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My Beauty Boot Camp Experience -Kim Purnell In keeping with the theme of the good, the bad and the ugly, I must report that I greatly enjoyed every minute of this challenge which captures the good aspect of the overall experience. For me, I must say that I had many wonderful experiences that I did not feel I could obtain without this health and beauty intervention, called BBC1, lead by Amy Neal, Lyn Ross and Todd Suttles. In order for you to understand how wonderful this endeavor has been for me, I need to tell you about who Kim Purnell was prior to her intervention. -Tied and lazy, all the time, to the point that after work I would just collapse -Round, unhappy, unsexy, with no stamina -And rarely wore make up, and I did not have a good skin cleaning system -Having the occasional facial; however, my skin still looked dehydrated, wrinkled, I had large bags under my eyes, and dark rings over and under my eyes, with dark areas under my noise, and on the both sides of my mouth. -I did not speak fondly of myself, so, I guess, I had lost my own self worth -Functioning only for the job, and just overlooked myself -Not putting me first. It appeared that everything in my life was first, and I fell somewhere to the bottom of the list. -Eating only 1 meal a day and eating fruit to sustain me throughout the day -An emotionally attached eater. I would eat when I was depressed, angry, or upset -Not finishing important things that pertained to me -In pain most of the time. I went to the Chiropractor for Adjustments and Massage therapy; only to feel bad days later because, my body was not strong enough to sustain the treatments -Frumpy, and I had started to accept it -Changing my size threshold, each time I grew to a larger size -Keeping my hair and nails done to try to make me feel better about myself, while allowing the rest of me to just go unattended -Hoarding clothes from the range of size 10, 12, and 14 and I should have been buying 16s; however, I refused, I refused to take the next step. However, I was not doing anything to prevent from making that first purchase. -Noticing my knees starting to bow outward because of my weight -175lbs; however, I did a cleanse for 5 days before starting the BBC1 to try to lose what I could, so my starting weight was 172 on a 5 foot tall body -A planner; however, I had no idea to plan for my own healthy living -Wanting my husband to help me fix this issue, by inviting me to go to the gym with him, and he wanted me to fix it for me, so I continued to grow larger, because I did not know how to fix the issue. . I knew I needed improvement really bad and I wanted to take every opportunity to improve my life; however, I just did not have the drive, tools, know how, and I blamed it on lack of time.
So now that you understand my state of mind from the beginning of the BBC, you will be better able to acknowledge my need for this support group. Having a team of ladies, working together for their own personal goals; yet, helping and supporting each other was text book. Our circle started from a state of being individual winners of 5; however, it grew to include expectations, communication, teamwork, dedication, will-power and focus for each other. These are many of the same characteristics these 3 business owners used to make the Beauty Boot Camp a success. From our groups first meeting Cheryl and I sat across the table from each other and my first thought of her was happy, positive and upbeat. I enjoyed that about her immediately as I thought she will not let anything stand in her way, and ironically, I too am the same way. I thought we would make a great team. Then after reviewing our calendar’s we determined that we would be the morning team and another good factor is that we were both working out within the same range. I was so excited as I knew we would be drama-free, and have no whining. As for me, I had already won the challenge, not the BBC challenge; however, the health and fitness challenge as I would be supervised in the gym and I was going to learn how to take care of my skin end the challenge with awesome hair. Anyone that was in our affiliated with BBC1 will tell you that I was the originator of the slogan, "I have already won, as I am here." I truly felt that from the first day I started this program, as I was in this to improve my health, endurance, knowledge, skin and style. So, being the final winner was the icing on top of the already baked, still warm, fluffy cake. So back to Cheryl and I, once we started working out together, I noticed an immediate bond of success as we were really pushing each other to do more reps or to lift more weights then the previous set. I thought this is too good to be true. So one day, I finally asked Cheryl, "what is your sign?" Cheryl replied, "Sagittarius". I said, that’s why we hit it off so well, because so am I. I was really flying high as our morning workout team was drama free, worked out hard, pushed one another and we communicated well to each other. Additionally, during the morning workout sessions we had our trainer Amy, who pushed us hard on the weights from the very beginning. Amy was also planning our workouts to increase our metabolism and our strength. I remember in the early days thinking that we are only working our shoulders and back; however, now I realize that Amy had to get our upper bodies strong enough to complete the sets she had planned for us. During this time we also trained with Amy's training staff; which provided a change/balance. I really enjoyed Amy's work outs because her plans required strength, heavy weights, and produced immediate cuts and muscle tone. I also liked the other trainer’s workouts because they most often required agility, lighter weights and quick movements. The combination proved to be an excellent blend for success. Additionally, I also want to graciously thank Amy for all her hands on time, commitment, drive, food discussions and experience as she worked hard to mold us into healthier beings. Amy, I could never repay you for what you have given me. I am forever your student. Now we also had our full group workout sessioins on Wednesday nights and Saturday Mornings and I we had a blast working out together during these sessions as this gave the 5 of us the opportunity to bond. To elaborate more on the others, Deena motivated because of her speed and ability to quickly pick up any exercise given. Deena pushed me to try to finish with her or before her, as she raised the bar in the area of speed and she had good form/technique. Heather and I always ended up together during the floor exercises and during Cardio. Heather really pushed me in the area of Cardio as she has a great stamina for spending long periods of time on the Elliptical machine (Ellipitcating as Heather calls it) and I knew I needed to improve my Cardio length of time/duration and speed. As for Phyliss, she motivated me as she had never been in a gym before this process and she was overcoming her fears and was working out, so there was not excuse for me to stay home, as Phyliss was in attendance. What an awesome support system we have built. From my experience in the BBC, I no longer am fearful of the gym as I feel comfortable walking in the gym, all alone knowing that I have the tools to continue on with the endeavor of healthy living and I owe this all to Amy Neal and the Gym Of Buckhead staff. (Jennifer, Fitz, Mailey) Now while we were working out hard we also had a joint meeting and individual consultative appointments to Institut DERMed as well, and we all learned so much about our own skin types, our zones –dry and oily, hydration levels, sun damage (freckles) and cellulite. However, the highlight for me was the "BLUE LIGHT" machine, and to receive our skin analysis, our individual prescriptions, the products, Microdermabrasion treatments and the Endermology sessions. Ok, I enjoyed every minute of these sessions as it was a time to relax, learn and become pleasing to the eye. For me my skin was dehydrated, dry, wrinkly, uneven color skin with darkened areas and I had lots of dead skin around my mouth that the Blue Light revealed. One of the first things that I learned is that when you wash your face you must also wash around your mouth. I guess I just excluded this area; however, the blue light caught it for me. The skin care and Endermology was just an outstanding experience because, I had not ever pampered myself to this extreme, so for me, this was all new territory. So I remember receiving my products, and I immediately went home and read the directions, and then started applying the lightening serum product line. Well day 1 went by and day 2, and day 3 and I remember getting out of bed and walking really slow to the bathroom, past the mirror and I caught a glance of myself from the side and I noticed that my skin looked much brighter. I remember, I took a step back and basically did an about face towards the mirror and I screamed to my husband, look at my skin. It looks GREAT. From that moment on I have used all the products as prescribed. I loved the entire line of products for many reasons; however, my favorite is fact that the products are fragrance free. This is major for me as I am very allergic to most strong scents. That was the first thing I noticed. Secondly, I noticed that the products only require a small amount for application and thirdly, the product line gets results. I just love how this prescription along with the Microdermabrasion treatments has improved my skin. Lynn, I am a loyal customer and I stand by your products. Additionally, Institute DERMed, provided Endermology Sessions that were just a heavenly experience. This machine truly attacks cellulite. I must say that I originally thought the machine did all the work and that the apparatus did not have more than 1 setting; however, once I had another service provider I was able to compare the styles of the operators and I immediately noticed a difference in my waist line, just from the technician’s use of the machine. I sincerely enjoyed all of the sessions provided and feel that Endermology was a key contributor to my weight loss success. Finally, hair was another area that was addressed during the intervention. Prior to being selected in the BBC, I was attempting to grow my hair longer only because I really needed a change. I had worn my hair short, really short with bangs in the front or small tight curls all over for about the last 8 to 10 years; however, I was tried of looking the same way, which is what made me decide to grow it out. (I would grown it out every so often, as I was tried of the way I looked) So, prior to starting my hair was growing well and I was maintaining it better than I had in the past. So during my consultation with Todd, he asked what was doing with my hair, and I said, “I was currently growing out my hair”, and I shared that with him because I wanted him to know why it was looking so lifeless, and style-less. So from here Todd and LiLanka started working on my hair transition for my final transformation. So, during this time, we worked together to determine my final look, and one day after looking in a magazine, I saw a photo of a lady that from a quick glance, looked a lot like me. She had a chin and nose like mine. I turned the page and then went back to really study this photo as I started thinking, could I pull this short, spiky, stylish haircut off. So I took it to Todd and asked for his opinion and LOVED IT! Todd said, this will look great on you, then Todd said, are you really going to let me cut it like that. I said yes, as I was never fearful of the cut; only how I would maintain it afterwards. Well all I can say is, Todd was right, as it my hair looks great. (I know, I feel like I am boasting; however, I look like I should). My hair is awesome.
So, now as I think about me after my intervention called the BBC, I feel like a million bucks. My skin is clear, my blemishes are lighter, my hair is fierce and I have lost major weight and outstanding inches over my entire body. Todd you have a customer for life. The BBC has changed my outlook on beauty and going forward I will take pride in how I look as this experience has made me beautiful. -I put myself first and held myself accountable, as I am a priority -I am proud of myself -My husband is proud of me -I belong to something, a group of dedicated individuals, who are passionate about their cause, and that really feels good to me -I still enjoy watching my success, as I have not made it to the size 8; however, I am on my way -I jump right up out of bed as soon as the alarm clock goes off. No hesitation -I am healthier, more relaxed, and pain free -Perfecting my meals, by planning my meals for me and my family -I'm Impressed with my improvement and pushing for more -Still improving my cardio and stamina -I love my hair -I feel so good -Wrinkle Free and my Dark Circles have diminished -My skin has a healthy glow, and I will continue to use the DERMed product line and others have also complimented me on my skin -I now understand that I am just as important as all the other things on my list -My onion has been peeled. (In my last 2 Chiropractic sessions, I have experienced some of the most profound self-loving Chiropractic procedures as my Dr is now able to peel back the onion (me) and move from a basic structural, routine process to a more mental physiological practice because I am a stronger, healthier individual. My last 2 sessions also resulted in minimal adjustments of my old injuries and ended with more stretching and informational techniques)
I also knew I could do it; however, needed the drive, group, support, guidance, structure and accountability to transform. I will continue on….
Lastly, who will I become: Kim Purnell will officially change her name to Kim Purnell West and become a healthy size 8, weighing between 130-140lbs, that continues to put herself first, and be accountable for my own weight and health, which will make me a better for self supporter, wife and partner. I will continue to enjoy life, pain-free, as I work to pursue Aerobics Instructor, Fitness Consultant, and Entrepreneur.
My goal is to continue to become healthier than I am today, and to continue to learn more about the fitness world. To ultimately acquire a professional position that allows me to become even more involved in others health, strengthening and fat-free living as I have been bitten by the fitness and beauty BUG!!! I will recommend the experience to everyone I know and will continue to refer my friends and family to the sites/challenge as this is a forum to witness these wonderful, healthy transformations. Lastly, I would love to also help out with your future BBC challenges, so feel free to call on me for assistance. I will be in touch. In closing, I did not focus on the bad and the ugly aspects as we understand that when you are apart of a new program, many of the issues will originate in the areas of: Lack of complete or timely communication For me these items were not an issue, because, the program is new and was not consistently exhibited. I would classify them as growing pains. Then from the group member perspective, since our appointments are individual after the initial group appointment, you have team members that are trying to determine/compare services, prescriptions, and information being shared, when the most important part of the program is to understand yourself, set goals to achieve success, and to ultimately be successful. These type of concerns can make for a difficult situation; however, when it would occur I would remove myself. Knowing this I have no bad and ugly aspects of this program to report. The entire experience was a BLAST and I enjoyed every minute. Finally, I thank my husband who really supported me in this endeavor as he stood firmly beside me, fixing all my mishaps, and keeping me on track; which ultimately made me successful!! Much Love and Gratitude Dwayne!! Lastly, I need to thank my Mom (Ruby Purnell in Snow Hill, Maryland) as she listened and supported me through this endeavor on a daily basis. Mom also advised me early on how my body would release inches before the weight and shared her weight loss experiences with me. She kept me on track by telling me to NOT worry if the scale does not change as fast as I would like, and then finally advising me to stay off of the scale, as she did not want me to be discouraged. She knew first hand that my weight would move slowly; however, the inches would happen quickly. My Mom lost lots of weight in her mid 30's and she lost it 1 lb at a time; so she knows. She has kept her weight off for 20 to 25 years which is a tremendous success by walking and using weights daily. Thanks so much MOM for your support!!! Most Gracious Thanks To You All Sincerely, Kim Purnell *****
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