As Michelle wraps up her transformation, Coach Leanne flips the script and asks this dedicated Mother of the Bride Bootcamp client a few questions. Here’s what Michelle had to say about the journey.
Fitness & Progress Reflections
- What were the biggest physical or performance changes you observed during the program?
I lost inches off my waist and thighs so my old clothes fit me again, that was thrilling. I also can see some muscle definition in my arms, legs and shoulders, and though my tummy still has a little blanket of fluff on it, the coil springs are much firmer!
- Which part of the workouts did you enjoy the most, and why?
It sounds weird but I liked the predictable routine. I know that each day targets a slightly different muscle group, and I could just keep at it and see how long it would take until I could increase my weights a little. Being able to go up by 5lb. is definitely one of my favorite things, it means I’m getting stronger!
- Is there anything you can now do that you couldn’t when you started?
Full pushups! You would have thought that the push up challenge would have gotten me there but it did take a solid six months for me to build my arm, shoulder, chest and core strength to be able to do full-body pushups. I still can’t do a lot of them, but I can do 10!
Nutrition & Lifestyle Reflections
- How has your approach to food and nutrition changed since starting the program? Or has it?
I am much more mindful of processed food. My nutrition plan puts a high emphasis on single-ingredient foods whenever possible, and it turns out that’s not really an issue. A treat day means I can still have pizza or tacos, but I do eat a much cleaner diet now. I also stopped drinking diet soda, I am too busy trying to get 3L of water every day to add in other liquid!
- What part of the customized nutrition plan worked best for you?
There’s a formula to follow, but the actual components are pretty flexible so I didn’t really find it restrictive. Adding probiotics, vitamins, protein, creatine and BCAA helps me make sure I’m getting everything I need to stay healthy and build lean muscle.
- Were there any nutrition tools, recipes, or strategies that made things easier for you?
I meal prep on Sundays so I have ready-to-eat fresh fruits and vegetables, cut up deli chicken, boiled eggs and other essentials to make it easy to throw together meals during the week. I aim for at least 110g of protein every day, so I add in protein shakes to help meet my macro goals.
Support & Accountability
- Did the weekly check-ins help you stay on track? If so, how?
Yes. When you have a date with your bathroom scale on Friday morning, you are more mindful through the week of sticking to your nutrition plan. Keeping track of measurements was a good reminder of my progress, because there were weeks when the scale didn’t move but the measuring tape did. And photos don’t lie!
- How did the online group impact your motivation, knowledge, or consistency?
I’m really busy building my business so I didn’t check in as much with the group as I should have (sorry, everyone!) but I did use the video library extensively during workouts to see the proper technique and form for different exercises. Being able to work out at home can be a blessing and a curse – in the gym, you build community, get instant feedback on performance and can make immediate adjustments, where at home you have to make an effort to check in to get that support. But you can work out whenever you want and wear whatever you want, so that’s a bonus.
- Did you feel supported throughout the process? Why or why not? What could be done to improve your experience?
We designed the MOB Bootcamp as a semi-guided program to show women they can do this at home with their own gear and determination—plus your coaching to help stay on track. It’s a little different than a normal gym experience, I think. I didn’t lack any guidance, you’re <Coach Leanne> very responsive to texts, emails and calls and I always felt you had my back (and arms and legs!) as I went through the boot camp.
What’s Next?
- What are you most proud of—and what goals are you focusing on next?
I’m proud of the healthy habits I’ve built—getting up at 6:30 to work out (every time, except when I had COVID!), going to bed by 10, drinking lots of water, and eating well—not just for me, but for my husband too. Bootcamp came with an unexpected bonus—not only did I get fitter, lose weight, and build muscle, but I also started using that time to listen to inspiring podcasts on business, health, psychology, and more. I’d scribble hasty notes next to my workout log whenever something sparked an idea, and I know it’s made me better at my job too. When the bootcamp wraps up, I’m going to keep these healthy habits.
- Would you recommend this program to others?
YES. You can reduce your risks of dementia, cancer, osteoporosis and a dozen other health risks by staying active with cardio, weight-bearing exercises and eating a healthy diet. I just showed that you can absolutely do it at home. No more excuses, just do it!
- Is there anything you wish the program included or did differently?
I think I probably have collected a wider range of gear than most home users, so I’d like workouts that can incorporate my Bosu ball, kettle bell and TRX straps. I HATE running, so I figured out how to change my cardio warmup to use my elliptical and water rower instead. In the winter, I did get on the treadmill on the low-impact cardio day and I’d watch two episodes of The Good Place on Netflix while I plodded along on an incline.
Client Feedback
- And now a question for my coach: how did I do? Where did I slack off and where did I kill it? (You can be honest, I’m tough!) Any advice for me now that you’re setting me loose on the world?
Michelle, I love that question—and I love that you’re asking it. You brought something unique and valuable to this experience.
Every client comes with their own goals, strengths, and challenges. That’s what keeps this work meaningful and fulfilling for me. You came into the program motivated and ready. You explored the resources, asked smart questions, and took initiative from day one.
That energy and curiosity are huge strengths. You showed up with consistency, focus, and follow-through. The one area to level up is connection and communication in the online group. Engaging more would’ve brought extra motivation, ideas, and support. Plus, your input could have inspired others on their journeys, too. When a challenge came up, don’t wait. Reach out right away, no need to troubleshoot everything solo. That’s what I’m here for.
Also, love that you have extra equipment! That’s gold for programming, share early so your program can be tailored for you!
Moving forward, keep that same energy and focus. Structure, accountability, and feedback can make a huge difference. Stay connected and keep checking in when you need support.
You’ve built a strong foundation and learned how to adjust and keep going when needed.
I’m proud of you, Michelle. You showed up, learned a lot, and made progress. Keep going strong—you’re just getting started! Thank you for being a part of TEAM IRON elles!
Michelle’s journey isn’t over–stay tuned for her final reveal coming soon!
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