Invest in yourself !
Tanya's - style...    

Mary D.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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When I started the Boot Camp Challenge with Tanya 8 months ago I had no idea what I was in store for. In such a short time Tanya has taught me so much! The importance of stretching has allowed me to stay injury free (which was one of my biggest battles before B.C.). Her wealth of knowledge about the human body, the significance of eating right and her workouts have enabled me to be fitter, stronger and much leaner than I've been in a very long time. I get giddy watching the inches come off and I couldn't be happier with the results I gained. Even through the toughest of workouts Tanya has a way of making it fun, a way of helping you mentally and physically push through each workout - it seems effortless. I look forward to my morning challenges and the chance to be outdoors. I love the transformation I've made and the knowledge I've gained. Thank you Tanya for being there and making it all possible. Thanks for being You! And thank you Mark F. for pushing my other half into joining, who in turn pushed me into joining. I couldn't be happier!



Bella M.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I am not a morning person and the idea of waking up for a 6 a.m. boot camp felt like torture....until i did it!

Tanya makes each workout challenging yet fun and the hour flies by. I feel stronger and have more energy than I've had in ages. I am also addicted to early morning workouts now, and wake up to do them on my own. Joining Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge gave me the motivation i needed to kick start a new routine!



Lauren C.
Brooklyn, NY

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Boot Camp Challenge with Tanya has been a truly amazing experience. It is always a different workout which makes it fun and challenging. She is extremely knowledgeable and really gives each person in the class a personal one on one feeling. I really see a change in my body: I am sleeker, and stronger and my body fat has decreased. My overall well being is better when I am in this class. I recommend it 100%!



David D.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I first joined Tanya's boot camp a year ago and have never looked back.
Like so many people, every part of my day was full and the unending list of to do's ended my workouts. I got slow and could not stop the slow and steady weight gain. Tanya's program got me up and more often than not, outside year round to capture a new part of the day. And at dawn, I rarely have competition for my time. Even better, when traveling, Tanya will email a
workout to make sure Boot Camp Challenge goes with me. Today my fitness and stamina are totally different. Most important, with Tanya, I am injury free and I can play tennis, bike and run at a level last experienced in my 20's.



Peter H.
Brooklyn, NY

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I have been a member of gyms for the better part of my adult life... treadmills, Stair Masters, elliptical, Nautilus, spin class you name it. The problem with going to the gym solo is that to get a complete workout, one needs to be
a) Knowledgeable on how to best train each part of your body,
b) Actively alternating your workout so that you don't repeat the same exercises all of the time and
c) Motivated enough to actually do it regularly.

What I have found with Tanya and Boot Camp Challenge is a great way to achieve all 3 of those! I have also learned a lot of things about exercising that I can do almost anywhere - particularly in hotel rooms when traveling.

At 6 a.m., its a bit brutal sometimes - particularly when the weather is really nasty... but by 7am I am awake and energized for the day.

Tanya and Boot Camp Challenge has been a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone for strength training and flexibility.



Kate K.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Before boot camp I was in a rough spot. My company had closed down and I was transferred to a new job. I constantly felt stressed, worried and on the run and because of that I was always tired. I did little to work out and always blamed it on my lack of energy. I knew I needed a wake up call and through friends advice I signed up for Tanya's boot camp. Right away I knew I was in for a challenge. I can honestly say from day one her class was life changing. Not only do you work on your physical self but your test your mental strengths as well. It is a complete mind and body change. I started to get so much energy and always left the class ready to take on any challenge that came my way. Her understanding of each individual is amazing and she takes the time out to cater to your needs. By the end of the class I had a new outlook on life. Not only was I physically fit, my confidence level was high and I was stronger from the inside out. I truly fell in love with fitness with her help. Now, I am trying to get certified as well so I can pass on the excitement and strength that she has given to me. Take this challenge, you will not be disappointed!



Julie R.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I started Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge several months after my second daughter was born. I tend to focus on cardio and not strength, so her balanced focus on both cardio and strength training really kicked my butt...in a good way, of course! It's a year later and not only am I back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I'm also a helluva lot stronger. I can do military-style push-ups, run a faster mile than ever before, and look quite buff in a tank top to boot.

The thing I like about Tanya and her approach is that it's realistic yet challenging. She modifies things for each person accordingly, but also pushes you to do more than you think you can. I remember her telling me early on that "You need to struggle to see success." And she's right. I struggled to do even one military-style push-up, and now I can several with ease. She's fun yet no-nonsense and and tells you what part of your body is being worked as you're working it as well as how exactly that muscle helps you perform everyday tasks you don't normally think about. She also explains the benefits of particular exercises, which provides further motivation b/c you know it's about your health and not solely reliant upon your vanity. It's a holistic view that she offers and I always look forward to taking her class.

One final note. I always work so much harder in her class than I ever would on my own. She makes you want to do more, be better, get stronger, and ultimately prove yourself to her. At the gym, it's so much easier for me to say, "eh, I'll do push-ups tomorrow," or, "eh, five sit-ups should suffice for today." So, do yourself a favor and take a class with Tanya. You'll be so happy you did!



Frances R.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Boot Camp Challenge is an amazing experience. I didn't know if I would be able to do it - either get up or do the class - but I did! I really love the classes and want to do it again. I learn something new all the time. Tanya is a great teacher. She really cares and gives you personal attention.



Mercedes T.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge has provided me with the much needed attention that I needed to make sure that my workouts are complete and effective. Many of us go to a gym, or run, or do yoga, but the Boot Camp sessions really help you concentrate on a total body workout. Tanya is a wonderful instructor that pays close attention to each participant's strengths and weaknesses, and helps you get stronger with each class. Her knowledge of the human body, and how even simple stretching exercises are critical to a great workout, are what separates her from most other trainers and workout specialists. The DUMBO venue and world-class view from "Dumbo Beach" are an added incentive, and I would highly recommend this class to anyone of any age, weight, or fitness goals. Waiting patiently for the next sessions to begin!



Alison O.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I have just completed my second round of Boot Camp Challenge and look forward to the next session. I have to say that I have never enjoyed working out as much as I did with Boot Camp. I actually look forward to getting up at the crack of dawn three days a week to workout! Seriously, if you are looking for a versatile workout that challenges your body with cardio, strength training and ab work, then this is the class for you. What makes it even more worth your while is working out with Tanya, our boot camp instructor. She challenges you without being harsh. (who would want to yelled at 7:00am!) Her knowledge about the rights and wrongs of working out is incredible. She has a great ease about her and you walk away with a sense of accomplishment at the end of her classes.



Dave S.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I am now enrolled in my third boot camp session in a row with Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge!
The changes it has made to my health and my life are astounding. I joined with the expectation to lose some weight (which I have -- 7 pounds) but the changes that the classes have made to my health and life were way beyond my expectations. I recently just had a physical and my cholesterol dropped from 219 to 180. My doctor was very impressed and had not seen that large a drop in some time. My body fat dropped from 21.8% to 16.8% and have lost 2 inches off my waist. I went from barely 20 sit-ups in 2 minutes to 40 along with other vastly improved metrics: I'm running faster, have a stronger core and have more flexibility.

The real changes are less about numbers and more about just feeling better. My diet has improved greatly and my energy level is naturally up, as I rarely crave fried foods or sugary drinks now. My productivity at work increased as a result of my increased energy level. Best of all I have more energy to focus on my relationship with my wife and son.

Tanya, keeps the workouts new and they are thoughtfully rotated to focus on all the different parts of the body to keep you balanced. My posture feels better and the intense/regular stretching we do has greatly increased my flexibility, bettered my posture and gotten rid of lots of little nagging pains and injuries that I had or would have had from other workout activities.

In short, joining Boot Camp Challenge has made my life better. I can't imagine not doing it and recommend it to anyone who wants to really improve their health and their energy level.



Sandy S.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
I have just finished my first 6 weeks with Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge program, and I could not be happier! My goal was to get stronger but under Tanya's training I also lost 7 lbs and inches in all the right places!! You did a remarkable job with me.. I feel so much stronger that I cannot wait to sign up again and see the results. Thanks!



Kara-Lynn V.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
I cannot say enough great things about Tanya and Boot Camp Challenge.
I really hate working out, I'm always afraid I'm not doing enough or not doing it right.
With the Boot Camp Challenge, the only thing I have to do is show up and focus
on working hard for an hour.
For the first week, I was so out of shape, I would see purple stars after jumping rope for 30 seconds. I honestly thought I was going to throw up a couple of times. I could do maybe five sit ups. But Tanya and the other people in the class are so non- judgmental that I stopped feeling
bad for myself and just did the work at my own pace. Now I can climb 3 flights
of stairs to my apartment without running out of breath (I couldn't before), I can do 20 sit ups and 20 push ups easily, I'm stronger AND I fit into jeans that I couldn't get into when I started. I will definitely be back for the next session.



Kimberly B.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
Tanya's boot camp class will remind you that your health should never be an after thought. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to have worked with Tanya. Tanya has helped me improve my overall fitness level and for that I will be forever grateful.



Mark F.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
The Boot Camp Challenge is terrific. Tanya builds your strength and endurance, and gives you one-on-one time you would get with a personal trainer. Once you get to the class, Tanya takes over and pushes you through an hour of rigorous exercise, stretching and training. I feel great, I miss the class when I am out of town, and I look forward to the Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings - even at 6AM!



Arden G.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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What can I say about Boot Camp and Tanya.... I love it.

I love being outdoors and Boot Camp fits into what I was looking for in an exercise program. Also it's close to my home so there was no excuse for me not going.
How can I describe Boot Camp...(which sounds intimidating to most people)
We do push ups, sit ups, dips, circuit training, Pilates, boxing, side planks (my favorite). Each day is different, fun and I look forward to every class.

Recently while playing tennis I jumped in the air and made a shot no one thought I could get. If I hadn't been doing jump ropes, jump squats, jumping jacks I might not have gotten the shot. Boot Camp paid off.

Yes I have seen results, 2 inches off my waistline that I have not been able to achieve for ten years.
The advice I get from Tanya is most valuable to me. Whether it's breathing and doing an exercise slower and correctly or how to care to prevent injury she really is on top of you and the training is very personable.

Once you start you'll have fun and get results. Thanks Tanya!



Susan V.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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I am 52 years old and a former athlete. I grew up playing softball, field hockey, basketball, football I swam and ran track competitively and I danced ballet for 10 years. When I was a young athlete, we didn't know that much about taking care of ourselves when we became injured. The irony of having led such an active life is now I'm contending with the by-product which includes 9 affected/bulging and herniated discs in my neck and lower back.

I am a regular at my chiropractor's office. Last summer I had some serious abdominal surgery followed by an accident which left me bedridden for 2 months and unable to exercise. I slowly began a comeback to exercise. Small walks was about all I could do.

A friend of mine found the flyer for Boot Camp Challenge during the winter and asked me if I thought I was ready to try something like that. I called Tanya from Boot Camp to discuss my physical state and she said she thought I would make a good addition to her program.

I began Boot Camp Challenge in March of this year. In six weeks I managed to cut 1 minute off a 1 mile run, lost inches all over, but the most impressive fact was that my BMI went down 2 points in six weeks!

Additionally, I have been screened every three months for many years for glaucoma having high pressure in both of my eyes. Nothing reduced my pressure until I began this exercise program. On my last visit to the eye doctor which was toward the end of my first session of Boot Camp, my pressure was normal for the first time in years. My doctor believes Boot Camp had something to do with this. I found this remarkable because I had been doing circuit training 3 to 5 times a week for four years prior to my surgery and this never improved the pressure in my eyes which indicates to me how much more effective Tanya's Boot Camp Challenge program is for me in getting results.

Additionally, my blood pressure which had been hovering at 150/80, has now dropped to 112/65 without any drugs.

Then there are my back issues. Over the 4th of July weekend, my back went out during a trip out of town. I was suffering from lower back spasms and subluxation. I had a feeling that Boot Camp would help so I went. When I arrived, I was in a great deal of pain and was having a difficult time walking. Tanya stretched me out (AIS), I worked out and I was happy to find that I recovered very quickly (two days) from a condition that had typically taken at least a week or two to recover from. I attribute this to the core work we have done in Boot Camp which has made me much stronger and more stable in my lower back. This improvement had been noticed by my chiropractor.

Lastly, this program just makes me feel great. I am amazed and delighted during each class at what I am able to do and at what Tanya gets me to do. There are things I never thought I would ever be able to do again. I feel strong and capable. I'm doing push ups and sit ups and one handed planks without injury! There isn't anything better than feeling strong and healthy again.

I love it. I strongly recommend this program. If you want to feel young again, or if you want to feel stronger, this is the program for you.



Margaret W.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
I can't say enough about Boot Camp Challenge. It is a great boost to my workouts. I was in a rut at the gym and needed a change in my daily workouts. Well this was a great choice and a wonderful start to the day. It even got me out running and walking in the park on the days off from Boot Camp. Tanya, the Boot Camp Drill Sergeant is motivating and supportive and challenges everyone in the class. She changes the workouts, and you begin to feel trimmed and toned. It is a great group of people who are all interested in the same goal, good health,and getting into shape, so what better way to start the day. I highly recommend Boot Camp Challenge with Tanya!!!
Margaret
Park Slope,Brooklyn



Graeme B.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
First of all let's get one thing straight, I am NOT a morning person. For those of you who are not morning people, I know what you are thinking - can I really do this? Getting to the gym by ourselves can seem like a daunting task as that alarm clock buzzes away next to us at some seemingly unholy hour of the morning. Before Boot Camp Challenge, it was easy for me to make up some excuse as to why I should skip the gym that day and go tomorrow. Unfortunately, tomorrow seldom came for me. Boot Camp Challenge changed all that! In the beginning, it was just the fact that I knew that I had to be somewhere and someone would be checking that got me out of bed - not like my previous gym who are quite happy if I don't show up while they collect my money. Funny how they never call to see where I have been? But, thankfully, that soon changed into a real desire to go to class and not let my fellow Boot Campers "suffer" without me. It's amazing how looking and feeling good can motivate you. If you are looking to kickstart your fitness program and need some help, look no further. Tanya is knowledgeable, motivating and really cares for her Boot Campers. Her classes are not only a great workout but also a blast. You absolutely cannot beat the value. I look and feel so much better, my energy level is amazing, and for those of us who deal with NYC's craziness everyday, starting off the day feeling so good about life really helps! I highly recommend Tanya and Boot Camp Challenge if you want to get serious about your health - I am about to start my third Boot Camp!"



Sonali M.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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The best part about this Boot Camp Challenge is that by the end of it, you won't believe how much stronger you are and how much healthier you feel. And, after working out, you have lots of energy for the rest of the day. This has been an unexpected plus for me.



Harrison W.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Admittedly, I joined Boot Camp Challenge because my wife was going to do it and the classes were being held at the world-famous Gleason's Gym and I thought it'd be cool. I train and teach jiu-jitsu and initially, I simply wanted to be in better shape for various reasons: physical, mental and to build endurance that could translate well into my jiu-jitsu training. Tanya and her Boot Camp Challenge program appeared to hold the answer, and after that first assessment class I knew there was no need to go anywhere else, it simply felt right. Truth is, I'm someone who needs a lot of accountability in my eating and exercising. The best part of the Boot Camp was Tanya's diligence in monitoring the entries in my food journal and providing valuable input for improvement, etc. which has been a definite plus for me in achieving my goals. During the short time I've been with Tanya, I've achieved my fat-loss goals and met my endurance benchmarks. It's also fascinating to work with Tanya as she constructs new routines for the class that demonstrate how to work-out smarter, focusing on the essentials for fat-loss, muscle building, cardio, etc. and getting the most out of our time in the gym. She provides excellent guidance, including a workout plan, and proper, mindful eating. Tanya's manner is both professional and personable, and she was definitely a key factor in meeting my goals of losing weight, gaining muscle mass, and working out consistently.



Halley L.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Boot Camp Challenge has come at a great time for me. Having returned to work after maternity leave, finding time to workout (not to mention diet) seemed an impossible endeavor. Having a group of people and Tanya waiting for me at 6 a.m. was a huge incentive. The time I have to commit to exercise needs to count and Boot Camp Challenge offers a terrific mix of cardio and toning. She also gives terrific nutritional advice. I have not dieted and lost 10 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Working out in the morning gives me a tremendous amount of energy and I love having my work out finished at 7 a.m. I seriously doubt I would be getting up and working out at this level on my own. Bootcamp Challenge is also a great value. It is like working out with a personal trainer, but having the camaraderie of a team with the other bootcampers. I am very pleased that I joined the Challenge.



Quirine H.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Boot Camp got me to appreciate waking up early again. By the time I get
to work, I feel like I've already accomplished something and I don't
have to stress about squeezing in a work out at the end of the day. At
the end of six weeks, I feel stronger, more energetic and excited
about working out. Tanya keeps things just difficult enough to get you
sweating and she changes up routines to keep us on our toes. Boot Camp
was certainly the kick I needed to help make the lifestyle changes
I've been unable to make on my own.



Sara H.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
As someone who wanted to get into shape but didn't know where to start; I highly recommend Boot Camp Challenge. Tanya is great and helps keep you motivated by mixing up the routines. The camaraderie of the other classmates is also helpful and is the extra push I need to get out of bed in the morning. Not to mention, Brooklyn Bridge Park is inspiring and a beautiful place to start the day. In six weeks, I have lost weight, gained strength, and become more flexible. I am feeling proud of myself and encouraged to keep on going and hopefully make a permanent, lasting change in my life for the better.



Becky S.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Boot Camp's at the perfect time for me since I barely wake up and have no time to dread it or get out of it. I put on my clothes and head out and about half way through it, I feel so psyched that I did. It has an enormous impact on my life- sets the tone for the day, makes me feel like I enjoyed the out-of-doors watching the sun rise, gives me a huge jolt of energy and helps me to be far more productive. I feel stronger and more able to enjoy my kids-- lifting them, chasing them and just enjoying them more overall. I'm not one to be self-motivated to exercise on a regular schedule and the accountability that bootcamp challenge demands is actually quite good for someone like me who will find many reasons as the day goes on not to exercise. The people are great and it's a wonderful, positive way to start the day on M,W, & F and sometimes Saturday! Thanks for everything, Tanya.



George S.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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Can something be fun, sweaty and rigorous...yes, and in case you have something else on your mind, I'm talking about boot camp at 6:00 am (or 7 am) in the morning. The sessions are challenging but not painful, so you look forward to them and you look forward to talking to the rest of the crew. It's amazing how much fun we had together with Tanya leading the class. Tanya intuitively knows how to keep the class moving and sweating while also allowing us to enjoy our time together as a little troop of adults, sharing our mornings.


After every class I went into work feeling great, my mind and body at peace. It's always the right combination of cardio, stretching and muscle building with Tanya watching over us to make sure we had the right form and gained the most benefit. I know everyone in my 6 am class signed up for the next session and that's a great testimonial in of itself.



Nash H.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
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If you're trying to figure out if Boot Camp Challenge is for you, the answer is probably yes. I am far from a fitness freak, more like your typical 30 something guy who used to exercise and now spends way too much time sitting at a computer. After the last bunch of years of this sort of sedentary lifestyle, I was beginning to develop some serious back troubles and carrying a bunch of extra weight. After six weeks of Tanya's program, back troubles have gone away and I have more energy that I've had in years. It's definitely the best deal in town.



Cathy B.
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
Boot Camp Challenge has been a blast! Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautiful place to start the day, and I look forward to the sessions throughout the week. I have not only lost weight, toned significantly, and gained strength, but I feel more focused and energetic. As someone who has always had a fairly ambitious exercise regime on my own, I find the classes are a great way to make sure I am continuing to push myself. Tanya is an excellent trainer - focused on healthy, safe form and excellent at tailoring to everyone's individual achievements within the small group format.



Adam El-Sheemy
Brooklyn, NY

Participant
A.K.A - Recruit
I'm heading for the beach on vacation, so I'm ending my regimen two days early, but the results are in — and, damn, I actually look and feel better. Check out these before-and-after numbers:

Adam's comments:

Start: July 4 End: July 9

*Weight: 270 lbs. Weight: 243 lbs.
Lost 27, but have 23 more to go
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*Arms: 16 in. Arms: 15.25 in. I see muscles!
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*Chest: 47.5 in. Chest: 46.5 in.
I got rid of my man breasts!
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*Waist: 46 in. Waist: 44 in.
I can fit into my high school pants.
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*Hips: 48 in. Hips: 46 in.
Definitely less shimmy in Shemmy
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Thighs: 26.5 in. Thighs: 25 in.
Do my thighs look fat in this? Well, yeah, still.
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Body fat 27% 20.1%
Woo-hoo! I'm officially off the "obese" chart
Mile run 15:03 12:31 And no longer vomitting!
Sit ups (two min): Before: 37
After: 82 I don't have six-pack abs, but I do have a Bud tallboy.

Push-ups (two min) Before: 5 After:27 It's easier when there's less to push.

©2007 The Brooklyn Paper