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. 

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.

 

 

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.

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!

I Got More than “In Shape” at Burn Boot Camp

18 months ago I woke up at 4:15am and drove to a new gym for it’s opening day. I was so nervous as I pulled into the parking lot. I had been jogging a couple days a week off and on for a few years, but it had been years since I attempted to really workout.

My, at the time nine, four, and one-year-old boys kept my life running at a frantic pace. Combine that with teaching full-time, and I couldn’t see how I could add anything else to my schedule. My husband and I were lucky to throw something together for dinner and not give in to eating out. We weren’t taking time to prepare meals in advance to help us make healthier choices. One day my husband decided to make some big changes in his diet and began exercising. It got me thinking that I really needed to do the same.

I can actually remember exactly the moment I knew I needed to make a change in my lifestyle. For our fifteenth anniversary, my husband and I took our first big vacation together and traveled to Costa Rica. We had the opportunity to repel down a beautiful 135 ft. waterfall. It was probably the most exciting and terrifying thing I had ever done. I got to the bottom of the waterfall and the man holding the rope pointed to a steep rock wall that I needed to climb to get back on the path. I made several attempts, but struggled to pull myself up enough to even begin climbing. There I was at the bottom of a waterfall looking up at my husband and friends who had climbed the wall easily and I was defeated.

I was overweight, out of breath, and had barely any upper body strength. Four pregnancies, including carrying and ultimately losing triplets that were born too soon, wreaked havoc on my body and my confidence in my body’s ability. I hadn’t taken care of myself and now I was paying for it. Somehow I managed to struggle my way to the top. In that moment, I promised myself that I was going to make some changes. I wanted to be stronger, healthier, and I wanted to become a better example for my sons. I wanted them to see both of their parents taking care of themselves and making healthy choices.

A week later, I hesitantly walked into that 5:00 am class at Burn Boot Camp Bentonville and I haven’t looked back once. Now I rearrange my schedule, wake up super early a few times a week, and often rush out of work to grab the kids and head to the gym. I’m not any less busy than I was before (I even have four boys now because we recently adopted a beautiful baby boy!) but I make gym time a priority. For me, Burn Boot Camp is the right fit. It offers everything that a busy woman needs in a gym. I have lost weight and inches, gained so much strength, and accomplished goals I never thought I would, but Burn Boot Camp gives me so much more.

I’m comfortable at my gym. There is no certain type of women that work out at Burn Boot Camp. In the middle of a workout, I look around and easily spot women from all walks of life and all fitness levels. I’ve never once felt out of place or like anyone is judging me. When I started, I couldn’t do one single push-up on my toes and had to step out every single burpee. Of course I felt embarrassed, but the trainers were kind and always explained how to modify each move so that everyone in the room was getting their best workout. Before long, I began taking risks and trying to do the full moves without modifying down. The physical strength I have gained in the last year and a half amazes me, but the fact that I have felt comfortable to stay at this gym means everything.

Surprisingly enough, I actually look forward to working out everyday. The workout has never been the same twice. Each week new workout protocols are released at Burn Boot Camp locations across the country. They are always unique and challenging. I get excited each Sunday when I see the workout posted for the upcoming week. For me, this has greatly reduced my feelings of burnout or boredom with my workouts. I actually get super disappointed when I have to miss a day at the gym because I don’t want to miss out on any “good” days. Each week targets all the major muscle groups. In a week at Burn, you could experience leg day, arm day, athletic conditioning, plyometrics, metabolic conditioning, and other great, targeted workouts.

Another thing I love about Burn Boot Camp is that I can sign up for a focus meeting every few weeks, or as often as I’d like, and 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. I haven’t always had great numbers, or lost a lot of weight when I meet with the trainers, but I always leave with clear goals that I feel like I can work toward.

Before and After a year at Burn Boot Camp.

As a mom with four kids, making time to work out can be a challenge. I can’t focus on my workout unless I know my kids are being well taken care of. Burn Boot Camp provides free childcare to each member. I can drop my kids off in the childcare room for the forty-five minute workout and not worry if they are safe and happy. They look forward to going to the gym as much as I do. They get to meet new friends and make crafts. The fact that childcare is included in my membership price makes it a great value for my money.

Probably the most important thing that Burn has given me is a truly supportive gym family. I was so hesitant to walk through the doors that first day, but I am so glad I did. I now have a support system of people who aren’t just “gym friends.” There are other moms who just get it. We can talk about the struggles of parenthood, and hold each other accountable for getting to the gym. We remind each other that putting ourselves first is important. There are so many women, whether moms or not, that encourage each other every day with high fives during camp, or words of motivation in the gym Facebook group.

My journey at Burn Boot Camp isn’t always perfect. There are weeks that my schedule is packed and I can’t make it to the gym every day. I have fallen off the wagon with my diet more than once. What I love about Burn is that I can always get right back on track. All it takes is going in and crushing a few camps, and I’m motivated and refocused on my goals. There is always a fun event coming up, or new goals to work toward.

I am not the person I was 18 months ago. I’m stronger, faster, and less stressed. The thing I’m most proud of is that I’m putting myself first. I’m a better mom, wife, and friend when I’m happy and healthy. If you are at a low point and are looking for a way to focus on your fitness, I encourage you to come try a free trial membership (zero strings attached!) at Burn Boot Camp soon. You don’t have anything to lose by trying it out, but you just might gain a lot more than you’d expect. I know I have.

Become a Ninja Warrior at Flip Side Ninja Park

With three children under the age of 10, I am always looking for new ways to keep them entertained. When it’s too cold, too hot, or too wet to be outside a good indoor activity is a must. Unfortunately, fun, indoor activities are often hard to come by. After a few trips to indoor trampoline parks and restaurant playgrounds, I’m often left looking for something new to change it up a bit.

Enter Flip Side Ninja Park.

That’s right, a ninja park! If you are familiar with the show American Ninja Warrior, I bet things like balance beams and warped walls are coming to your mind right now. My kids love this show, and always end up wishing they could have a chance to run a ninja obstacle course themselves.

Now they can do exactly that right here in Northwest Arkansas. Flip Side Ninja Park recently opened it’s doors in Lowell, and already has people raving about all it has to offer.

My kids had the awesome opportunity to visit the gym a few days ago. They attended an intro session and haven’t stopped talking about it since. I loved that the coaches were very attentive and carefully explained each obstacle to the students. Every child was encouraged to participate at the level that was appropriate and safe for them. Intro sessions are offered each week so you can try the gym with no commitment to see if it’s a good fit for your family.

Junior ninja classes are also available for children 5-15 years old and run for 12 weeks each session. These classes are appropriate for beginners to obstacle course masters. Every 4th week of the program, ninjas will perform stage challenges and be awarded for completion. This program includes one class per week, a t-shirt, a Flip Side sticker, and an awesome video of their final timed-trial run on week 12.

I was able to speak to another Mom at the gym, and she raved about how much her daughter has been loving the ninja classes. She said that the classes are great for boys and girls. Her daughter always feels challenged to do her best and doesn’t ever feel like she’s being compared to the boys or to people with other fitness levels.

One of the coolest things about Flip Side Ninja Park is that they also offer Birthday Parties! You can invite up to 15 people and the staff takes care of all the details. They even decorate and clean up! Certified ninja coaches guide the party attendees through the course for one hour. Then you get 30 minutes for presents and cake. All you need to bring is food and refreshments. Did I mention that adults can book a party too? That’s right, there are no age limitations to booking a party at Flip Side.

Speaking of adults…did you know that you can take classes at the gym too? They offer Adult classes as well as Aerial Yoga. If you are looking for a new, exciting way to stay fit, you might consider the Adult Ninja Fit course. It focuses on building strength and endurance all while enjoying the exciting obstacles. An adult ninja open gym session is also offered for those who feel they are ready to tackle the obstacles on their own.

Aerial Yoga is offered each week and is also for participants of all fitness levels. You’ll get a chance to hang from the aerial hammocks while focusing on stretching and strength. The classes have been extremely popular and fill up quickly, so grab your spot asap!

Whether you are wanting to change up your fitness routine, would like to try out aerial yoga, or have little ninja warriors that would love to try out some obstacles, Flip Side Ninja Park is what you’ve been looking for. With the nicest owners and coaches around, you will feel comfortable giving it a try. You can visit Flip Side Ninja Park’s website for all the details and to register for a class or book a birthday party.

Disclaimer: My children did receive free admission to the gym before I wrote this piece.