Erin **As Featured in the Magazine Timeout Chicago**

     After ten months, 40 pounds, one baby and three seasons of leggings and big t-shirts, I was done.  In the week leading up to our daughter's birth, I made a vow that the athleticism I once enjoy would be mine again.  Once my midwife gave me the all-clear, and after two months of walking and moderate weight lifting, I headed to The Boot Camp Guy (9715 S. Western,888498-4777,www.thebootcampguy.com), a small fitness studio run by a former U.S. Marine.  Begining in July, starting at 5am, three times a week, I was running laps, flipping tractor tires, squatting with 4x4 wooden posts on my shoulders and lifting buckets loaded with dumbbells until I wanted to puke.  Or sing from the mountain tops how easily I jumped ran and played once again.  Within three months, despite the grueling wake-up times and sacrifices to everything not pertaining to my family or my career,I lost 25 pound and easily navigated my old clothes.
     With 15 pounds I'd still like to lose, the motivation shifts to being a good example for my daughter.  There is a cause for celebration in wearing my old jeans, sure, but there is much more bliss to be had in being able to show here the beauty in changing yourself.

Erin