Client of the Month : Cheryl Nelson

Cheryl was never into “fitness or athletics,” but now she understands the strength and endurance that comes along with a healthy lifestyle!

My Burn Bootcamp journey began with an invitation to exercise at a time of day that seemed way too early in the morning. I politely declined. A year later, in September 2013, I decided to give Burn Boot Camp a try when my pants buttons were threatening to pop off, and I was not willing to buy the next size up. My first days at Burn I was sick to my stomach with nerves, and I knew no one in the room. It was painfully clear how out of shape I was when we went running at the post office. Luckily, I met another new person, Brenda Jackson, and was also encouraged by Daniel Ballard who was an intern at the time.

If I could talk to my former self just starting at Burn I would say:

• Don’t be intimidated by the other women in the room – everyone has that “day 1” moment.
• Try to get to the gym often – even when you are sore – when you get moving it makes the soreness feel better.
• Make a friend in class – the women around you are generally supportive and enjoy working out together – having a friend gives you accountability and makes it more fun! (I am especially thankful for Amy Bennett and Laurie Hutchinson)
• When you think “it has gotten easier” – watch out – your trainer will notice and challenge you to pick up heavier weights, move faster, or modify up the exercise. This is all a good thing! (Thank you Devan Kline, Ashley Beasley, and Shannon Lamendola)
• Understand that you are never done – exercise should be a part of your daily routine.

I am still amazed at how Burn has changed my life. I look at athletes differently, since I have a small sense of how hard they work. I was one of those “last one picked for the team” and “hated PE” kind of kid, so sweating, running and doing athletic things are all new to me.

Some of the unexpected, lasting effects of Burn are:

• I need less sleep and have more energy.
• My cholesterol numbers have improved dramatically.
• I am strong.

I am so thankful to have a place to exercise that involves different routines and challenges, where the trainers know your name and your strengths. I love having familiar ladies in the room and welcoming newcomers.

As I mentioned before, you are never done and I have several things I am still working on:

• I continue to try heavier weights and always hope to get a little more endurance and speed.
• I still wrestle with the reality that “you can’t out train a poor diet.”
• I may never master double unders with the jump rope, but I will always keep trying.

This is my second most important transformation story. My first began when I surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my Life, and I have nothing but praise about that too.

Cheryl Nelson – Burn Boot Camp, Huntersville, NC