothes. Normally, we’re sweaty and wearing old clothes, at least I am anyway. Personally, I’m just too winded to talk, but I want to! I’m not being rude, I just can’t breath. Anyway, it was so nice just to sit and find out what everybody does for a living. Sharing stories and laughing. I know several of the moms needed a break. We just laughed and spent several hours together. I had such a great time and hope we can do it again. I was even recognized for my work here on this blog! Does that make me a celebrity? I don’t know, but please….no photographs.