Transformation Tuesday with Sari!

Here’s Sari, in her own words:

“As I was cruising the world for half of my life, and always lived “on the go”, it was impossible to hold a gym membership or have any type of regular routine. Hobbies needed to be able to travel with me, so running was my way of keeping fit. As much as loved that life style, it became more taxing over the years, especially as I loved good food and wine (and especially wine…). I still was always naturally high energy, fit and active, and my job kept me running a lot. As I had a special interest in food, I completed a Diploma in Fitness and Nutrition, and became culinary trained Chef in Cordon Bleu, Paris.

However through some life changes I was moving less. Exercise took a back burner. I didn’t even realize that weight crept up. And then I would drop it. But I had no exercise plan.

When I moved back to Florida, I became a lot more active again. The threatening “turning 50 years old” was seriously messing with my head and those inner nudges were too loud to ignore. I decided I needed to get my act together. Again.  As my hubby and my younger sister from Finland were ringing in The New Year 2017 among a group of friends, I loudly shouted: “Jesus Christ I am turning 50 this year!” and only 19 minutes later (seriously) signed up for my first 5K for February 19^th. This milestone was messing with my head big time!

Thank you Facebook, somehow the ad for “28 Day Transformational Challenge” turned up in my feed. I hesitantly clicked “interested” and got Laura’s call shortly after. I was very hesitant at first. I recall telling Laura how active I was (yes, I had started 2 weeks previously), and how I didn’t really have that much weight to lose, just 10 lbs of flab…..yeah. I wasn’t sure if I really “needed” this, or if it was worth the money. I remember she was so kind, welcoming and sweet, so I signed up starting January 27^th, 2017.

Those 28 days changed my life! I got hooked! I followed the food plan in detail and attended a class at least 4 times a week. I learned to not give into cravings. Small steps, big change. The first week I could not even hold a straight arm plank! To be able to do that was my win for one of the weeks! It felt so good! In just few months I lost 10 lbs, and lots of inches – 3 inches just on hips!

After the first challenge, I signed up for 6 months. As I had major travel in the fall, I was away for over 3 months. I missed my boot camp so bad! At my return, I signed up for a full year! WOW – this is the very first time EVER I have signed up for anything for that long (well, my marriage yes). I don’t commit long term for anything, LOL.

I truly love my life now, and I could not imagine my life without Bay View Boot camp!! When the alarm goes off at 6.45am, (most mornings) I jump out of bed and it is non-negotiable whether I go or not. I am not super strict on my diet as I still love good food and desserts (wine is gone so desserts are in!) and I allow them in moderation. My eating habits are healthier and outlook on food and exercise different. I love the menus for various challenges and cook those meals for the crew on yachts when I go on my work trips.

Life is meant to be lived, not endured! So you got to enjoy every day! I feel strong, happy and healthy, and the various muscle aches are just fun and necessary part of weekly life now…hahaaa. I am not at my ideal weight, but I am happy how far I have come. I am not beating myself up about it either. It’s progress, not perfection! And I am only competing with myself, I want to be better than I was yesterday. I would never work out this hard on my own. All trainers are absolutely Fabulous, Fun and Encouraging!

For anyone considering joining the boot camp, first of all “Be gentle with yourself” to start with. Change happens with commitment. There is no Magic Pill that works overnight. Keep at it. Enjoy your “cheat day” but don’t get stuck on it! One class at a time, you get stronger! Boot camp is absolutely a vital (=life sustaining) part of my life now!

There is no better “high” today that the feeling at the end of a hard class completed! For that I am grateful and I will keep at it! When I do what makes my soul smile (and body ache), I am happy and strong, and I can turn up in the world happy and strong!

Sari Klett, Finally Fit at Fifty

Thank you Sari for sharing your beautiful story!  We are so very proud of you and thankful you chose Bay View Boot Camp to be a part of your story! <3 . Please join me in letting Sari know how she has inspired you!
~Laura