Taira Kochar 

A hardworking Babe




How has Boot Camp Babes impacted your life?

For the first time in my life I am more focused on getting in shape rather than simply trying to shed pounds. I am inspired by the number of women in boot camp that are incredibly fit. 

What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and/or emotionally?

Physically, I have lost inches and I can see my body change. Emotionally, I am a lot happier. Instead of worrying merely about how much weight I have to lose I am now focusing on leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

How did you find out about Boot Camp Babes?

I found out about Boot Camp Babes through my friend Breanna Bullock. She is in incredible shape and has encouraged me to not give up. I have never been an athlete. I have never pushed myself as hard as I have at Boot Camp. 

Outside of Camp, what do you do? Do you work, are you a mom, volunteer, hobbies etc.

I am currently a stay-at-home mom to our 8-month-old son. I used to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital working on clinical trials for Multiple Sclerosis patients. I loved my job and I hope to go back when our son starts school. Otherwise, I love to cook… and of course to eat J.  I also love to read, but little time to do so.

If you have any children how many and if you are married or involved with someone special, how long?

I have been married for almost seven years. My husband and I moved to Arizona right after we got married. We have a baby boy, Zev, who is 8 months old. We are head over heels about him.  He has brought untold joy into our lives.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Orange County, California. 

What is your favorite exercise at camp?

;-) Ha…well I can tell you it’s not running with 5 pound weights in my hands!  I guess my favorite exercise is doing push-ups. I couldn’t even do one when I started boot camp!

Do you have a motto that you live by?

"Do unto others what you would have done to you."

Tell us something fun and/or insightful about you that others wouldn't already know.

I have a twin sister to whom I am older by 4 minutes. 

Anything else you would like to add?

Christy is an awesome instructor. She kicks my butt in every class!
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Boot Camp has changed (for the better) how I feel about myself and added a great dimension of hope to my life. 

What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and/or emotionally?

For the past few years I have been saying I wanted to be “Fit by 40”.  Having baby four kind of put that on hold a little, plus I had procrastinated enough that Boot Camp was really in order to make any changes by 40 (I gave myself two months LOL).  But remarkably, due to the cleverness of the program (thanks, Andrea!) and the tenacity of the trainers, much happened for me in those first few months.  I went from hating exercise to being very excited and anxious to go exercise at Boot Camp.

I truly feel strong.  I am amazed at how great it feels!  I love looking ahead to the future and what it holds for me physically and emotionally.

How did you find out about Boot Camp Babes?

While attending a school fair I saw a Boot Camp Babes booth and walked right over to it.  The three Boot Camp Babes (including Heather and Carmen) at the booth were so kind to me.  I looked at “before and after” pictures and asked questions.  I remember one question I asked was “Do I have to be able to do choreography?” and they all said emphatically, “No!” and laughed.  I felt that they were very sincere in their camaraderie with each other and with me and I could imagine myself getting much needed support from them in my exercise.  I signed up that afternoon.

Outside of Camp, what do you do? Do you work, are you a mom, volunteer, hobbies etc.

I am a stay-at-home mom and also a part-time curriculum editor and consultant.  My greatest work effort has been with an international non-profit organization called iKeepSafe.org.  We teach internet safety and ethics to children and parents.  My other client this year was the PBS show Signing Time. 

I work in the nursery at church.  My hobbies are gardening, knitting, reading, and crafting.  Sadly, I also bake!

If you have any children how many and if you are married or involved 
with someone special, how long?

I feel fortunate to have a happy, healthy family consisting of my husband Paul and our four children:  Liesl (9), Graham (8), Miles (6), and Julia (almost 2).  We feel so much love for each other and we love seeing the friendships blossom between our children and work to create happy memories for them.  We are also vitally aware of the thought that “the sign of successful parenting is not how the child turns out but how the parents turn out.”  Attending Boot Camp is part of my parenting and an important part of making me the healthiest person I can be.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up here in the Valley, in the north section of Mesa called Lehi.  Lehi is essentially the part of Mesa north of the hill or “mesa” but south of the Salt River Indian Reservation.  I loved growing up where there were horses and ditches and citrus groves and big trees. 

What is your favorite exercise at camp? ;-)
My favorite exercise is the warm up before circuits and any workout for abs.

 
Do you work out outside of camp? If so, what do you do?

Um, I do not work out outside of camp!  Sorry to admit that, but for the first few months after workouts I was so exhausted I could hardly do anything! 

I will say that Andrea encouraged me to do the London’s Run 10K in January.  I worried that I should do the 2 Mile instead, but as one teammate said, “You are probably in better shape than you think” (after three months of Boot Camp, that is) so I stuck with the 10K.  The exact distance for this particular 10K was believed to be a little short, as the measurements were slightly off, but imagine my surprise when I finished strong in 61 minutes!  The first few miles I kept saying one of Andrea’s mottos: “You can do anything for an hour” over and over again.  Pretty soon I didn’t need to say it anymore.  I felt so good at the end that I started crying at the finish line.  I WILL be signing up for more races!! 

Do you have a motto that you live by?

One of my favorite sayings is “Work is more fun than fun.”  I am trying to teach my kids to consider working a privilege.  I love that the kids are seeing me enjoy exercise now.  Boot Camp is where one of my sons proudly says I am “getting the fat off.”

Tell us something fun and/or insightful about you that others wouldn't 
already know.

Something that would probably never come up at workouts is that I am an accomplished musician on the piano and violin.  I also sing and play the organ.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to my trainers Andrea, Michelle, and Nicole,  Heather and all Boot Camp Babes for your help and support!
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Mrs. January

Meet Jo Shurman
Our "new" athlete

How has Boot Camp impacted your life?

I have never considered myself athletic, or an exerciser.  I hated sweating (funny since I live in Arizona)!  Since joining Boot Camp, I don't consider any day a good day unless I have had a sweaty work out.  Though I knew that I should exercise, it was always last on my priority list and never happened.  Now, I exercise 4-5 days of week for an hour each day, two of them at Boot Camp.  Exercise is a top priority for me.   

What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and/or emotionally?

Besides losing weight, which was my motivation to join, I am stronger.  One of the best compliments that I received was that I looked skinny and STRONG.  Physically, my body is changing.  Not only can I fit in my "skinny" jeans, they are a bit loose!  I am proud of my level of endurance and how hard I can push myself.  Now I set exercise goals for myself to continue growing.  For example, right now I am trying to run a 6.5 mile route in under an hour.  I can do it in 1 hour and 20 minutes right now.  I also love that I don't have "flag arms." The areas above my elbow are much more defined and don't swing in the breeze. 

How did you find out about Boot Camp Babes?

My friend, Beth, had joined. She was telling me all about it and since I wanted to lose 10 pounds by my birthday, I went as her guest.  Going to the first camp, I was scared.  I was terrified of not being able to do the exercises and of being last in everything--like the nerd in high school gym class.  After camp, I was so proud of myself.  I completed all the activities and I didn't feel so incredibly discrepant from the other babes.  I did more than I ever believed that I could.  That level of excitement about camp and my abilities has never diminished.  I still can't wait to go to Boot Camp!

Outside of Camp, what do you do? Do you work, are you a mom, volunteer, hobbies etc.

So proud to say, that I am a teacher.  Currently, I am working at the district level helping other teachers. Outside of my job, I have two incredible kids.  Cameron, 9, plays soccer and piano.  He is also a Bear Scout, and since I am the Den Leader, that takes up a lot of my free time.  My daughter, Paige, is 5.  She plays soccer and is in gymnastics.  Reading, scrapbooking and crossword puzzles are activities that I do for me.  On the weekends and during school breaks, the kids will ride their bikes with me while I run.  I'm proud that I am teaching my kids the importance of incorporating exercise in their life.  

If you have any children how many and if you are married or involved with someone special, how long?

My husband, Brian, and I have been married for almost 18 years.  Incredibly, he is my high school sweetheart.  We are two halves of a whole.  I can't imagine my life without him. 

Where did you grow up?

Though I was born in Indiana, my elementary years were spent in Wyoming.  I returned to Indiana for high school.     

What is your favorite exercise at camp? ;-) Still can't say that I love burpees :-).  What I do love though, is the free weight exercises.  Core is also one of my favorites because it means camp is almost over and I can stare at the stars while I feel the burn. 

Do you work out outside of camp? If so, what do you do?

I run 2-3 other days per week for an hour each time.  When I get bored with just running, I will stop at the park and do sprints or fast feet like we do at camp or even suicides. I'm sure I look like quite the dork all by myself, but I feel good!

Do you have a motto that you live by?

As Christopher Robin said to Pooh, "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Tell us something fun and/or insightful about you that others wouldn't already know.

My brother, who is 10 years younger than me, was always the athletic one in my family.  He could do any sport and do it well.  I was always the reader.  Just recently, he came to visit me and went running with me.  He could not keep up and needed to have several breaks for a one mile run.  I was barely winded.  Totally a moment that made me smile!

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Mrs. March

Mrs. December

How has Boot Camp Babes impacted your life?
I was never an athlete growing up but always wanted to be.  I now, at age 32, am starting to consider myself athletic.  I love telling my kids and hubby about what I did that day at camp.  I still have goals I want to accomplish, but I love how strong and confident I feel.  I have worked out on and off over the years, but was never committed to it.  With Boot Camp I am sad if I have to miss and can’t wait to the next class!

What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and/or emotionally?

Physically, I have always hated my arms and would NEVER wear sleeveless tops.  Just recently I started to notice that my arms aren’t as flabby as they use to be.  Granted, they aren’t where I want them :), but I have dared to put on some tanks lately!

I think the biggest changes in my life have occurred emotionally, however.  I struggle with anxiety disorder and since attending Camp I have improved significantly.  I have a place to work out my “issues” 

How did you find out about Boot Camp Babes?

My son and one of the trainer’s daughter played on the same Little League team and she was telling me about Boot Camp. I looked it up online and decided to give it a try.

I was pretty well hooked after the first class!

Outside of Camp, what do you do? Do you work, are you a mom, volunteer, hobbies etc.

I am a stay-at-home mom and wife.  I do a little work for our family business.  I love photography, reading and spending time with family and friends.  I also love attending my kids sports events...and really any sporting events.

Tell us about your family

I have been married to, Michael, for just over 11 years.  He, along with our three children, Madison (almost 9), Micah (7) and Makay (18 months), are the greatest joys of my life!

Where did you grow up?

My dad was in the Air Force, so I grew up all over.  I have lived in AZ longer than I have anywhere (10 years), so I consider this home.  I absolutely love it here!

What is your favorite exercise at camp?
I have discovered a love for sprints and laps around the Grove's building :), which is funny to me because I couldn’t have imagined myself enjoying running 6 months ago.

Do you work out outside of camp? If so, what do you do?

Other than chasing kids, no not really. :)

Do you have a motto that you live by?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. 

Tell us something fun and/or insightful about you that others wouldn't already know.

Well, I don’t know that this is very fun, but....I graduated from a small college in Searcy, Arkansas where I majored in Social Science and certified to teach.  After two years of teaching Jr. High I realized I was not born to teach other people’s children.  I took early retirement and had my own kiddos, however, I still have a passion for History and Politics.

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Mrs. November

meet

Betina Powers

an interview with a Dedicated babe

Has Boot Camp Babes impacted your life?

Boot Camp has been life-changing for me.  It has opened my eyes to how fun working out can be.  I actually get excited to go and see if I can do better than the day before.  And I love, love, love all the girls!  Everyone is so supportive and motivating and we all care about each other.

What changes have you seen in yourself, physically and/or emotionally?

I just never could seem to lose all the baby weight after each pregnancy and seemed to just pile on more and more.  I felt so "yucky" for lack of a better word and so discouraged.  I am finally starting to see muscles that have been buried for a long time!  I definitely feel stronger and younger (though I may not look it!) and more confident.  I'm doing things in boot camp that I haven't been able to do since high school, and THAT.FEELS.AWESOME!!   I am proud (and a little embarrassed) to say that I have lost a total of 34lbs and about 20 inches.

How did you find out about Boot Camp Babes?

I read this editorial/review in The Gilbert Republic written by Brooke Romney, who had attended a trial class.  I immediately went to the website and was so intrigued, but very nervous.  I emailed Andrea who instantly set my mind at ease and encouraged me to give it a try - THANK YOU, ANDREA!

Outside of Camp, what is your life like?

I stay at home with my kids and two dogs.  I teach Joy School on a rotation with three other moms in my neighborhood.  I am the Committee Chair for the Cub Scout Charter for our church (love those boys!)  I partner with my sister in our small business, "LaDy LaDuke" - specializing in fashionable nursing covers.  I love to play with my kids - they remind me of what's important.  I love ALL sports:  watching and playing.  I love to swim and I used to teach swim lessons to kids of all ages.  Someday, I will again when my kids are older!

If you have any children how many and if you are married or involved  with someone special, how long?

I am married to my best friend, Rob, for 10.5 years.  He is silly and a goofball, and makes me laugh every day.  I have three kids:  Gage (5), Bella (2.5), and Paisley (18mos).

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Arizona.  I grew up in Phoenix and moved to the east valley after high school.  Call me crazy, but my heart belongs in Arizona.

What is your favorite exercise at camp? ;-)

Hmmm....that's a tough one.  I really love all the weight exercises and I love sprints, but only the first two! :)  I also love all the games, like the water balloon fights, and capture the flag.  That's when I have the most fun and feel like I'm not even exercising.

Do you work out outside of camp? If so, what do you do?

On Tuesday and Thursday I go to the park across the street from my house at 5:30am along with some of the neighborhood moms and we do cardio. (have to give Betina props here..  woo hoo!!!)

Tell us something fun and/or insightful about you that others wouldn't  already know.

I have a photographic memory that I inherited from my Dad, which proved very helpful in school.  It's not as good as it used to be....having kids has zapped almost all my brain cells, I think!  I come from a large family - there are seven siblings and we all have kids around the same ages.  We have a blast at family get-togethers, but have invested in good earplugs! :)  I like to blast my ipod and dance with my kids in the kitchen, even though I'm a horrible dancer.

Do you have a motto that you live by?

That's a hard one too, I have several favorites.  The ones that come to mind right now are, "Do Your Best", and "Treasure Every Moment."

Thanks Betina...  your infectious smile and positive attitude is felt by all of us!  Keep up the great work!  :) Andrea

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  Mrs. October

Meet Amy K

Our Highest Ranking Babe:

Warrant Officer 1

Amy grew up in Gilbert and Alamogordo, New Mexico.  Married 19 years this year!  She is the proud mom to two girls 5 and 10, who keep her on her toes when away from Camp.  She volunteers at their school, San Marcos Elementary, once a week.  She participates in the classrooms and educates the little ones about good dental health.   She is also walking in the American Diabetes Association’s signature fundraising walk.  Please click here to support her!

Amy found out about Boot Camp Babes at a health fair last year.  She has been a Babe since our inaugural camp here in Chandler!  When we asked her what drills she liked in camp, she stated “Running and lifting weights.  I hated weights before camp!” 

Amy tries to live be the motto, “treat others as you would like to be treated.”  She admits to being a bit of a clean freak and likes things to be in their place.  After taking technical computer classes, she finds it funny that she still has zero computer skills... but we can’t agree on that since she does return emails quite rapidly!  J

Amy says, “ I have loved camp!  I for sure am the one that is always loud and huffing and grunting, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”  She feels stronger and has more endurance than ever and Boot Camp Babes has given her the strength to say
“Well, at least try it... Whatever IT is.”