Sergeant Tony's Blog

During this EIGHT YEAR anniversary month, I’ve been sharing some of the highlights and low-lights of the past eight years of USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP! This morning I told the story of Gary Gardia, the first success story of BOOT CAMP! Gary moved to Las Vegas a few years ago to continue his career as a bereavement counselor, but not before he’d left his mark on the program.

Briefly, let me tell you Gary’s story.

Gary joined USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP in October 1999 weighing about 220, but was only 5 feet 9 inches tall. He was also taking medication for high blood pressure. In his mid-thirties, and with a family history of heart disease, Gary said he was a health disaster waiting to happen. As a counselor, he spent most of his time helping others and doing very little to help himself.

Sound familiar? You mom’s know what I’m saying. You spend so much time taking care of others and allot NO time to take care of mom.

Anyway, Gary dedicated himself to the program and PROMISED to do what I told him to do, word for word … push up for push up.

Over the next 6 months he didn’t miss one single workout and he adjusted his eating habits accordingly. When he reached the “Thirty Pounds Lost” mark, we had a little celebration. By the time Gary moved to Nevada, less than a year later, he weighed 180, was no longer having to take his blood pressure medicine, and had run in several 5 and 10K races, something he’d never done before!

Then he moved to Vegas. Dang it!

Congratulations Gary!! You ROCK!

I also shared tips on how to get up in the morning.

In the past 8 years I have NEVER been late because I overslept. No, I’m NOT a morning person. If given a Saturday morning to sleep in, I’ll stay in bed until 10 AM and LOVE every minute of it. So, how do I do it?

1. Use two alarm clocks. I have a snooze alarm that starts going off several minutes before I intend to get up. Then I have a “Last Call” alarm clock that is located across the room. This alarm clock is set to go off when I MUST get up.
2. Once the last call alarm goes off, the bed become OFF LIMITS! Get moving! No getting back in bed.
3. Turn off the alarm clock, and start turning on lights all through the house. Turn on the TV. If you live with others who might bristle at this, go immediately to some part of the house where you can turn on the lights and wake up!
4. Lay out your clothes the night before. Don’t go wandering around the house in the morning trying to find your left shoe and your favorite shorts. So, have things ready the night before.
5. Decide the NIGHT BEFORE that you’re going to get up and go to BOOT CAMP!!! Do NOT have that debate at 5 AM while laying in bed!!

No, I don’t go to bed at 8 PM! I usually go to bed about 10:30 and get up at 0430!

Good luck to all of you newbies as you make the 0530 workout a part of your weekday life!

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HOT, HOT, HOT
Yes, it’s hot. Bring water to BOOT CAMP. When the temps are above 90, I’ll give you frequent breaks. Feel free to drink when you need it. If you get dizzy or need to sit down, go right ahead. I won’t make fun of you … much! hahahaha

Someone usually asks, “Tony, how hot does it have to get in order for us to go inside?”

The answer: “It’s never been that hot.”

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ANNIVERSARY MONTH DISCOUNT
Starting next week, and for the rest of August, new recruits joining USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, without a buddy, can join for the Buddy Program rate of only $90 per person. This is a part of our Anniversary Month Celebration! So tell your friends and family!

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POSITION AVAILABLE: FLEET FEET IS HIRING!
Eric Flanders, owner of Fleet Feet, and 0830 BOOT CAMPER, is looking to hire some new associates. Fleet Feet is owned, operated, and staffed by local runners and running enthusiasts. You don’t have to be a speed demon or age group standout. You just need to be people oriented, friendly, with a willingness to learn new things. Pay is competitive, hours are flexible, and perks begin from day one. You can get more information by contacting Fleet Feet at ffmemphis@earthlink.net.

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TRIATHLON TRAINING
We’ll meet at 8 AM at the Pizza Hut at Covington Pike (Singleton Parkway) and Austin Peay. Cycling and running are on the agenda!

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Don’t forget your one hour of continuous CONTINUOUS cardio this weekend!

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“Winners do the things that losers don’t want to do. It’s more about desire and dedication than it is about skill and ability.”

To your continued good health and fitness!

Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
4888 Southern Cove
Memphis, TN 38117
901-644-0145
www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com
http://shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main