How do you find the time to workout?

When I talk about my Burn Boot Camp workouts, the most common questions I get are about how I find the time to get to the gym. I’ll admit with four kids and a full-time job as an administrator at an elementary school, it can be tough. There are some weeks where I can commit more days to working out than others, but the short answer is because I just feel better when I’m getting to the gym regularly.

Most of the time I like to get my workout done at 5:00 am before the day starts throwing things at me that might derail my workout time. Other days my afternoons are free of meetings and all of the boys’ activities and I can catch a late afternoon/early evening camp. Burn Boot Camp offers tons of times in between too. So whether you work at home and like to do a mid-morning workout or like to get out of the office for a noon camp, you have plenty of options. Burn Boot Camp Bentonville offers 10 camp times each week day and three times plus yoga on Saturdays.

I am more consistent with my workouts when I look at the week ahead and decide which days I will get it done. Burn headquarters releases the workouts for the upcoming week each Sunday. I look at my calendar and the types of workouts they are offering that week and decide on a plan.

I’ve learned that I feel better and have a lower stress level when I get to the gym regularly so I prioritize it. Having a gym like Burn that offers flexible camp times, no cancellation fees, and has the creativity to keep it interesting and fun makes it a lot easier to be consistent with workouts.

Check out Burn Boot Camp Bentonville, or a location near you, today!

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after four years as a proud member. 

Why Wait Until the New Year?

 Every year about this time, I start thinking about what goals I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. January always feels like good time to “get back on track.” The new year brings a renewed motivation and hope for things to come. As the year goes on, life happens. Often resolutions are set aside and goals seem harder to meet.
This year I’ve decided to commit to myself during the busy month of December instead of waiting for 2022 to roll around. I feel like if I can get into good habits now, when life is more hectic, I will be setting myself up to actually stick to my plans for the new year. I’m just really getting back to the gym after a long recovery from surgery. It’s been hard to be mentally focused when my body just hasn’t felt normal yet. I’m tempted to say, “I’ll get back at it next year” but there’s no better time than now.
If you are looking for a way to commit to your health and fitness and put yourself first for a change, I encourage you to do a free 7-day trial at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville this month. You can try out all the member benefits (like unlimited camps, free child watch, and focus meetings with a trainer) and see if it’s right for you. If you love it as much as I do, you can put a membership on your Christmas list this year!
You can check out Burn Boot Camp Bentonville’s social media pages to learn more about what the gym is like. You will see lots of celebrating members, encouraging advice from trainers, and a gym family that is obviously so fun to be a part of.
Make this a December to remember by getting an early start on your goals for the new year. Check out Burn Bentonville or a location near you today!

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after four years as a proud member. 

Celebrate BIG with Pinnacle Pop Up Cards

Birthday week is one of our family’s favorite times of the year. Three of our boys and my husband all have birthdays during the last week of July. Two of our boys even share the exact same birthday! I love birthdays so much, so by the end of the week I’m usually completely exhausted from trying to make sure all four of my guys feel extra special with little surprises here and there.  It’s always totally worth it to see how excited and loved they feel.

Every year I try to come up with new, fun ways to make birthday week exciting for the whole family. This year I found the coolest way to celebrate, and it was so easy! I contacted Pinnacle Pop Up Cards about doing a yard sign for the boys and it was a HUGE hit! We woke up on the day of the double birthday and the most perfect display was waiting in the front yard. The boys were over the moon excited to know that the whole neighborhood knew it was their special day. They couldn’t believe that they got a “giant birthday card.” My husband loved it too and we had a great time taking pictures of our four birthday boys with their special yard greeting.

Of course I have seen other people celebrate with yard signs, but I had no idea how much fun it would be. Hannah, the owner of Pinnacle Pop Up Cards, was amazing to work with. I have no idea how she picked out such perfect pieces to add to our display, but each of the boys were represented well by the decorations she put together.

Hannah has been in Northwest Arkansas for 10 years. During the pandemic she heard about yard display businesses and thought it would be a great way to express herself creatively but also safely during a pandemic. Her favorite part is being able to truly customize setups for clients to give them exactly what they want. Pinnacle Pop Up Cards can do birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, events, and whatever other special occasions you might have.

Pinnacle Pop Up Cards is an affordable option for anyone wanting a way to celebrate big without breaking the bank.  I loved the fact that I didn’t have to do a thing. Hannah came up with the great design, and set it all up. We enjoyed the display for a day and then she came back and took it all down. So easy for such a cool way to celebrate!

You can do any sort of personal message you’d like to order, and they just added an inflatable you can reserve as well. What a great way to add some extra fun to your celebration. No matter what you are celebrating you can be sure that Hannah will help you bring a little extra joy and a bunch of big smiles to the special day!

You can check Pinnacle Pop Up Cards on Facebook or Instagram or head over to their website at www.pinnaclepopupcardsnwa.com to get more information or book right now. Happy celebrating!

This is a sponsored post. My review reflects my honest opinion after using the service provided by this business. 

Join the Burn Boot Camp Family

You’re too thin. You’re too heavy. You haven’t run since high school. Trust me, I completely understand. Walking into a gym is intimidating for most of us. There are so many reasons that starting a new workout routine can be hard to commit to.

When I first considered starting Burn Boot Camp Bentonville I was more than a little nervous. I hadn’t worked out in years and the thought of anyone seeing how out of shape I was almost stopped me from walking through the doors. I worried I’d be the biggest or slowest person there. I had no idea how to lift weights properly, how to use any other equipment, or if I could even do one push-up.

I’m not really sure what I thought would happen. Maybe that people would look down on me for being overweight. Maybe that I would embarrass myself by not knowing how to do the movements correctly. Maybe that I would just plain fail and give up the idea all together.

Well, friends let me tell you…all of those worries were put to rest the very first time I stepped onto the floating floor at Burn. I can honestly say that in four years I have never felt anything but complete acceptance and support when I’m there. It really is a judgement-free zone.

The support I’ve received from the trainers and other members is remarkable.

Burn members are wonderfully diverse. We all have different goals. Some of us would like to lose weight. Some are hoping to gain some by adding more muscle. Some are hoping to increase overall fitness to help accomplish running goals or to manage health conditions. The best part is that even though our goals are unique, the guidance and support we get at Burn meets all of our needs. Every member has access to focus meetings to discuss diet and lifestyle factors, skilled trainers to guide them through the workouts, and a community of positive people cheering them along the way.

I can’t believe that my insecurities almost kept me from joining the Burn Bentonville family. I would have missed out on one of my favorite things. I look forward to going to Burn every time because I know what’s waiting for me there. I know I will be encouraged to push through even the most difficult workouts by smiles, high-fives, and a so much positivity.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and see if Burn is what you are looking for, head to burnbootcamp.com to try out Burn Bentonville free for 7 days, or to find a location near you.

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after four years as a proud member. 

Burn Boot Camp Bentonville Turns 4!

Burn Boot Camp Bentonville has been changing lives in Northwest Arkansas for four years. When you walk into the gym, one of the first things you will see is an entire wall devoted to sharing the transformation stories of people across the country who changed their lives with the support of the Burn Boot Camp community. Over 20 of the transformation stories you’ll see on the wall happened right here at the Bentonville location. It’s truly inspiring to read each unique story.

Ericka says, “I have lost 33 pounds, down 6 inches in my waist and down 9.5% in body fat. I now have definition in my body. I feel stronger, my clothes fit differently and I now have confidence in what I am able to do. Most importantly, I now feel that I can be a role model to my daughter and teach her how to become a confident, strong and healthy woman.”

So what is it that makes members of Burn Boot Camp decide to keep coming back week after week, month after month, year after year? I think the answer is that it’s different for every person. You can use the resources provided to you at Burn to reach the goals that matter to you.

Here’s what some fellow Burn Boot Camp Bentonville members had to say about what this gym community means to them:

What is your favorite thing about Burn?

“I love the friends I’ve made. The support they give on and off the floor. Getting messages when I’ve been absent to check on me.” Lisa, member 18 months

“I love everything about it. It’s changed my mindset and I feel healthier and happier.” Kate, member for 7 weeks

“I love the challenge of the workouts and I am amazed I remain focused doing virtual Burn workouts in our garage for the past 14 months.” Lynelle, member for 2 years

Celebration is a huge part of the community at Burn. Whether you are reaching a camp milestone, setting a new PR, or you have great focus meeting results, you are always recognized and celebrated by your gym family.

What are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing in your Burn journey so far?

“Most proud of continuing camp through my entire 2nd pregnancy! The encouragement and modifications made a huge difference for me, mentally and physically.” Christina, member for 2 years

“I am proud of my physical transformation during my time here, but most proud of my mental transformation. I came into Burn wanting to lose weight and now I don’t focus on the weight and my goal is to be strong and be a good example for my children.” Shelby, member for over 2 years

“For the first time in my 40 years of life, I have a mindset of being strong rather than skinny.” Alison, member for 2 years

If I’m being honest, when I first joined I wouldn’t have ever thought I would still be at Burn Bentonville four years later. Sticking with a gym routine never seemed like something I could do. I’ve had to be out of the gym a few times with injuries and surgeries over the years and I’m always amazed at how much I miss it every time. There’s something so exciting about being able to push your body and relieve your stress while surrounded by people who genuinely want you to reach your goals. Who knew that a gym could turn into your happy place?

Here’s to four years of the best gym in Northwest Arkansas, and to all the people who have put themselves first and worked hard toward their goals. If you are looking to make a change, stop by Burn Boot Camp Bentonville to check out the transformation stories on the wall and start imagining your picture up there next to all those amazing Burn members. You just never know who might be inspired by your story.

Visit burnbootcamp.com today to get started with a free 7-day trial!

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after three years as a proud member.

 

 

FAQ: Burn Boot Camp Bentonville

I’ve been sharing my love for everything about Burn Boot Camp for almost four years now. It has had a huge impact on my life and so many other members across the country. I’ve found when I mention Burn to others, everyone generally asks me the same few questions. Here are my personal responses to those most frequently asked questions based on the Bentonville, Arkansas location:

What times are the camps? Can I fit it in with my busy schedule? Camp times are offered at a variety of times Monday through Saturday. Each day begins with a 5:00 am express camp, then continues with camp times throughout the morning. You can also attend the noon camp, or get in on an afternoon camp starting at 4:30. On Saturday you can attend at 7, 8, or 9:00 am with yoga being offered at 10:00 am.

I haven’t worked out in years. Do I need to get in shape a little before I join? Burn is just right for all fitness levels! I hadn’t worked out consistently for several years before I headed to my first camp. I was so nervous, but quickly realized that the trainers always explain how to modify the exercises to meet your needs. I have never once felt judged for having to modify to make an exercise easier. The cool thing is that before you know it you might even be trying the trainer’s suggestions for how to make the exercises more challenging. Whether you are a beginner, or have been on your fitness journey for a long time, you can find a safe, supportive environment at Burn Boot Camp.

Is it expensive? I get it. Committing to a gym membership is a big decision. What I love about Burn is how inclusive it is of everything I need to accomplish my goals. First and foremost you get personal training in a group setting. Yes, really! The trainers are circulating the floor to correct improper form, to help you modify if needed, and to push you to your best workout. Burn also provides nutritional guidance through one-on-one focus meetings with the trainers. Childwatch is included in your membership as well. Those things alone are well worth the cost to me. My favorite bonus benefit of having a membership is being a part of such a supportive community of like-minded people. We are all on our own health and fitness journeys, but it truly feels like we are a team at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville. Everything from the way we cheer each other on in camp to the way everyone interacts in such an uplifting manner in the members-only Facebook group keeps me motivated to keep coming back week after week.

If you’ve been considering coming to Burn Boot Camp to try it out, now is the time. A new promotion just launched and you can get 4 weeks for only $69! This is the perfect way to start putting yourself first and prioritizing your health and fitness by adding Burn to your routine.

Sign-up HERE today! Let me know if you have any questions or need any other information before you get started.

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after three years as a proud member.

Burn Boot Camp: A Family Gym

In 2017 I decided I wanted to join a gym because I needed to start focusing on my health. I realized that if I was going to be able to be the best for my kids, I needed to put myself first. At the time I had three young children (our crew has now grown by one more) and thinking of arranging childcare so I could workout regularly seemed impossible. With two full-time working parents, lots of evening activities for the boys, and all the work that happens after bedtime to get ready for the next day I didn’t know how I could juggle anything else.

I visited several gyms to see what my options might be. Some had classes I was interested in, but no childcare was offered. Some had childcare but wanted a significant extra fee for the service. A couple gyms just didn’t seem to have a great set-up to provide a safe and structured environment that would give me peace of mind while I worked out.

That’s when I came across Burn Boot Camp Bentonville. Of course I loved the workouts, having a personal trainer in a group setting, and the flexibility of the class schedules, but if I’m being honest what made me join as a member was the way my children are cared for at Burn. I’ve never felt guilty or worried about them when I drop them off at the child watch room to focus on myself for 45 minutes a day. Not only are they safe and happy in the childwatch room, but they are truly made to feel like they are a part of the Burn family. It’s not just my gym, but our family’s gym.

My boys enjoying a holiday event for Burn members and their families.

There are always fun events for the kids to look forward to. Whether it’s a family Christmas celebration, the yearly anniversary party, or just a fun themed-craft to do for a holiday, the kids are always included in the gym community. Burn even offers kids camps occasionally so the little ones can get on the floating floor and show the grown-ups how strong and fast they are too.

The kids love to get on the floating floor and workout with the trainers too.

Four years later and my kids are still happy to hop in the car and head to “our” gym every single time. Childwatch is included in my membership fee each month. I can take one of my kids or all four and never pay an extra charge. Burn has done a great job with the children during Covid as well. They limit the number of kids who can be in the childwatch room and follow all safety and sanitization protocols.

Childwatch room at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville

All members of the family can truly find a home at Burn Boot Camp. On any given day you will find people working out alongside their husbands, daughters, and mothers. You’ll find newborns to pre-teens enjoying the childwatch room and being a part of their parent’s health journey.

The community at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville is full of people from all different stages of life. You certainly don’t have to be a parent to fall in love with Burn, but if you are you will find a place that you feel supported and understood as a busy Mom or Dad who is balancing family and fitness.

Visit burnbootcamp.com today to sign-up for a free 7-day trial at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville or another location near you.

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after three years as a proud member.

A Long Journey to a Full House

It wasn’t always like this. There was a time when four little boys didn’t fill our house with noise and laughter. There was a time when the silence was deafening, a time when the worry of never having children sat like a dark cloud overhead. There was a time when we had finally given life to a child, but couldn’t give him a sibling. Then came a time when three little miracles grew inside my womb together, but came far too soon and slipped away. There was a time when one was going to have to be ‘good enough’ because trying for more might not be safe. There was a time before two little brothers came along after years of seeing only one pink line on the stick while trying for each of them. A time before another woman gave birth to our last baby. Those times were grueling. They were filled with defeat, dread, and the kind of heartache that changes you. I turn away from the hurt and sadness we once knew, but it will always be a part of us.

In April of 2008 I looked into his eyes and I knew I had been right all along. I was put on this Earth to be a mommy. Our son, Josey, was a beautiful, healthy baby that had been carefully placed into our lives. My husband, Mike, and I married at 18 years old and although I had my ‘I need a baby’ moments, we waited to begin trying until almost 4 years later, after I graduated college and landed my first teaching job. Struggling for years to get pregnant caught us by surprise. By the grace of God and a little medical intervention, we welcomed our first son into our family.

Around the time of Josey’s first birthday, we decided we wanted to try for another baby. Our plan was always to have more than one child. Once again, my body just couldn’t do what I wanted most. The process was even more difficult and heartbreaking this time, but we finally found ourselves expecting once again.

In June of 2010, at eleven weeks pregnant, we had an appointment to have our first ultrasound to make sure the pregnancy was going well. When the doctor started the ultrasound, I instantly knew I saw more than one baby on the giant flat-screen. As I tried to speak, nothing came out. Finally, I said, “Is there more than one?” The doctor looked up and said, “Yes, It’s TRIPLETS.” I cannot describe the thoughts and feelings I was flooded with at that moment. My mind was racing. I reached for my husband’s hand and he just held on as we waited to see if we had three viable babies. We returned for another ultrasound a few weeks later. We saw three healthy and active babies safe inside. To say we were relieved was an understatement.

The very next day at 8:39 a.m., our second-born son, Johnny, was born at home. As I write this a decade later, it still doesn’t seem real. I woke up with some discomfort at 15 weeks along with our precious triplets. I called the doctor’s office and waited for a callback. I delivered Johnny at home about 30 minutes later. We were transported by ambulance to the hospital. I cannot describe the fear I felt as I rode in the ambulance, thinking I was losing all of my babies. In the ER, the doctor did an ultrasound and found two heartbeats safe inside. My cervix had suddenly dilated, causing me to lose Johnny. To this day, I do not know why that happened. Mike and I chose to hold our sweet little boy and I spent about 30 minutes with him in my arms. We are both so glad we chose to do that. He was tiny but beautifully made. Letting go of Johnny was the hardest thing I had ever had to do. Each day that followed was spent waiting for an ultrasound to see if the other two babies were still okay. I had to have a cerclage to ensure my cervix would not spontaneously open again. Unfortunately, the placenta never delivered with the baby. I was pumped full of antibiotics to prevent infection and placed on bed rest indefinitely. My grief was overwhelming, but I tried with all my heart to be strong for my two unborn babies.

16 days after delivering Johnny, I woke up cramping. I told myself all day the worst was not happening. At 1:30 the next morning, I accepted that it was. Mike drove me to the hospital, both of us begging God for it to be something else. My contractions were less than a minute apart for over two hours. It was the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life. My cervix had been sewn shut and was trying to open to let the babies come out. We were told the stitches had to be removed, but that doing so would most certainly cause us to lose both babies. About that time, Jaxsen decided he couldn’t wait, and he was born. Nothing could stop him, not even ‘unbreakable’ stitches. I was in and out of awareness for a while but still in extreme pain. I was moved to the operating room and our doctor came in to deliver the third baby and get my bleeding under control. The last thing I heard was, because the cervix ripped and they did not know the extent of the damage, I might have to have a complete hysterectomy. It was terrifying. Thankfully they were able to deliver our fourth-born son, Asher, and save my fertility. We were able to spend about an hour holding the babies after I recovered. They were perfect, sleeping angels.

Our biggest fear had become reality. I had developed a uterine infection that made it impossible for the babies to stay inside any longer. The infection moved into my blood system and caused me to become quite sick. We left the hospital 5 days later with nothing more than three little memory boxes. I did not know how I would continue to breathe except for the fact there was a little boy at home waiting for his mommy to return.

The emptiness that surrounded us after our loss was almost unbearable. I can’t put into words what it was like to picture and plan for a house full of children only to have that dream vanish entirely. Our house was supposed to be noisy, busy, and full of children’s laughter. Instead, we clung desperately to our then two-year-old and mourned the loss of a life we might never have.

Two years later, after medical treatments, surgical procedures, and more prayers than I thought possible, we welcomed our rainbow baby. When Gavin let out a big cry and was placed in my arms in 2012, I exhaled for what felt like the first time in nine months. My body hadn’t failed me that time, and we left the hospital with a healthy baby boy. Three years and four days later, we welcomed our second rainbow baby after enduring the same process once more. Parker Jack came into our lives and made us the proud parents of three boys in our arms and three in Heaven.

Flash forward to the spring of 2018. I turned 35 in March… an age I set for us to be done having children. Our oldest child turned 10 and it seemed like the baby stage of our life was naturally ending. I would be lying if I said I didn’t wonder if we were really done. I started imagining getting pregnant again. “Should we try just one more time? Is it too dangerous?” My medical condition makes each additional pregnancy a little riskier, and we have no way of knowing if I would be able to carry another baby successfully. I started praying for a sign. A clear answer. And boy did I get one.

In mid-April, the night before our oldest turned 10, I was informed of a birth-mother who was set on adoption and wanted her baby to go to a family with children. She was looking for an experienced couple who could give her child a life she never had. Someone who knew our hearts for adoption suggested we meet her. I thought of how, in the early days after our loss, we began talking about adoption. It was placed on both of our hearts and really never left our thoughts. Over the years, we had both mentioned it at times. We never had the chance to give our triplets the beautiful life they deserved. The thought of being able to do just that for a child in need of a forever family kept our hearts open to the idea.

Adoption doesn’t just happen though. People wait years and spend tens of thousands of dollars on agency adoptions to connect with a birth-mother. I just couldn’t imagine this would happen for us. We had not been planning or saving for adoption at all. Was it even possible to adopt with the impending due date only 12 weeks away? I had no idea where to begin, but somewhere deep down inside, I just couldn’t shake the idea. We talked through the financial side, the impact this would have on our boys, and all the details we could think of. We ultimately decided to take a huge leap of faith and see where the journey took us. Soon after that, we found out the baby’s due date was July 20th, the day we lost the first of our babies. I remember laughing as I thought, ‘Okay, God, I hear you loud and clear.’ This was the journey our family was meant to be on. If there is one thing that is for certain, it is our life together has never played out the way we have expected. We’ve been thrown so many curve balls while building our family, we know better than to assume we know what is around the corner. So we took a shaky step toward pursuing adoption. Then we took another. And another.

I always say our love for our children is so big because it has to reach all the way to Heaven. We knew we could give this child a life full of snuggles, kisses, silly jokes, big brothers with hearts the size of Texas, and a Mommy and Daddy who love with a fierceness not easily put into words. We could give this child the life his biological mom dreamed of for her baby.

Doors continued to open and in three weeks, we were sitting in front of an amazing young girl, who after an hour of talking with her, chose us to parent her child. The paperwork, doctor’s visits, home study preparations, home study visits, and planning kept us moving at a whirlwind pace. We found out the baby was a boy a few weeks before he arrived. We were so happy… and not surprised at all. Parenting boys is kind of our thing.

On July 25th, what we now lovingly refer to as our Double Rainbow Day, our seventh son was born on his big brother’s birthday. Six years to the day after welcoming our first rainbow baby, our family welcomed another reminder of the beauty that can come after a storm. When Mike and I met him, he was snuggled tightly in his birth mother’s arms. With a smile on her face, this sweet, young girl placed her baby in my trembling arms. I don’t know if words could ever do justice to that moment. My heart shattered and rejoiced at the same time. I wanted this baby so much. Mike and I had planned and prayed and loved this boy for only a few weeks, but he was ours in every sense of the word.

Eight days after his birth, we sat before a judge and vowed to love and care for Jensen always. A chapter in our family’s story that started a mere 12 weeks earlier drew to a close as we walked out of the judge’s chambers as the proud parents of seven boys. Three of our boys have brought love and joy to our lives over the last twelve years. Three of them changed the entire course of our lives when they went to Heaven. They constantly push us to be the best parents we can be. And one tiny little baby came into our lives when we least expected it and showed us the true meaning of sacrifice, hope, and family. We finally have the crazy, chaotic, beautiful, full life we have dreamed of for so long.

Lazer Lee Photography

When you see our family now, I hope you see the joy and beauty that came out of our battle. I hope you see how we made peace with the cards we were dealt, and how we made our own path. Most importantly I hope you see hope. After all, it’s the thing that got us to this place.

Become a Better Version of Yourself at Burn Boot Camp

Before committing to and sticking with an exercise plan I had so many excuses as to why I just couldn’t make it work. There’s never a dull moment with four kids and a full-time job, and I really didn’t know how I could add anything else to my schedule. I also hated the thought of missing out on any more time with the kids each day. Not to mention the cost of finding childcare while I worked out. As soon as I tried Burn Boot Camp Bentonville, I knew they really had answers for all the excuses I made for not working out regularly.

Burn Boot Camp Bentonville offers camp times starting at 5:00 am and running through 6:30pm. The 5:00 am is an express camp that lasts 30 minutes instead of the usual 45 minutes so you can still get in a great workout if you have to be at work at an early hour. They also offer morning camps on Saturday as well as one yoga session. This provides all the flexibility that I need to make sure my workouts fit in around whatever is on the agenda for the day. I like to plan what camp times I’ll attend at the beginning of the week, so I know which days I’ll go in before work, and which days the afternoon camps will work better.

Burn Boot Camp Bentonville also offers free child watch to all members. My boys absolutely love it! The child watch staff even goes above and beyond to make special crafts with the kids all the time. The coolest part is that my kids get to go to the gym with me so they can see me making fitness and health a priority. I hope that will help them set healthy habits they will continue as they grow up. The staff at Burn makes my kids feel like they are truly part of the gym family. Occasionally there are workouts scheduled for the kids and the trainers give them a chance to see what they’ve got on the floating floor. That’s always a highlight of being a Burn kid!

Another thing I love about Burn Boot Camp is that I can sign up for a focus meeting every few weeks to discuss my goals and progress. A trainer records my measurements and talks through my diet. We discuss what is going well and what I’m struggling with. Sometimes I haven’t made the progress I wanted to between focus meetings, but I always leave with clear goals that I feel like I can work toward. Focus meetings are the best way to stay motivated and accountable.

Probably the single greatest thing about Burn is that even after over three years of attending camps, I’ve never felt bored with the workouts. When they say that you never do the same workout twice it’s actually true. Every Sunday Burn headquarters releases the weekly workout protocol so you can see what the week will hold. An example of what you might see in a typical week includes leg day, metabolic conditioning, athletic conditioning, arm day, core conditioning, and a wide variety of other cardio and strength exercises. Each workout is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and help you to get a little bit stronger every time.

Of course with Covid requirements some things are a little different than usual at Burn. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the way the staff has worked to ensure the health and safety of all members. We each have a marked off area on the floor to make sure we are properly distanced during the workouts. Sanitizer wipes are provided to wipe down any equipment you use. Burn also regularly brings in a sanitization company to spray down all surfaces and equipment throughout the gym. For now, camps are scheduled on an app to maintain a safe amount of members in each camp. It’s easy to do and there are always plenty of camp times available to sign up for. When you arrive at the gym, your temperature is taken and you are asked the Covid screening questions required for gyms to be open at this time. The few adjustments that have been made haven’t impacted the intensity and challenging nature of the workouts one bit.

A glimpse at a typical pre-Covid workout. High energy and lots of motivation from fellow Burn members.

I’ve had setbacks here and there during my journey, and most recently I’ve been out for three months to recover from a shoulder injury. Every time I’m out of my routine at Burn Bentonville, I can’t wait to get back to it. I actually miss the workouts and the consistency I have at Burn. Why have I stayed committed to Burn Boot Camp Bentonville for over three years? I really believe that it is because the mentality at Burn is so different than a lot of gyms. I feel like the owner and the trainers take a personal interest in my health and happiness. They take the time to know what is going on with me both at the gym and in the rest of my life.

Ultimately I know what I need to do. I know what works for me and for all kinds of women and men across the country who share my love for Burn Boot Camp. I need to set my goals, get refocused on my why, plan for consistent workouts, and utilize all the tools that Burn provides for me. I can’t wait to start seeing progress again and seeing what all I can accomplish in the next phase of my journey at Burn Boot Camp. The best part is that you can join me! If you want to truly feel supported on a journey to a happier, healthier you then reach out to Burn Bentonville today and ask about a free trial. You can try it with no obligation and find out why it might be just the thing you are looking for.

If you don’t live near the Bentonville, Arkansas location head over to https://burnbootcamp.com/ to browse the list of nearly 300 locations across the country.

This is a sponsored post, but reflects my honest feelings about Burn Boot Camp after three years as a proud member.

Local Business Feature: Northwest Nutrition & Energy

It’s no secret that small businesses have been through it over the last several months. The pandemic hit them hard and they still need our support to bounce back from some challenging times. I’m so happy to share that even in these tough times, Northwest Arkansas is home to an exciting new business!

The sweet owners of Northwest Nutrition & Energy reached out to me and I was thrilled to hear what that have to offer to the community. I stopped in to their location at Village on the Creeks in Rogers, and had a great experience. The atmosphere was so inviting, the owners were so kind and friendly, and the variety of nutritional drinks was awesome. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to order, so they took the time to explain the options and helped me find just the right thing for me.

They have drinks you’ll love whether you are looking for a meal replacement full of protein or a delicious tea with some energy to get you through a long day. When I asked them what they loved most about their business, Jarrett and Kayle Scott said “We call our business a Nutrition Club! We take pride in our inviting atmosphere, encouraging wellness coaching, and great product. When you come into our nutrition club you can expect to leave happier and healthier!” The Scotts actually started out as customers and loved it so much they decided to get into the nutrition business and chase their own dream.

Another special thing about Northwest Nutrition & Energy is that they love giving back to the community. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for special deals each week. My favorite happens to be Teacher Tuesday, when all my fellow teachers out there can enjoy a great discount. Right now you can even place and order for delivery! See their social media pages for details.

If you are looking to get focused on your nutrition, love to try new healthy options, or just enjoy supporting small businesses then swing by Northwest Nutrition & Energy to meet Jarrett and Kayle and grab a delicious, healthy treat!