Brit Woman Loses Nearly 9 Pounds on Life-Changing Boot Camp Holiday

A holiday in the UK turned into a transformative experience for Leanne Knowles, who lost nearly 9 lbs during a week-long boot camp. Struggling with weight loss through various diets, Knowles found new motivation at the GI Jane Bootcamp in Kent, which emphasizes lifestyle changes over quick fixes like weight-loss injections.

Previously, at a height of 5ft 1in and weighing 12st 9lbs, Knowles faced challenges in feeling comfortable in her own skin. Despite trying popular diets such as Slimming World and Atkins, she found herself regaining weight after stopping. “I was frustrated with my inability to lose weight,” she reflected, noting that while she considered options like Ozempic and Mounjaro, she ultimately sought a more sustainable approach.

The pivotal moment came during a trip to Niagara Falls, where a photograph of her prompted a wake-up call. “I hated the way I looked,” Knowles said, realizing that change was necessary. Inspired by a television show featuring a “fat camp,” she researched options and chose the GI Jane Bootcamp, which costs £900 for a week of accommodation, meals, and fitness training.

Upon arrival at Scuttington Manor in Sittingbourne, Kent, Knowles felt apprehensive, having never exercised regularly before. However, the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie among participants quickly eased her nerves. The boot camp’s structure included early morning hikes, rigorous exercise sessions, and nutritious meals, all designed to push participants to their limits.

“We were encouraged to support each other every step of the way,” she shared, highlighting the camp’s motto: “You’re only as fast as your slowest man.” By the end of her week, Knowles achieved a significant milestone, running a full mile with weights, a testament to her newfound strength and determination.

At the end-of-week weigh-in, Knowles was delighted to learn she had lost 9 lbs. She compared this to the average weight loss of 2 lbs per week with injectable medications, emphasizing the additional benefits gained from physical fitness. More importantly, she felt energized and empowered, having developed a deeper understanding of her body and health.

Back at home in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Knowles implemented the lessons learned at the boot camp. Lacking a gym membership, she purchased a kettlebell and began running around her village. The support from a WhatsApp group created by fellow camp attendees provided ongoing motivation and encouragement.

Nine months later, Knowles returned to another GI Jane Bootcamp, this time in Koh Samui, Thailand. By then, she had lost weight on her own, reaching 8st 11lbs. At the end of that week, she achieved her target weight of 8st 7lbs, marking a significant milestone in her weight-loss journey. Altogether, she has shed over four stone, now fitting into a size 8.

Since her first boot camp experience, Knowles has participated in several others, including a recent week in Greece. She has formed lasting friendships with fellow attendees and has experienced a boost in confidence that has reshaped her approach to holidays.

“I still treat myself, but I’m also very active,” she noted, reflecting on how her vacation habits have changed.

Looking back, Knowles considers the boot camp holiday a life-changing experience. “If I’d tried so-called ‘fat jabs,’ the weight would have piled back on,” she stated. She encourages others contemplating expensive weight-loss medications to explore alternatives like boot camps. For Knowles, the journey was not just about losing weight but about reclaiming her life and health.