COURTNEY OVERBY – lost 151 lbs in 14 months (currently down 185 lbs!)
I started my journey on September 14th 2018. It took me 1 week to admit that I couldn’t do this alone.
On September 20th 2018 I decided to try 6 personal training starter sessions with Cam Makarchuk. I decided no amount of money was stopping me from getting my life back. Cam hasn’t just pushed me physically he pushes me mentally as well.
When I started with Cam I hit rock bottom. I was seeing a therapist twice a week, I just recently quit smoking and now my only safety blanket was food.
Cam took a piece a paper and drew 2 paths, and continued to draw a line over and over again on the same path to represent me. The other path had very few lines because it was the start of my journey. It was the path to find healthy ways to cope, how to enjoy working out and finding healthy foods I enjoyed.
My path seemed easy because I had gone down it my whole life, but the other path had hardly been walked and that was the path I needed to take because it was new and exciting. It was the path that gave me my life back.
Cam showed me I had the strength to over come anything as long as I put my mind to it. There’s even been a few training sessions where we sit in an office and he listens to me cry for 30 minutes before I can workout.
Cam has taught me so many different ways to work out. Taught me how to push my body in ways I didn’t think was possible. On day one he told me this wasn’t going to be easy, and it hasn’t been but he has been there for me every step of the way. I wonder everyday where I would be if it wasn’t for my personal trainer Cam.
On September 20th 2018 I weighed in at 425 pounds, 14 months later and 151 pounds down my current weight is 274 pounds.
I knew I always wanted to lose weight but never had the determination until reality hit me. In January of 2018 I fell and tore my miniscus, several months off work I got the all clear to return, 2 weeks into returning to work I tripped and fractured my ankle. After being off work for another 2 months I fell into a bad depression. I was the heaviest I had ever been, just quit smoking and struggling. There was no way these 2 Injurys were a coincidence so I decided to take this bad situation and make it a positive.
This was the reality check I needed.
On September 14th 2018 I got my Goodlife membership back and 6 days later was seeing a personal trainer. The first weigh in broke my heart, I couldn’t believe I let myself get that heavy and worst of all I realized in 2 years at my job I gained 60 pounds.
The last 14 months hasnt just changed me physically but mentally as well. I’m starting to love myself again, I’m becoming the true me and not a “plus size girl” who hides behind her weight.
I went to my first hockey game and fit in the chairs and this was a huge win to me. I get to go shopping with people and not be embarrassed by my clothes size. I can have my picture taken from any angle and not worry.
I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’m free.
ROSIE – lost 125 lbs in 18 months
“At over 300 pounds I was lost. Too heavy to move and too depressed to want to.
One random night I was searching for a gym, thinking if I could just do things more socially with some structure I would enjoy it. My exact google was ‘Winnipeg fat loss gym’… And that’s where I found Boom. It seemed exclusive and focused on people like me…Someplace I could fit in, or at least try to and not feel any judgement. Overnight I wrestled with the price of membership, knowing that it was more than the average gym cost.
But I realized to get the quality of help I needed, it would have to be more.
And you definitely get what you pay for. I needed to do this to live the kind of life I wanted.
After meeting Cam I realized how lucky I was.
Today I can honestly say I enjoy working out, I feel confident in how I look and I know I’m stronger and healthier than I’ve ever been. Shopaholic days are slightly less meaningful knowing I no longer need clothes to make me look nice, because ‘looking nice’ is what happens when you’re a client.
Thanks Cam! You’ve got a really good thing going on.”
CAROL – lost over 57 lbs & regained confidence
“For years, I was trapped in a vicious cycle of losing weight, losing focus, gaining it all back and then some, getting depressed about it and trying again, and again and again.
The physical changes have been amazing, but the benefits in terms of stress relief, and overall confidence in living my daily life have been phenomenal. It’s been an awesome trip”
IVONE – dropped 4 sizes, sleeping better & happier overall
“Meeting Cameron and joining just over a year ago was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I had joined the big gyms and done the weight loss programs but none of that worked for me because I wasn’t motivated and I got bored very quickly. With Cameron it’s different and 100% better than anything else I’ve tried before. The workout sessions are never boring, but tough and intense – that is why I got results.
Since joining I’ve lost fat, pounds, inches and 4 pant sizes. I’m a happier person, I sleep better, and physically I feel stronger and more toned.
I look forward to going to working out (even at 6:00am) because I know Cam will be there to kick my butt if I try to slack off. He pushes me to my full potential even when I think I can’t do anymore.
Cameron’s motivation and encouragement don’t stop there. It continues with emails he sends on new workout videos to do at home, articles on nutrition and healthy recipes. With Cam you get the total package.
Anyone wanting to see some real results and have fun doing it should give this a try. It is AWESOME!!!”
DR. JOHN MANSFIELD – 73 y/o, lost 20 lbs in 2 months
“I’ve been working with Cam since early November. A very important factor for me has been the acceptance of discipline in relation to diet and exercise, which Cam has “eased” me into.
I’ve found it interesting to discover real discipline in a fitness program, knowing that, in my professional work, for decades, a disciplined approach was fundamentally important.
The changes in my sense of well-being started early, quickly followed by fairly obvious changes in body habitus, particularly waistline and muscle strength. My weight lagged behind, but slowly, surely, I have reduced around 20lbs in two months.
Although the workload has increased significantly with each one-on-one session, it has not been difficult to move to each higher plane.
I recognize that, at my age, I’m not going to be Superman. There is no doubt that the educational element, a key part of the Awesome Project, has been a pivotal part of the advances already achieved. Knowing WHY you perform certain activities, and seeing timely results, has been very valuable in helping me sustain a disciplined approach to getting fit.”
SUE – lost 40 lbs in 4 months
“Four months ago I had an epiphany; I realized that despite success in other areas of my life, I needed a coach in order to lead a healthier life and to meet my personal weight loss goals. I had tried many “diets” but none of them ever made me feel like I was changing the way I was going to live forever – working with Cameron makes me feel this way.
After four months working with Cameron, I have received many compliments on my progress. I tell people that this is what I do for me; 3 days a week, 45 minutes – this small investment of time has made a world of difference to my life. I am strong and healthy, both physically and mentally – it’s been an amazing transformation.
Cameron cares and is always ready to offer support and coaching. It’s also great to be a part of a smaller community of like-minded people that are on their own personal journeys. Whether someone needs to lose 100, 50 or 10 pounds to lose – we are all able to learn from each other. It is said that finding a peer group that has like interests will help you achieve your goals…this is the prefect example of this.
My journey has not always been easy; I have had days where I have been challenged for one reason or another. Cam is always available to provide coaching that enables me to stay on track. He keeps me motivated and drives me to want to succeed. He is always there for a quick five-minute conversation or a longer conversation as needed. What a gift to be able to talk through any questions or concerns as they come up.
I have often asked myself what would my life be like if I had not joined at the end of May? This is what I know:
- I would not have lost 40 pounds, and truthfully, I probably would have gained
- I wouldn’t have had an amazing summer with my family
- I wouldn’t be wearing clothes that are 6-8 sizes smaller than when I started
- I wouldn’t be strong; both mentally and physically
I am thankful every day that I sent Cam that first email; it was the first step towards an incredible journey!”
CHARLES – eating better & happier overall in just 6 weeks
“I have been a member for 6 weeks and I have changed my lifestyle thanks to Cam!
First things first – my diet did a 180. Decades of a Starch heavy diet were dragging me down.
Where the magazines and mainstream gyms have equipment and tips to get you there – they all are missing the important ingredient – MOTIVATION!
The team made me realize that fitness is not just working out.
PROPER DIET + WORKOUT = FITNESS, always watching my form and my reps and know exactly when to pile it on!
The man in the mirror and I are both VERY happy we chose Cam!”
MEGAN – lost 45 lbs & feeling stronger with Brittle Bone Disease
“Being a client has changed my life in so many really positive ways.
Not only am I more physically fit and healthy than I have ever been in my life, but my mentality towards eating well and living an active lifestyle has changed completely.
Working with Cameron means so much more than just attending training sessions; it means learning how to exercise safely and effectively, how to keep yourself motivated by identifying potential roadblocks to your success and working to overcome them, and understanding what and when to eat or drink to boost your metabolism and get the most out of your workouts.
Cameron is always ready to provide support and make sure that you achieve your goals and don’t feel discouraged in the process of reaching them. As an elite member, you also have the advantage of one-on-one support and workouts that consistently incorporate the latest fitness tools and techniques.
I have a condition commonly known as brittle bone disease that has caused me to have dozens of bone fractures and many extended hospital stays throughout my life. When I came to Cameron for my consultation 7 months ago, I was feeling helpless about my past failed attempts to lose weight and become a physically strong and healthy person. I walked almost exclusively using a walker, and had a lot of difficulty with range of motion and balance, as well as bone and joint pain.
I knew I wanted to change, but didn’t know how and lacked the motivation to do so myself. I was overwhelmed by the task of losing weight and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to succeed in an intensive fitness program; however, Cameron didn’t hesitate in taking me on as a client and made every effort to ensure that I got the most out of my training, and that it was completely accessible to me.
Before I came to Cameron, I had never experienced the feeling of looking forward to working out or been able to curb my cravings for unhealthy foods.
Most of all, for the very first time I’m seeing actual results; to name a few, to date I’ve lost 45 pounds, my recovery rate has improved dramatically, my blood pressure is finally normal, and I only use my walker when I need to walk long distances.
Cameron is the person to go if you’re looking for an inclusive, energetic, supportive, and fun place to exercise, learn to eat well, and make healthy, maintainable changes for life!”
JOHANNE – lost over 103 lbs in 10 months
“Being a client has changed my life drastically! Before, my caloric intake and the types of food I ate would now make me ill and I didn’t have any idea how to work out. I have been a client for 10 months now and I’m feeling healthier, happier, more confident, more energetic and, of course, smaller.
The workout and nutrition guidance is phenomenal. Thanks to the support and motivation, for the first time in my life I feel like I can actually achieve my weight loss goals and, most importantly, I now feel like I’m worth it. It feels good to have the confidence again.”
TERESA – dropped 10 lbs & over 6 inches in 30 days
“All I can say is WOW!
I cannot thank you enough for being such a great coach over the last month. Your guidance, interest and enthusiasm for my success have helped me to keep focused. I could not have imagined 4 short weeks ago by exercising only three times a week that I would have had such great success.
Overall I lost 10 lbs, 3 ½ inches from the waist, 2 ¼ inches from the hips and 1 inch from the chest! I will be turning 60 this year and I feel that thanks to your help I’m on the right path to good health and an active retirement. I’ve already begun sharing with others how great I think you are…..as they say “Good news travels fast” !!!!
Thanks a million Cam!”
CHRIS – lost 12 lbs in 30 days & feeling strong at 54 years old
“I was struggling with self esteem issues after neglecting my body for some time.. Personal issues were getting in the way of taking care of myself. Having your gym come up in LivingSocial was just what I needed!
Having you as my coach was awesome! It’s a tough workout but anyone can do something for thirty seconds!
I can’t believe the change that has happened in my body…after only one month down over 12 lbs and inches lost everywhere! I am fitting back into my clothes! I am amazed at the strength I have gained back.
The people in the groups are great. Very encouraging and welcoming. You have a good thing going and I’ve been telling so many people about it. Being able to get nutritional advice is key I believe. My body is feeling much healthier with all the changes I have made.
I’m hoping that I will be able to come back in the future. I wonder what my body would look like if I continued to enjoy your workouts… I’m 54 and going strong! My motto is you are never too old to try anything….you just need the desire!
Thanks again Cam!”
BRIGITTE – lost over 118 lbs
“Over three years in the making, and I am 118 pounds lighter ….
In the early stages, I focused mainly on my diet, and with help, ensured a balanced approach without any tricks or crazy fads. What it really meant was a lifestyle change – I still eat carbs, drink wine and have dessert once in awhile – but I make different choices and cook meals in new way.
However, what really completes, compliments and supports my success is exercise – and the workouts I have been doing over the last two years with Cam.
I knew I needed a structured approach that would not only hold me accountable (someone waiting for me, who can tell when I’ve slacked off), but I also needed someone who would give me ideas and teach me how to really exercise. I can do things I thought I would never do – or even try…. ‘real’ push-ups, running, weight training, boxing – and I can do them well (and better than some guys I know!)
Cam provides sound, well-informed advice, gives a great workout that is never boring, always changing and progressing, and is really involved in his clients’ progress.
I’ve truly appreciate and benefited from his expertise and support, and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to workout out a little, or a lot.
Besides the obvious, the most significant change is that exercise is now an integral part of my life, something I miss when I don’t do it, something that helps me both physically and mentally… instead of eating when I’m stressed, I work out. I owe a lot of this motivation to Cam – and will continue to work out with him in his new facility.
Congratulations and I’m really looking forward to it!!”