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!

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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

 

AmpCamp Is At It Again!

Another session of our 8-week AmpCamp has concluded with amazing results for these lovely ladies! Check out their stories for inspiration to get your groove on!

Mari

You may know Mari from the new baby she totes around on her little hips, so the next time you see her pat her on her back for her awesome results!
She lost 5.4 pounds and shaved off 2 inches from her hips, 1 inch from her waist and 1.5 inches from her bust. She increased her pushups from 40 to 50 in one minute, doing 40 on her toes! She also increased her situps by 8 to total 45 in a minute. Mari ran a half marathon six weeks into Amp Camp with 9.2 minute miles, which was a personal best and without distance training. Proof that cross-training can keep you in amazing distance shape.
Shawna adds, "more impressive than all of that was your incredible speed and ability to challenge yourself and others around you. Your drive and competitiveness was awesome and you became the "gal to beat"! I really enjoyed having you in this session. You inspired others and gave it your all! My favorite part is how you just popped in on a half marathon...and killed it!"

Kerri

Kerri is another regular at Fusion, and especially loves the differences she feels in her arms and tummy. She lost 9 pounds, 1 inch from her hips, 1 inch from her waist, and 2 inches from her bust. She improved her situps and pushups, now doing 40 pushups in one minute with 20 of them on her toes! Way to go Kerri!
Shawna is proud of her accomplishments and loved having her in this session. She says, "you look great and are in awesome shape..even with battling your injury! Way to make it happen! Major kudos for pushing yourself and staying on top of your diet. Nice job!"

Jennifer

Jennifer says, "I accomplished more in 8 weeks with AmpCamp than I did in 8 months on my own! Three kids under 5 and a demanding full-time job doesn't leave much "me" time...but through AmpCamp I got a much-needed reminder on what I can accomplish in a one hour workout and a boost of motivation for healthy eating. Shawna was amazing and I couldn't have done it without her!"

Jennifer lost 9 pounds, 1 inch from her waist, 2 inches from her hips, and 1 inch from her bust. Her situps and pushups improved, and she knocked 1:08 off of her mile run!

Shawna said she loved her competitive side and is proud of her awesome results. "You worked hard and pushed yourself. Congratulations!"

Dani

Dani was the leader in weight-loss by losing 14.6 pounds and burned off 2.5 inches from her hips, 2.5 inches from her waist, and 2 inches from her bust. She added 10 situps and pushups, totaling 34 situps and 35 pushups in a minute.
Shawna says, "you look amazing and are in great shape! You were committed and successful and should be proud. Congrats!"

Rebecca

Rebecca started with the Weight Loss Boot Camp and continued into the AmpCamp to further her results. In the total of 20 weeks, she lost an amazing 35.8 pounds, 7 inches from her waist, 8.5 inches from her hips, and 6 inches from her chest. She improved her pushups to 40 on her toes in one minute!
Shawna says, "my favorite part about your results is that you took a long European vacation during Amp Camp, and still managed to stay on track and lose weight. Big congratulations for making a true lifestyle change and forming habits that will continue into the future. I have loved getting to know you; way to make it happen and find your health!"

If you want to give AmpCamp a go, checkout the "bootcamp" tab under the classes tab on our homepage, or contact Shawna at shawnawright@yahoo.com. The 8-week session offers more than just a great workout. You also get accountability, nutrition plans, and the joy of working hard with other women to accomplish your goals together!

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.

AmpCamp session 2 just finished up...and 10 ladies lost over 75lbs, an average of 2inches from their waist and most can boast a greatly increased level of fitness and overall speed!  Amp combines healthy diet, intense cardio workouts, Fusion core strength and ACCOUNTABILITY!  Our results are amazing and everyone is happy!

Congratulations to Kali!  In the 8 weeks of AmpCamp, Kali dropped 11.2lbs, 3 inches from her hips, 3.5 from her bust and 2 inches from her chest.  She improved the number of pushups completed in 1 minute and lower her resting and active heartrates.  Kali finished strong with a noticable difference in her speed and cardio capacity. 

Her timed 1 mile run went from 8:42-7:41!!!  WOW! 

Way to Amp it up and take control of your health!

Amp it up, look & feel great!

Meet Sherry...before and after 8 weeks of AmpCamp!

Sherry joined AmpCamp as a distance runner looking to up her game and improve her diet...

here is what she accomplished in 8 weeks:

She lost 11.2 lbs

She dropped 2.5in from her hips, 3.5in from her waist and 2in from her chest

She improved her eating habits, switched up her workouts and feels amazing!

Sherry started AmpCamp already able to run 1 mile in 8:42min...within 8 weeks, she imporoved that time to 7:15!!!  She is one fast girl!!!

Congratulations to Sherry and all of the other AmpCampers

for a successful 8 weeks of health and fitness!

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!