I’m writing this one week after my daughter’s wedding — and yes, it was absolutely perfect. If you’ve read any of my past posts, you’ll know her engagement announcement was the spark that led me to launch a Mother of the Bride Bootcamp back in January.
I had other reasons, too. Launching Maverick Studios smack in the middle of menopause was kicking — or more accurately, enlarging — my butt. I needed the energy to keep up with my growing company. I wanted to feel healthier by the time the wedding rolled around in mid-July. I knew I needed to get fitter. Stronger. Leaner. So far, I hadn’t been able to figure it out on my own.
I knew I needed help. And I knew exactly who to ask.
Over the course of just under 200 days, I worked with Coach Leanne at TEAM IRON elles Personal Training to develop a custom at-home workout using my own equipment. My schedule included four weight-lifting days and one cardio day a week, plus a customized nutrition plan to help me overhaul the way I eat. We added supplements like protein, BCAAs and creatine, along with probiotics and multivitamins. I upped my water intake and was much more careful to stick to a regular sleep schedule.
I logged my food in a nutrition app. I tracked my weight and other stats in spreadsheets, charted workout weights in a log book, and wrote about it all in a series of blog and social media posts. Every week, I took photos and measurements to track my progress.
Friday check-ins with Coach Leanne kept me on track — with workouts, food, and mindset. In total, I only skipped four workouts: three when I had COVID, and one when I slept in after an out of control work week. Not bad.
I’m not going to make you read all the way to the end to find out my results:
In 197 days, I lost 16 pounds and gained 3 pounds of muscle. I also reduced my body fat by 8% and lost 5.5 inches off my waist, 5 inches off my hips, and 4 inches off each thigh.
There were other losses and gains throughout Bootcamp.
I let go of the self-consciousness about being photographed sweaty and red-faced in a sports bra and bike shorts — and then posting those photos online.
I’ll never be a Victoria’s Secret model, and that’s fine by me. Last week, I wore a little pink swimsuit and jumped in the ocean with my daughters on Vancouver Island, without a single thought about my cellulite or belly bulge.
I gained a new appreciation for my body. I realized that I’ve spent most of my life criticizing it for its flaws, instead of celebrating it for its strength and adaptability. I’m 56, and I’m stronger and fitter now than I was at 26. It’s time to stop wishing my belly was flatter and start appreciating that I can do full-body pushups and deadlift more than half my body weight.
I also gained confidence in my ability to get back on track. There were days I didn’t move — like when I got sick and spent three days resting. There were BBQs, birthday parties, cake, and wine— and knew I could start fresh the next day. A couple of off-days didn’t mean failure. They just meant I’m human.
Maybe the biggest thing I lost was the idea that there’s a finish line. At the start, I wanted to hit a specific number by a specific date — and then be done. But now I see things differently.
Fitness, food, sleep, laughter, friendship, family — they’re not checkboxes. They’re part of a long-term strategy to stay healthy, manage stress, and just … feel good. I’m not going to quit on that. Like I said, I’m determined to take better care of my body, now and as I get older. It’s the only one I get.
And finally, I want to thank Leanne Kolbe — my fabulously tall, beautiful, wise Yoda throughout this journey. She offered advice, tough love, and endless support when I needed it most. It’s hard to get in shape at any age, but during menopause? It’s a whole different beast. Leanne gets it. She was with me every step of the way.
If you’re a woman who wants to feel better, move more, eat better, get stronger — but don’t know where to start — start with Leanne. She offers personalized and group training you can do at home, over video, or in the gym. Chuck the excuses, lace up your runners, and call her. You’ll thank me later.
Stay strong, eat your protein, and don’t forget to lift heavy things.
Michelle
Leave a Reply