Ellington

As the end of the month heralds the beginning of holiday treats and parties, Scenic City Boot Camp for Women owners and certified trainers Kevin and Kristen Harvey are accepting applications for the next class schedule, beginning Nov. 24.

“We typically say that people get twice the results with half the cost and time as when they start (other) transformational programs,” Mrs. Harvey said.

According to Mr. Harvey, most women lose between five and 12 pounds over the course of the four-week program that combines nutritional information with circuit exercises.

The next round of classes will be held at Vandergriff Park, beginning at 5:30 and 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mr. Harvey recommends the 5:30 class since the day’s distractions haven’t started yet.

“Nothing stands in your way except the occasional, ‘My alarm didn’t go off,’” he said.

By teaching participants how to read labels for sodium and sugar content, and leading them through hour-long workouts three to five times a week, the couple said they don’t just change eating habits and body composition.

“We help change people’s lives,” Mr. Harvey said. “We’re trying to teach a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives so we can reprogram their metabolism.”

The couple said their boot camp program is a refreshing change from traditional gym workouts and classes. Individualized attention and several level options are available during each session. The couple even offers up their private cell phone numbers for round-the-clock advice and coaching.

“At a gym it’s just a class,” Mr. Harvey said. “We try to treat it like a personal training session, not a class.”

However, he added that the group mentality motivates participants. Accountability is key in success, according to Mr. Harvey.

“That’s why I like big groups because you’ve got somebody waiting on you,” he said.

Class sizes are currently between 10 and 20 women. However, the couple would like to see this number grow.

“If I can change 40 people’s lives at the same time, it’s a whole lot better,” Mr. Harvey said.

Aside from gaining self confidence in their new body and abilities, the couple said the participants also gain friends. In women-only classes, Mr. Harvey said the typical testosterone-driven competition is removed.

“Women tend to be more social,” Mr. Harvey said. “They build camaraderie. It’s an uplifting event.”

It is also a fun event, according to the pair. They said most women end up taking more than one session, despite their original intent.

“As long as you can get past that initial week or week and a half, you’re going to start to crave it,” Mr. Harvey said. “People get the results they want, and that’s unheard of in this business. If somebody does achieve the results they wanted, then yeah, they’re going to stick with it.”