CALL TO ACTION
Karen’s bootcamp revolution
Iwas in the army for 17 years. I’m from Nelson, and it felt like unless you were really bright and going to go to university, there weren’t many opportunities. But what I did know was that I was a hard worker. One day, I saw an ad in the local paper that said,
’Do you want a challenge?’ I thought, ’Yes, that’s me!’
I’d never thought about joining the army and I didn’t know what it was, to be honest! My dad thought I’d never make it through training. He told me I would have problems being told what to do, but I’m stubborn! As soon as he said that, I knew there was no way I was quitting. And I did make it – I got through the 16 weeks! I ended up joining the army as a chef but got tired of it quickly.
While on the recruit course, I saw the physical training instructors who were so strong, fit and confident that I thought one day I wanted to be one of them. The PTIs are held in high regard because you have to be selected and it’s a vigorous selection process. Physically, they thrash you and work you to the bone, even through sleep deprivation.
Back then, about two decades ago, there hadn’t been a female in the physical training corps for 20 years and even then there had only been one. No-one wanted a female. It was a boys’ club. I was the first woman in the New Zealand Army Physical Training Corps, but 20 years before that there was a woman who had passed the selection course.
I was in that role for 12 years. But after having my third and fourth child, my husband and I realised I would need to stay home as it was more affordable. That’s when the weight piled on!
I went from intensive training because it was my job and being fitness tested every six months, to doing no exercise and eating whatever I wanted. My job became being a mother – and with four children, health and fitness went out the door.
It was normal for me to eat two packets of biscuits a day. We’d have chips and cola at night, and I’d tell myself I deserved it after a hard day. What I didn’t realise – and I think I was in denial – was that I’d put on 30kg.
The lightbulb moment for me was when my son asked me to play hockey with him. I went to dribble the ball to the other end of the fence but was huffing and puffing, and felt like I was going to throw up. That was when everything changed.
The next day, I designed myself a healthy eating and exercise plan, and three other mothers would come over with their kids and we’d all do a bootcamp session together.
It was really hard! These other mothers were beating me and I had been one of the fittest people in the army against men! I kept to it and I was very lucky with my muscle memory that the weight started to come off.
Once we finished the plan, the other mums had such good results, they wanted to continue. So Bootcamp with
Kaz was born! Bootcamp comes from the military, so I knew my programme would be of a high standard.
I put an advert in the local newsletter and 17 mothers signed up. They got stronger, healthier and lost the weight. And I never saw this happening, but it’s never stopped! We’ve had to build a shed in the back section to accommodate up to 100 people. People now bring their husbands, partners and even their kids. And I’ve started an online programme too.
The thing is, I’m all about eliminating excuses. When I was overweight, I made excuses for myself. I was too busy with the kids or I was too tired. But I really want to help people stop those excuses.
Our country’s obesity epidemic just kills me. People aren’t living their lives to their fullest. That’s been a huge driver for me and I want to do my part.”