I first met Roger and Diane at the Air Base. They attended a class I teach there with some friends who eventually moved to Vegas. I was extremely happy when they decided to join Boot Camp because I knew I would be gaining two super encouraging people. I’ve watched Diane completely heal and get stronger after almost losing a leg to a horse mishap. In addition, no one questions her toughness, she returned to Boot Camp three days after hand surgery. Roger continues to get stronger and is tough as well never missing a day after a rupturing a Baker’s Cyst in the back of his knee and watching his calf swell to twice its size. These two bring energy to any class they attend and this is their fitness story!
How long have you been exercising consistently?
We have always been the active type, but have been fairly consistent for the last 4 years.
What influenced your decision to get dedicated and be consistently active?
After watching family members and friends struggle with bad health, we knew we had to try to stay healthy and more mobile as we aged. Roger has needed more cardio, while Diane has always been more weight management minded. More recently, Diane has been steadfast in her determination to recover from her accident of a year ago.
How much stronger are you and what are the changes you’ve seen in yourself?
Diane says “I couldn’t even do a push-up when I first started, but now I challenge myself to do more and lift heavier”. When Roger started joining Diane in her classes, he was surprised to see Diane barely breaking a sweat while he was totally exhausted. He is strong enough now to almost keep up with her.
What is your favorite thing about Boot Camp? What Exercise most scared you at first?
The people! Everyone is so friendly and supportive. Diane was very apprehensive about dead lifts, while Roger was not too sure about boxing/sparring.
Can you briefly tell me Why You continue to do Boot Camp?
We had progressed to the point that we needed a more strenuous exercise routine. The exercises are challenging and fun, and the instructor is awesome!
What are some of your biggest barriers to staying active and how do you overcome those barriers?
Staying motivated is the biggest barrier, but having a workout partner and interesting and challenging classes keep us going.
Since becoming consistent with your exercise, what’s the biggest change you see in yourself physically and mentally?
More energy and getting stronger.
How would you classify your current eating habits? (Great, Good, Bad, or Ugly)
Good.
Do you have a specific diet/eating strategy that you follow?
Diane counts carbs. Roger tries to cut back on sugar, and eats whatever Diane won’t.
Do you have a favorite go to healthy meal or food?
Diane goes for breakfast, eggs and bacon. Roger prefers steak and protein.
Do you have advice for someone contemplating starting a fitness/weight loss journey or advice for someone struggling to stay motivated?
Having a supportive and motivated partner has really been a key factor for us. Start with setting realistic goals, be consistent and be patient. You will be surprised by the results.
These two are incredible and have an amazing relationship. Three things we can learn from Roger and Diane. Maintaining a strong healthy body is all the difference. If Diane had not been in such great shape before her accident she might have lost her leg or worse. In addition, her strength and health helped speed her recovery. You never know when an accident may occur. Second, it’s important to have and exercise partner that pushes you. Diane and Roger push each other and both thrive as a result. Last, it’s ok to have different eating habits as long as you both support each other’s goals. I want to thank Roger and Diane for sharing their story and I hope it inspires you and your family!