How did Love Your Body Fitness boot camps get started?

Bethany Hughes and Vince Grbic, co-founders of Love Your Body Fitness

By Bethany Hughes, Love Your Body Fitness co-founder
I started training with Vince in September of 2005. One of my workouts per week was a boot camp-style workout. The indoor basketball court became a bit confining, so I asked Vince if we could take the workout outdoors. Vince and I began to train at one of the public parks in Houston. It had a large hill and a running track. It was winter, cold and I was often miserable! Eight weeks later, I jokingly asked if I could have some of my friends join in to share in my "misery." Vince said that would be fine, so I emailed my 20 or so closest friends.

Immediately 10 said yes, and we soon had a wait list of three more. I asked Vince if he could get a second trainer, and he said yes! I went to work emailing a larger group of friends and we started “Babe-a-licious” Boot Camp. For two months, we giggled, laughed, and huffed and puffed our way around the park! Summer was coming and the girls wanted a second class. We added a Wednesday morning class to this Saturday class and began offering it twice a week.

At the beginning, I only helped Vince staple checks to waivers. Throughout the hot Houston summer, these women were actually having fun. Many began to see results! Some have continued with us and are with us today! Fall came and I suggested a 9 a.m. class for those with small kids and 8:30 a.m. drop-offs. Vince was able to teach the class and again, just by emailing my buddies, it filled up.

Slowly we added other classes and I had to learn Excel. It was about this time that Vince offered me a job! After several months, I agreed. I quit my job as an art consultant and we formed a partnership. Since then, the classes have grown – friends of friends have come in. I am always amazed at how small a world it really is! We have had “grandmothers” and “little sisters” do it – basically – 28-68 is the age range, but I'm always hoping that a 70-year-old will join! Boot camp coupled with good nutrition is the key to a fit and toned body!