Sharing The Story

Stephanie Heil is a member of Burn Boot Camp Huntersville. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2015.

Stephanie’s story begins when she was an Oncology nurse, who doubted self-checking. One day in the shower, she felt her own breasts and found the lump.

After finding the lump, she went in for a mammogram. Additionally, she went in for a biopsy and several other appointments before receiving her diagnosis.

She began her six rounds of chemotherapy at the end of July after several meetings with doctors and surgeons. Every three weeks, Stephanie went in for a round of chemo. Rather than having an IV stick, Stephanie had a port place.

Stephanie says the most difficult part of cancer was having to share the news with everyone. Finally, after spreading the unfortunate news, she had her lumpectomy.

After her surgery, she was extremely exhausted. She took time off of work while she began radiation. Now, Stephanie takes a pill that she will continue to take for ten years.

Throughout her diagnosis, she felt fatigued and pained in her daily life because of the treatments. The first infusions were the worst. She had an allergic reaction and experienced a lot of pain.

Finally, Stephanie made the decision to join Burn Boot Camp recommended to her from one of her nurses. She says that Burn has definitely improved her mental and physical strength.

Emily’s Story

Emily Riera has been a member of Burn Boot Camp Huntersville for over a year. Emily was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 31 years old. Her story begins with her mom, who is also a survivor of breast cancer.

After her mom’s diagnosis, she became a volunteer with the American Cancer Society where she heard about genetic testing. Finding out that knowledge led Emily and her twin sister to get tested. Their results came back positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation.

Throughout Emily’s adult life, she had been having regular mammograms. Finally, she decided to have an MRI. Within a week of having the MRI, she found out that she had breast cancer.

Throughout The Fight

Emily found out that she had breast cancer through the phone. She went into immediate panic mode and left work. Emily and her mother shared moments of despair throughout the diagnosis.

Emily goes on to say that while her mother felt guilty because she had the gene, Emily could not be any more grateful for her mom.

During Emily’s battle with breast cancer, she was surrounded by an incredible support group. In addition, she did research about breast cancer and her husband took notes at all of her doctor’s visits to stay organized.

One of Emily’s biggest regrets is not starting Burn Boot Camp sooner. She was hesitant that the workout would be too intense, but everything can be modified and getting stronger can help keep your body healthy. Exercise can be a preventive measure for cancer!

Her advice for someone who is newly diagnosed is to ask questions. Be diligent about your health. She also advises that you maintain good health through nutrition and exercise.

If you have any family history of breast cancer, research more information about possible links to cancer. By educating yourself, you can take proactive measures.

Finally, to all other survivors, she says to be the village to your friends and your community. It’s important to listen and give advice. Knowing that someone has a person to love, to pray and to help them can mean the world.

We all have a moment where we find ourselves craving something sweet and savory. We know it can be difficult to find healthier alternatives at times.  Luckily, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp, Devan Kline, gives us his secret sweet tooth killer.

Honey Roasted Almonds. Yep, now you can satisfy your sweet tooth without getting off track. According to Devan, they’re the perfect treat to kick a craving. Find these almonds at grocery stores like The Fresh Market. Check out the Smoked Almonds for those of you who might prefer a saltier snack.

If you’re tempted to give in to your sweet tooth, knock it out Burn Boot Camp style with these almonds. Keep crushing those goals!

Tune into Burn TV LIVE every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm.

Burn Boot Camp is a nationally recognized leader in the Fitness and Health Industry. With locations all over the United States, Burn is quickly becoming the leading community of fit women. Lead by Devan and Morgan Kline, the Burn Boot Camp program is different from any other in the world. The unique combination of burst training and strength training elicits lifestyle transformation like none other. From a healthier mindset to a healthier body, Burn Boot Camp  burns fat and builds muscles in every corner of the nation! At Burn Boot Camp, you’re set up for success each and every time you step foot in the gym.  Burn TODAY!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Guilt-Free

We all have a moment where we find ourselves craving something sweet and savory. Most of the time the healthier options are limited. Luckily, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp, Devan Kline, gives us his secret sweet tooth killer.

Honey Roasted Almonds. Yep, now you can satisfy your sweet tooth without getting off track. According to Devan, they’re the perfect treat to kick a craving. They can be found at grocery stores like The Fresh Market. He also gives another alternative of Smoked Almonds for those who might prefer a saltier snack.

Next time you’re tempted to give in to your sweet tooth, knock it out Burn Boot Camp style with these almonds. Keep crushing those goals!

Tune into Burn TV LIVE every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm.

Anywhere Core Workout:

Seven 45 second core workouts followed by seven 1 minute planks –

Workout 1:

45 sec. sprinters : 1 min. plank hold

Workout 2:

45 sec. bicycles : 1 min. plank leg lifts

Workout 3:

45 sec. bridge to hip hike : 1 min. plank hip dips

Workout 4:

45 sec. cricket climbers : 1 min. bird dogs (opposite hand, opposite leg lift)

Workout 5:

45 sec. Russian  twists : 1 min. reach through – high plank

Workout 6:

45 sec. v-ups : 1 min. reach outs

Workout 7:

45 sec. uppercut punches : 1 min side plank hip dips (30 sec. each side)

This circuit is sure to warm your core up! It can be done anywhere and any time. Watch this video for demonstration, tips and modifications.

For more information on how to improve your fitness journey, tune in to our Burn TV Live broadcasts three times weekly (Monday at 1pm, Wednesday at 7pm, Friday at 1pm).

Are you ready challenge more than just your core? Find your Burn Boot Camp location today.

We all know that the metabolism is the process of breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to yield the energy your body needs to maintain your activity capacity. Ever hear someone say that their “metabolism is getting slower” or “I have a slow metabolism”? While it is true that some people genetically have a slower metabolism than others, there is always a way to maximize your bodies ability to burn fat as fast speeds. Our metabolism is like the “dealer” of the macro nutrients when they are being broken down by the body. Put it this way, you butt, thighs, and hips will store all the pizza and wine while all the chicken breast and spinach go to your muscles! Put simply, the only REAL significant way to increase your metabolism is to build muscle. These tips below will give you a little insight on how to efficiently flush your body of toxins and prime your body to build muscle!

1. Eat Breakfast, Everyday! Never skip out on your first meal of the day. It is crucial to eat a healthy breakfast 30 minutes upon waking, breaking the fast from the night. Feeling rushed in the morning? Prep those breakfast meals the night before so it’s no hassle in the morning. Some great breakfast recipes to prep the night before are egg white muffins, overnight oats, or a protein shake!

2. Spice Up Your Life– Adding spice to your foods have proven to help rev the metabolism by kicking up your body temperature. Add cayenne pepper to your protein or start your day with a glass of hot water, cayenne pepper, and lemon.

3. Enjoy 6 small meals a day- Eating smaller meals throughout the day prevents your from binging out on one big meal,  it keeps your blood sugar in check (preventing spikes in blood sugar).

4. Pack on the Protein- Your body digest protein slower than carbs and fat, keeping you full longer. In a process called thermogenesis, your body uses 10% of your caloric intake by digestion. Protein takes longer to burn than carbs and fat, so your body expands more energy absorbing the nutrients. Another benefit of protein is that it helps retain lean muscle mass, which is the best fat burning tool you can have!

5. Don’t cut calories TOO low- Cutting you calories too low can be damaging to your metabolism. You may be tricking your body into thinking it needs to hold on to everything you eat by storing as fat.

6. Burst Training- This type of intense interval training elevated the  growth hormone and have been shown to decrease body fat and increase protein synthesis after exercise. Interval training burns more calories and fat not only during the workout but throughout the rest of the day.

7. Strength Training- Don’t be afraid of the weights! Building muscle is the most efficient way to boost your metabolism. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. This should be a given!

8. Sleep- Studies have shown that women who sleep five hours or fewer per night are 32 percent more likely to experience major weight gain. When you lack sleep, your metabolism can’t function properly, and instead your metabolism slows down. Poor sleep also causes an increase in the hormone ghrelin, which signals the body to eat more.

9. Drink MORE Water- This is a simple way to speed up metabolism and burn calories. Our body needs to stay hydrated to maintain regular body functions.

10. Don’t take Shortcuts- Take the stairs, find a parking spot that allows you to walk a little further, ride you bike to a friends instead of driving, take a brisk walk everyday for at least 15 minutes. This small changes will help you burn extra calories throughout the day that sure do add up at the end of the week!

    I have two beautiful girls, 5 and 3.5, and a wonderful husband. I work a full time job and taking care of my young kids doesn’t leave me much time myself. Having “guilt-stricken” working mom syndrome was one of my biggest excuses not to work-out and take care of myself.  I was putting my family before my own health, body and needs not noticing that I could be a better mom and wife creating a happier family life.
I found out about Burn Boot Camp through a newspaper article. I was very skeptical about joining the program. I really did not want to commit to something that I truly could not keep up, because I was very good at that My “donations” to various gyms were very well-known.
A few days later, while looking at one of my daughters 4th birthday party pictures I found myself staring at one particular picture which just struck a nerve and made me feel unhappy about myself. That was an eye opener for me.  I knew I had to do something for myself and and decided to try the 14 Day Test Drive. It was very hard at the beginning, but Devan kept motivating me each workout. After 14 days I was addicted.
Overall I lost 28 LBS, 5% body fat. I feel great getting up and being at Bootcamp by 5:30am every morning (This is a big lie, I still hate waking up that early), but it is a great feeling to know that I do something about myself each morning and continue to feel great especially in front of the mirror and any picture I have taken since. I also developed some wonderful friendships through Bootcamp!
I am in better shape now than when I was playing college volleyball! Since I signed up for bootcamp, I ran many races, including my first half marathon, first Spartan and first Warrior Dash and now I am training for my first triathlon. Devan believes in me and pushes me to be a BETTER ME every day!

      Last but not least, I would like to thank my husband for all of his support.  He has helped take over some of the role with the kids and he has been verbs supportive of my self-change program.  Without his support I think I would have reverted to my old ways but here I am – and here to stay.

Ozlem Canturkaran – Fit Mom of the Month – May 2013

Well, if you ask Brandi Parker, there is a better gift this year! If you have been following the transformation of Michelle and Brandi then you know they are doing EXTREMELY well. Both gals have put forth an outstanding effort thus far and they certainly  have results to show for it.

But if you ask Brandi Parker, there IS a better gift then fitness this year!

The transformation that is taking place here in Huntersville, North Carolina is being recognized nation-wide! The #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the world, Shaklee, has taken a keen interest in both Brandi and Michelle’s stories. Every year Shaklee holds a nation-wide transformation contest and the winner receives a $10,000 prize! Shaklee was VERY interested in both gals for the contest ,unfortunately, only one could go and they hand-picked Brandi for the Regional Qualifying event in New York this past weekend!

After telling her story in a one minute speech on stage in front of 200 people. Brandi inspired the crowd and won the Regional Qualifying event by a landslide! Brandi and Michelle will continue their amazing journey and Brandi will be headed to Nashville in 8 months for a chance to win the Nation-Wide contest and $10,000!

Whether she wins or not, our Fit Moms Forever community will continue to support both her and Michelle’s as their amazing weight loss journey continues!

If you would like to congratulate Brandi and give her some support you can post a comment on our Fit Moms Forever Facebook Page.

If you would like to find out more about the Shaklee Nutrition plan that Michelle and Brandi are using to allow the weight to fall off click the link below:

Shaklee Cinch Transformation Pack

If you would like to contact Michelle or Brandi personally to get an insight to their experience you can e-mail me at devanklinefitness@gmail.com

I am SO darn proud of Michelle and Brandi!

As you probably already know, Brandi Parker, Michelle Sellers, and I made a committment to take on their obesity head on in our own rendition of the hit T.V. show, Extreme Makeover – Weight Loss Edition. They have agreed to allow us to follow them on their journey through my Fit Moms Forever Blog.

Read how I approached Brandi and Michelle One Month Ago and asked them to commit themselves to possibly one of the most challenging feats a human can face. They both committed without hesitation and are not looking back, not for one second.

Four grueling weeks of 7 Burn Boot Camp Workouts left Brandi with a mild right knee issue and Michelle with painful shinsplints that would hold most people back from pushing themselves to the limit. Not in our house. They both have been able to work through painful boot camps with the support of Michelle’s husband ,J, and her toddler, Lilly, mimicking me by telling Michelle and Brandi to “Push it, push it!” Long story short, injuries did not hinder them one bit.

There were bumps and bruises that took a toll on the bodies of both Brandi and Michelle. But their attitude and dedication has been relentless. Brandi and Michelle have parlayed my Burn Boot Camp for Moms program, a turn-key weight loss meal replacement plan from Shaklee Nutrition’s – Cinch Inch Loss Program, and an undeniable desire to change their lives forever all into the AMAZING results they saw in September.

As part of our commitment contract the gals are required to turn in nutrition logs detailing their Shaklee Program. Once again, not one slip. Of course there is always room for improvement but they both have mastered the most challenging part of this whole journey. It generally takes 21 re-occurrences to form any habit and they have been virtually flawless for 31 days in a row. It is safe to say that both gals are on the fast track to cutting their weight in half!

With that being said….drum roll please…here are Brandi and Michelle’s results from September!

Brandi Parker

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August 29th,2012

Weight – 364 lbs

Body Fat % – 59.4%

Total Inches – 177″

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October 1st, 2012

337 lbs (-27 lbs)

44.6% (-14.8%)

168.5 (-8.5″)

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Michelle Sellers

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August 29th, 2012

Weight – 240 lbs

Body Fat % – 44.6%

Total Inches – 145.5

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October 1, 2012

224.6 lbs (-15.4 lbs)

38.6% (-8.6 %)

137 (-7.5″)

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**Note from me to Michelle and Brandi** – I want to let you know how amazing you both are. I have the utmost respect for both of you for starring this challenge right in the face and owning it. We are going to continue to work and there will continue to be bumps in the road. It it how you roll over those bumps that define you who are. You two are the definition of inspiration I am SO DARN PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU!!  Let’s show everyone how we roll! I ALWAYS got your back!

These ladies have something they want to tell you! I will be interviewing them on camera and will put a  blog post together with their video!

Make sure to encourage them on on our Burn Boot Camp Facebook Page!