"During the program, I ran six 5k races and won three medals"

The success and accomplishments I made while going to Dexter were above what I ever expected. I started Dexter’s program with a couple of goals in mind, learn how to resistance train correctly and safely, gain muscle strength to become a stronger runner and avoid injury, and lose fat without starving myself. I am in my 40s, had not run or done any consistent exercise for a couple of years. My muscles had become hidden under a layer or two of fat.

Before I started the program, I really was not aware resistance training made such a positive impact on running performance, fat burning and overall sense of well being. I used to think a good cardio workout was enough. It did not take long for me to see the benefits of resistance training. Two months after starting Dexter’s program, I started to run 5K races. I had run a couple of 5K races a few years ago finishing in 32 to 34 minutes. I thought I would never be able to finish in under thirty minutes. Resistance training helped me accomplish this. During the eighteen week program, I ran six 5K races and won three medals in my age group, two third place and one first place (with a time of 27 minutes and 39 seconds). It is incredible the amount of strength, speed and endurance I have gained just by adding resistance training.

In terms of diet and nutrition, I have never gone hungry following Dexter’s diet and nutrition advice. I have changed my attitude about diet and food. I do not count calories or weight myself anymore. My focus is on fueling my body frequently with a balance of good foods.

Dexter’s combination of correct nutrition, resistance training and cardiovascular exercise have all worked together to give me a strong, lean energy efficient body.

- Cyndy C.

"I could see measurable progress; increase in stamina, weight I could lift, and body shape."

I have always struggled with weight. There were a couple of years when I was single; I dieted diligently and was able to bike and swim rather regularly. I looked pretty good for a 27 year old. Other than those 2 years I’ve always struggled.

I work with a nurse who was training with Dexter. She had changed the way she looked rather dramatically; she had biceps, shapely calves, a flat stomach, and apparently lost a bit of weight. We discussed our common weight issues, previous attempts at weight loss and found we were alike. Her energy and enthusiasm about her work with Dexter was contagious. She urged meet Dexter to see what he had to offer. So in I went with an open mind and a need to do something positive about my health and fitness.

I have never felt this fit, even at 27, or had this sense of achievement about my physical condition.  I felt a weekly sense of achievement. Over progressive weeks I could see measurable progress; the increase in stamina, weight I could lift, and my body shape. I am hungry for foods that feed me nutritionally, knowing that my muscles and body need specific balanced foods.

Those of us who’ve struggled typically want a fast and easy solution to change the way we look. It doesn’t happen; it doesn’t exist. Rome wasn’t built in a day, we didn’t get big over night, and there is NO quick fix.

Thanks to Dexter, I have accomplished changes in my body and fitness that I have not been able to do on my own.

- Carolyn C.

"After a few weeks, I began to lose inches all over and became so happy!"

I have lost weight in the past doing other programs but I never was tone and fit like I wanted to be. I wanted to look my best for my wedding coming up and I came to Dexter for help. Dexter was very considerate of my desires and needs and he taught me all aspects about living a healthier lifestyle in order to become leaner and more toned. After a few weeks, I began to lose inches all over and became so happy! Continuing working with Dexter, I still lost inches and it got to a point that I had to tell Dexter if I lost any more inches, I would not be able to wear my wedding dress because it could not be altered any further!

To make a long story short, I was ready for my wedding day and I looked and felt so good! If you want someone to get you ready for your big day, Dexter is your choice!

- Angela Orso

"I have increased upper body strength, lost body fat, can complete a mile run and even hold a plank for longer than 9 seconds!"

My friend Brenda asked me if I would be interested in a "boot camp" exercise program.  She had started going to Memphis Adventure Boot Camp and she told me it was a lot of fun and it’s for just women. She said, "We could do it together. It will be fun!" Sounds like fun.....

Well, she said it meets at 5:30 in the morning for a whole hour. I remember saying to Brenda "I couldn’t possibly get out of a warm bed to exercise!"  I remember thinking "I am not doing that! That’s crazy!"  I didn’t think about it anymore. A few weeks went by and I had gotten a call from Brenda. She said, "Hey Honour it’s ‘bring a buddy day’ at boot camp. Please come!" She asked me twice. FInally, I told her I would support her and I would come to that Wednesday class. Yes, I did attend the class, and had a fun time. You know, 60 minutes is a long time! I thought it would never end!! My whole body was sore from that workout.

What happened that morning was a turning point for me! I realized how out-of-shape I was and how difficult it was to keep up with the group.   Yes, I am overweight and out-of-shape and am in need of exercise. It’s tough being over 50, working a full time job, taking care of everyone else. I am exhausted when I get home. I don’t have time to exercise. Yes, that was my excuse. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had actually exercised. Walking my dog around the block for 15 minutes doesn’t count.

Would you believe I decided I needed to sign up for "boot camp"!? I had to decide on a 3-day a week exercise plan or jump into the 5-day a week exercise plan. I struggled for a few days trying to make that decision. I thought if I do the 5-day plan I could get faster results and get rid of this menopause weight that has been bothering me for years. I finally decided to go for the 5-day exercise plan. Yes, that’s a total of 20 days of getting out of a warm bed at 5:00 in the morning and arriving for class on time at 5:30 every day! Well, I am happy to tell you that I have completed an entire camp! I feel well, I have more energy, I am happy. Even my clothes fit better! I have since signed up for my second 5-day camp exercise session. I am seeing results! I have increased upper body strength, lost body fat, I can complete a mile run and even hold a plank for longer than 9 seconds! For me, this has been a great exercise adventure. My thanks to Dexter. They have helped me reach my goals!

Ann Taylor: size 6 here I come!!!

- Honour Batey

"...my pants easily button, my shirts feel roomier, I even show off newly found muscles to my husband"

Back in September, I discovered my fall/winter wardrobe had gotten, well, slightly more than a little snug. It seemed strange, since I had been making regular appearances in my bathing suit all summer. Still, there was no denying the truth: an immense divide yawned between the button and button hole of my waistband.

In search of a remedy, I saw a link on Facebook to Memphis Adventure Boot Camp for Women (ABC). One look at the 5:30 a.m. start time, and I knew there was no way I could do it. After all, I work full-time, do freelance writing on the side, and try to keep up with the day-to-day care and feeding (not to mention entertainment) of my two wild boys, Satchel and Jiro. I was already operating on less than seven hours of sleep each night; how could I give up two more?

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that 5:30 in the morning was about the only time I wasn’t scheduled to be somewhere — except in bed. If I was going to incorporate regular exercise into my routine, it would have to be then. So I signed up to attend a four-week boot camp that met Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. I dug out my tennis shoes, bought a set of 3-lb. weights and a yoga mat, and set my alarm clock for 5 a.m.

However, by Week 4, things level off. My body clock adjusts, making my new schedule feel more normal. I also start to notice little things: my pants easily button, my shirts feel roomier, I even show off newly found muscles to my husband. I haven’t lost any weight, but I definitely look more toned. I even manage to shave off a minute and a half from my timed mile.

- Stacey Greenberg

"I felt stronger, my aches and pains were all but gone, and I was pretty darn upbeat!"

I have not "tried it all." I've always felt like I knew what the secret to a healthy body was: burn more calories than you take in and I figured I was just too weak to stick with it.  I have tried Weight Watchers several times before and it has worked, but I've never kept the weight off long haul. 

I started to have persistent aches and pains that never went away and I decided (and my body agreed) that we were supporting as much weight as was possible and something needed to be done.  At the end of last summer I picked up a Memphis Flyer and saw the ad for Memphis Adventure Boot Camp.  This seemed liked the kick in the pants I needed. 

I participated in the first two boot camps and immediately had more energy, I felt stronger, my aches and pains were all but gone, and despite two entire months of rain, I was pretty darn upbeat!  But the weight was not coming off like I hoped.  I figured that since I was working my butt off I didn't really need to be so vigilant about the nutritional aspect of boot camp; I was wrong!  During our "off week" between camps two and three I decided to change that.  I started tracking the fat/carb/protein ratios of my food, eating every 3-4 hours and my metabolism has kicked in to high gear!  Memphis Adventure Boot Camp has helped me develop eating and exercise habits that are starting to become second nature; "it's 5 a.m., time to wake up and exercise!".  There are no shortcuts to losing body fat, you need to eat healthfully and eat to support muscle growth and get your body moving!  The encouragement from Dexter and his staff and most of all, the other boot campers is awesome and with their help I feel confident I am creating a life long habits that will help me live a long and healthy life!

- Katie Christian

"It feels like a big family of girls!!"

When I saw the ad for the boot camp in Skirt! magazine, I though two things: it would be out of my budget and in would only be in Collierville or Germantown. I was wrong! It was right here in Memphis. I signed up for the 5-day camp thinking I would only go two days. Wrong again! I was hooked the first day. It was so much fun! I feel so happy when I leave each Memphis Adventure Boot Camp class. I’m usually the first person to drive up and Dexter is there waiting with his huge grin. His staff is great also! I feel like they really care about every one of us. I’m 48 and I feel I really have to step everything up a notch to stay healthy. This is the best thing I have ever done. I’ve met some wonderful girls. It feels like a big family of girls!! Poor Dexter!! Oh, by the way, this is my third camp!!!

- Brenda Brown

"I have lost 12.5% overall body fat."

Just a few thoughts about my experience with your program and Memphis Adventure Boot Camp.

I will be 69 years old in two weeks.  I am diabetic and a serious kidney stone producer.  One year ago I was an emotional and physical wreck. The constant struggle with weight control and the repeated attacks and pain with the stones had completely worn me down.

Our local newspaper had a feature article about Dexter and his program to help people "Be Better."  I decided to give him a call and I have never regretted that decision.  I don't know if it was his apparent knowledge about the body and exercise, his positive approach to addressing problems, his constant push to "Be Better," or his simplistic approach to diet, but something clicked.  Dexter worked with me and my husband to develop an exercise plan that we could maintain both at home and on the road when we traveled in our RV.  We worked his plan.

When Dexter started the Adventure Boot Camp for Women, he encouraged me to join.  I was very skeptical because of my age in relation to other participants and I really had reservations about the 5:30 a.m. start time. I am so glad I joined the class.  The group support and encouragement have been great. I may not be able to do everything but I do what I can and just keep trying to "Be Better."

I have lost 17 lb. but I am most proud of the fact that I have lost 12.5% overall body fat.  My blood sugar levels have stopped bouncing around and I have been able to maintain good blood pressure which is a key issue for diabetics. For the first time in over five years my triglycerides  are in the normal range.  I am a different and much improved person than I was one year ago.  I am smaller, stronger, healthier, and happier.

Thanks Dexter and his staff!

- Rhetta Watkins

"I highly recommend it to anyone"

Boot camp sounded very unappetizing at first, but a friend who had already completed one month was opting in for another, so I decided to join her. I knew that with my work and family schedule and my desire to see relatively quick results, I would have to try a radical approach to an exercise routine. The occasional yoga class, Saturday hike and evening stroll were hardly enough to maintain my preferred fitness and energy levels. Boot camp was the solution.

I had a group of women expecting me to show up each day and encouraging me to keep going. Sleeping in wasn’t an option when a friend was waiting on me, so I stopped fighting the alarm clock and established a routine. Many levels of fitness were represented at boot camp, and it was all women (except Dexter), so there wasn’t the self-consciousness that can occur in a gym. Dexter made the exercises hard enough, but not so hard that I got discouraged.  By going to boot camp so early in the morning, I felt like I had gained an hour that no one else had. At first I made up for it by going to sleep earlier, but now, I just have that extra time. When I get home from a work-out, I don’t feel guilty about taking the time for myself because I haven’t missed anything! I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you want a real kick-start to long-term fitness or have trouble fitting in exercise to an already busy evening schedule.

- Ashley Harper

"Dexter has allowed me to enjoy a quality of life I didn't think I could achieve."

Working with Dexter and later joining his Memphis Adventure Boot Camp has allowed me to enjoy a quality of life I didn't think I could achieve. I have completely reduced or eliminated medications that I thought I would have to be on the rest of my life. I have lost inches and I feel so much better now!

- Betty Eason

"Fraser has lost 41 pounds since that day in April, and she has a whole new sense of self."

I had started thinking I hadn't been taking care of myself and that I needed to lose weight. The reunion helped motivate me. It was like a magic wand, or someone just threw him down in front of me and said, 'OK, this is the next step'. This is what you should do. The first class I couldn't even do a modified push-up. Now I'm doing roll push-ups. I feel better. I'm much happier. Not that I wasn't happy before. I definitely have more energy.

Most women in the class have the same problem or are in the same situation. Some have been there longer than others, but all are there for the same reason. They're there to get fit. He offers a separate nutrition seminar and goes over what he sent a little more in detail so everyone understands what they're doing. We've done a grocery tour. People don't realize reading labels on everything makes a huge difference.

It's not what I thought it would be. He's not a drill sergeant. He will push you, especially when he knows you can do better. I've never done the same class twice. I don't like to miss a workout. It really upsets me if I miss.

The main thing I want is more firming and toning. As long as I get that done, I'll be fine with it. I'm not getting on the scale anymore.

The reunion was two weeks ago. It was great. I loved it. I felt proud I didn't show up fat.

- Carla Fraser