Slim And Strong Success Stories

I just had to share one more success with you. As you know my dad did the Detox with my mom at the end of January and after that they have stayed with the program but included some cheat meals. My dad has had high cholesterol for many years, was given meds for it, but as a typical man he hasn't taken them in months. He had a physical at the end of last year and found out his bad cholesterol was 280, right around the usual mark for him. Well, he had another physical yesterday and the doc called to tell him his results: good cholesterol right on target and bad cholesterol at 149!!!!
Down 131 points! Yet more proof how important eating right is. We all send you huge thanks for helping us turn into a much healthier family :)

Ariane, do you want to know why I choose to put myself through the torture of BBBC? After my lumpectory surgery on May 19, 2011, I went through 4 weeks of radiation that was pure hell. I suffered from terrible burns in the area. After I "healed" from the surgery and the burns, I had very little range of motion in my left arm and shoulder, I think it was 50% fear of tearing the skin and 50% scar tissue.  My doctor suggested strenuous exercise and physical therapy. I went back to running and physical therapy 2-3 times a week. It wasn't until I saw you one Saturday morning on the Brooklyn Bridge in early September that I thought about BBBC. It occured to me while running arcoss the Bridge that it would be to my benefit physically and cheaper to do several BBBC sessions or a Slim and Strong (10 BBBC sessions is much cheaper than 10 PT sessions and it's one hour verses 15-20 minutes) and I would have the benefit of cardio, strenuous arm exercise with weights and bands, nutrition counseling and I would get to do donkey kicks at the end!! 

When I saw you were offering a Slim and Strong Spin Version, I immediatey signed up. After the 4 weeks, I gained about 40% range of motion in my arm and shoulder and so I signed up again for another 4 weeks of Slim & Strong and some indoor evening classes.  To date, I still use my long bands at least 3 times a week and have gained about 95% range of motion.

I wanted to share with you....I bartend and the other night when i was working, a group of girls were sitting at the bar and asked me if i was a runner. I said no. They were like what to you do, we wanna do what you do! We've been watching you and you're hot, blah, blah, blah. ;) I told them that i was reading Lucky Magazine one day and saw your Slim & Strong class and was in my second session. i told them how awesome it was and how much i enjoyed it! I wrote down your info so hopefully you'll have some new people next session!

I just had lunch with a work colleague, at one of those restaurants where the tables are packed in pretty tight. And when I was getting out of the table where I was sitting, I had to do one of those 'shimmies' past the table next to me in a tight space. My butt was essentially facing this table of two guys, and I was worried that I would knock over or skim something on their table (would be VERY embarrassing!).

Instead, my work colleague remarked how these guys were checking out my posterior the whole time! HA! I was embarrassed that she noticed this but I guess those donkey kicks really do the trick!!! :D :D

Hi Ariane,

Just wanted to thank you for being such an important fitness motivator in my life over the past few years. The first time i did your classes was fall/winter 2009. Until I started your bridge classes, I never ran, EVER (as you know). Now I've completed a handful of 5ks and can't wait for my first 10k on Sept 23rd! I love running for myself and I've made some new friends by having running partners. And now....I'm dating this great guy who's just a sweet genuine amazing person (cliche but good men are soooooo hard to come by) and he works for NY Road Runners. He found me on an online dating site (which i hate but it was free so figured why not) and the deal-maker was that I ran.
Two/three years ago, I never in a million years would have though I'd be running a 10k, in good shape, and meet a great guy because of running. So just wanted to thank you for whipping my ass in gear and getting me started on running =)

Hi Ariane,

Two years ago today, my life began to change for the better. I still cannot believe it is 2 years ago today that I first stepped foot into a Slim & Strong class!! What a journey it has been too since September 29, 2010. Almost magical, and much more than I ever imagined it would be.

When I walked in there that Wednesday morning, I didn't want to be anywhere near you or anyone else.
I hated the way I looked, wasn't comfortable around other people (especially fit people), was depressed, had so much inner turmoil going on, hated life & didn't want to deal with it anymore, and just didn't want anyone to see me. And forget about the emotional eating! But knowing that I had to make some changes and make them quick, I decided to suck it up. Because after all, I knew I didnt have to go back when the month was up if I didn't want to. :)  Plus, I was sure I was going to hate it.  Little did I know!

For this girl that was only planning on doing one month of Slim & Strong, and who will now be starting her 24th month in November, you know it has to be something special.

I can't tell you how HAPPY I am with life now since starting the program.  Yea, I have my moments, but they don't bring me down anymore. It's like I have made a complete 360 degree turn since 2010.
Slim & Strong has given me so much more than I ever imagined it would. I've done things that I never would have thought I could do. If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be biking long distances, improving my running, doing duathlons, ziplining in Costa Rica, and meeting friends that share similar interests, I would have laughed at you and said you were nuts.
Yet, I have done all of these things! And it has been simply amazing.

And the best thing is yet to come.  In just 5 weeks, I will be running the NYC Marathon!! I am still in awe of that.  Can you imagine ME doing that?? 
It will be the biggest event of my life so far! I get very emotional just thinking about it and the fact that I am really going to do it. Two years ago, I would have laughed at the mere though of it because I lacked any ounce of confidence.
I know it will be hard, but I also know now that I can get through it.

I know I have put in a lot of hard work to get this far, BUT I could have never gotten this far also without your constant encouragement, ass kickings in class, yelling, the evil looks during wiegh ins at the end of each month when I wasn't eating clean, threats of not letting me back in Slim & Strong if I didn't clean up my eating, reading my countless emails, setting me straight & making me see the good in things [like the other day! :) ], and always willing to listen when I needed an ear.
These are the building blocks that helped me get started on my journey to a happier self and get to where I am now.

It's just something I will be forever grateful to you for and never take for granted or forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these last two years!

Hi Ariane,
Wow! I can't believe how fast this month has gone by! I have to say I am so very happy with my results.... this is what I'm SUPPOSED to look like, and I am so happy to have come so far. You asked what the secret is to dropping that much fat. Well, I'd have to say that just HAVING that much disgusting fat on board is key!

I'll admit I was a little nervous about my outcomes after the first week. My thighs ached so much that I would contemplate throwing myself down the flight of stairs at work rather than have to walk down them one painful step at a time.... I've also never been a 'work out in the morning' type of person. I think I have changed my mind now. I felt so energized at the end of each workout.  As the weeks went on, it was very encouraging to find that I could do more and more at each workout. I could feel myself getting stronger.

Thanks to you I now look at food differently, and I know that for me it is all about meal planning. If I prepare the varieties of protein rich food and have them handy, I will not cheat. It is kind of a fun challenge to come up with clean food options. My mom loves to cook. She studied that nutrition packet you handed out, and we started trading recipes. (She started eating clean too, and has also dropped some weight!) I also have to give my husband some credit too... he kept quiet and winced only the tiniest bit when he discovered that I was making a tofu stir-fry :)

Although I have been working very hard at sticking with the clean diet and pushing myself to work out more than I have in years, I really did not expect to "win" slim and strong. The results have been prize enough, and for the first time ever I am excited to keep up with the "staying fit" challenge and maintain this new look! That being said, I would like to use the $200 toward another slim and strong.... it will be a good "tune up" after seeing how I fair on my own.

Thank you so much for your encouragement, energy, advice, knowledge, and availability. This has been a really great experience, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. You do some great work girlfriend! Thank you for everything!
Celebrating sans alcohol.

I just wanted to email you thanks for really motivating me to kick my butt-kicking up a notch and into high gear!

I did something extravagant this past weekend, and, bought my first pair of skinny jeans (gasp!). I had never thought that I could pull it off, and had totally avoided that look until now. I feel great and confident and have been able to wear some pencil thin skirts that I would never have considered before. A pair of dress pants that I had bought in January are already starting to feel loose. I'm going to have to get a whole new wardrobe pretty soon at this rate!

I have noticed that my energy stays up all day as I continue to eat right and clean. Despite getting up to go to Slim and Strong sessions at 5:20am, after my one caffeine drink in the mornings when I get to work (a mix of espresso and regular coffee), I don't find that I crash in the middle of the day, and, I'm still wake later in the evening, and then am able to go to bed at a suitable hour. Luckily, because I live by myself, and thus, have total control of the food in my apartment, I can eliminate sweets (such as cookies, ice cream, candy, etc). As long as I refuse to buy them and show some self-control, these items won't find my way into my kitchen, which can sometimes be the case. Thanks again!

I haven't had a chance to write you yet and there were a few things that I just wanted to share. First off, I am so thankful that I joined your program...it's been really difficult for me being so out of shape at the moment, but I know that if I just stick with it, I will get to where I want to be!!

I also just wanted to say thank you for all your inspirational emails. They are definitely a huge help in keeping me motivated and in check. And thank you for sharing your story with us. I completely relate to feeling dissatisfaction with areas of my life. I was diagnosed with depression a few years ago and I am definitely an emotional eater. Part of my starting this program was me making a commitment to get myself healthy on not only a physical level, but an emotional level as well. I know how much the two go hand and hand, and I absolutely feel the difference when I am taking the time to take care of myself on a physical level. My goal that I created last night is to cut out caffeine and alcohol completely for the next 30 days (that is the big challenge for me); I am running a race on May 17th and I have already started substituting water with all my meals. On a personal level, I am focusing on improving my finances, which will enable me to make the changes I want to career wise. Anyway, just wanted to share a little of my story and say thanks again! See you tonight!

I'm going to sound like a broken record - but Ariane, you totally changed my life! S+S is the first workout I found enjoyable (after the first few weeks that is...) And I distinctly remember asking you if you thought I was ready for my first 5k and what a struggle those 3.1 miles were only last June. And now, I can't wait to run 50 miles through the woods!
So, thank you for helping me find the healthy me. This will carry on with me the rest of my life.Big big thanks.

Hi Ariane, thanks for "yelling" at me in class today about the soda!I mean it. I need someone to kick my ass sometimes.I think it took me getting red and a bit embarrassed to say its about time I gave it up. Hell, if I can get better with the food, I can get rid of the soda. I do want to feel and look better. I had someone come up to me at my gym last weekend and this girl was looking at me. I turned around and saw who it was and she said "Omg, I thought it was you but wasn't sure because you lost so much weight". I hadn't seen her in over 6 months. It was such a nice feeling to hear that. Cant let the damn soda get in the way. Plus, I think I will be able to run better and faster without so much weight to carry around. People have told me I seem much happier in the last month, and actually, I really am now. (There's a lot I could tell you). I love this program. It gets my butt out of bed early in the morning, which is when I have more time to work out. I am actually going to do it again in November, even though getting there in the morning will take me a little longer, but its worth it. And the outdoor boot camp is great too. Tomorrow I am going to bring some pics to show you where I was 2 years ago. The difference is crazy. Cant believe too that I have gone from wearing a 3x last year, to a 14 or 16 now. Anyway, see you tomorrow.

Hi Ariane-
I just wanted to thank you for everything the last 4 weeks. I'm sure I've told you that I've struggled with weight and self image my entire life. I've lost a lot of weight on my own, but I don't necessarily think was the healthiest way to do it. Your program has helped me remember that nothing beats hard work and a little patience...and also that my self worth is not a number on a scale. Thanks for all your support, encouragement, and shining smile! I'm contemplating doing November's S&S (it all depends on my travel schedule for work). If not I'm buying a package for classes. I fully intend to keep going. My goal is to be down another 10 pounds before the end of the year.Thanks again,

Hi Ariane - I just wanted to check in with you and give you a big thank you! I took the slim and strong boot camp back in July. I have some lower back issue and shoulder issues so I wasn't able to finish the 4 week session but I wanted to let you know of my progress. In your program I lost about 3 pounds and 2% of my body fat (we thought this number was probably off because we measured the body fat at different times of the day). But since the class I've dropped an additional 8 pounds and 3-4% of my body fat. the nutrition workshop changed my eating habits completely. The change in my waist and hips is significant, I'm fitting into pants I haven't fit in for over 4 years. And I'm starting to see arm muscles. =) I feel so much better about my body. I think the biggest thing I took from your class is a feeling of empowerment, knowing mentally that I can decide to make a change and then sticking to it and seeing the results. I feel mentally and physically stronger than i have in years. Thank you! Hope to see you again soon!

Long time no speak I know!! I just wanted to thank you because I credit you with my positive transformation this year! I kept off all my weight and in fact lost 7 more pounds--I am at my lightest weight ever! I do need to do more strength training now that I finished the marathon. I have been doing Pilates, yoga and the band workout but need more toning. I have been running a lot. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in August, which was one of my goals for the year, and I am hoping for a PR in the marathon on Sunday. I have been feeling really good and the weight loss has helped so much. So thank you, thank you, thank you, and I will see you after the marathon! I have been meaning to email you. . .and when I got the newsletter today I knew it was time! See you soon!

I just received news that I was cast in a film that's being directed by a Columbia student!! I wanted to thank you as I feel that without you and all your training and advice, I wouldn't be getting back on track in terms of my weight goals and fat loss. You've inspired me to regain the confidence I lost when I gained weight, and it means much more to me than just a lower number on the scale-- it's a happier way of living.

Thanks a lot for all the help and advice. I really appreciate it. This program has worked for me like no other before. I see the changes in my body and I feel the fat melting off. You have made me realize that I can achieve my goals if I stick to the plan. I know now that I don't need starches or sugar in my life. It's bad.. Lol I will increase my protein intake. I realize my problem may be after the workout - I don't consume enough, if any protein, within that hour span. This is one area I will definitely work on.

Thanks so much for this program! Overall, I know I worked very hard this month. The food part felt nearly effortless, believe it or not. The exercising....not so much! It's a huge challenge. You really kick butt! But I know if I continue your class there will be much less of my butt for you to kick! I must say that the last time I had any real success with weight loss was just before I turned 50. I did Weight Watchers and worked with a trainer several times a week in addition to working out on my own. I gave myself a year to lose 50 pounds, which I succeeded in doing. But then I gradually gained it all back. I've tried since then to get the weight off again, but I just couldn't do it. Couldn't count another point! Rebelled against giving up the foods I thought I couldn't do without. Weight Watchers just wasn't working for me anymore and was generally a pain in the ass to do. But following your nutrition recommendations has been a revelation. I don't feel like I am "dieting." And certainly I think that understanding WHY some foods are so counterproductive to weight loss has really helped. Now instead of thinking about "fattening" foods I'm thinking about whether I really want to eat certain foods and have my insulin levels skyrocketing!!! Not that I didn't know about simple carbs and complex carbs before, but for some reason it all just finally clicked in for me mentally, and I thank you for that.

I want to let you know that I have really enjoyed your classes. I have worked with many top notch instructors, but I must say, you are remarkable. I thought I was a tough cookie when it comes to fitness, but you have crumbled that cookie and ate it for lunch, and I love every second of it. I intend on continuing on with your programs once the slim and strong is completed. Thank you for your enthusiasm, dynamic instruction and kick ass work outs! You rock!

Thanks for an awesome workout! BTW...I posted a picture on FB of me wearing my new "skinny jeans" today and the responses from my friends are great! Thanks for the donkey kicks and arm work this morning...they're totally enhancing what I'm wearing today. I'm meeting up with an old work buddy tonight for dinner and she hasn't seen me in over a year. She's going to freak at the change...love it! Thanks again for ALL you've done for me Ariane. And in case I've never told you...I'm eternally grateful for the millions (or is it billions?) of donkey kicks, push-ups, arm work, ab work, Brooklyn bridge runs, band work, etc. that you've made me do for the last 7 months. All of it, including your nutritional guidance, has gotten me to where I am today. This is the happiest I've been in years!

I know I wasn't able to come to as many classes as I would have liked but I really appreciated this experience because honestly, no one has ever told me how to eat right to lose weight before. I can't remember a time when I was actually happy with my body rather than just complacent (if not unhappy) but I think I'm finally on my way to getting healthy and happy with myself! Getting enough protein and exercise really does give you energy -- I gave up my daily large iced coffee on day 1 of Slim and Strong and haven't looked back since! Thank you again for the chance to help me get my act together -- I want to look great and feel great for my last year of college and for once I really believe that I have the tools and the willpower to do it.

I came to you 2 months ago with no hope, an aging metabolism and a looming wedding. Now I am down 13.5 pounds and 16 total inches (including 5.5 on my waist alone!). I haven't had soda since I met you and I eat protein at every meal. I actually looked forward to dragging myself from Brooklyn every morning a 5:40 and was never disappointed when I got to class. I truly feel like I now have the tools to not only continue towards my weight goal, but actually have a pretty rockin' bod once I get there. And for that, I thank you!

What can I say about Ariane? She is truly one in a million. I've been attending her indoor classes since April 2009 and I am a new woman. 22 pounds lighter, I actually look forward to waking up at 4:45 ( I make the journey in from Brooklyn to NYC)..ok maybe I don't look forward to the waking part...but once I'm there I'm all in!! She is completely invested in your success and is always available for any questions you may have. Unlike other trainers, her classes are tough but enjoyable...in addition to the grunts and groans, there is always laughter!! To be honest, to date I've only attended the indoor sessions...but Ariane is guilting me into the outdoor sessions...so look out Brooklyn Bridge! If you want not only the tools to reach your goals, but understanding and compassion, contact Ariane you won't be sorry! Well, maybe only the first 5:30 morning...;-)

The 4 week Slim and Strong program run by Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp rocks !!!! After my first class every important part of my body seriously ached. By important I mean all the parts that you envy on skinny fit girls. I then knew this class was for me. Hell, I wanted to be one of those skinny fit girls. Ariane is a great teacher, not too harsh, yet she makes sure you work hard. Classes are always fun and every time I come away feeling proud of myself and looking forward to the next session. She is also an expert on nutrition, so she knows all the tricks for dropping weight. Most importantly, over the last few months I have noticed results. My weight is down 26 lbs and I am still losing. I know there is absolutely no way I could have done this without Brooklyn Bridge Bootcamp. I now have more energy and a new love for exercise. I can honestly say this has changed my life. Also, a mega plus is that the class is not full of stuck-up skinnies looking down their noses at new joiners who are unfit. Instead everyone is encouraging and super friendly.  I can't recommend this work out enough. It really does kick your butt into shape!

I have to thank you for an awesome class! There is pure truth in advertising with your course. My measurements went down in every single category, but my measurements only tell half the story. I had a BIG stomach when I started class. Today, my abs are almost completely flat and have clear muscle definition. My booty is tighter, rounder and higher today than when I started just 4 weeks ago. My waistline is smaller. My thighs are tighter and well defined. When I take my dogs for our daily morning walk around Prospect Park, everyone tells me how much thinner I look. I am slimmer and stronger - just as you promised I would be. I've always worked out regularly without result. I take spinning classes, body sculpting, I walk and run around the park without losing a pound or taking an inch off my hips. Your class, the e-mails, the extra workouts and - perhaps most importantly - the nutrition workshop were transformative. I will never go back to gorging on starchy carbs and putting 3 sugars in my morning coffee. Eating protein every 4 hours has changed my body and my personality. I no longer have wild mood swings triggered by sugar spikes. For this, my co-workers love you! Honestly, I am sooo happy I took this course. You are BRILLIANT at what you do! I plan to sign up again in May. Thanks for an awesome class.

I started Ariane's classes in the spring and her workouts, nutritional guidance and encouragement have completely transformed me. Not just my body, but my attitude towards fitness and nutrition. Old me: smoker, no muscle tone, slowing metabolism, buying bigger and bigger clothes to hide the bigger and bigger me. New me: non-smoker, muscles have appeared, great energy, now buying smaller and smaller clothes, training for my first marathon. The workout is suitable for all fitness levels - you can work at your own pace and you will see dramatic changes in your own progress. If the old me can do this workout - so can you. This class has made me leaner, stronger and faster. And each class is different so it remains interesting and challenging. I can't put enough stars here or say enough good things about Ariane - her energy, her approach, her butt-kicking workout. You'll just have to meet her yourself. (And you can't beat the view from the bridge)

Ariane, I have obliques!!!! I HAVE ACTUAL, REAL, VISIBLE OBLIQUES! I mean, I always had them but now I can SEE them! I am so thrilled - the only thing I changed this past week was have protein with every meal and snack and I think this has got to be THE fastest result in the entire history of the universe. I am this close to wearing just a sports bra and walking around campus just to show my new obliques off. Anyway, this particular mental breakdown comes with gratitude and much appreciation for your method. I have shaved a whole minute off my 10K pace, the back of my thighs have more definition. I also FEEL stronger and generally lighter on my feet. You know, like how Matt Damon walks in the Bourne movies? Well that's me, only with slightly more boobs. Vielen dank!

Thanks for such an amazing boot camp intensive. I've been working out for a long, long time and was just not seeing results. Nobody has ever painted weight loss in such a simple and doable way as you have! And I've never seen such major changes especially with my eating and with my physical fitness. I actually enjoyed myself even though it was painful and I wanted to throw my shoe at you most of the time :) I never thought I'd see the day when I'd do 10 full body push-ups and survive to tell people about it. I'm even more motivated now, I don't ever want to go back, and I have a slight addiction to the workouts. I can't wait for the summer, I'm dying to try out the Brooklyn Bridge workout with you two crazy trainers. I'm going to start working on my running right now. I definitely plan on staying on with the workouts, maybe twice a week, or more.I'll definitely do the slim and strong again. Thanks again for this great boost and I really appreciate how as a trainer you take my goals very seriously.

I love Ariane's boot camp classes. They are truly butt-kicking! After changing my eating habits and attending the "Slim and Strong" Boot Camp for a month, I lost 5.5% body fat, 9 lbs of fat and put on 7 lbs of muscle in only 4 weeks. I couldn't believe it! I have much more energy and feel great about my body.

I lost 20 lb (14.4 lb of which was fat!) and I truly am in the best shape of my life. I still have a hard time believing it. When I started this 2 week long intensive Slim & Strong program I had no idea I can achieve anything close to this. I did push it a notch up (Karate & MMA classes, running, etc.) for a total of 2.5 hours of exercise on some of the days (yea, I am crazy, I know), but this definitely came as a result of the inspiration Ariane infused in me. I have not seen such a lively, knowledgeable and determined trainer... I have had my fair share of Personal Trainers and she is just the best. She has definitely won a well deserved place in my "most influential people" list. In some aspects, in those two weeks I learned more useful things than in any two years of my 22-year education :) Big thank you, Ariane!

Ariane, the thing that stands out for me is that I never expected such great results so quickly. I went into the class at a good level of fitness, but in four short weeks I shrunk my waist by two inches and noticed dramatic changes in my body. It's so toned all over! My arms and legs look great and I love showing them off, my bottom has firmed up, and the real kicker is that I actually have defined stomach muscles! I may actually be willing to wear a bathing suit in public again. :-) Thanks. The Slim and Strong boot camp program has been amazing!!!

I meant to tell you, my friend and I went jeans shopping on the weekend and she told me I have 'onion booty'. I'm not up on my lingo so I asked her "What's an onion booty"? She said it means "your butt is so good, it makes you cry!!" ...I guess I'll take that :-)!! So thanks for my onion booty!

Ariane, wow...I can't believe a month went by so quickly! It was extremely satisfying to have my measurements verify that I lost 7 lbs, 2% body fat and 5 inches. I was pretty happy to fit in an old pair of jeans yesterday. I thought it was wonderful how you incorporated the nutritional class into the program. What I learned in that one hour will forever change the way I make decisions on how I eat. I came into the class with the expectation that it would just be a good sweaty workout. Who knew I'd be educated in the process! Even though starchy carbs are my favorite food, I felt a lot better once I stopped focusing on what I couldn't eat and instead began liking foods that I should eat. I cut back drastically on the bad carbs and tried replacing them with healthy alternatives. I have consumed more cottage cheese, egg whites and oatmeal in the last three weeks than I have in all my 32 years combined. I wanted you to know that I really enjoyed February's session. I appreciate the fun and efficient one hour workouts, the nutritional enlightenment and most importantly your encouragement and support in the process. Somehow you always knew when to send an email reminder to keep us on track and always paid attention to us if we did an exercise improperly. (I swear one day I will be able to do that crossover donkey kick the right way. That and a full set of arm band stretches...). Thanks again for kicking my butt and for getting me on that road to a stronger, slimmer me.

Ariane, where do I begin? I feel very fortunate to have found you and your course. Here is a list of benefits I got out of your 2 week training course:

1. Nutrition - I am now taking in the correct balance of calories, proteins, carbs and fat. Wow, my nutritional knowledge before this must have been close to zero. This biggest thing is the amount of protein I am now taking in...and then there is the big reduction in carbs and sugars. I really benefited so much from this aspect.

2. Improved Skin - as a result of the balanced diet, my skin has improved dramatically. I mentioned I usually take antibiotics to control my chin break outs and I am so pleased to announce that my breakouts have been reduced by about 80-90% due to the balanced diet.

3. Energy - At the beginning of the 2 weeks, I felt really wiped out. And then I really focused on my diet. The "second wind" came and it never went away.

4. Less sweet cravings!

5. Yesterday I put on some jeans that were tight.....I was pleasantly surprised - no longer tight!

6. I can feel and see that I am stronger. I am amazed at how much strength and flexibility I now have. Plus, I understand and enjoy my workouts a lot more so I feel like I can continue on my own!But will miss the class BIG time, the camaraderie of the group, Ariane's dedication with daily group emails and one-to-one discussions. There is a great "soft touch" to the program, which makes it very special to me and I'm sure to a lot of other people also.

7. Diligence and Discipline - I have usually been very vague with planning things, but taking the time to plan my meals and stick to the schedule - well this made all the difference in my results. Plus, it showed me what I truly am capable of trgeting something I want and working hard to get it, and really working through the details.

8. Sunnier disposition/freedom/renewed sense of excitement for life. Usually I order my food from Fresh Direct but last night I had to step out for an item. At the grocery store I bypassed all the junk very very easily, without hesitation. Also along the way, I saw coffee shops that I would ordinarily stop in for a sweet and a coffee, and bypassed that too. Because it can no longer compete with the good stuff, and I find this to be amazingly liberating. All the benefits above combined have made the light at the end of the tunnel burn a lot brighter.

I cannot tell you how absolutely happy I am. Not only with how my body is changing, but how my attitude, energy and ability to get things done have improved. Honestly, I had a trainer for 3 years and I NEVER felt like this EVER! I cannot thank you enough. And I am preaching to anyone who asks what I am doing... They're noticing that I'm thinner (5 lb according to my scale, but today my pants are TOO BIG!) I cannot thank you enough. You have a convert here... And am already planning my next round of Slim & Strong with you.

Ariane: I love getting your emails. You really put so much effort into this program; it makes it hard for any of us to not be equally as committed. I know sometimes it looks like I don’t believe I can accomplish these changes, but I am trying and have changed over the last month. I can tell you that I used to get up after 8 AM and usually went out for dinner and drinks with friends each night before. Joining boot camp alone was a big change in lifestyle for me, but I did it after talking to you on the phone for just a few minutes. (I still feel like falling asleep in the afternoon of boot camp days though!) I am starting to see changes in how I look and others are telling me this too. Emotional eating has always been my main challenge. My skin is in the best condition ever and all that inflammation from sugar and alcohol is going away. Sleeping is better. Concentration at work is better. I will leave you with something that just happened in my office. The entire floor had a cupcake competition and they were pushing these cupcakes on me. I didn’t want to tell them they shouldn’t eat it, but I did firmly ask them to stop coming to my door to offer them to me. No refined sugar. Period. I had no desire to fall off the sugar wagon and have to start all over. I ate an apple instead. It feels great to be in control.

Ariane's boot camp is truly the hardest, most effective and efficient workout I've ever had in my life. She hits every part of your body in a hour! I am an avid runner and can go out and run 10 miles somewhat easily. I was spending more time running and thought I would eventually see a difference in my body. NO.. Then after 2 months in boot camp I am back in my skinny jeans and actually have abs again. I have used Personal trainers before and have seen some results but nothing like this. I am addicted and would recommend this class to anyone.