I don’t even know how to start this blog post except for to say that I do not know how this woman fits her huge heart into that tiny athletic body of hers. I had heard so many things about Channel Maze and her aMAZEn Bootcamp that I just had to meet her. When she started her bootcamp, I heard her name everywhere I went. Everything I heard was positive, not just about her bootcamp, but about her as a person. She has done countless amounts of kind things for her bootcampers. It would take me too long to list everything she has done, but recently she took days off of work to be with one of her bootcampers through her double mastectomy. Weeks later when the same friend was in the hospital on her birthday, Channel donned and afro wig and balloons and danced into the hospital room with “Party Rock” playing in the background.
As for her bootcamp, it is filled with success stories and loyal members. When I was there I could feel the kinship between the participants. They were a team….a family! Their support for each other was amazing and watching them cheer each other on instead of competing made me giddy with excitement.
The interview I did with Channel was open and honest. I love that she is an open book with such an open heart. I think I kind of have a big girl crush on her. See for yourself:
What triggered your love of fitness? What made you want to help others reach their fitness goals? What inspired you to open aMAZEn Bootcamp?
I am in recovery for an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Part of my recovery is the 12 step program and I know that I can't keep my recovery if I don't give it away. I have other folks I help take through the program of AA (Sponsees) and show them and give them freely what was shown and given to me. I was taking sponsees through the program, which involves work around mind, body and spirit. I was getting healthy and physically fit with what I was doing for my body and I wanted to show others how to do that. I got my certification as a level 1 crossfit trainer in 2008 with the intentions of becoming more knowledgeable so I could help others with the body part. My life took a big change from me being a stay at home Mom to being a single Mom in 2009 and it became a need that I earn a living to support my Family. God had prepared me perfectly and that is how aMAZEn Boot Camp was born in March of 2009.
How is AMazenBootcamp different from other workouts like going to a traditional gym?
For me it's that supportive folks surround me & it's quick. I use to go the gym and take a class, then do a hour on the treadmill and then lift some weights. I spent a lot time at the gym and didn't see the results that I see with a 30 minute WOD today. Folks will ask me what are we working today..arms, legs, stomach?.My answer is YES. We work the whole body every WOD..that works for me. and..I love it..I love that I'm challenged every time! I love the support.. I tell folks find something you love and that will change your view of exercise. Now, I can honestly say I don't love the WODS, but I do love when it's over, I love the results and I love the camaraderie. Find something about your work-out that you love and you will stick with it. People told me to keep running and I would learn to love it, keep going to the gym I will learn to love it.. nope that didn't work for me. I did it because I wanted to be healthy, but I hated exercise. Today I love exercise and it's because I have found what was meant for me. If Boot Camp isn't for you, try zumba or yoga...just don't give up..there is something for you!
What is your favorite part about bootcamp?
Honestly I can't give you 1. aMAZEn Boot Camp has been a precious gift from God and I'm grateful for all of it!
Many people are concerned about nutrition. Do you have a number one nutrition tip?
I am in recovery for an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Part of my recovery is the 12 step program and I know that I can't keep my recovery if I don't give it away. I have other folks I help take through the program of AA (Sponsees) and show them and give them freely what was shown and given to me. I was taking sponsees through the program, which involves work around mind, body and spirit. I was getting healthy and physically fit with what I was doing for my body and I wanted to show others how to do that. I got my certification as a level 1 crossfit trainer in 2008 with the intentions of becoming more knowledgeable so I could help others with the body part. My life took a big change from me being a stay at home Mom to being a single Mom in 2009 and it became a need that I earn a living to support my Family. God had prepared me perfectly and that is how aMAZEn Boot Camp was born in March of 2009.
How is AMazenBootcamp different from other workouts like going to a traditional gym?
For me it's that supportive folks surround me & it's quick. I use to go the gym and take a class, then do a hour on the treadmill and then lift some weights. I spent a lot time at the gym and didn't see the results that I see with a 30 minute WOD today. Folks will ask me what are we working today..arms, legs, stomach?.My answer is YES. We work the whole body every WOD..that works for me. and..I love it..I love that I'm challenged every time! I love the support.. I tell folks find something you love and that will change your view of exercise. Now, I can honestly say I don't love the WODS, but I do love when it's over, I love the results and I love the camaraderie. Find something about your work-out that you love and you will stick with it. People told me to keep running and I would learn to love it, keep going to the gym I will learn to love it.. nope that didn't work for me. I did it because I wanted to be healthy, but I hated exercise. Today I love exercise and it's because I have found what was meant for me. If Boot Camp isn't for you, try zumba or yoga...just don't give up..there is something for you!
What is your favorite part about bootcamp?
Honestly I can't give you 1. aMAZEn Boot Camp has been a precious gift from God and I'm grateful for all of it!
Many people are concerned about nutrition. Do you have a number one nutrition tip?
Eat Fresh....Meat fruits nuts veggies as much as possible. If it can sit on a shelf for a year it has preservatives that weren't meant for our bodies. Those preservatives sit in your body just like they sit in the food on the shelf.
I know that a lot of people who would love to get back in shape, but just don't know how to get started. Do you have any words of advice to offer those who don't know where to start?
Something is better than nothing! Having an accountability partner is key!
What is your favorite exercise?
BURPEES! I know start the hate mail now.... They are tough, but oh they work so good!
What is something funny/quirky that people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm such an open book I feel all my quirkiness(is that a word) is always exposed. I'm just a normal down to home kinda girl that loves life..... and OREOS!
See what I mean??? Just the tiny bit of contact I have had with Channel makes me want to be a better person. The 40 minutes I was there photographing made me wish I had worn my workout clothes so that I could join them! I am so excited to get my butt over to aMAZEn Bootcamp again. Just click on the link to find out more.
You can find more posts, inspiration, and discussions over on the Blood, Sweat , & Minivan FB page. Thanks for reading!
See you at aMAZEn Bootcamp!
