10/19/2021
𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙎𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙏𝙐𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔
Let’s hear it for Courtney O!!! I’m so glad you are a part of the CG GDUB Tribe! You are one of the most positive and welcoming campers whether it’s an early morning or PM workout! Your dedication shows through your versatility in how you carve out time for your workouts (AM/PM/Saturday Camp!)!!! Keep up the excellent work Court! 🔥 Great read! Love the “Life Application” of becoming stronger and not needing help lifting heavy things!!
Here are a few words regarding her journey:
1. What has made CG so different from any other fitness program you have tried?
The community aspect—while also getting the benefit of in-person & individualized training, is what has made CG different from other fitness programs that I’ve done before. I have always done workouts on my own, either on dvd or at the gym, and thought that I preferred it that way over a training + group format. I have discovered that I love being able to just show up to each workout and not have to think about what exercises I’ll be doing beforehand, and be told what to do. It’s motivating having community and Brenda definitely pushes me past my own limits and where I’d stop on my own. In summary, I like that the workouts are preformed with the benefit of having both a trainer and group motivation + accountability! I have truly found personal gain from the CG motto and my personal experience of “Better together!” It’s been so fun getting to working out with Brenda & my GDUB buddies.
2. What was the most challenging part when you started and looking back now what would you say to yourself about it then?
The “Camp Gladiator” name intimidated me to be honest! I didn’t want to be doing anything too crazy or aggressive, or be slamming down on my joints like I did in high school sports and college running. I had a weak and injury-prone ankle that I’d repeatedly injured, while also being regretfully out of shape at the time I started—so I was anxious that I’d re-injure myself and be further away from my fitness goals. If I could go back to the beginning and tell myself anything—I would tell myself to be patient, optimistic, and that there’s never any shame in modifying any of the exercises (your body, your goals) and that before you know it—IT GETS BETTER AND YOU GET BETTER, TOO!! I have gotten much stronger and quicker than I could have imagined back when I first started CG in January 2020, and have gratefully been able to run again, injury-free! 🤞🏼🙌🏼 I credit this to all the strengthening, mobility and flexibility improvements that I’ve been able to make at camp with Brenda!
3. Biggest goal reached? Upcoming goal?
My biggest goal when I started was to build muscle and get back into shape—and the STRETCH GOAL that seemed really far from reach for me, if it was even possible, was to be able to enjoy running again, injury-free (as I already mentioned) and I’m grateful to have achieved it! I feel privileged to get to do the things I enjoy activity-wise, inside of camp and out of it now. Life application—my husband noticed I don’t ask for his help with lifting things much anymore as he observes me lifting furniture and other heavy things around the house. 😂 My upcoming goal is to hit my 200th Camp Gladiator workout here in a few weeks (6 away!! 🙌🏼) 194 hours of focusing on myself feels really good.
CG has been life-changing for my mental and physical health, and I could add social health in there, too! As an added benefit, I am a more patient (and happier) mom when I exercise before my kids see me in the mornings. Those endorphin benefits cannot be overstated here. Shoutout to my friend, Courtney H—who got me brave enough to try it to begin with and get going to that first cold January camp!
4. Advice to anyone who is currently where you were at the beginning of your journey with CG?
My advice to anyone just starting CG is to not give up on yourself or to be afraid to try, and just go for it! Find what works for you and do that because the best exercise is always the one you do, right?! CG has been that one for me, and I have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Practically speaking, define your personal fitness goal(s), when you’ll attend camps in the week, make a plan to go & then go! Stay committed & trust the process. It takes time and consistency building this new habit. If your workout routine gets interrupted or you fall of wagon (it happens!), be patient with yourself, and then just get back up & back on track as soon as you can. No shame! The more consistently that you make it to camp, the easier and more mindless this habit becomes inside of your weekly routine. Then, as you are putting in that work of showing up consistently, the days and the weeks add together, and before you know it—you are achieving those goals that you set out for when you first began! This truly the most rewarding part of it for me! Seeing those goals realized 👏🏼 Celebrate & feel proud!
Last, don’t get discouraged by your starting place, how far you may have to go to reach your goal(s) or compare yourself to anyone else’s fitness level at camp (Be inspired and motivated) but stay positive with yourself and remember that everyone has their own starting place and their own personal fitness journey! Focus on you, what you want to get out of camp, and then consistently show up for yourself. Be patient with your progress and proud of your many efforts as you chase down those goals! You’ve got this!
Do something today that your future self thanks you for! Need direction, accountability??
