Every New Year, countless individuals around the country resolve to improve their physical fitness. Due to the stresses and demands of everyday life, many individuals fail to live up to their resolution, yet some ultimately succeed.
Among the local success stories is that of Becky O’Camb, who, over the past seven years, completely transformed her life. An inspirational story on many levels, O’Camb has shared her experiences in hopes of inspiring others around the community to succeed.
A long journey
Although O’Camb does not remember the exact date, sometime in 2006, she climbed onto a scale and watched as the number 413 reflecting back at her. O’Camb said that at that point, she vowed to make changes.
For the next five years, O’Camb did what she could to exercise, improve her diet and manage her weight. Knee problems and other physical limitations made weight loss difficult however, and as of 2012, she had yet to make significant progress.
After receiving full knee replacements in 2012 and 2013 however, O’Camb began making progress. And in May 2014, she began exercising in the Cortez Recreation Center pool. Then, in September 2014, she approached local fitness trainer Rayna Hale and asked for help.
“I was working out in the pool, but I knew that I needed something different,” said O’Camb. “I talked Rayna and it went from there.”
Due to her weight and lack of overall fitness, Hale initially worked with O’Camb on basic exercises with limited weight. Cardio training proved key, as did simple functional fitness exercises.
O’Camb’s strength and fitness quickly improved and she began attending a group fitness class put on by DNR Fitness known as ‘No Whining Boot Camp.’
“’No Whining Boot Camp’ is designed to help individuals improve their overall fitness,” said Hale. “Each day is different. We lift weights one day, we have an obstacle course the next day and we do all different types of training.”
O’Camb said that her experience in ‘Boot Camp’ has been nothing but positive.
“I was accepted and received as who I was,” said O’Camb, describing her experience in ‘Boot Camp.’ “There as no judgment and there was support from the people there. That was the thing that kept me encouraged and kept me coming.”
Now down to 245-pounds, O’Camb works out five mornings a week, splitting time between her personal training exercises, ‘Boot Camp’ and a stationary cycling class hosted by Anthony Maes.
O’Camb also works with a dietitian and has been focusing on eating foods high in proteins and reducing her carbohydrate intake.
“I can remember the feat that (O’Camb) had in her eyes the first time that she got on a spin bike,” said Maes. “It’s fun to watch her getting in shape and pushing herself.”
In terms of future goals, O’Camb said that she would like to shed 85 more pounds and improve her strength.
“I’ve made progress, but I still need to make more progress in order to reach my goal,” said O’Camb. “It has been a process, but I’m taking it one day at a time.”
Local area offers fitness resources
In addition to personal training options offered by Hale and other DNR Fitness coaches, a variety of resources are available to individuals hoping to improve their physical fitness.
Among those resources are Para Bellum Fitness, which provides several group fitness classes and Body By Design, which provides numerous personal training options.
“The benefit to working out is that it gives you an outlet when you have a busy life,” said Mais. “Working out not only helps physically, but helps where emotions are concerned.”
“Through my workouts, I have another lease on life,” added O’Camb. “I’m much happier and I’m more energetic. I hope that my story inspires others because there are so many opportunities to succeed.”