Will you join me on my journey? – CONTEST
So I’ve decided that doing the next 8 weeks of competition prep will be WAY MORE FUN if I can share a little bit of my experience with some of you readers.
I’ve created a little challenge for anyone interested in making big changes to your health and fitness in the next 8 weeks with some small little adjustments to your lifestyle. There is a grand prize at the end so please read through the entire post.
I’ve recorded a video about my challenge and details below
What is the Operation Bootyfication Challenge?
I’m asking people who will be joining me on this journey to fulfill some simple (and I actually mean simple) lifestyle changes in order to better your body and mind. There are three categories each participant will need to fulfill
The Nutritional Challenge
GIVE UP
There are 3 things you will need to give up from your life in this 8 week challenge.
1) Refined sugar – you mustn’t consume anything with refined sugar in it or add refined sugar to ANYTHING. You may substitute honey or stevia to sweeten your foods in moderation
2) Dairy – you must eliminate all cheeses, milk, yogurts etc. from your diet. Everyone is intolerant to dairy to a certain extent as we are NOT meant to digest another animals breast milk. Cutting diary from your diet will reduce bloating, gas and water retention thus slimming you down nicely 
3) Alcohol – I’m not going to tell you to eliminate alcohol completely from your diet because heck you aren’t competing. But you must reduce your alcohol consumption by 50% if not completely. Alcohol not only adds additional calories to your diet that cannot be used for energy but it SLOWS down your metabolism making you fatter usually around the belly, ahem…can we say beer belly.
ADD
There is 1 thing you must add to your nutritional plan in order to participate:
You must consume one LARGE salad every single day. Your salad should contain at least 3 cups of leafy greens, tomatoe, cucumber and be dressed with oil and vinegar or lemon juice. Pair with some lean protein for a complete meal. For best results have your salad for dinner.
The Fitness Challenge
You must complete 2 daily tasks in order to participate in the challenge
1) You must do at least 45 minutes (consecutively – at once) of activity every day. Make sure at least two and no more than 4 days are resistance training. That can be weight training, boot camp, booty camp, or a fitness dvd. The other days play a sport, run, walk, rollerblade or just do something that you enjoy that keeps your body moving.
2) You must complete 1 full minute of “belly breathing” (outlined in the video) every day. I find it easiest to do my belly breathing right when I get out of the shower in the morning so I don’t forget.
The Mental Challenge
You must complete at least one of the following tasks to participate in the challenge.
2) Create a list of 25 Reasons WHY you want to participate in the challenge
HOW TO ENTER
In order to enter the challenge and be considered for the GRAND PRIZE DRAW you must do the following BEFORE May 3rd.
1) Reply to this blog post in the comments section OR create a response youtube video stating that you will be participating and sharing some of your reasons “why” you want to participate
2) complete and submit your measurements for the following areas to challenge@sammiekennedy.com. chest, waist, hips and upper thigh
3) Submit before photos to challenge@sammiekennedy.com
4) Submit after photos and measurements between June 26th (my competition date) and July 1st – contest deadline
5) If you have a blog or vlog please share your journey as well to help inspire others and let them know about your personal experience.
What do you win?
The winner of the draw (held July 1st) will win an afternoon of fun in the sun with ME! I’ll come to you with my team of experts!
Suzanne from Your Shop Girl will shop with us and find us wicked new workout gear!
We’ll then get our makeup, hair and nails done to prep for our professional fitness photo shoot to be featured on my blog and in the Booty Camp Fitness newsletter!
After all that glamour we’ll get down and dirty with a field training session together in which Sebastien Rahman will put us both through a workout just like he has been getting me ready for competition!
To finish off the day we’ll go out for lunch at a healthy restaurant just the two of us so I can learn a bit more about you.
GOOD LUCK!
I sincerely hope we can take this challenge together and that I get to meet you in the near future!
Always living with passion,
Sammie
Comments
Why do I want to win?
Well, let me tell you my life has been a rollercoaster of up-and-downess with weight, challenges and health! At the age of 18 I was over 200lbs and in a horribly depressive relationship. I left at the age of 20 and dropped 20lbs! Woohoo to kicking the fast-food habit!!! By 23 I had finally hit my goal weight of 160 (@ 5’7″ it’s not too too bad) but I wanted MORE! I joined a gym, I got addicted to working out and I got down another 20lbs by the time I was 26!! Yay me!
At 27 I found out I was (pleasantly) pregnant with my loving fiancées son and gained a whopping whole-lotta 50lbs!!! (some of which I admit was Baskin Robins related!!!!) Ooops… I still continued with the gym as far as I could, until about 7 months and then my knees (which have been permanently injured from my younger days of competitive skiing) couldn’t take my bouncing around anymore and I became I little more immobile.. But I kept on walking!!
My beautiful son is now almost a year and I have lost almost all of my baby weight, I have about 10lbs to go to my pre preggo-weight of 140 lbs.. but I have another 20lbs to my reasonable goal of 130lbs (my rear-end, however, does not agree that this goal is very reasonable and hangs on for DEAR life!!!).
I am a fit person in alot of peoples eyes, I am that girl who was 200+lbs with a pretty face and should “appreciate how far I have come” and I DO! I just want to do better, strive for more, build more muscle and be able to be healthy and play with my son for years and years to come! I want to be in amazing shape for my next one and NO gain 50LBS! I want to look amazing for my husband to be, I want to fit into my size 8 wedding dress and have to get it altered because I am so darn toned. I want to be that girl that can walk down the beach with my son and people say “There is no way she had a baby!!!”
I want a lot. But I will do it, and I will do it with the help of your Challenge Sammie. You are an inspiration and I cannot WAIT for Booty Camp to start next week!!!
Rock on girl and kick some butt in your competition!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jess, Laura , Lisa Simone Richards, Booty Camp Fitness, Samantha Kennedy and others. Samantha Kennedy said: Drum roll please…… My challenge is now posted on the blog, grand prize included! http://www.sammiekennedy.com/2010/04/29/challenge/ [...]
WOW! This sounds awesome Sammie:) I am soo looking forward to doing this challenge and joining you on ur journey! I cant wait..
A question about dairy, I can hear my mom’s voice what about calcium?! I wonder if almond milk would an okay substitute?!
Why do I want to join this challenge?!
Ive worked out relatively consistently for the past few years but never seem to see any results. (although i can feel new muscles forming Im still the same dress size and weight!) I know I can change some of my eating habits and adapt better nutrition. I guess for me its about having something to help keep me accountable. I want to finally have that smoking hot bod that I can feel confident about when I walk down the street inside of always hiding. I want to be happy with me. I dont want to feel bloated, guilty and gross cuz I over indulged. I want to feel confident and sexy. Im planning a Mexico vaca in the summer and want to have a bikini bod instead of hiding and being too afraid to fully enjoy life. I want to be the one others look at and say wow. I want to have toned arms and legs, I want to see muscle definition and have a healthy body. I want to improve my workouts – being able to hold a plank for longer, do more situps, pushups, squats, etc. I want to fuel my body and start treating it right!
Im moving to London for two years in the Fall which is a huge change for me and I want to have more confidence in myself and know that by doing this challenge its a small step towards knowing that I can accomplish so much more!! TO realize I am more capable than I think!
I think more than anything Im looking forward to the ability to say “I DID IT”!! Im working on my list of “why” and visual board to post on my mirror to keep myself motivated and then just take it a day at a time.
I feel like now is the time, its now or never to really treat my body right and start making life long health changes!
Its time to reclaim my life! Thank you for being apart of it
First off, Sammie, I want to thank you so much for being my inspiration and my motivation!
I am currently half-way through my first booty camp and I must confess, it is VERY hard to stay on track in terms of my eating habits.
Although my pants fit better after only 4 weeks, I still feel like I lack energy.
By you creating this challenge I now have a reason to cut out all dairy and sugars…something I have tried to do in the past, but always gave in to the cravings.
After having two babies in the last two years, I have forgotten what my body used to look like.
But I know what it CAN and WILL look like in two months!
What’s my goal? Staying fit and healthy so I can keep up with my children, getting into amazing shape, and becoming an OPP officer!
I have already created a huge vision board with inspirational quotes, which is the first thing I see when I get up in the morning.
By taking this challenge I know I can really push myself and change my life for the better!
Sammie, I accept your challenge, and I know you are going to kick some ass in your competition! Good luck!!!
Almond milk is an excellent substitute although be sure to buy unsweetened original because of the sugar challenge. You can get plenty of calcium in your leafy greens so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. I was a vegan for almost a year and I never had any defficiencies.
Great thanks for the tip!!
Hi Sammie,
First of all I want to wish you all the best – I have been to many competitions (to watch) and the dedication and HARD work it takes is incredible, so I commend you!
Why do I want to join this challenge?
For the last almost 5 years I was in abusive relationship that has robbed me of many things; self-confidence, self-worth, dignity, respect and self-esteem. I have since left this relationship and I am ready to regain my life back! I am turning 25 years old in August and feel that this would be the best gift I could give to myself. I am eager to take on this challenge and become the woman I want to be inside and out. For me this challenge will not only be about the physical transformation, but also the inner transformation – I want to become the best person I can be, I want to become stronger and more fulfilled as a person and I am excited to take this challenge on and accomplish my goals!
Right now I am physically active and have been working towards a weight loss goal and so far I have lost 25lbs. I am currently 5’0, 165lbs, so my goal is to lose another 35lbs. I can’t wait to stand tall (even at 5’0!), proud and confident again. I accept this challenge! =)
Good luck Sammie and good luck ladies! =)
Hey Sammie!
Why do I want to participate (and WIN!) In this challenge?
All my life I’ve always been the “chubby kid”! I wasn’t blessed with the skinny gene that my sister inherited so I am used to everyone “ooohing” and “awwwing” over her! For once I would love to hear that response about me!!!
I have tried doing the gym scene and for me I didn’t see any results nor could I afford the personal trainer. Of course after not seeing any results that led me to quit! Honestly, I’m not a quitter but I just thought that why continue if I have no idea what I am doing and nothing is changing!
Well I joined your 4 week booty camp and absolutely loved it! I actually seen results and was amazed! It got me motivated! Actually seeing my weight come off (I lost 10 pounds!!!) and the measurement changes from Week 1 of camp to Week 4 I was amazed!! It regained my confidence and I am motivated! (Especially with bikini weather fast approaching!) I think this challenge has come at a perfect point in life to allow me to finally make the changes that I have been dreaming of!
What’s my goal?
Well I currently weigh 215 pounds and I’m in my early 20′s – To me, there are many things wrong with that sentence! I want to lose a good amount of weight. I want to be fit. I want to be able to run around the block without needing a breather every 2 seconds! I want to have a smoother stomach so I can for once show off my belly button ring! I want to wear a bikini instead of a tankini! And lastly (since I can go on forever!!) I want to wear dresses again!!! (Even skirts I would be happy with!) I haven’t owned a dress in years – Isn’t that sad?!?!
So I am looking forward to this challenge and seeing how well I can achieve my goals! And I’m glad I’m not doing it alone as everyone needs a bit of motivation!
Good Luck Everyone!!!!!! See Y’All at the finish line
I am signing up for this! I always love a good challenge! Summer body here I come!
Sammie! What am amazing idea to get women motivated and ready to challenge themselves! I am so IN!
My REASON for wanting to win?
As an (ex) model I remember what I felt like when I was happy and healthy. Due to some unforunate events in my life I was thrown off course and gained 10% body fat in 2 weeks. I was in depression mode. Since joining Bootycamp fitness I have felt so much better about myself and seen the happiness in everyone’s faces after measurement date (week 4) and its not over yet! I look forward to it. Details will be emailed to you
- Kaycee
I am really enjoying watching you transform your body as you get ready for the contest – it truly is inspiring.
I didn’t take me too long to decide that I wanted to enter the challenge. Why do I want to enter and win is something I’ve been struggling with for a long time. I’m not overweight nor have I ever had a weight problem in the past but for some reason I always seem to be struggling with weight perhaps more so from the mind than anything else. I have been working out for probably about 10 years but only recently have I really gained an insite into proper eating. Even when I had my first son three years ago and gained about 45 lbs, I was able to lose the baby fat but my body still wasn’t what I wanted it to look like. Then, another baby came along 6 months ago and I am in the same place. I eat pretty well and exercise hard but the results just don’t come. I am at the point where I feel that my goals are out of reach and I am living the impossible dream of never having that lean body I have dreamed about for so long. Some people may think I am crazy but I am determined that perhaps I, too, can have that lean body and feel comfortable not only wearing a bathing suit but in a t-shirt and shorts.
The challenge for me will be the dairy because I often incorporate cottage cheese as one of my snakes and of course the refined sugar. I can avoid sugar for a short period of time but then my body goes crazy for it.
I am really looking forward to starting this challenge with the other girls… I hope to one day be an inspiration for other women/mom’s who think that having a hard body after a body is near impossible.
Sammie, I am embarking on this journey with you… Thank you for the opportunity!!!
I did have two questions for you..
1. how do your cycle your strenght training; do you break it down my upper and lower body days or always train the entire body
2. Would you be able to provide a sample meal plan or at least give some ideas for snacks that don’t include dairy
Thank you so much – good luck to the rest of the ladies…
Whoa, Nelly! Or Sammie, should I say
Seriously, it’s like you’ve been reading my mind! I love challenges! I’m actually doing a yoga challenge (30 days of hot yoga) right now and it’s going great! I’ve been trying to do a “no sugar cubes” challenge for the last few days (sugar is so addictive and unhealthy), but so far, this hasn’t worked so great. The clean eating is by far the hardest part of this challenge for me. So I will love (most of the time 
to ditch the sweets knowing that a great community of fearless women will join me in my effort to conquer the Summer booty and eradicate (for 8 weeks 
the sweet (and dairy) enemy. Even though I’ve been keeping quite active with touch footbal, yoga, and other activities, I must also confess that I’ve been deserting the weight training classes for a month or two (maybe more), so committing to the challenge will help me get back to that barbell. And finally, I’ll be honest, Summer is coming and if there is a time of the year that I really want to reconnect with the joys of LARGE (lol) green salads, it’s exactly now, a few months before bikini season. Thank you so much for sharing your own personal challenge with us, motivating us (me!), and allowing us (me!) to share the ups (okay, maybe downs as well) of owning the work behind that bikini-ready body. Operation Bootyfication Challenge, here I come!!!
Of course I’ll put together a blog post about some tricks and tips. In the meantime check out the snack of the week section for a few light snacks, note on of the comments on the flip flapjacks about substituting instead of the dairy.
Hi Sammy,
I really wish to participate in the challenge because I just have been getting bigger ever since my baby was born. I was 190lbs after the pregnancy. Went down to 160lbs now on the climb back up the scale. I noticed that my belly is the same measurements as my chest. Which is always a downer.
I also hope to be able to loose weight and become healthy. I have depression and wish not to go on anti depressants if I can. I hope that excersise will help with that.
I have an issue with motivation so hopefully this will keep me motivated.
Hey Terris. I personally believe that the supportive community of people in this challenge and the lovely endorphins from working out and the results you see will help boost your spirits! Best of luck and keep me posted!
[...] I’m so pumped and proud of all the wonderful readers joining me on this challenge!! [...]
I am registered for Booty Camp starting May 2nd. I do workout at a gym 4 times a week on average.
I needed a change and a push so joined Bootycamp.
I’d like to do this challenge but, do not care to or know how to take the photograph to post. I think I can do all the other requirements. The alcohol will be a challege being
it’s near summer.
Can I enter the challenge without a photo? Or just do it all on my own?
Thanks for this push Sammie
Hi Sammie
I would really like to enter but I have a question. I am not very big to begin with. I would enter mainly to tone up and see a difference in eating better. I find though that usually people who can show a visible transformation due to weight loss make the most impact. Is it not unlikely that someone who doesn’t have alot of weight to lose would win? I’d really like to try winning!
I am excited to start this challenge. I’ve been doing Booty Camp for 4 months now and have noticed huge changes in my fitness level. I feel as though this challenge is exactly what I need at this point and I feel as though I can do it! 2 things: 1)I want to get rid of my mummy tummy (cheers to that Terris). 2) All summer I will be working in a bathing suit, on a lake, with skinny people half my age and would like to feel bikini ready. Thanks Sammie.
Hi Sammie – I love this idea and I’m sooo totally in!!
So you’re asking me “why?” Well, where do I start. I’m fairly tall for a girl – like 5’10ish and my whole life I’ve struggled with feeling “bigger” then most of the ladies around me. Although I am actually quite slim, this “bigger” feeling has messed with my brain and for as long as I can remember, I’ve had body/eating issues. Anyways, I was motivated to start working out a number of years ago and am still pretty good about keeping active. I’ve done two sessions of Bootycamp and loved the challenge of it – but since my last one finished I feel like I’ve turned into a total blob, and it’s the worst feeling ever. So reason #1 – is to feel less blobish.
Along with that, I have recently decided to do a boudoir photoshoot for a friends website. This is something I’ve always wanted to try and I love the idea of having classy, sexy photos which I can one day look back on and say — “holy S*&T — check me out!!” lol…anyways, Reason #2 is so that I feel extra super confident, comfortable and sexy for these pics so that I will always have this amazing memeory and gift for myself.
Lastly, I have always been obsessive about what I eat or don’t eat to the point of feeling bad about it (either way). I hate how food controls my life in a lot of ways; how I can never just eat something without thinking about it. Reason #3 is that, througout the next 8 weeks, I may develope a better sense of my eating habbits so that I’m not too freaked about everything. Also, as reason #3.5, I like the idea of having to be more creative/try new things in my healthy food selections because of your Nutritional “give ups”
Anyways, these are just a few of the biggies. I’m excited to try this with everyone!
You don’t have to have a lot to lose to enter the challenge! The winner won’t be chosen based on results so please join in!!
Sorry darling, photos are not only a way to keep you accountable and motivate you but also to show your results visually at the end! Photos will be required.
Hey Sammie – How do you cut out all refined sugars??….I know the obvious ones, but it seems like sugar is in everything we eat.
I eat pretty healthy and like to think I get only natural sugars (aside from sweets).
I want to try my own mini challenge of no refined sugars for a week.
Thanks.
Fantastic! I missed that part about a draw.
Why I want to enter: I’m 41 years old and have never been more fit in my life. I was slightly smaller in my teens, but my diet then consisted of fast food mostly. I joined booty camp 8 weeks ago and it literally transformed my body. But I want more. I eat well about 90% of the time but at 41, you have no choice. Unfortunately you are fighting a slowing metabolism and gravity. Summer is coming and I want to look my best. I’m in!
This seems like just the challenge I need right now. Count me in!
Thanks Sammie for inviting us to join you and to challenge us all!
I read the contest details and watched the video this morning regarding the requirements to enter – I have been thinking about it all day whether I am, as Heidi Klum says on Project Runway “IN or OUT”. For many it may seem like an easy answer right away – yes, this is totally for me, I need a challenge or no way, I can’t handle this. For me, I am feeling both ways but know that is exactly what a challenge is good for and this has come into my life at this time for a reason – I believe everything happens for a reason.
I am halfway through my 2nd Booty Camp, have recently been working with a personal trainer 2x a week, and do aquafit and strollerfit 1x each per week with my 9 month old daughter. I was overweight before I had my daughter but pregnancy only added more pounds to my weight problem.
When I look in the mirror I feel like what I see is distorted because I think I look average as far as weight is concerned, but when I see pictures and hop on the scale and buy clothes I know this is far from the truth.
I want to win this challenge to prove to myself that it is possible being a new mom, it is possible to do things you never thought possible (no sugar, salad everyday, exercise everyday). My goal is to look great and make it to the photo shoot where I can take pictures that really reflect how great I can actually look – every picture I have of me always makes me feel down because of my weight.
So…”I’m In”! Here we go…
Happy Trails Ladies~!
It’s actually quite easy if you eat whole foods. Refined sugars are usually found in highly processed foods so if you eat food as close to it’s original source as possible you can quite easily and effectively cut out refined sugars.
Awesome challenge Sammie, with a pretty sweet grand prize! You can count me in!
I’m always up for a challenge. This past year, I have been on a journey of re-discovering, re-defining, and re-shaping myself.
In March 2009, I turned the big 3-0, and I was at the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life. At a whopping 178 lbs., and at a towering 5’0”- I felt just as wide, as I was tall. I celebrated my 30th birthday on the beaches of Mexico, but I was a far cry from a bikini body. I looked like a Weeble-Wooble. Days after I got home from my birthday vacay, I enlisted in Booty Camp Fitness and that was the beginning of my journey to finding “me” again.
Booty Camp was exactly what I needed to get my butt in gear. Throughout the past year, I made fitness a part of my every day routine. I became a fitness junkie, I couldn’t get enough. I switched up my workouts by trying new things (cardio kick-boxing) and going back to the basics (running). I’ve learned how to eat properly, and still have my cake and eat it too- everything in moderation, right? (but no cake in this challenge!)
When my 31st birthday approached this past March, I knew I was closing in on my 1 year mark since I started my re-defining journey. I pulled out my very first fitness assessment from my first booty camp. In the past 12 months, I had lost almost 50 lbs.! I looked at my 1 Year Goal, and it said: “To celebrate my 31st birthday on a beach wearing a smoking hot bikini”. Well, I did just that. I rewarded myself with a trip to Cuba, and packed 5 bikinis!
This 8 week challenge will push me to continue my mantra I’ve been saying the past year: “See it, believe it… BRING IT”.
Thanks Sammie for the Bootyfication Challenge!… BRING IT!
Hi, Sammie,
This is a wonderful thing you are doing. You have inspired me! I do wish you the very best in your competition and thank you for offering the challenge to all of us.
Sammie, I am a 44 year old woman (in July). My life over the past 5 years has been very saddening. 4 years ago 2 at my 40th birthday party, my mom went to the hospital for the last time. My mother (also my best friend) was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 56. Christmas I knew that mom / my best friend was only going to be with me this Christmas and no more to come. My mom was 16 years older than me and we were extremly close. 2 days after my 40th birthday my mom had passed away. We basically grew up together. She even dated my husbands best friend! Anyways with her loss and the loss of a friend that happened only 1 month and a day before she past, I lost myself totally, I quit my successful position, I quit communicating with my husband and well I lost ALL my friends because I went into this little cacoun. My patient husband was there to accept the cries the screams and the constant icecream cones and chips and dip and more. In June the following year another friend passed away, again another close friend to both my husband and myself…he died of diabetes at the age of 34. And one month later My father inlaw who I also loved very dearly passed away of a sudden heart attack (only 1 week after my birthday). From there I don’t know how we actually survived. Once upon a time like my mother I was a petite woman. Size 6 5’5 118pnds. Now I am bouncing back and forth at 150 – 157 pounds and its a messy weight for me I feel frumpy. I started kickboxing on and off and I had a personal trainer for a bit too….hoping that this would get me off the couch and loosing weight and gaining muscle, but it didn’t happen. I am still depressed quite a bit, havent made too many friends because I am really much of a couch potato. I know my mom would be broken hearted if she seen me and my 26 year old sister right now. I need to do something, something for me, my husband and well be a role model for my baby sister too. After hearing about your challenge I have decided, I am going to take it on and join each of you to move forward at being healthy and well alive. Sammie thank you for the challenge. I better stop writing right now I have a vision board and a list to make!. Sammie thank you for this challenge. Good luck to all. talk to you soon.
Hey Vicki
Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. My condolences about your mother I lost my father a month ago and fell off track myself. It’s the strength of all the women in this community on my blog and my company that has gotten me back on track.
I sincerely hope you can find some strength and happiness in this challenge and I wish you the best.
Stay strong hunny.
Sammie
Wow thanx Sammie, your a real inspiration and motivation to me…I so need this!!
I want my body back and my booty!!! I was 120lbs before I started having babies; I weight 180lbs after giving birth to my youngest son, 8 months ago! Now I’m down to 140lbs, I’m still not happy because I never take the time for myself to try and reach my goal, 120lbs. I know it’s not all about what your weight is, it’s what you look like. So I want a toned body and just once in my life get to say “I have six pack” (abs) lol 
(About me) I’m a busy mom of 3 baby boys under 4 yrs of age; plus I’m a student attending school 5 days a week. Being pregnant for 3 yrs in a row ain’t fun
Sammie I’m so pumped and up for your challenge girl; it’s me time…YEAH FINALLY…well I hope so anyway!!! lol Thanks for the challange
Wow thanx Sammie, your a real inspiration and motivation to me…I so need this!!
I want my body back and my booty!!! I was 120lbs before I started having babies; I weight 180lbs after giving birth to my youngest son, 8 months ago! Now I’m down to 140lbs, I’m still not happy because I never find the time for myself to try and reach my goal, 120lbs. I know it’s not all about what your weight is, it’s what you look like. So I want a toned body and just once in my life get to say “I have six pack” (abs) lol 
(About me) I’m a busy mom with 3 baby boys under 4 yrs of age; plus I’m a student attending school 5 days a week. Being pregnant for 3 yrs in a row ain’t fun
Sammie I’m so pumped and up for your challenge girl; it’s me time…YEAH FINALLY…well I hope so anyway!!!
*Thanks for the challange
Ohmygosh, I just read through all the comments – amazing!! I want to whole heartedly dedicate myself to this, I really do. I’ve been saying for a looooong time now that I’m going to give up refined sugar and dairy (really though, how gross is it that we consume another animal’s milk?) and this is the PERFECT chance for me to do it!! BUT! I’m moving halfway across the country next month, and going hiking in the mountains in June. I know. Excuses. Please don’t enter me in the draw, because I know more deserving women who are trying harder should win! But I just want to thank you for giving me the kick in the pants that I needed
Seriously. Cottage cheese is NOT on my next shopping list.
P.S. Oddly, the alcohol part should be the easiest for me!
Hi Sammie
I’m so excited about this challenge! Thanks for hosting it. I gained 70 pounds since high school due to various miserable experiences and a poor relationship with food. I have tried MANY times for the past 15 years to take it off. Every time I tried I would lose weight and then gain it all back…plus some. This past year I had an ENOUGH moment. It actually came shortly after watching Jess’ (who works for you) journey on Youtube. I joined WW the next day and started a blog to document my whole journey. I have changed SOO much since then. I’ve lost 31 pounds and gained muscle. I look a lot better, but for me its become far more about health than just looks. I finally understand what it means to eat ‘clean’ and I WANT to do it because I want to feel the best I can. I ‘get’ that its about your health…I mean ultimately that should be the purpose. I won a Bootcamp session through my blog and have since become ADDICTED!! I love how strong it makes me and how good I feel. I have 15-20 pounds to go, and this will get me there.
Two months from now I will have my first dress fitting for my wedding in August. It took me a loooong time to find the right man and I want to look INCREDIBLE on that day. I no longer want to be the fat girl…or girl who let herself go. I want people to look at me on that day and say…DAYUM…she looks GOOD! Yes….its a little vain, but hey…its my wedding
Since starting my weight loss journey I have started to love myself enough to really LEARN about myself. I’ve started seeing a naturopath regularly who advises me on my health and body. I have discovered that my low energy levels for years and years have partly been due to high candida levels in my body. I NEED to get stronger and I know cutting out sugar will do that for me as it will rid my body of this. You are giving me the extra push that I need to get this done.
Finally, I’m a teacher and while I absolutely LOVE my kids…I have developed such a passion for health and fitness. I dream of a career in fitness and helping others reach their goals…even part-time, so hey…maybe I could use this as a application for bootcamp instructor one day? I promise I’ll make you proud.
Good luck to you!!!
Lotsa love
Kerry
Sammie,
This challenge couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I have been looking for something to get me motivated and help me get back into shape. I thought joining your Booty Camp would give me that push and now that you threw this challenge out at us makes me want to get into the best shape I have ever been in.
I got married 5 years ago. My husband and I always worked out (since we had the time, no kids). I would go to the gym in the morning before work to do cardio and then after work to do weights (mainly because I didn’t want to sit in traffic). Back then I didn’t think I was in good shape. Now, looking back I was in shape and a much healthier person. I ate healthier and exercised. Two years after getting married I became pregnant, and thought that I could eat whatever I wanted to. I gained 50 pounds with my first pregnancy. I lost about half off the weight and then got pregnant with my second boy. With the second pregnancy I gained about 50 pounds again. The first 25 pounds came off again; but 9 months later I am trying to loose the other 25. I lost the first 25 pounds by watching what I ate and by doing cardio at least 4 times a week, as well as weight training. The good clean diet and training only lasted awhile and I feel back to my bad eating habits. I am not eating healthy, I hardly eat any vegetables and fruit…I say that I don’t have the time (but I know I have to make the time). The main reason I am doing this challenges is because I remember going to a pool party with some friends and their kids, and none of the moms wanted to go swimming (because they were not happy with their bodies; me being one of them). I told myself that after I am done having babies that I want to get in the best shape of my life, so that I can enjoy life with my two boys and taking them swimming and never been afraid to do anything with them.
Sammie,
Can you give some examples of your daily meal plans…..esp. breakfast. I am guessing you are eating a lot of eggs.
The women here are 100% correct; you are a true inspiration! Ever since I started booty camp (4 weeks ago) I have been extremely motivated to take care of my health. I even walk 45mins to my boot camp twice a week (yes, that also means I walk back home for 45mins!) – I couldn’t have done this without the motivation from your company Sammie! Your DVD is AMAZING! What an awesome bargain on top of the great trainers and drills! Receiving your daily recipes motivates me more than I can put into words, and now this? All I can say is WOW, could there be better timing?
I absolutely LOVE milk and sugar- so this is going to be a hard challenge! But, you are in amazing shape and know what you’re talking about, so i’m definitely taking your word on eliminating those two things from my diet and adding 45mins every day of continuous exercise.
My story? my bad eating habits developed with poor choices in my teen years. Being brutally honest? Smoking marijuana led to poor – VERY poor eating habits. Indulging in every meal would be an understatement. Although some may look at this and say “Hey, it’s ‘normal’” – No! It definitely is a path, if taken, leads to extreme fatigue, laziness, no motivation to do anything, and idle life – and so much damage health wise.
I know me speaking about God might make some feel uncomfortable, but this is my story. I’m glad to say that in summer 2007, Jesus met me in the most darkest point in my life. Since becoming a believer and follower of Christ, his grace has transformed my mind and heart and re-routed the path I was walking on. Jesus has helped motivate me to reflect who I am and what I believe not just by my words but by my testimony- the way I live. So, taking steps towards not just losing weight but making life time changes has been on my heart for a good chunk of time now. When I decided to start making these changes (while I was in school) – about October last year – my cousin (more like brother) passed away. This being the first death I had to face in my 22 years of life- was and is a huge challenge. When I started to get back on track in the new year, my grandfather who has Alzheimer’s, health started to decline- so i tried to do everything I could to transfer him back to BC because he was at that point in AB-this was a complicated process that did not work out.Also, my father’s kidney function had failed and he had started on dialysis (because of diabetes-due to poor lifestyle). My sister finally passed all her tests and was successful in donating her kidney to my dad this March- Kidney month! Yay! Both are doing awesome now! Two weeks after their surgery though- we found out that my grandfather- whom I was still in the process of trying to bring back here, passed away. Now, I was dealing with having his body transported back here for the funeral. And, the funeral ended up being in the same place that my cousin (older brother) had his- just 5 months previous. Now that was a challenge to live through. Considering I was finishing my last weeks of school (which yes I did graduate!)- this was a heck of a lot of stuff to throw me off my new lifestyle changes.
Since school is now over and the sun is starting to shine in my life- and also on the west coast, Booty Camp most definitely gave me the kick in the butt that I needed towards getting back on track! This challenge, like many women have stated, is exactly what we need!
I pray that you will continue to bless many more lives as you show us that it’s not impossible to get back into shape and that you will have a fun and rewarding journey towards this competition and show them what you’ve got when the spot lights on you!
To all the other women on here – keep up the amazing work you have started- stay encouraged and remember even if we have a bad day, it’s not a reason to give up. We are only one step closer to our goal if we keep moving forward!
PS. We LOVE you here on the West side of Canada!
Hi Sammie,
I am new to Booty Camp, starting my first one on May 4th, and I am excited for a new work out. When I received the email about your Challenge, I knew that I had to join with this community of women who are determined to make positive lifestyle changes.
Almost ten years ago, I lost over 50 lbs through diet and activity level changes that I did on my own. I was living in Europe and when I came home my friends and family didn’t recognize me when I got off the plane. It wasn’t long until I realized I hit a plateau. I am reasonably happy with where I am at fitness-wise; however I have always know that there is room for improvement, I just needed the right challenge and a support system. My goals for this challenge are to increase my energy levels, improve my body image,and increase my strength and muscle tone.
I am currently working full time and taking school to earn a professional designation. It has been difficult to find time to exercise and eat properly; your challenge introduces manageable ways to change that can be incorporated into what sometimes feels like an overwhelmingly busy life. I look forward to completing the challenge. Best of luck to you, Sammie, in your fitness journey and to all the rest of the women who have signed up for this challenge!
This is a great idea. I have been wanting to get in shape for quite a few years, and although my weight is pretty average for my height, I am not comfortable with it. My gut (which everyone tells me I don’t have) always sticks out when I’m wearing pants and I hate it. I want to have the toned body and be comfortable with my body. Right now I’m feeling pugdey and bloated. It’s time for me to get off my butt and do it, and this is the perfect motivation for me. In addition to that I plan on applying to the police force and would like to be at my best to be able to pass the physical I failed a couple years ago. I know I can do this, and I will
Thank you Sammie
Hi Sammie,
I need to participate in this challenge because this can’t be It for me. At 25, this can’t be the most energy I ever have. This can’t be the best I ever look. I can do better than this!
My first reaction to this challenge was, “That’s too hard. I can’t do it.” And that’s not the attitude I want to approach difficult challenges with for the rest of my life. So, starting with this challenge I’m going to try my hardest, get off my butt, and be positive.
Thanks for providing the push I needed : )
Hi, sammie, I used to go to booty camp at the beginning of the year but school kind of took away the option of continuing. i enjoyed Boot Camp and didn’t really lose and weight but lost body fat which made me feel great.
Well since ending in February let me tell you how much i’ve fallen off the band wagon. I don’t know why or how I let myself go AGAIN after feeling so great after working out.
The reason I am going to partake in this challenge is to get back on the band wagon, we have two months, and all it took for me to feel great was two months of two days a week of boot camp. I didn’t necessarily lode pounds but the inches felt pretty good to get rid of.
I have a family wedding coming up and I refuse to hear all the usual comments of, “you should really lose some”
Plus since my dad had a genetic heart attack this past christmas it’s even more crucial to drop the weight. I know i can put in the work to tone up and hopefully this challenge will help drop some of the pounds. If I manage to get into this one dress I see everyday in the store window without too many lumps and bumps showing, I’ll be ecstatic!!
Hi..I am thinking of doing your challenge but I am concerned about breakfast foods. I think I am allergic to eggs and know that I am intolerant to soy (doctor’s appt isn’t until June) so since cereals and dairy are out. What do you suggest eating besides oatmeal everyday?
The hardest part of this challenge for me will be giving up dairy …so if there is food that I can eat for breakfast then I know I won’t give up right away.
Thanks
Susan
Sammie
I would love to take part in your challenge. I’ve been on a weight loss/fitness journey for the last two years and to date have lost about 80 lbs. I would like to lose the last 25-30 lbs but I have been stuck on a plateau for months! This should be the push I need to get to the finish line.
Thanks for your inspiration and I hope you do well in your competition.
Hey Susan
Have you tried rice milk. Regular unsweetened rice milk is a great substitute or almond milk.
Kashi cereal can be an alternative to oatmeal or try fruit with a vega shake for protein.
I’ll be posting many tips and pointers throughout and you can always feel free to email me with questions or ask them on the blog.
Sammie
Im in… will get all the required info in tomarrow… just cleared out my kitchen and went super shopping… Im scared of the no dairy part but happy to have something to get re-energized about!
I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days now and after just eating a donut at 8pm I’ve decided that this is the motivation that I need. I have a 10 week old daughter who I love, but I gained 80 lbs during the pregnancy and have only lost half of it so far and the second half doesn’t seem to want to budge.
I always promised myself that I would not be one of those moms who gained a lot of weight and then never took it off. I was going to be fit and eat well when I was pregnant. Well, that lasted about 2 days. Then morning sickness kicked in and I decided that being pregnant would be the time that I could eat anything that I wanted and not feel guilty because you are supposed to have a belly. In hind sight that was not a great idea, but the only thing I can do now is make a change for the better.
I want to feel confident about my body again, I have never been a skinny girl, but I had an athletic body and was in shape before the pregnancy, and it is that which I want to get back.
Eating clean is going to be a huge challenge for me, but I also know that I will feel awesome if I can pull it off. So, here is the start of getting my body, my confidence and my energy back.
[...] for my nutrition goals, I have been inspired by Sammie, who is doing an 8-week Operation Bootyfication as a fun way to help prep for her upcoming fitness competition. I am not fully participating, but I [...]
To be able to pick Sammie’s brain would be awesome. Count me in!!!
This is a great idea and I am looking forward to the challange. Last month I joined booty camp class and just loved it and felt it was a great kick start to shedding my winter weight gain. I think this challange will help me continue with my progress and I need some motivation to continue and reach my goal weight and lose the last 15 pounds. Hope to reach that goal by July 1st.
Good luck to everyone and have fun!
What an awesome challenge Sammie! You will do it!
I started making some major lifestyle changes in August 2009. I have lost over 35 pounds to date and just finished my first 4 weeks of booty camp. Despite all the pain, my body is starting to show some serious changes, which I couldn’t be happier about. We measured in last Thursday and I have lost 10.25 inches so far!
Our booty camp instructor Ashley Dale Roy is awesome and she has provided all of us with lots of guidance as well her clean eating nutritional journal. Thanks to her, I have cleaned up my eating selections and have never felt more energized.
I have found that the poster board and writing down the reasons why I want to accomplish my goals/participate in this challenge have been great motivators. I have my poster board right beside my elliptical trainer and look at it every day. I have brainstormed way more than 25 reasons to do this challenge and reasons include any thing from reducing stress to aging gracefully. The list gets longer and poster board gets more colourful as I learn more about myself!
I am hoping to have lost 50 pounds by August 2010. I know that I will be able to this, with the help of Booty Camp Fitness!
Thanks Sammie and as you say, always living with passion!
Sammie this challenge couldn’t have come at a better time! I finished an 8 week Booty Camp and was eagerly awaiting the next session, when my instructor hurt her back and she had to cancel
I have been routinely working out three times a week using the DVD I received at my camp, as well as walking a couple times a week, horseback riding and running. However, I find myself slipping occasionally and am worried that my old habits are going to return! This challenge is EXACTLY what I need to get my booty back on track!
I lost 14.5″ over the course of my booty camp, but just remeasuring myself shows that while I have managed to lose 1/2″ in my chest and my upper thigh has remained the same, my waist and hips are almost back to what they were at the start of my camp…sigh!
Sammie, I look forward to meeting you in person, shopping, getting my make up done and having a fabulous lunch with you!!! Pack your bags because honey, you’re going to be visiting me north of the City!!
Tamara ;0)
I thought about this challenge and I was worried that I couldn’t do it. But after thinking about it, I’ve decided to commit fully to this eight week challenge to change my life. I participated in the 4 week booty camp and found it to be very motivating. I’ve never had a very good diet (Yep, I love me my refined sugar) and I think it’s time to change the diet, change the lifestyle!
I want to participate in this challenge so that I can get fit and have a more balanced life. I also think it’ll be a great way to improve my overall health and to gain the motivation I need to succeed, both in this challenge and in my life!
I am scared but I am ready for the next eight weeks. I’m going out tonight to get everything I need! Thanks Sammie for coming up with this and for bringing such a diverse group together!
Hi Sammie,
I’m so excited for this challenge! I just finished my 4th week of bootycamp and still have 4 more to go, so far the results have been awesome. I’ve been pretty good about my diet but I think doing this challenge will help me stay motivated to continue eating healthy (because I’ve slowly started to go astray) and making sure I do at home exercises, aside from bootcamp. I also want to do the challenge because, I think that it will help me get into a routine of regular exercise, it will act as a stepping stone for a healthier lifestyle. Since I was a teenager I’ve been yo-yoing with my weight. However, after the birth of my daughter who is now almost 3, i was able to lose all the baby weight I gained and have done a pretty good job managing my weight… but I tend to do the same exercise videos all the time and eat the exact same meals…so doing this will help mix things up! Another thing is… I exercise alone…so I found bootycamp is great because there are other ladies there to socialize with we keep each other motivated…I think the challenge will work the same there are alot of woman already signed up and I think we can be inspiration to each other! But the main reason for joining is I wanna win the prize! Hahaha! You’re a great role model for woman everywhere Sammie! Thanks for this opportunity and I look forward to reading everyone’s results and telling everyone about mine!
Kathleen
Hey Sammie,
Count me in! This is the challenge I’ve been waiting for!
My main reason for participating is to lose my pudgy mommy belly. I’ve had three kids in under four years, and while I didn’t gain a ton with each pregnancy, and was able to lose most of the weight between each pregnancy, I am really not happy with the way my body looks. I want more tone and definition, and if I can drop a size or two in the process, that would just be the icing on the cake.
Giving up alcohol won’t be a problem – I could count on one hand the number of drinks I’ve had in the past five years. Dairy shouldn’t be too much of a problem either, especially with all of the alternatives out there. What is going to be a problem is the sugar – I know that I am addicted – but giving it up for the duration of the challenge should hopefully help with that.
Thanks Sammie! I’m really looking forward to this, and to all of the hints and tips you’re going to give us along the way!
Sarah
I’ve never been “the fat girl” but I’ve been “the outta shape girl”. Not one significant even in my life led me down this road and I myself am the only one to blame. We live in a society that makes it too easy to be lazy, eat unhealthy AND make excuses for it all. Being fit and eating right takes work and the work is WELL worth it. I’ve recently become much more aware of what I am putting in my mouth and where it comes from. I want to eat better, feel better, look better and I know I can do it….I’ve already begun this journey but I have to step it up a notch.
I’ve always exercised…but then I’d drink a bottle of wine on a Friday night or eat a giant bag of candy while watching a movie. Really it wasn’t until I joined Booty Camp in September of 2009 that I really started eating better. Booty Camp has been my motivation and my security blanket and once it’s over at the end of May, I need to know that I can do this on my own….this contest is the greatest motivation for that!
WHY? Because I’m not getting any younger (helllloo 34), I have one body and one life and I need to make it count and I DO NOT want to follow in the unhealthy footsteps of some of my family members…and heck I want to look HOTTER!
SO, I say good bye to: DQ, Swedish berries, old fashioned glazed donuts, snickerdoodles, Greek yougart, cheese (oh how I love you), Mill Street Organic (oh how I love you more….okay, I’ll see you once a week)…
And I say HELLO to: bigger plates of salad, more fruits and veggies, stevia, Kashi GO LEAN crunch, black coffee, my dusty treadmill and my even dustier in line skates (yikes)….I CAN do this. But more importantly I WANT to do this.
I started with Booty Camp in February and was really excited and strict for that first 4 weeks. I was totally amazed and proud of myself for the progress that I made. I am now finished the first 4 weeks of this session and have unfortunately not been as good with my at home work outs or my eating (about 50% of the first month) Even so I have still managed to lose about 10 lbs so far. I think this challenge is the perfect way for me to re-commit to my goal. I have about another 10-15lbs to lose and would love to be bikini ready by the end of June!
Hi Sammie,
I am very interested in doing this challenge. I have just finished my first 4 weeks of boot camp and have 4 more to go. I have always been a bit overweight and have started to make changes in my life. A few years ago I started becoming more active. Yet, even with all the physical activity I do I still do not see a big change because of my eating habits. This challenge is just what I need to help me obtain my fitness goals and really help me improve my eating habits. Going without sugar is going to tough since I am addicted to anything sweet. Hopefully by eating clean for the next 8 weeks will help me improve my habits when it comes to food and help me reach my goals. Thanks Sammie for giving me that extra little push and motivation I need.
Hi Sammie.
I am currently taking Booty camp and it has been such a great motivation for me. I was always small however the last few years I have become about 50 pounds overweight. I have been using you as my inspiration to not only cgange my weight but change my lifestyle and my family’s.
I have created a vision board, it is hanging in my living room, I am walking briskly for over an hour every day and working out. I have changed my eating habits and am really enjoying the change. You dropped a bomb on me today when you said no dairy….hahaha but I am going to comply because I KNOW the end will justify the means. I might enjoy dome foods for a few minutes eating them….but I would much rather enjoy having that great body I have worked so hard for! I have been starting to find that self esteem and confidence I lost so long ago. It has been great and It can only get better.
I really enjoy your blog and really like to have you there everyday to supporting me! This is my entry into the contest. Good luck to all bootyfuls!
Hi Sammie,
I think this is a excellent program. Finished an eight week session in February and loved it. I am going to be turning fifty this November. I used to be in excellent shape, I’ve always tried to take good care of my health. Five years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to have it removed. I have two younger children nine and six and want to be able to keep up (somewhat) with them. Having said that, I think this challenge is a perfect opportunity to kick it up a notch and increase my energy levels and end my 49th year in the best shape ever.
What a great challenge! I’ve been wanting to get myself back into some sort of fitness routine for… well… for quite awhile now. This is just the kick in my bi behind that I need!
The past three years have been quite a rollercoaster having two children 1.5 years apart. The kids have kept me active, but I haven’t had much time to do the kind of activities (like running!) that I used to enjoy. I have just returned back to work after my second maternity leave and so many of my work clothes don’t fit or are tight. I actually am the same weight as I was pre-pregnancy, but my body shape has changed tremendously and I really want to lose the big “baby belly” I have accumulated.
I am a little anxious about the whole cutting out dairy part, I love cheese! But cheese isn’t doing too much for me and my behind lately, so I am going to give this challenge everything I’ve got. Why do I want to participate? I want to have energy for my kids, keep myself healthy, fit into my clothes again and look great in a bikini this summer! Ultimately, I think I am worth the effort and I know that joining a challenge with so many other strong women will keep me motivated!
I just wanted to comment on what a great contest this is!! Good luck to all the entrants – either way you’ll be a big winner!
I am in for the challenge!!! It seems I need a competition of some kind to get off my dimply butt!! I too gained 50 lbs with my daughter so is now almost 6 months old. Being fit for most of my life, I am not too impressed with the lazy woman I’ve become or the extra chub I have been toting around. I’m excited and pumped for this and I can’t wait for the results!!!
Hi..so I think I might be too excited..I posted on the wrong board not reading where I was writing.
I will paste it here!
So not sure if my previous questions counts as me saying I am in..but I am in!
I already made my lunch for tomorrow and am super excited to start the challenge. I have a couple of friends doing the challenge with me too (one is a guy) so that will be fantastic motivation/competition for us. Bonne chance
Susan
When you asked “who else is up to this challenge?” I knew I couldn’t resist.
I have never participated in Booty Boot Camp but am so excited to get started. I have always struggled with my weight to some extent and it began as early as age 11. I know that it all revolves around lifestyle and its a day to day balancing act. I’ve been following a high protein diet, less carbs and refined sugars for the past 6 weeks. I enjoy running but am finding that my work out is lacking resistance/strength training. I’m hoping that the boot camp sessions will provide with a kick start.
I can’t wait until tomorrow night-Booty Boot Camp here I come!!!
I’m skinny fat.
There, I said it.
I have always heard from people that I don’t have to worry about my weight, I can eat whatever I want, I don’t have to exercise. But it isn’t true.
Being thin with a few lbs of extra weight doesn’t sound like headline news. But it makes me feel weak and I think it is affecting my posture. I could turn those extra lbs into lean muscle and have such an amazing body…..but I don’t. I eat bagels with cream cheese and french fries with beer. I only exercise if it is a major commitment, like when I paid for 8 weeks of booty camp in January, or when a friend and I promised each other to do the Body for Life together back around 2004.
So, this is perfect. A major commitment.
I will be supplementing my calcium with caltrate because I see the effects of low intakes of calcium in my field of work.
I wish us all strength over these 8 weeks. We can do it ladies. It is a commitment to ourselves.
Good luck Sammie on your last 8 weeks!
I want to take the challenge Sammie!
Hi Sammie,
Thanks for offering this great contest. My Booty Camp starts this Tuesday in Waterloo. I’m joining your challenge because I’ve been 40ish pounds overweight for far too long. I changed my lifestyle about six months ago and my diet and exercise have me in the best shape I’ve been in a decade (I’m 23).
I’ve gone from an XL to an L and sometimes a M now in clothing! I’ve lost a number of inches, but I need to keep pushing myself to reach my goal. I want to be active and healthy so that I can play sports with friends, be an active mom to my kids someday (when I have them) and reach my goal of living to 100. I think staying healthy is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
I just moved into my new place today, but as soon as I find a measuring tape and my camera, I’ll email you my info. Please count me in!
Good luck, everyone!
I am in! Booty Camp has really helped change my full body! I have over the years faced various times of weight struggles – up and down and then all over again. I decided I wanted to make a change and knew that gyms were not the thing for me. Too much money wasted and very few visits! A friend mentioned booty camp and i did some reading and decided – why not? I love being outdoors, it looked like fun and I found a location that was convenient on the way from work. And so the journey began… WOW! it was tough but the results are here! It took lots of hard work and I need to keep working hard at it – but it has been worth it. I am close to my goal and thank booty camp alot for it so that is why I will join on this 8 week journey. Will bring some new challenges – and I’ll give it my best shot along with you! Good to luck to you – you’ll be GREAT!
Hi Sammie,
As soon as my Booty Boot Camp instructor forwarded me this link, I knew I wanted to do it! This will not be easy for me, it will take dedication and determination. I believe I can do this, and I believe I can do it right!
I have struggled with weight issues by whole adult life. I’ve noticed small changes here and there when I pay attention to working out, and when I eat properly. When I started to notice BIG changes is when I joined a Booty Boot Camp class. Not only have I noticed my clothes fitting differently, my strength has increased tremendously. I can get up much earlier in the morning to take my dog out for a walk and make a healthy balanced breakfast.
I want to compete in this challenge, not only for the amazing prize, but to push myself to my limits and set a goal and then feel the amazing sense of accomplishment for achieving that goal.
My entire adult life, I have always put school/work, socializing, family/friends ahead of my health, and have always told myself ‘I’ll start Monday’. That has STOPPED! I’m done with putting my health and strength at the bottom of the list. Booty Boot Camp and my instructor have helped me realize that your fitness level is extremely important; as well as a well rounded healthy lifestyle.
I’m done with not looking forward to buying new clothes, or not being able to buy certain things; I’m done with not looking forward to ‘shorts’ season; I’m done with being ashamed that I let my body get to this point; I’m done having a low energy level; I’m done not being able to wear certain shorts; I’m done with the whole ‘I’ll start Monday nonsense; I’m done with the spurlging on food and not spurlging on fitness; I’m done with dieting; I’M READY FOR A NEW LIFESTYLE THAT INCLUDES DAILY ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY EATING!
Thank you Sammie and Booty Boot Camp for helping realize that I’m done with my current way of life, and I’m ready for an improved, healthy lifestyle!!! Can’t wait to tackle this challenge (funny that it starts on a Monday LOL)
Emily
I decided this is exactly the challenge I need to jump start my health. Count us in … yes us. My boyfriend is so wonderful and supportive, he said he would cheer me on and do it with me. I want to feel better. Not only do I want to feel better about my health but also about myself. I want to be that confident woman I know I can be. Challenge excepted!
I have always been a very athletic person. You can usually catch me at the gym or outside for a run. While I find it easy to keep active, my diet over the years has been my biggest struggle. It has been a challenge for me to keep a consisitent eating pattern as well as to make healthy choices. Like everyone I go through my ups and downs. In the past, when i have gone through healthy periods, they have been short lived and always for external reasons. I wanted to take this 8 week challenge as a way to make a promise to myself to get healthy the proper way. I know I can take my body to the next level of fitness and health and I’m excited to accomplish this goal!
[...] I’ve completed my fourth week of Booty Camp, it’s time to step it up a little bit. So this 8-week challenge posed by Sammie Kennedy, the creator of Booty Camp Fitness couldn’t have come at a better [...]
You have been a true inspiration to me like all the other women. Thank you!
I have never been a very athletic person and I have come no where near to being fit. I have always had a problem with staying motivated but the last four weeks being a part of Booty Camp has really shown me a difference. I believe that if I can get through this challenge I would be showing myself that I can do this. That I can make the right decisions about eating right and staying healthy. My goal right now is to get fit and I truly believe that with all your inspiration and with the wonderful women at Booty Camp that my goal will be possible. I am soo excited to start this journey.
I wish you all the best in your competion and I am sure that you will rock their socks!
I just noticed that the challenge requirements say that you have to enter BEFORE May 3 – today! Oh no! I really want to do this along with Sammie for the next 8 weeks, and hope that I’m not too late.
I have quite a few reasons for joining, but the most obvious one is that I turn the big 3-0 on June 25th – yes, the day before Sammie’s competition. While I’m in pretty good shape, eat healthy foods and stay away from things like dairy, eggs and gluten due to a few intolerances and a sensitive tummy, I really wanted to see how much farther I could push myself. For my 30th birthday, I just didn’t want to be in pretty good shape, I wanted to see what I could really do. I want to welcome in my 30s with a bang – and that includes a flat tummy, toned arms and tight booty! It’s not just because I want to prove that getting older can mean getting better, it’s not just because I’m a tad nervous about hitting this milestone year and it’s not because I’m planning on going down south on vacation to celebrate and will be in an itty bitty bikini (well, let’s be honest, it’s all those things)…but it’s also because I want to usher in this new time in my life the right way.
Over the last few years, I’ve definitely become healthier. I NEVER used to exercise and my diet wasn’t clean (far from!), but it all changed when I started my current job. Being surrounded by people who took care of themselves, ate right and worked out rubbed off on me. Now I couldn’t imagine a different way of life. But I want to kick it up a notch and I want to bring that lifestyle along with me for a long time to come – maybe if I’m feeling better and healthier on my 30th birthday than I did on my 20th and 25th, I won’t want to stop? Well, that’s the theory! I want to be rockin’ on my 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond…this is my way of life and it’s not stopping!
I also have a training and certification and training for cardio kickboxing on June 5th…1 month away. So, I have to really get my body to a higher cardiovascular level…teacher can’t be struggling through the workout, right? Fitness has become such a passion…I know that I want to make it a part of my life for the future, and my love for Booty Camp since I started 4 weeks ago has only made that resolve stronger.
So, bring on my 30th, bring on Sammie’s competition and bring on Bootyfication!!! Here we go!
Hey ladies,
if some of you have a blog, please let me (us) know as it would be great to follow your journeys! I’m blogging my challenge at gcinabottle.blogspot.com. It’s a simple tale of my own (maybe-not-so-simple) experience of the Operation Bootyfication Challenge, but in case it would help or interest any of you…
Wish you all the best on your adventure!
G
Why I want to join and win this challenge: I’ve recently gotten married and both my husband and I are starting the children talk – only lightly right now but it is something we would likely experience. I’ve never had any major weight problems, but I do tend to fluctuate within 10lbs pretty quick and easily. After the wedding, where I weighed my regular weight of 130lb at 5’7 I strayed from being a fairly healthy and somewhat fit person to a complete lazy slob and I do tend to do this from time to time. I got up to 149lb by end of January, so essentially a 20lb gain in 4 motnhs time. It’s amazing how disgusting and gross I feel by going from someone who worked out twice a week and ate moderately well to someone who did not move and ate everything in sight. I mentioned my husband and I wanting children, well I am very concerned that if i do have children that my weight gain will become something much harder to deal with. I want to put forth the principles now in my life to be diligent with eating well and excersizing regularly – versus my half a&$ attempts I’ve done over the last 4 years. It’s been getting me by, but I’m getting older and I want a fit and healthy lifestyle going forward. Also, I’ve recently started running in actual races and my extra weight is putting strain on my knees – I want to run a half marathon by the end of the year and I think all these things/reasons have made this challenge so very appealing to me. I love all the aspects of this challenge – from the dietary part to the blogging – and i wintend on going full hog on this one.
Thanks for the oppurtunity – I eagerly look forward!
Hi Sammie – could you maybe help me out with what foods would contain ‘Refined Sugars’. Is it anything in a package? What about Brown Rice, and whole grain breads? And also, what about Natural Peanut Butter??
THANKS!!
http://mmd1977.blog.com/2010/05/03/hello-world/
Here’s my blog!
so i think i managed to get everything in on time. I hope so. I have managed to do the daily challenges since i first read the email on friday. I am and going to do this for me, myself and I.(With all three working, I will see results.)
I will work hard. I will do!!(not think of doing). I will enjoy doing what I am doing while I do it. Thanks for sending your challenge.
To Sammie and all of you other inspiring ladies doing the challenge. I teach the Booty Camp Fitness in Barrie and I will be joining right along with you in this fantastic challenge in order to support all of you and your amazing journey of fitness and health.
Now’s your time to shine!!
See ya in 8 weeks!
Hey Sammie- I’m in.
Check my blog later today, and I’ll tweet about it too.
xo
Here is my blog – first one ever, hope I am doing it right!
Try that again:
http://alyssabootyfication.blogspot.com/
I am totally down for the challenge with you and looking forward to it !!
Thanks and goodluck Sammie
I am looking forward to this challenge, count me in !!!
Good luck everyone !!
Ok — so I just read this email today and today is the deadline. I’v spent the last hour or so listening to your video challenge, reading through comments, and getting so pumped that “I can possibly do this!” going through my mind. I’m still at work and have a math test to create, a chapter test to make, besides plan tomorrow’s lessons, go home grab my stuff and go to bootcamp tonight == followed by a deep water class that I’ve been going to since January.
I’m at my heaviest I have ever been. I’m embarrased. I just returned from a Spring Break holiday and I can’t send any photos of me on or even near the beach without thinking I look like a beached whale. My face, shoulders, arms even my neck and back are not my picture of my perfect body. I used to hike, bike, dance, do martial arts and even run from time to time and now I can barely fit eating breakfast in my day. Don’t worry I don’t starve myself! I make up for that with eating crap I dont need!
I recently found Booty Camp on-line and have joined up with an exciting class — an it makes me feel awesome. I feel like I can do it!
The kicker was when one kid (in my grade five class)said to me “you have jiggly arms!” when I was animated and reading a story to them.
Kids are cute … and thank goodness they are honest!
Oh boy… it is time to make a change!
Thank you Sammy & and to my booty camp instructor Lisa who is helping me work on my arms tonight!
I’m in!
PS— the alcohol is going to be tough!
Great challenge, Sammie! I am definitely in. Looks like we both have something we’re working towards — I’m getting married in a little under five months, and it’s time to kick my fitness plan into high gear so I can rock The Dress like no one’s business. But apart from being able to look my best on my wedding day, I’m hoping to make some long-term changes that will help me feel my best every day after the wedding, too. The wedding is great motivation, but the long-term benefits are even more important to me. So… let’s do this thing!
I am starting my first booty camp class tonight so I am IN for this challenge! Thank you for including us in this challenge, its a great start for my motivation and some pretty easy steps to follow if you are committed!
Hi Sammie!
!! But I am more determined than ever now to reach my goal of losing 15 to 20 pounds and having the body I have dreamt of forever! Please count me in!!!
I’d like to start off by saying this is a great challenge!! It’s definitely a big motivation for anyone who would like to make a change for the better in their life style! I did go to booty camp for 3 months before I was motivated enough to tackle working out on my own. I could not have gotten as far as I have without booty camp (Brampton) I’ve never been big for my size but I still have some areas of my body that need work and toning! I am 5’7 and weigh 135 lbs. I am mostly into working out for the health benefits! A lot of people do not realize how much of an effect excerising has on our health and quality of our lives! I have been working out straight for a good 4 months now and out of 2 of those months, I have really been dedicated. I’ve lost 7 lbs in 2 months which may not seem like a lot but is, considering how often I cheat
Sammie…
You are an inspiration to a number of women, and I thank you for taking on the challenge of challenging all of us!
I want to join this challenge for a few different reasons. The biggest reason is to be more comfortable with who I am. I have always been ‘chunky’, even as a kid. I have had two children (the most recent was 9 months ago) and the stretched out tummy and extra weight that won’t go away has been a burden for me. I want to be the woman that has a husband that gets jealous when other guys look at her. I want to be able to wear a bathing suit without worrying what other people think when they see me. I want to have the energy and stamina to keep up with my kids (including helping my son practice for soccer…which is my sport!)
I have never had a honeymoon, and I told my husband that I don’t want to go on one until I can happily wear a bikini. My goal is to be able to finally do that by next year.
I am definitely with you on this challenge (although giving up the alcohol will be tricky). I am hoping to be a ‘sexy momma’ by the time Craven Country Valley Jamboree roles around at the end of July!
Lets get started!
Good Afternoon Sammie,
I wish you lots of luck for your up-coming competition. I am sure that some days you are tempted to throw in the towel. I know because I give up frequently on my journey to becoming who I want to be physically all the time and this is my life, not a competition!
I admire your stamina and your commitment to your fitness goal. To become someone with more stamina and commitment,I must demonstate these characteristics so today I begin this journey with you to show myself and others that I do have what it takes to stay the course to a healthier (and hotter) me.
See you at the finish line,
Lisa
I am SO in for this challenge, and so excited for all to come as part of it!
Thank you so much Sammie for putting this opportunity out there, and I wish you the best of luck with your personal goals and challenge!
This is exactly the push I needed to get moving and clean up my eating. I want to join this challenge for a number of reasons, but mainly I’m hoping that by putting in the extra effort to take care of and better myself physically I’ll be able to feel more confident, and comfortable with myself. Who doesn’t want to be stronger and healthier?
Refined sugar is definitely going to be hard to say good bye to, but I KNOW it’ll pay off! An overhaul of my eating habits has been long overdue…
Here’s to 8 weeks of awesomeness!!!
Hi Sammie,
I am very excited to join you in this journey! I actually started my journey 17 months ago. My goal is to be in the best shape ever before my 40th birthday…which is coming in July 2010. I am training 4-5 days per week cardio kickboxing, Karate, and weight training…I’m almost at the end. The timing for this challenge is perfect..it will give me just enough motivation to continue…thank you. Josée
Hi Sammie,
I was so glad to see the email that the challenge registration is extended since I missed yesterday’s deadline. Anyway, I want to join the challenge because after feeling overweight and un-athletic my entire life, I want to take responsibility for my health and get in shape. I want to show people that rather than being a fabulous young person and packing on the weight as we age, I can go from a chubby kid to a fit adult. It doesn’t hurt that I have the opportunity to demonstrate it this summer when I go back to my home-town for a reunion.
Sounds like an great challenge and just the motivation I need to get back into a great fitness routine. I start booty camp on Monday and I think this would be a great way to kick start the summer!
http://mizzbombshellsjourney.blogspot.com/
here is my blog! =)
Yup..Sign me up!
I think this will be the extra little push I need. So bring on the HUGE salads and say goodbye to the muffin top.
This is for me and will be a one year anniversary gift to my hubby.
Count me in!
Hi Sammy,
I’ve decided that this is the challenge I need to get myself over the edge. I’ve been working out with Booty Camp since last fall. While my strength and endurance have increased I need have not really focused on my eating habits and therefore have not seen a lot of visible changes.
I am pumped about this challenge and going to commit to it. My weakness will the dairy … cheese but I will survive. The results … fabulous by Canada Day! Yeah!
Cheers! Teresa
I think this challenge is a great idea. Bootycamp has brought me so far already – and I think this challenge will be the ‘kick in the pants’ I need to keep me going!
It’s great to have a group of ladies to share this with! Good luck everyone! Cheers to salad and a hot body just in time for summer!!
I’ve put together my first ever blog, just for this occasion, here it is…please be kind
http://dreamit-believeit-achieveit.blogspot.com/
Hi!!!
I have decided to make the commitment and join the “8 WEEK CHALLENGE”. My reason… I’m having a DeSTiNaTiOn WeDDiNg on September 2, 2010!!! Let the countdown begin!!! Good luck to everyone!!!!!!!!
Yay!!! This is great! Just what I need! Most of my friends tell em I am obsessed with working out and eating healthy etc etc. . . I was always chubby as a kid. I will admit that a lot of it comes from my family – I was always pressured to look good and never was good enough but it feels good now when people comment on my how much I have lost or I put on my grade 12 grad dress and see how big it is! In my first year of uni, I dropped 15-20 lbs from the stress and because I thought I was WonderWoman! I am not overweight by any means, I am a size 4-6, but I never see results! I do put a lot of pressure on myself to look good but I never feel that I am bikini worthy . . . those ripples and bumps in the wrong places just aren’t hot! I want to be HOT! HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!! Please Sammie help me to get that Bikini worthy body that I have always dreamed of!!!!!!!!!
PS – I will have to email my pics in the morning – my camera battery is dead
I have decided to participate in the challenge too!
I have joined the booty camp a month ago and I saw great improvements already. I did not change anything in my diet in that first month and I was thinking to start making healthier changes so this challenge arrives at the right moment for that. Other reasons why I am interested are: I like challenges, I want to improve myself, I am getting in better shape and would like to continue getting fit. A last reason I would like to share is that my mother passed away 6 months ago and I am trying to move on with my life and to get back to healthy habits.
Good luck everybody and we’ll see the results in 8 weeks!
Who is up for this challenge? *Points To Self* This girl…and here’s why.
I’m luckily a very petite girl – my mother and father are both small (under 5 foot 7)and as you can imagine so am I (5 foot 2). When I was in high school I never worried about what I ate and what I did. I was always very active – riding my bike sometimes 15-20km without noticing – and I ate like a black hole. My metabolism was fast, my body is small, everything was ok.
Then something happened. First it was the stress of university which packed on a few pounds but it was there that I discovered the gym and weight training and got it under control. Then post-grad…again I turned to fitness as my outlet telling myself I wanted to be a fitness model. Then it was my first job – working long hours. Again…found a balance. Then I lost my job and everything teetered over the edge.
When something like that happens something inside you dies. Your confidence goes out the window, suddenly you don’t know what’s up and what’s down, and you start doing…well…nothing. I stopped going to the gym. I stopped watching what I ate. And my world came tumbling down.
Eating right and going to the gym is what helps me keep a balance – it reduces my stress and helps me maintain an athletic body. Well I was laid off for 10 months and I just recently found a job and I promised myself that I would kick my ass to get back in shape. So this is it…I am pleading for you to kick my booty. I take direction well, I will suck it up and do whatever it is I need to do. I’ve tried getting back into a regime and something keeps stopping me. I think I need to be broken. So I’m asking you Sammie…
*gets down on one knee*
Will you kick my booty back in shape?
Day FIVE of being dairy free feels amazing. I thank you for letting me ride this wave with loads of other determined women.
My family has been taking baby steps in the last two years to really make changes in an effort to start eating clean and nutritionally dense.
This gradual process is giving us success.
This is like the cherry on top for me
I joined booty camp 2 years ago in Burlington and it gave me a real push in the right direction.
I hope to help pass on this torch of inspiration to many others. Enthusiasm, patience, understanding and education will help us all rip down obstacles to get where we want to be.
I thank you so much for this challenge.
Cafe latte- delicious – I probably drink more caffeine than I should – I bought the unsweetened soy- and the only instant I had at home was decaf so a bit of sugar ( oops i really used honey) and the wonderful cinnamon was an excellent treat on a beautiful windy sunny afternoon. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Sammie:
Thanks for offering this challenge. I start my 1st booty camp tonight and I definitely could use this challenge to jump start my decision to get fit/healthy.
I am 40, have a 3 1/2 yr old and 16 mth old and am the heaviest I have ever been at 174 lb (other than when I was pregnant). I love watching reality shows of women getting ready for competition and feel this is inspirational.
I returned to wk full-time, my husb works approx 60 hrs per wk, so I often feel like a single parent and then feel too tired and upset that I end up eating unhealthy, drinking a few glasses of wine and not working out!!!
My mom at 58 had a stroke a yr ago and my grandmother 94 is suffering dementia and living alone, so I’m trying to not only care for my kids but my mom and grandmother.
I want to take back control of my life and have the energy to enjoy my boys and help my family. I feel this is going to be a great challenge and we can feel a part of your experience in preparing for your competition.
I can’t wait to create my vision board and enjoy reading all the other stories.
I hope to win and get the opportunity to meet you!!!
Cheers,
Christine
[...] So what’s this challenge about? Read about it here : http://www.sammiekennedy.com/2010/04/29/challenge/. [...]
Hi All, My name is Sara Jade, and here is my story:
I have been overweight my entire life. In the past 2 years I have gained additional weight after having my son, Gideon. I have been trying to lose weight ever since he was born [way back in December of 2008!!] I have been very unsuccessful, which is frustrating. I have dreams of being very athletic and competing in a 1/2 marathon someday, but as it is right now, I can barely jog for more then 30 seconds at a time
I think this challenge will be great for me! I really would like to get pregnant again soon as well but I have a lot of weight to drop before that happens. I started a blog to keep track of everything I am eating: http://saraeats.blogspot.com/
Good luck everyone!!
[...] a lot more exercise, eating healthy is really where I’m faltering. I had really wanted to try Sammie’s “Challenge” that she put out to recruits, but I missed the [...]
Hi Sammie,
How was the competition? who won the challenge? Can’t wait to hear about the final results. Josée
Hope you are having/had a great trip! Missed the deadline for submitting the photos : (
good luck to everyone!