“I was 44 years old when I first discovered Burn Boot Camp,” said Sonya Pennel, who now owns franchises in six cities throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota including Eden Prairie. “Back then, I was in an unhealthy place. I wanted to exercise and eat better, but didn’t know where to turn to. I had tried so many workout regimens and fad diets already. I thought I was just doomed to yo-yo back and forth for the rest of my life.
“I was visiting my daughter in Charlotte, North Carolina when she said ‘Mom, you have to come check out Burn Boot Camp with me!’ I was a little apprehensive about trying a new group exercise class. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the rest of the group, and that the other members there would judge me. But what I found at Burn Boot Camp was just the opposite.
“From the moment I walked through the door, I felt loved and supported. For the first time in my life I had discovered a real community dedicated to helping their members achieve a healthier lifestyle – one which geared their workouts to best suit each of their members’ abilities, and where everyone accepts you for who you are.
“I was amazed by the staff’s passion. Every instructor at Burn Boot Camp is a certified personal trainer. They quickly helped me make any personalized adjustments I needed to keep up with the rest of the class. They also really fostered a spirit of focusing on doing the best you can do. I no longer felt intimidated by the women who could do full push-ups. If I noticed them at all during the workout, I could sense they were only cheering me on.
“Burn Boot Camp workouts are fast-paced! At 45 minutes long you don’t have to plan your whole day around going to the gym, and in that short amount of time you get a great balance of strength and cardio training. Such a fast and varied workout doesn’t just burn about 400 to 500 calories – it is also over before you know it!
“One more thing I loved about Burn Boot Camp workouts is their structure. Every week is laid out in advance online, so you can pick which classes you’d like to attend. Should you go Monday through Saturday, then you’ll appreciate how the protocol is designed to target different muscle groups on nonconsecutive days. That ensures you’ll get a healthy mix of training for your entire body, as well as minimize your risk of injury.
“Finally, I was relieved that I didn’t have to think about anything from the moment I set foot in the door. Everything is planned out – all you need to bring is your smiling face. For a woman who has to run a household on top of working a full-time job, taking even a short break from being the decision maker is a godsend. And even though my kids are all grown up now, I could really appreciate a fitness center with onsite childcare. Too many mothers feel guilty for leaving their kids in daycare when they need a little self-care, but Burn Boot Camp puts that guilt to rest.
“Burn Boot Camp doesn’t sell food or meal plans. They teach the value of whole food nutrition. Their intuitive lessons on macronutrients, protein, carbs and fats apply to any body type, and are easy to implement no matter where you buy your groceries. I was relieved to find an exercise program that didn’t go hand-in-hand with specially branded (not to mention expensive) protein bars.
“And that sense of community I mentioned finding? It isn’t limited to inside the gym. Burn Boot Camp members form friendships that last for a lifetime, often going for coffee or shopping together after class has ended. Having friends like that can really help you stay accountable to your new fitness routine.
“In short, Burn Boot Camp checked off every box I needed it to. And when I returned home to discover there were no franchises in my area, the decision was easy: I knew all my Midwestern sisters needed Burn Boot Camp just as much as I did. Now I couldn’t be happier to help so many new friends come and achieve their fitness goals together.”
Are you ready to start feeling stronger, happier and more confident? Then head over to 6545 Flying Cloud Drive #200 in Eden Prairie and sign up for Burn Boot Camp’s free seven-day test drive! You may also learn more at burnbootcamp.com.