Family works out together at Atle Body Center boot camp

GETTING IN SHAPE—Three generations of the Protter family, from left, Jean, Theresa and Adam, take a breather during boot camp. Whether you are looking for a workout for yourself or just a way to spend unforgettable time with a friend or family member, Atle Body Center runs on-going, two-week boot camp sessions in the local state and national parks.

Responding to an ad in The Acorn for the boot camp, local resident Theresa Protter contacted Atle Body Center in Agoura Hills.

What made her call unusual was that she also wanted to register her mother Jean, 76, and her son Adam, 9. Most people sign up for the camp on an individual basis and their ages are between 18 and 60, said Atle Body Center owners Atle Hoff and Lisa Sparrman

From the first day on the trail, it was clear that Jean was no ordinary grandmother. Spending an hourand-a-half every morning with the same group for two weeks, pushing yourself and being pushed beyond your comfort zone, the participants learned many things about one another.

Jean is an ex-Marine, an avid square dancer and a breast cancer survivor.

Theresa Protter saw boot camp as a way to help her son build confidence, character and self-esteem. What a great feeling for him to walk into school knowing that he had just climbed a mountain, Protter said.

Adam showed up every day, ran every trail, crossed every creek, climbed every tree, got to the top of every hill—and still made it to school by 8 a.m.

The weekend after boot camp, Adam left for his first two weeks away from home at summer camp. Along with his sleeping bag and toothbrush, Adam took a huge sense of accomplishment and a real “I can do it” attitude. Jean exchanged her trail shoes for her dancing shoes and took off for a two-week national square dancing convention.

Protter found herself at home with time on her hands, but what better way to fill up that 6-to7:30 a.m. time slot than with the next session of boot camp?

For more information about Atle Body Center’s boot camp, call Hoff at (818) 445-3796.