Everytime I see before and after pictures on weight loss advertisements I am always incredibly skeptical. The claims always seem way too good to be true. The before and after pictures look years apart, or they claim they ‘didn’t diet’, or did ‘little to no exercise at all’ yet they somehow lost 100 pounds in only a few short weeks.

We’ve all seen these commercials right? I can’t stand them! They build false hope.

I think part of this internal skepticism has been part of the reason that I’ve always avoided taking “before” pictures of clients.  It’s uncomfortable for a new client who is completely trusting me with their privacy, insecurities and personal struggles that has led to their current situation yet I’m supposed to say “Smile, say cheese!’

The people you see in my pictures are real people.

They HAVE changed their diets.

They HAVE worked out.

They HAVE kicked their asses to get results.

They HAVE made LIFE CHANGING SUCCESS!

This week’s spotlight is Samantha (aka Sam, aka Calamari) who was our overall female winner of my 30 Team Transformation Weight Loss Challenge.

“I was really excited when I heard we were doing a 30 day challenge at Bootcamp! I

Sam and Mario new port richey bootcamps fitness

“Before” pic of Samantha and Mario

had already been coming for about 3 months, but didn’t push myself nearly as hard as I should have. This challenge was exactly what I needed to get a head start at getting healthy!” said Sam when asked about her mindset going into the 30 day challenge.

“All of Derek’s emails and sayings hit me at once. ‘The only thing holding you back is you! You know what you need to do. Just let it happen!’ he would tell me over and over.

I worked my butt off for the next 30 days. I went to Bootcamp every chance I got. I ate healthy and I felt great doing it! It was an extra motivation for me to have a team to check in with. Sure I could let myself down, but I can’t let my team down! It helped a lot to think of them whenever I wanted to cheat and have something that I shouldn’t.

After the 30 day challenge came to an end, I was so surprised with my results!

I was even more surprised to get overall ladies winner!

This competition turned my mindset around 180 degrees! I am so motivated to continue with this weight loss and most definitely continue Bootcamp!

Without Derek, Rich, and all the awesome bootcampers, I don’t think this would have happened. I’m so grateful to have all of you guys in my life.”

Biggest Loser weight loss winner new port richey bootcamps

“After” pic of winners Mario on left and Sam on right

When I messaged her last night to let her know that I was going to spotlight her before and after pictures, this was her reply…

“I can’t believe I’m one of those people. lol. I’m nowhere near the changes as Frank or Mario but I hope to be in 2014!

Seriously Derek, I can thank you enough for everything. You’ve been such an important part of all of this success not only in me but with everyone at Bootcamp!

You should be super proud!”

Sam, you have no idea how proud I am of each and every client. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with like minded people who want to drastically change their lives, commit to changing what is broken in their fitness quest and most importantly We Never Quit When We’re Tired, We Quit When We’re Finished!

This is only the beginning for you. The changes and the happiness you feel now only gets better through the years!

Each personal goal you reach brings a new level of pride,  a deeper sense of passion and a stronger drive to push harder.

Committed to your fitness success,

Derek Kuryliw, Certified Sports Nutritionist & Personal Trainer Slim Fit Diet & Fitness, CEO/Founder
…for questions or comments [email protected] or 727.851.SLIM