Testimonials
I first met and started training with Michelle in 2013. When I met Michelle I was your typical unfit, overweight, unbalanced, clumsy individual with no fitness hope – or so I thought. With Michelle’s support, encouragement, dedication, amazing workouts, immense patience and guidance I have achieved so many personal and fitness goals I had never imagined possible, which included completing a 94.7 cycle race.
Michelle’s workouts are suitable for all fitness levels and energy levels as Michelle offers variations and modifications, if needed, that still work the body and muscles without added risk of strain or injury.
Marilyn Payne
My story is all about starting again countless times. I found Boot Camp with Michelle way back in 2011, thinking I needed to find a new tribe having moved to Jhb the previous year. I was a regular at gym doing classes & circuits. I also did Run/Walk For Life, this just wasn’t fun for me. So I tried Boot Camp thinking it’s four weeks and the cost of a mat & 2kg weights, if it’s not for me don’t go back. The experience has been life-changing.
Goal number one, I found an amazing tribe of friends with similar goals and stories. Working ladies who give themselves an hour back to investing in personal mental and physical health. Michelle has created a space where I can come and spend an hour uninterrupted on me. The classes are fun and we actually work pretty hard.
Weight management has been a challenge for as long as I can remember. I started Boot Camp squeezing into a size 12/14 and now I am a very comfortable size 8. I haven’t made any drastic changes, just being mindful of what i eat and drink then asking myself am I really hungry, why do I want that chocolate or what am I feeling. I stay away from processed foods, carobonated cold drinks and if I put on a few kilos as we all do over the holidays, I plan how to lose them asap while being kind to myself. I don’t want these unwanted friends to get too comfortable.
I have set myself a few goals over the years, pretty arms being one that I eventually ticked off last year, after Coach Michelle convinced me to finally upgrade to heavier dumbbells. The afternoon ladies don’t let me forget it is my fault when our arms don’t work after an upper body day. Michelle, a few years ago got us to join her at Park Run and run a few races. I dabbled with running on and off over the years never taking it seriously. The bug has bitten properly now, I run on average 4 times a week and have completed a number of half marathons, my current running goal to run a 21km in under 2 hours.
All of this has been possible by just arriving at Boot Camp. Another little rule I have set is 75% is a pass and I aim to attend 75% of the number of days I register for. The other 25% is because life happens and when it does, just start again.
Overall, my mindset has shifted from chasing thin to strong and healthy. I really love this version of me
Gillian Mead
I have always been quite sporty & active. I’ve also always struggled with my weight & body image. I joined Michelle’s Boot Camp in 2016 having just moved back to Jhb. I had been living in Cape Town for the past 6 years where I did all sorts of crazy endurance sport including a full ironman event. However, even with all of that training & the outdoor lifestyle, my weight still went up & down like a yo-yo. Slowly over the last 7 years I have changed my relationship with food & exercise. I’ve gone back to Cape Town & then moved back to Jhb again & had two babies in between & somehow through consistency & some hard work, at times I weigh less than I ever have & my whole body shape has now changed.
I no longer binge like i used to & I enjoy food, socialising & exercise all for the right reasons.
It’s not easy to get up at 5am for anyone. I thought it would be impossible with two small kids at home but i started again a year ago when my second son was 6 months old & I haven’t looked back. Even after a bad night with the kids, I get up and head off for 55 mins of great banter, physical exertion & fresh air and I have never once regretted it!
Michelle’s functional sessions cater for everyone, I love to compete (secretly of course) with the other ladies and to encourage and support everyone who made it there that day. The workouts change all the time and challenge me every days. I am fitter and faster than i have been in years! The weight training and full body workouts also help me with my running and prevent injury.
Thanks Mich, and all the Boot Camp ladies for your inspiration and encouragement
Michelle Adler
