Amp Camp On Fire!

It's the end of another 8-week Amp Camp and you guessed it, the pounds are continuing to melt away! Congrats to all the women who worked hard to change their eating, exercise, and mental habits to not only see the benefits on the outside, but to clean and strengthen their internal selves as well. Says their dedicated, fit, and WLBC graduate herself, trainer Shawna Wright, "you all came here with different goals but are each leaving here stronger, healthier, and Amped up! Way to work hard, focus, motivate, and inspire." October 14th marks the beginning of another Amp Camp journey...make it yours by signing up today!

MOLLY

Molly lost a total of 10 pounds, 2.5 inches from her hips, 3.5 inches from her waist, and 3 inches from her chest. Her situps, pushups and speed all improved, and she took control of her eating and fitness in the midst of a wild schedule, all because she was committed and taking charge of her self! Way to go Molly!

JENNI

Jenni came here fit and ready to Amp it up a notch for her wedding. She lost 1.3 pounds, 1.25 inches from her hips, 1 inch from her waist and 1 inch from her chest. Her one-minute situps and pushups improved, as well as her speed. Here comes the bride...looking beautiful as ever!

LAUREN

Lauren lost 3 pounds, 1.5 inches from her hips, 2 inches from her waist, and 3.5 inches from her chest. She tacked on 10 to both her situps and pushups in a minute, and ran her mile faster too. She enjoyed family workouts as well as her training, and even kept on top of her nutrition and fitness while on a beach vacay..way to commit Lauren!

JILL

With a new baby at home, Jill got after it and lost 8.1 pounds, 2 inches from her hips, 2 inches from her waist, and 2 inches from her chest. Whew! Not only does she look great, but with renewed energy and an Amped up attitude she feels great too. Great job Jill!

ALLISON

Allison joined Amp Camp after graduating from WLBC to continue on her fitness goals and has blown us away with her dedication and achievements. In a total of 20 weeks, she has lost:
61.8lbs (51 WLBC/10.8 in Amp)
8.5 inches from her hips (6.5/2)
9.5 inches from her waist (8.5/.5)
6.5 inches from her chest (6/.5)
Improved her pushups from 4 on toes to 44 on toes!
Improved her sit-ups from 24 to 35
1 mile run went from 11:22 to 7:51!!!!!!!
Allison recently ran a 10K in 52:05, which is incredible, and is training for a half marathon in a few weeks. She's inspired those close to her and even people she's never met as they witness her journey in the Fusion studios and on the blog. In addition to the motivation she brings out in other Campers, Shawna also notes Allison's extremely kind and caring personality and feels lucky to have her in the programs. Way to reach your goals and take charge of your health, congratulations!

***********************************************

Worried about the pounds sneaking up on you during the coming Holiday festivities? Get a head start in our new session of Amp Camp beginning October 14th. With the training, support, and fun you'll have with Shawna, those sneaky 5 pounds won't stand a chance.

www.fusionfitness.com  shawnawright2002@yahoo.com for more info

 

"Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another" --Shawna

 

Weight Loss Boot Camp On Fire!

The results for our fourth session of Weight Loss Boot Camp are in, and you guessed it, they are amazing! Through the hard work and dedication of 18 women and their instructors, over 345 pounds were shed in just 12 weeks. Read a few of their stories to see what fitness and nutrition has done for them, and can do for you!

Angie

Angie lost 28.5 pounds, 3.5 inches from her hips, 7.5 inches from her waist, and 4.5 inches from her chest. She improved her pushups from 17 in a minute to 45 (30 on her toes)! Here's the Super Woman part: not only did Angie improve her mile run by 2:46 to get an 8:45 time, BUT she did it right after Switch Up, AND she had done Bikini Boot Camp that morning! Incredible! "I was so impressed with your personal best 5K time DURING a triathlon! You are an incredible athlete and your competitive side greatly helped you motivate yourself and those around you. I loved working with you, and congrats on your success!" says Shawna.

Devra

Devra lost 27.7 pounds, dropped 6 inches from her waist, 6 inches from her hips, and 3.5 from her chest. Way to go girl! She tacked on 17 pushups to her minute total, and improved her mile run. Shawna loved her encouragement in the support group, saying "you guys are all helping each other and motivating others as well, stay strong with your early morning workouts and congrats, you look amazing!"

Julana

Julana was encouraged to attend by her close friend and fellow Fusionista Instructor Pam, and now attends regularly with her college-aged daughters. "They'd be so proud to see how fast you sprint!" says Shawa. She lost 18.6 pounds, and cut 2.5 inches from her hips, 3.5 inches from her waist, and 4.5 inches from her chest.
Shawna notes, "You were a positive, motivating force within our group, and you changed your diet, habits, and view on fitness classes to make the changes to your body, inside and out. Congratulations on your success!"

Karen

Karen lost 25 pounds, 5.5 inches from her hips, 6 inches from her waist, and 3.5 inches from her chest. In the 12 weeks she improved her situps as well as her pushups, from 17 in a minute to 44 (with 30 on her toes)!! Wow! Shawna says, "Way to go Karen, you look great and are encouraged to keep going strong. You earned all the benefits you now see!"

Sammy

Sammy lost 25.1 pounds, 3 inches from her hips, 4.5 from her waist, and 2.5 from her chest. She increased her pushups from 24 to 45!! Great! "Thanks for all your help, advice, coaching, and support," says Sammy, "I couldn't have made it without you and Regan there through it all." Shawna says her athletic background helped her drive to always go harder and she was a great leader by example. "I just got an email from her saying how healthy Sammy still feels," says Shawna, "and that even on vacation she kept up her new way of living and feels great! Congrats girl!"

Dianne

Dianne just happened to be the employee to unlock the room at All American Indoor Sports when Darby and Shawna were looking for a place to hold WLBC. She had never heard of Fusion, but thought, hey I should sign up for this program. Little did she know 12 weeks later she would lose 23.9 pounds, 6.5 inches from her hips, 3.5 inches from her waist, and 4.5 inches from her chest, 2.5 from her arm and 3.25 from her thigh. Wow! She went from 25 to 44 pushups and 28 to 35 situps! "She worked hard, stayed strong, and even had a full-on Facebook friend group following and supporting her weight-loss journey. You even have the six-pack abs to prove it! You are a great competitor and and an inspiration," says Shawna.

"Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another."

 

If you are inspired by these results (and who isn't?), give a high five to these women as you see them in the halls of Fusion.

Want to give it a go yourself?

Our next WLBC starts this Sunday, August 26th. Your proud and smiling face can be featured here in three months if you're ready! Check out our homepage for more info, or email Shawna at shawnawright2002@yahoo.com

Amazing Results for our Weight Loss Boot Camp!

Our Weight Loss Boot Camp has ended with dramatic results once again! Thanks to the dedication of the instructors and the 13 women who worked their buns off (literally), a total of over 224 pounds were shed in just 12 weeks!! Not only did they "lose," but they also gained major athletic ability as measured by running a mile and how many pushups (on toes) could be completed at a time from Week 1 compared to Week 12! Check out their results here, and if you are inspired, our next WLBC starts May 5th. This could be you, too!!!

Congratulations to KARI!

Kari lost 32 pounds, 5 inches from her hips, 7 inches from her waist, and 4 inches from her chest. She also cut her 1-mile time by 4:40 and increased her pushups from 2 to 25!! Way to go! Shawna gives her a pat on the back for being "focused and working hard during every workout."

Congratulations to REBECCA!

Rebecca lost 29.6 pounds, 6 inches from her hips, 7.5 inches from her waist, and 6 inches from her chest. She took 5:11 off of her mile, and increased her pushups from 7 to 34!! Wow! Shawna also said her "situps improved and her heart rate lowered..overall success! She should be very proud!"

Congratulations to ALLISON!

Allison lost 51 pounds, 6.5 inches from her hips, 8.5 inches from her waist, and 6 inches from her chest. She dropped 2:40 off her mile-run, and increased her pushups from 4 to a whopping 40! Her situps increased and her heart rate lowered. Shawna says her "success is obvious and the hard work and discipline paid off! Plus I loved seeing her in the lead at AmpCamp!"

Congratulations to TRACY!

Tracy lost 10 pounds, 2.5 inches from her hips, 2 inches from her waist, and 2 inches from her chest. She cut 2:19 from her mile-run and improved her half-marathon time! She also increased her pushups to 35! Shawna is proud of Tracy for "finding her fittest self; she looks great and her running is impressive!"

Congratulations to SUSAN!

Susan lost 15.4 pounds, 4 inches from her hips, 1 inch from her waist, and 2 inches from her chest. Her situps and pushups improved, and her heart rate lowered! Yay!! Shawna says "her results are incredible and she should be proud; there is no better proof for her success than the phenomenal shape she is in!"

To read more about Shawna and her journey to becoming a Fusion instructor, check out her interview on this blog called Instructor Spotlight: Shawna Wright.

For more info on the next WLBC that begins May 5th, go to Fusion's homepage and click the link to read more and sign up!!

Instructor Spotlight: Shawna Wright

Fusion's Weight Loss Bootcamps and AmpCamps have been growing in popularity ever since Shawna Wright began leading them in January 2011. We all see the amazing results and pictures posted right here on the blog every couple months, but I wanted to get a more in depth look at Shawna's history and see where her genuine love of what she does comes from.

Shawna grew up here in KC "super active" as she describes it, playing at least one sport every season. The idea of focusing on nutrition and burning calories was not high on her priority list, like most teenagers, especially because her level of activity kept her fit. However, when the college years came, she was shocked when what most dub the "freshman fifteen" hit her and just kept coming. "I swear I woke up one day with 40 extra pounds!" she says. Basketball was still a big part of her life, but as many of us have experienced, metabolism begins to slow at that age and we don't want to accept that we can't still eat like 16-year-olds. After college Shawna got married and had her three kids: Tommy, now 7, Meredith, 6, and Aggie, 2. "After my third baby I weighed more than ever and felt exhausted and overwhelmed at the thought of losing weight and working out," she says.

As fate would have it Shawna's friends, and owners of Fusion Darby and Shandi, were at that time looking for a client to train for an upcoming weight loss contest through Kansas City Fitness Magazine. Darby said they immediately thought of Shawna, knowing that throughout the years she was athletic and would have the stamina and motivation to do well. "When they asked me if I wanted to be their contestant, they knew I wasn't happy with my weight. I instantly knew I would do it...and instantly wanted to puke knowing what was in store for me!"


She spent the next three months sweating her way through 2-hour daily workouts led by "the best in the biz", a nutrition overhaul, and pure exhaustion that she says was worth every minute. She lost an amazing 57 pounds to win the contest. Just twelve weeks earlier she had been at a complete loss as to how she could find the motivation to start day one, and now she was gracing the cover of a fitness magazine. "People know that Darby can kick butt in class and knows her stuff on all things fitness and health. But the amazing thing about her is that she does all of this because she loves it; she really cares about improving people's lives and her success is a direct reflection on her passion and effort." Shawna was so grateful to the people that helped her and inspired by her own results that she began creating workouts for friends and neighbors. Darby kept nudging her to lead a similar bootcamp at Fusion, but "I never took her serious," says Shawna. "The instructors are the best, they all have killer bodies, and I simply did not have the confidence to even consider instructing classes full of incredibly fit women. I had accomplished a lot, but in my opinion, not the flawless Fusion bodies I looked up to for motivation."

Fate was at it again when her close friend Maureen, who had just had her third baby, came to Shawna with a friendly demand. "'I want you to do everything for me that they did for you' she told me, and I knew she was at the exact same point as I was earlier, saying she was DONE being miserable." The thought of helping Maureen reach similar goals was motivation to overcome her fears, so she and Darby put together a plan and enlisted two other women who had heard Shawna's story. The first Weight Loss Bootcamp was a success with the three women losing a combined 115 pounds. Maureen was so enlightened by her 45-pound loss she wanted to spread the love too and became Shawna's bootcamp assistant. In addition, her husband had just opened the Kansas City Sports Club. The enormous infield and access to cardio equipment became a perfect place to run the high-calorie-burning workouts.

Maureen and Shawna before and after. "Sure we now had a lot more fun getting dressed up and going out, but it was so much more than that," says Shawna.

Soon she was collaborating with Darby again to create the current bootcamp regime and led her second Bootcamp of 18 women, who after 12 weeks lost a total of 245 pounds. The successes kept coming and her confidence as an instructor and motivator grew as she helped women lose weight and gain fitness ability. But the most important thing to her was watching their confidence grow. "There is something magical that happens during these sessions," she says, "and it's the most incredible, positive vibe."

The second installment of the growing program, AmpCamp, was designed shortly thereafter as an option for the Bootcamp graduates to continue on with their fitness goals and offer accountability. While it did prove successful for these clients, it "really hit it's stride with those that needed a good bump in their current regime. Most participants are looking to lose about 10 pounds and become stronger, leaner athletes," she says. "I was shocked at how much certain workouts increased my distance running speed, and we have had the same results with our clients. Proof that Fusion's Shock your Body works. I've learned a lot from my clients in both the Bootcamps and AmpCamps, and together we've figured out how to create an environment for incredible success. I'm so thankful for the opportunity Darby gave me to find my health, and in turn get to help others. I love every minute of my job." 

What is it about fitness that keeps you working with women and achieving such positive results?
Fitness is so important to me because of how it makes you feel. Borrowing from Sadie, another awesome instructor here, 'you never regret working out, but you usually regret skipping it.' It clears my mind and body and leaves me feeling powerful. Plus, when you don't feel good about yourself, and you don't have any energy, you start to lose who you are. It affects everyone around you. I have come so far; in the beginning I was so worried that I wouldn't be inspiring or motivating to my clients since I am not the smallest or leanest of the "Fusionistas." But as my confidence grew, I began to realize that my past struggles, and current struggles, are really the key to helping others. It's tough to put yourself out there, but it has been so important for me and I love seeing these women work so hard for what they want.

Aside from the physical training you also help with nutrition. America's rising obesity rate confirms that millions of people struggle with food; did you have similar battles?
I consider myself lucky to have found something that worked for me and wish that upon everyone. The rising obesity rate does make me sad, because I know the difference in a person's quality of life is directly affected by the way they feel. Obesity is way beyond eating too much. It involves habits, emotions, lifestyle, and so much more. I urge anyone and everyone struggling with their weight to get help. Find a friend, program or plan that works for you...and do it. 12 weeks from now, you will be happy you started today.

What's one type of food or drink that is completely off limits to you?
Definitely soda. Drinking that many calories and huge amounts of sugar is just completely not worth it to me. It makes me cringe when people drink it. I am literally embarrassed when I have to buy it at the store (once in a blue moon for guests.) I truly HATE the stuff!

What's a healthy snack that you love?
My favorite would be grapefruit..so delish and refreshing. I also have recently been adding a green smoothie in the afternoon; it's a great way to get in gobs of spinach without sitting down to a salad. Have you heard of PB2? It's interesting stuff and has been sneaking into my snacks. It's growing on me!

Any splurge foods that you just can't live without?
That would be pizza. Which actually works because when I'm craving it I can usually find or create a healhy-ish version that hits the spot. But if you are asking me what food can break me down, it's definitely sugary sweets. Old habits slip back on occasion and for me sugar is like crack. One jelly bean can trigger a day of sugar cravings, so it's way better for me just to avoid it.

So if you do have the occasional slip-up, how do you deal?
If--no--when I slip up, I attempt to counteract it with an additional workout. You can't take it back, and even if I don't burn as many calories as I consumed, working out will usually stop me from "slipping up" for the rest of day or entire weekend! We all do it on occasion, but the thing is to not just say, 'oh well, the rest of today/the weekend/this week is shot so I may as well just keep splurging.' You can start fresh on Monday, but you can also start fresh right now.

Do you follow any particular nutritionists or fitness gurus?
I do like to check into Bethenny Frankel, Jillian, Jackie Warner, and any other successful celebrity trainer/or nutritionist for fun! I am also inspired by a new blog called Share It Fitness. Love it! I actually had to break up with all sorts of food blogs and food magazines. I don't bake anymore, and that stinking Pinterest...did I just see a peanut butter cup pie on the fitness page?! I simply cannot look at it!

The Fun Five

Favorite Restaurant: Capitol Grill and the amazing Stoli Doli
Inspiring Book: I hate to admit that this once avid reader doesn't read much anymore. That is one of the few good, enjoyable habits that got bumped as the alarm started going off earlier due to my schedule. But I will share an inspiring movie: Hoosiers. It pumps me up and brings a tear to my eye every time I hear that song and cheer Hickory to the Championship! But I am way more likely to cry during an Olympic ceremony than a sappy chick flick or dog dies movie.
Best Place to Drink a Glass of Wine: I'm not a wine fan, but for the best, ice cold beer I cannot deny my family's own restaurant, Sutera's.
Beauty Advice I'd Like to Pass On: Keep it simple, and be (or become) happy!
I Find My Confidence In...: My kids and husband. At this point in our life the kids want to spend every minute with us and think I can do anything. I know this will change, but for now I try to appreciate it. My husband lets me be me, and supports me regardless. My mom is also, and has always been, a major confidence builder! She will brag about us even when we don't deserve it. Gotta love that!


Want to check out a camp? The new AmpCamp starts April 22 and Weight Loss Bootcamp begins May 6. For more information, click the News and Events tab, or contact Shawna at 816-835-3451 or shawnawright2002@yahoo.com.

Fusion's Inaugural Weight Loss Bootcamp's Biggest Loser!

12 weeks of weight loss bootcamp is complete! Our biggest loser, Molly lost 48 pounds, 9.5 inches off her hips, 9.25 inches off her waist and 8 inches off her bust. Her hard work and commitment resulted more than the numbers. She never gave up. She worked hard during drills, sprints, bleachers, treadmill workouts and classes at Fusion. Molly took control of her health, and rocked it! Congratulations! The following is Molly's story! Enjoy and be inspired.

Last year I saw Shawna working out during the fitness challenge and followed her progress through the updates Fusion sent. I remember thinking that I wished I could have an opportunity like that. And this summer I did. As soon as I got the email, I knew this was my opportunity. Growing up and into my adult life, I’ve always been overweight. It became something I accepted about myself. I’ve been happy and successful in many ways during my life, but this was one area in which I never had control. I played sports and was active growing up and have exercised through the years, but never with the discipline to make a difference. The turning point for me was the realization that I was being irresponsible with my health. I have a poor family history with heart disease, high cholesterol – you name it. I decided I wanted to take an active role against it. I’ve made great progress during this program and I am nearing a weight I don’t remember seeing in my adult life. But what I’m most proud of is that my annual physical blood work returned excellent results. They were perfect, which proved this wasn’t just an external change, it really had an impact on my overall health. I’ve still got more to lose, but I am on my way. I am armed with the tools and motivation to succeed. And thanks to Shawna, Darby and this great group of women – I was able to push myself further than I thought I was able. This has been a life changing experience and I am grateful for it!

Molly continues to work it at Fusion Amp Camp-a maintenance program!

Weight Loss Bootcamp -Just Can't Get Enough!

Weight loss bootcamp’s second biggest loser, Regan lost 27 pounds, 4 inches off her bust, & 3.5 inches off her hips and waist. Regan worked hard and pushed herself more each day. She loves her new found endurance so much, she recently did a bootcamp cardio workout, switch up, AND dirty30...all before noon! Way to go Regan! We are so proud of you for taking control and rocking it!

Here is Regan's story:

Growing up I was an active kid and teenager. In college I exercised and walked KU's campus daily. I never had to worry about calories or diet. It was easy to be thin and fit. However, after college while working at a desk job, I put on about 25 pounds. I was unhappy and out of shape. When I got engaged in 2000 I was able to shed the extra pounds through diet and exercise. Unfortunately after the wedding the pounds crept on again. In 2006 we had our first daughter, 21 months later our second. At this point I was heavier than ever and struggling to get to a healthy and comfortable weight. I would work out but couldn't get a handle on my diet. Or I would eat well but not exercise. A few years ago while working out at Sylvester Powell I started seeing Shawna being trained by Darby and Shandi who I knew from Fusion. After watching the "crazy training sessions" for a few weeks I noticed a big difference in Shawna. She didn't just look thinner, she was also stronger and more confident. I would watch as I ran on the treadmill thinking "I wish someone would take me aside and train me like that. I wish I could do that". I thought that over and over well after Shawna's challenge was complete. This summer I ran into Shawna at the pool (divine intervention). I told her if she ever wanted to do a training group I'd be interested. A few weeks later the notice was posted about the bootcamp. Even though I wanted to do it more than anything I almost didn't do it. Honestly I thought, "No way. I'm not cut out for it." After lots of soul searching I made the commitment. 

I was terrified. Afraid of the hunger and the pain of the exercise. Terrified I'd quit. Over the past 10 years I've started a hundred diets and exercise programs and after a few weeks I usually quit. Despite all my fears and doubts about myself I completed the program. I lost 27 pounds in 12 weeks. While looking good in a pair of jeans is nice I've gained so much more! I am more fit than I've ever been. I have my confidence back. I have a piece of me back. It has been a total makeover both physically and emotionally. 

It was a "bucket list" experience.

Inaugural Weight Loss Bootcamp Results!

The inaugural weight loss bootcamp ended a few months ago  . 14 women lost over 275 pounds in 12 weeks! They worked hard and ate to fuel. They not only lost weight, they became true athletes...ready to tackle any workout! Congratulations! You ladies were amazing...true inspiration!

Brook lost 13.5% body weight, 4.5 inches off her hips, 5 inches off her waist and 4 inches off her bust during her participation in the 12 week weightloss bootcamp. Way to go Brook! Brook is a true inspiration to anyone that thinks they do not have time! She works a full time job, has twin daughters, and still managed two get in 2 workouts a day most days. Her dedication and motivation made her a key player in the group support system! Her results are proof! Congratulations Brook! Your pictures are better than dessert!

Here is her story:

My weight loss journey started back in 2001. Before that I was always pretty heavy--heavy kid, heavy teen, got heavier as I went through college and law school. In January 2001, I went to my best friend's wedding and when the pictures came back I couldn't even believe how big I was. In 2001, it took me 10 months to go from 215 pounds (I'm 5'4" tall) to 145 pounds with just exercise and diet (and a 25 year old body). Prior to 2001, I did not really exercise on a regular basis and every meal consisted of processed carbs (cereal, bread, pasta, etc.). From January to September in 2001 I got that weight off and I felt amazing. Slowly the weight crept back on (law school, a big time Chicago law job, then I had twins in 2006). When I had the twins in 2006 my weight (and crazy life) really made the struggle with my weight even harder. (Funny note: I weighed 215lbs when I was 39 weeks pregnant with twins in 2006--the same weight I had been at the beginning of 2001!!!) This year was kind of my 10th anniversary opportunity to do what I had done in 2001. But for the first six months of this year I struggled to figure out how to do this and it wasn't until I heard about this boot camp that I realized that this was my big break. And now I can't even tell you how strong and healthy and empowered I feel.

I've always known that I've had it in me to do this, but without this program I just couldn't figure out how to do it. Thanks to Shawna and Darby and to the motivation that I have found in this group of amazing women, I'm now on a path that is exciting and supportive and rewarding (and crazy hard and sometimes scary). But in just 12 weeks, I've been amazed by the results and have lost almost 25 pounds. I can't thank you all enough for how this has changed me.

As Shawna would say, "Go hard, ladies, go hard!"