![\"Phyllis](\"https:\/\/b1719269.smushcdn.com\/1719269\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Photo-Mar-11-1-05-48-PM.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1\")
Since I was a child, I have always struggled to manage my weight. I’ve never been athletic and I relied on food to manage stress. But following a counter hat-trick consisting of medical complications after my last pregnancy, my marriage ending, and the death of my father, I just gave up. One day, and about 60 pounds later, my “before” picture was taken. When I saw that photo, I knew something had to change.<\/p>\n
By the time I heard about BBC, I had started to exercise fairly regularly and educate myself on eating better. I had lost weight, but was stalled and still felt out of shape. At that time, Huntersville was the closest BBC camp. So, at my friend Julie’s recommendation, and a free-to-the-public Saturday camp, I decided to try. I remember looking up at the young lady in front of me. The back of her shirt read “Your workout is my warm-up” and I can clearly recall the 4 letter word that went through my mind. But following that camp, I was addicted and when it was announced that Denver was the next BBC location, I was all in.<\/p>\n
In the year since Denver BBC opened, I have dropped 8% body fat (now in the \u201cexcellent\u201d category for my age) and feel fit for the first time ever. I love competing with myself to see tangible improvements. I love feeling physically strong. But most importantly, I love my body. It may not be perfect by the world’s standards, but I am continually impressed by what it can do. I still carry my “before” photo with me as a reminder on the days when I don’t feel like working out. Thankfully, I rarely have to pull it out anymore.<\/p>\n