How Mamavation Bootcamp Empowered Me
In the summer of ’13, I applied for Mamavation Bootcamp 17. I had been watching from the sidelines for the couple of bootcamps that came before and wished I could be a Mamavation Mom myself. Through those campaigns that I watched, I knew I wasn’t eligible because I either didn’t fit the weight requirement or I was pregnant.
At the end of my pregnancy with Flash, I learned of Bootcamp 17’s dates and found that they would hit perfectly after I’d been cleared for exercise by my OBGYN. I applied, and after much (painful) hazing, I was chosen as one of the three moms.
The focus of the Mamavation Bootcamps has changed a bit, and that’s one reason I was able to apply and be a participant in Bootcamp 17. The focus of Mamavation has shifted a little to include education surrounding home products and overall wellness.
Throughout the campaign, I not only worked out more than I’ve worked out since college (because @MrBookieboo is a GREAT virtual trainer) but I also learned more about the toxins that exist in our house and in this world. I learned about the dangers of GMOs. I learned how to read labels. I learned the potential risks of many of the ingredients in basic household products like laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid or even aerosol room fresheners.
During the 7 weeks this summer, I also found myself again. It has been a long time since I felt like me. Through the workouts and the eating plan, I began to shed weight and gain muscle and definition. I started running (I hate running). My body began to shape up in ways that I haven’t seen — like I said — since college.
Empowerment is probably the best way to describe what came out of this bootcamp. Yes, I learned a lot about how to protect my family from things in this world that can harm them (and that we generally are made to think are safe). And yes, I’m fitting into pants I haven’t worn comfortably in some time (they’re actually falling down).
But the most important outcome, for me, is the feeling that I am strong and capable. I can do this.
You can, too.
Have I fallen down a bit here and there? Yes.
But the tools I was given as a Mamavation Mom give me the strength and the knowledge to pick back up again and keep moving forward.
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