Here is a list of previous experiences with our courses!

HOW PHYSICAL REVOLUTION CHANGED MY LIFE

By Jan Kennedy

I would like to share with you a little about myself. My name is Jan Kennedy, I am a 49 year old mother of three grown up kids. I have been involved with Physical Revolution and Bootcamp for the past five years and meeting Chris Chalmers was the change I needed in my life. I always had the never give up attitude but found it difficult to find someone who thought the same as I do. Chris always brings out my competitive spirit and he continues to drive my never give up attitude, even if he does call me ‘old girl!’

It all began back in 2004, I was a member at one of the council gyms and had been there for some time. After a period of time I found that my training became a chore and it was a struggle to get there. I was very dissatisfied and needed a change. One Thursday afternoon whilst in town I saw the advertisement for Bootcamp 11 in the window of Physical Revolution.

I went to make some enquiries and was so impressed that I registered for Bootcamp 11 straight away. The camp was scheduled to commence August 2004. Chris invited me along to the information night, which was held at the gym and I found him to speak with great inspiration. I was pumped! I felt that my fitness level was at a reasonable level and thought to myself “here is a challenge”. Was it going to live up to my expectations? Time would tell.

I met my fellow Boot Campers on Saturday morning at the Botanical Gardens, which was the designated site. I was feeling very nervous but excited at the same time. Chris gave clear instructions of the circuit of the fitness test, which at that time was as follows:

1. One lap of Botanical Gardens and down to Eastern beach
2. 30 step ups, 20 push ups, 10 squats
3. Run one Lap of promenade
4. Repeat the 3 exercises at the bottom of the steps
5. Run up the steps, and then go left toward the promenade
6. Repeat the exercises again
7. Run one more lap of the promenade
8. Repeat the exercises at the steps
9. Run up the stairs back to the entrance of the Botanical Gardens

The fitness test has always been based on the time and for my first fitness test I completed the course in 22 minutes. This put me in the Platoon Level 2.

Since Bootcamp 11 in 2004, I have seen it grow from strength to strength. With each Bootcamp Chris in his wisdom increased the intensity of the fitness test. So each camp it became a bigger challenge every time. After completing Bootcamp 11 I progressed to the Platoon Level 1, being the first woman to advance into the top group in the history of the camps. Since then I always strive for that high level.

The last few Bootcamps have seen a number of women come into Group 1. it is a wonderful achievement and this brings out a rich competitive spirit between us. Lets face it if we can beat a couple of blokes home we are wrapped!

Over the years at Physical Revolution I have met some life long, wonderful people (male and female) and have formed friendships. I have had some major challenges in my life and with the support and friendship of the people at Physical Revolution I have been able to cope. Physical Revolution is my “family” and I have never looked back since that bloody run in August 2004. I hope this has enlightened you with how Bootcamp is, but remember you have to work hard to get results, and the results will amaze you!

Chris hi!

At long last l found some time to put this together for you!

We’ll start from the beginning, my wife Jude enrolled me into Boot Camp because l needed to do something about my weight and fitness. Most of my life l’ve been reasonably fit doing some type of activity to get the heart rate up. But l landed a job in China and for a year l ate and drank without any exercise at all and l ballooned out to a massive 110 kg. Hence Boot Camp. Jude and l both went to the information session on the Thursday night and Jude said she would love to do it too. So that night l had my last pizza for 7 weeks, …. heartbreaking.

We both rolled up on Saturday morning for the fitness test, dressed in my new Boot Camp uniform. After the explanation of the fitness test and course. l wanted to go home, feeling a heart attack coming on. Anyway we started the fitness test and what a cracking pace was set, by the time l got to the eastern beach promenade l was puffing more than Puffing Billy and in a bit of trouble and by the time l got to the top of the stairs my legs were like jelly. So l did what any 110kg unfit bloke would do STOP and had a walk.So all through the fitness test l ran and walk and ran and walk. Anyway l did the fitness test in 43 minutes.

I took Boot Camp seriously no alcohol and eating only good food, no processed food.

Chris strongly advises that we should see our doctor and get our cholesterol checked so l did after about 1 1/2 weeks of Boot Camp. He was a big wrap for Boot Camp and took measurements of my stomach, weight, blood pressure and gave me a referral to have a blood test to check my cholesterol.

I ended up in group 7 no surprise to anyone, but l stuck at it and l didn’t miss a session. All sessions l found hard and l’ve never been so sore in my entire life, being a tradesman climbing up and down ladders l found it difficult. It got to a point when l was so sore that my wife (Jude) would give me a rub down before a session. But l was determined to 1/ lose weight and 2/ get fit, they were my goals and also to catch Jude who was in group 4.

At last the 5 weeks was finally up and it was fitness test time again, l felt this time l was a bit more prepared than the last.

We did the same course as last time under the same conditions and l ran it in 33 minutes beating my original time by 10 minutes.

After the 5 weeks of Boot Camp l went back to the doctors to have all my measurements done again Weight l had lost 18 kg’s, I lost 14 cm off my stomach, Blood pressure was 137 over 84 compared to when l first saw the doctor 146 over 92, Cholesterol original was 4.0 and haven’t had it done again. So he was amazed with the progress. Now l have heaps more energy to enjoy my life

Jude and l have kept up the exercise and now my weight is down to 88kg and I’m hoping to get to around 80 – 82 kg so l’ve still have a little way to go. I’ve enrolled in the next Boot Camp and hopefully reach my goal with a bit of hard work.

Just to summarize if you’re prepared to eat the right food do the exercise you can achieve good results.

I hope this email inspires someone else to achieve good results because it can be done.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Chris and all the Boot Camp trainers that I’ve had especially Jim, for their time and patience.

There is one other person l have to thank and that’s my wife Jude for enrolling me and pushing me along.

I’ve enclosed a few before and after shots hope you can see a difference.

Thanks Chris

Wayne Wright Group 7

Hey Chris,

Just writing to brag a bit. I couldn't do the current bootcamp as I am off to New York and Hawaii this thurs and wouldn't be around for 3 weeks of the camp. That is not why I am bragging though.. Just wanted to tell you that I ran the Great Ocean Road half marathon yesterday. I ran the whole 23kms!! No walking!! Not bad for a midget who up until last November had never ever run a single kilometre in one go. Before I joined Bootcamp last November I would never imagine running the whole fitness test let alone 23km! I was so impressed with myself for running the fitness retest last year with Alicia. I never thought I could. She showed me that I could do more than I thought I could. Then Feb this year when I got into group 5 with Amy I learnt that my body could do be pushed to do things I never thought it could.. She really kicked our butts!! When she left for her holiday and we ended up with you training us we really learnt what pain was.. I hated you at times!! Ha ha!! But I got so much out of that Bootcamp, more than I ever thought I would and realised I could do anything I set my mind to.

Because I knew I couldn't be a part of this bootcamp I decided to set myself a challenge. One that I would need to train for and keep me motivated. So I signed up for the Half marathon.. I have been running a few times a week and going for 1 long run each week.

I finished the official half marathon distance in 2hours and 18mins and the Great Ocean Road 23kms in 2h 33m. I was hoping to just finish it in general so I am stoked with my time.. I even beat some people.. And I reckon I did a midgets full marathon. Surely I had to do twice as many strides as the normal people!! ;) Anyway. I want to thank you, Amy, Alicia, all the trainers and my fellow group 5 members for pushing me, making me see what I can do and supporting me.. If it was not for you guys I never would have thought I could do it.

See you at the next Bootcamp!!!

Chelsea aka the Midget.

Just a short g'day and a huge thankyou for my first five week boot camp. I came to the camp extremely unfit and over weight ,over the five weeks the results for me were almost unbelievable, I lost 8kg and improved my time from 41min15sec to 28min10sec thats a difference of 13min.5sec and a 32% improvement and all for just a little PAIN. Loved the program and different locations .A huge THANKS to everyone there for thier dedication to my success.

Hi Chris

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the last bootcamp.

After the Fyansford session where Jess had flogged us up and down hills, I felt quite good. I guess I was on a high and I ended up writing an email to runners world magazine telling them about bootcamp. I couldn't believe it when I saw my email in this months magazine titled "Natural Rythmn" (Don't know about that).

Anyway thanks again for the inspiration and 5 of us from the group are continuing to run twice a week so the motivation keeps going.

Regards

Wendy Tuohill

THANK’S BOOT CAMP

As a fat 47 year old truck driver I didn’t think that it would be possible to change the habit’s of a life time. I am elated to say that you showed me that I was wrong. Thanks to Chris, Simone and all of your trainer’s, I found out that in 5 weeks it was possible to lose ELEVEN KILO’S , learn to exercise and enjoy it , something I thought impossible, and as a side benefit I met a good group of people who also worked at my level.

I cannot thank you enough you have changed my life and lifestyle permanently.

See you all next Boot Camp.

Sincerely

Kevin Fairbrother.

Boot Camp!!! The first thing that sprang to mind with those two words was the thought of all the American shows where you see the drill sergeants yelling cruel and demeaning words to unfit people and making them cry. C’mon everyone knows what I mean.

Well I just completed my first Boot Camp, and in reality there were no mean drill sergeants.

At the start of boot camp I weighed in at 90kgs and was feeling tired all the time and couldn’t muster the energy or motivation to do regular exercise. If I did it would only last for a day or two, and I would slump back into the same old rut.

Boot Camp changed the way I see myself living for the next 60 years or so. After the 5 weeks of training and one fun run in which I managed to run 5km (before boot camp I couldn’t even run 1km), I have lost 5kgs and 2 inches from my waist. I reduced my fitness test time from 45min 40sec to 32min 20sec which was an improvement of 13min 20sec. All the instructors were exceptional and knew there stuff. They never gave up on you and would encourage and support you during times of hard yakka. They would push you to your limits at times but the feeling of achievement was a reward in which you wouldn’t swap for the whole world. Hats off to all the other boot camp recruits as they all banded together to encourage anyone who felt like giving up throughout the 5 weeks. They all become your second family. This experience for me has been a journey of self discovery and self motivation, and has shown me the way for a better and healthier life. There is no going back once you experience the fitness BUG!!!(And why would you want too?).

Thanks a Bunch

Holly Fowler

Boot Camp Testimonial

July 2006

Dear Chris and the Team at Physical Revolution, As a pastor I spend most of my life helping other people to understand the importance of maintaining a healthy body, soul and spirit. Unfortunately, somewhere along my own journey, despite the fact that I had looked after my soul and spirit fairly well, I had completely neglected the health of my body. Physically I was in very poor shape and condition. At only 35 years of age I found myself weighing 121kgs and struggling to find enough energy to complete each day. My wife and I are raising four young children and leading a community-focussed church, which creates a very busy life, and I was simply not keeping up with it all.

Encouraged by two friends who had completed a Boot Camp I decided to sign up myself.I approached Boot Camp with determination, looking for results, and I was not disappointed. The result of the fitness test on the first Saturday morning was humiliating and embarrassing but only made me more determined to improve. My time was 50 minutes 30 seconds, but by the end of the 5 weeks I had cut my time to 29 minutes 50 seconds – taking nearly 21 minutes off my time! In the process I had also lost 11 kgs and was beginning to feel so much better.

Encouraged by these results I returned immediately for the next Boot Camp, which I am in the middle of right now. I have so far lost a total of 19 kgs over the past 12 weeks and taken 23 cm off my waist measurement and 15cm off both my hips and my chest. I am loving not only the results but the entire experience. Yes, it is hard work and yes, it requires commitment and dedication from the individual, but the team at Boot Camp have made every session successful. Each instructor I have met and worked with is enthusiastic, professional, encouraging and helpful. The positive attitude and attention to detail (with T-shirts, drink bottles, nutritional information, changing locations, prizes, gym access etc) adds so much life, energy and unity to the whole process. I will certainly keep coming back for more.

Thank you Chris for initiating and overseeing such a fantastic concept which is clearly helping many people to discover that there is so much more to life - if only they will take the first step. God Bless you.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Edwards

Hi Chris,

I have just finished the current Boot Camp and thought I would drop you a line.I consider myself to be your average run of the mill office job person in my mid thirties happily married with a couple of kids, once very active however now, more attuned to coming home from work speeding some time with the kids before falling onto the couch then bed and starting the next day over again. Subsequently I have found the fitness levels going down and the waste line expanding out.Boot Camp was a birthday present from my family (not certain what they were trying to tell me!),

I was very apprehensive to go through with it due to thinking I would be constantly yelled at “run here, run there”, “right down for 50” etc. More concerning was I would be found out as to how unfit I really was and I would be training with people far fitter then I, constantly struggling to keep up or constantly holding the group back. It was absolute relief to find out after the initial fitness test that we were grouped with people of like fitness, being matched with people of a like fitness generated the right attitude and drive. I started out in Jim’s group and after the first two weeks moved up into Amy’s group, they were fantastic and definitely got the most out of me – even if there was a little yelling now and then from Amy!

Overall it was a fantastic experience, at times it was hard and I did not know how I could make it through some sessions however, as they say, when the session was over you felt heaps better for pushing through and just doing it.The wash up was, the waste line is looking much better, I dropped 7 minutes off my final run and I feel that I have more energy for work and family. Without a doubt you will see me again for the Jan 30 start.

CheersDamien

Hi Chris, 1/06/07

I totally agree with what you have said in this email. Since my first boot camp in January 2007 I have lost over 20kgs!! It has been from what you have taught us. Cardio work must be mixed strength work and you must eat well everyday. I did it by just cutting out all the crap – soft drink, chocolate, fried/processed food. I still ate good portions and certainly never starved.

I now run 10kms often and have never felt better. I’m in group 2 now with Jess and she is fantastic, I’m going to miss it when it ends next week!

Cheers

Jensen

CARMEN POLWARTH: Working mother of 2 and wife.

Hi Chris,

Just a note to say thanks for the help and encouragement last week to help me finish and continue the bootcamp. Without sounding ‘corny’ I would like to say that in the last few days since speaking with you and Corrine about my lack of self esteem and confidence, I have come to feel much better about myself than I have in 25 years (no, I’m not exaggerating.) I can see that if I keep pushing myself I can succeed. I hope to continue on to better myself and achieve another great time in the next bootcamp, then complete a 10km run in December and finish the Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer course I have been undertaking, with the hope of working with young adults and children in the future. Once again, many thanks for the inspiration to keep on going.

Kindest Regards, Carmen Polwarth

Hey Chris,

Well thanks for another awesome training session Saturday J

I certainly want to continue with some form of training over the next 5 weeks until the next bootcamp! So if you could let me know what is on offer that would be great. I have loved the boxing class’s also!

I have come so much further than what I would’ve thought ever possible in the last 4weeks under your trainers. I joined in on the Barwon Banks Fun run the other weekend….and to my amazement within 3 weeks I have wiped off 12 minutes off my personal best time for 5km run! I was ecstatic! Also my whole attitude has become more positive and I have lot more confidence in myself.

One of the other benefits I have found with bootcamp is the amazing friendships I have formed! My team (group 5) are an inspirational bunch with so much charisma! Everyone gets behind each other and really pushes the other to be the best they can be!

Looking forward to hearing from you….keep up the awesome work!

Cheers Taffline J

Hi Chris,

I would like to thank you very much for coming to our club to talk to us about your Boot/recruit Camp. I was so impressed with it I realised I wanted to do something for myself instead of doing things for other members of our weight loss club and me not getting anywhere. I am 63 years of age and never thought I would do anything like this at my age but the more I am with Samantha the more I am enjoying this new venture. Every time we do something at Recruit level I am amazed at how far I have come and I get so excited when I can run,,jump,hold my hands in the air(seems like an eternity) go up a steep hill 6 times ( but who's counting) and now I can do it.At the beginning of the camp I couldn't even get up off the ground or sand without help and now I do it all myself.

I only hope that more people at my age will come and do what I am doing and get the benefits I am getting out of this, and, also the friendship of all the members and staff who encourage us wether it is Group 1 or a Recruit Camp Member. So if there are any members out there with a Mother or Father who is a COUCH POTATO then get them to join in so they to will to feel fitter, healthier and be able to enjoy life a lot more

Thank you Christine

Hi Chris,

I just wanted to say a very sincere thank you to you and your team for a fantastic 5 weeks of boot camp. This was my first boot camp but will not be my last - I am hooked!

My husband (diplomatically) suggested I give boot camp a try after the birth of my second child. I was incredibly nervous about what would be in store, I had all sorts of thoughts running through my head about being yelled at by a trained! But to my relief it was nothing like that. I loved every minute of the program, but the highlights would have to be the run up You Yangs and the Saturday mornings at Torquay.

I am so happy I improved my time by 7 minutes!!!!

You have a great team of people and Ben was fantastic to work with, he was genuinely keen to see us all do our best. I now feel like a new person, I have so much energy and feel great. I have dropped a dress size and am having a great time buying new clothes (something my husband didn't plan on when he made the suggestion).

So thank you again Chris and I can't wait for the next boot camp.

Cheers

Katrina Hayes

Hi Chris

I just want to thank you and your staff on bootcamp. I have got so much out of it and I am well on my way to being fit and reaching my goals. Not quite there yet but it was never going to be a 5 week plan. I went from group 3 to group 1 and have so far lost 8 kg.It just shows if you are serious about doing something that you will and can achieve anything. It doesn't matter where you start or how heavy you are as I have proven that in the last 4 weeks. So for all that I am very grateful for what you and Corrine and all your trainers have done.

Thanks mate

Arthur

Afternoon Chris,

Jude and l don’t want to go back to where we were 4 weeks ago, this has given me a new lease of life. I’ve lost around 15 kg’s and feeling much better, and a cholesterol of 4, all done by exercise and good natural food. My doctor was a big rap for boot camp and took various measurements for the before and after, l’ll let you know the results. I’ve been doing it hard and now the hard work is paying off and I’m not as sore as l was at the start. Jim asked me if l wanted to go up another level which l thought was a big achievement for me. All the work that l’ve done so far l don’t want to waste it. Look forwarded to hearing from someone with a few options to keep it all going.

Thanks Wayne Wright group 7, Judi Wright group 4

Hi Chris,

This is fantastic! Good on them both. I'm very impressed with my own progress as well. I'm in recruitcamp and am doing things I didn't think I could do when I started out. My toughest challenge had been walking uphill without huffing and puffing and now I'm running uphill and feeling great. I've only lost 2kg but have reduced 22.5cm (8 1/4") from by body and am stoked! Healthy eating and exercise are definitely the key. I started recruitcamp to be the best I can be and I'm well on my way. Thanks so much to Symantha for pushing us further than we think we can go.

Cheers, Liz

Hi Chris,

I have also asked this question “what happens after next week” when this camp is over? My commitment to training and the journey for fitness, feeling great, having more energy, looking better and so on could be in jeopardy once the camp is over. My mind set is strong at the moment, the training is hard, but I have achieved some terrific results to date. So I would like a call from Physical Revolution to see how you can help me achieve on going results.

I must mention that Amy is my trainer in group 5 and she is brilliant. Her level of training is hard core, pushing me/encouraging me beyond a level that I felt achievable. She strives for results, and her emphasis on technique etc is a real benefit.

I don’t know if I can request this, but I would really appreciate if Amy could call me to discuss my future campaign with your company.

Regards – Michael Wallis (Mike)

Hi Chris,

Anna Brown from Jessicas group here.

Firstly I must tell you how much Im enjoying bootcamp, Ive just moved here from Scotland and am finding the group very friendly and motivating. Jess is a hard task master but she encourages us all to try harder and push further.

Secondly, Im really keen to continue improving my fitness and would like more info please. I enjoy the group activity and find it much more motivating than regular gym sessions.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Anna Brown

Hi Chris

Thanks for your commentary.

More than fitness and weight loss (well the latter actually hasn’t happened – I hope it’s all turning to muscle!) I have come to realise that a key outcome for me has been realising just how much more I can actually do physically if I put my mind to it and really try hard. I am quite surprised by what I have done that I never thought I would previously. The power of mind over matter is truly amazing and I just want let you know how great Cam has been as a trainer. He gets the best out of his group through encouragement and positive reinforcement, which is really appreciated.

In the big picture, one hour of cold and miserable weather is not such a big challenge to overcome. The biggest challenge is recognising that you can actually do far more than you realise. I now have no reluctance to run or do push ups as I realise that is a part of every training session and every time I feel that I am improving bit by bit.

When I started my first boot camp (the last one held) I was not concerned at all about subscribing to a mantra of being able to do anything at any time as I felt pretty confident about where I was at in this regard anyway. I have come to appreciate, however, that the benefit I take from doing things physically that I never thought I would be capable of doing have transcended into my life in general and just doing boot camp gives me the energy and mental clarity that I need to focus on a highly stressful and challenging work life. People tell me I am inspirational because I am being disciplined in doing this (and keeping up with people ½ my age) and I realise that I am being a role model to others as well and that in my doing something like this others benefit too. I don’t want to end up an old lady who can’t get out of her chair because my bones have seized up. I want to go into my old age, hopefully, with energy and vigour and the ability to still remain physically active for as long as possible.

Thanks again for the words of inspiration and encouragement.

Regards

Bernadette

Heya to all the BOOTCAMP team!

I really wanted to let you know how much I actually got out of doing your program. When I set out to do bootcamp my main aim was to lose a little weight and gain some fitness. But it turns out I actually got a whole lot more! Last night I asked myself the question "who am I?".

Not a question that is easy to answer but as I got writing I discovered that I'm a very different person to who I was 5 weeks ago.

And here is who I am;

I've recenty come to stage where I want to get serious about my life, for the past 3 years i've kind of sat back and enjoyed the finer things without striving to achieve anything in a promptly fashion. I was happy with second best and let myself believe that just getting there is enough! But i've come to the realisation that putting in the hard work is far more gratifying than selling yourself short. I'm quite pleased with my realisation as it reflects where I want to go in all apects of my life. I want to turn my body into a machine and train it for the biggest event of all- my life, I want to impress my scholars and no longer want to just pass, I want to meet new people by stepping out of my comfort zone.. When i think about who and where I want to be, i'm impressed and will no longer accept having no motive in my life. So as you can see discovering my goals has pushed me to try to become the driven person I need to be to do my best! So having said that, thankyou to the team at bootcamp and especially you Cameron, you have been the driving force behind my selfcoming.

Many thanks, Courtenay Mclaughlin group 4 TEAM member! By the way I'll have you know that after saturday nights shinnanigans I even woke up at 9am to go for a 5km run! It was hard but definately worth it! See you all at the next camp.