Vicki Lyn’s Bootcamp Adventures – July 2010

Bootcamp Update – July 2010

By Vicki Lyn Butrym

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer.   It seems as though winter went so slow with the cold and now that summer is here it is going by too fast!   I told myself today that I need to enjoy this summer weather before it turns back into winter before I know it.  I know with my choice of career right now that my busy season is now.  That is the one downside to living on a tourist island; we have to work during the hot summer months while everyone is coming here to vacation.  I have to keep telling myself this is seasonal.  If I want to eat this winter I must not turn down any opportunities for the summer income.

I am glad that Tybee is having a great year, but to know we are getting more tourists because of what is happening in the Gulf is sad.  I can’t even imagine if that happened to us.  I just hope that some of these companies here on the island will take some of that profit and donate it to help clean up the beaches in the Gulf.  Karma always comes back at you.  I wish I could volunteer to go help, but I have too much responsibility right now to leave.  In a few more months I might be able to squeeze some volunteer time in.

In September I will be leaving for Maui on my volunteer vacation!! We will be clearing the trails at the Hawaii Nature Center located in Iao Valley on the island of Maui and contains over 35 acres of lush tropical rainforest. From what I understand we will be hiking a mile in everyday to get to the work location.  The Center hosts environmental education classes, guided interpretive hikes, nature adventures, earth care projects, and more. Their weekend and community programs have reached more than 25,000 island families a year on O’ahu and Maui. Iao Valley in central Maui, 900 feet above sea level. Trails wind through the rainforest, following the Iao Stream, ending at a lookout point where you can view the famous monument Iao Needle. The historical town of Wailuku is only two miles from Iao Valley.  I am so excited and I am sure you will hear all about it when I return.

I have to admit I have not been so good with Boot Camp this summer.  I am not advertising the way I should and we just took 3 weeks off due to people’s vacations and my little trip up North.  Once again we had to start all over again and man can I feel the difference in my energy level.   So if you are thinking of coming to Boot Camp and think you need to be in shape before you come, you are wrong.  Every Monday morning I feel like I am starting all over again.  It seems like we get into a good routine and feel strong and healthy and then things pop up for one reason or another you have to stop that routine.  After 4 years waking to my 5:30 alarm I guess it just comes natural that no matter how much time I have taken off, I still get up and keep on trucking.  So set our alarm and meet us out there and try it with us.  The skyline is so pretty this time of year and the sunrises are gorgeous.  I need you guys to motivate me!!!!

I wish I had some advice for some of my old boot campers on getting back into the routine.  I keep getting phone calls saying , “Vicki Lyn, I miss you guys and I want to come back, so I will see you Monday”, but then they never come.   I have one person who was coming faithfully all the time and she was feeling great, then winter came and she didn’t.  I have heard her say since January, every month she is going to start back up, but I have only seen her once this summer.  I know she feels unhealthy and sluggish and I know that she was doing so good when she was coming.  I understand how hard it is to start back up again but you have to start somewhere.   I get phone calls all the time and people seem so excited about it, but then bamm, they shut the alarm off and roll over and go back to bed!!!!  So my advice to you is put the alarm on the other side of your bedroom so you actually have to get out of bed to shut the alarm off.  You might just find yourself saying, well I am up so I will stay up.

Belly Dance Classes have stopped for the summer, but will return this fall.  I think with everyone’s busy summer schedule that it was not working out.  I will keep you posted on the new schedule for this fall.  You don’t have to be fit and trim to take belly dance classes, so please get that out of you head and come try it when classes start back up again.

Everyone please be safe this summer and don’t be in such a hurry that life flies right by you.  I am sitting here today saying where did April, May and June go?  Here we are in the middle of July all ready.

So enjoy and try to slow down a bit to enjoy the time you have today.

Vicki Lynn

Vicki Lyn Butrym’s Fitness Boot Camp Class is offered to all on Monday – Friday, “In Loving Memory of Paul. W. Butrym.”

Contact Vicki Lyn at 912-598-3009, or vickilyn62@gmail.com.

Boot Camp Adventures Update – June 2010

by Vicki Lynn Butrym

Well, summer is officially here.  The island is filled with tourists and lots of traffic. Oh, I hate the traffic.  I can’t believe I used to drive in Boston and now when I drive downtown or when I leave the island I get anxiety.

I love that summer is here, business is good and there are lots of new people to meet.   I am having a good time working with all the women that are working at Waves.  It’s very interesting to meet people from other countries.  We have Victoria from Spain, Ira and Kate from the Ukraine, oh, and of course “V,”a funny man who I love working with.

Also, we have Cansu from Turkey. and lot’s more.  I can’t wait to back pack across Europe and go from couch to couch. In a few years it’s my plan to go and visit all my new friends.  Come to Waves and meet them or the Rock house on 16th Street.  By the way, the Rock House once again has the best Burgers in town.. Yummy….

In case you don’t know, Tybee now has a “belly-dance” instructor.  “Cybelle” has started teaching lessons here on Tybee on Monday nights at the Tybee Arts Association.  Lately her students are having a good time learning to “shimmy.”  Sherri Simmons, Jennifer Palmer, Annette and Amanda Jandura, Cansu and Victoria are paricipating. It is a real good core exercise and very elegant… Come out and join us one night.  I’ve asked Cybell to take over my column this month to introduce herself…

MESSAGE FROM CYBELLE… “Belly Dancing!”

My name is Cybelle.  I am a Belly Dancer and a Belly Dance teacher. I’ve danced for over a decade, and have taught many others my art throughout the years.  Why would I choose Belly dancing, you ask? It is simple, empowerment.

Yes, I have tried physical activities that would help me achieve my goals, such as weight loss, body toning, attaining proper core strength, and health maintenance, but I realized that Delly Dance gave me these things and so much more.  Not only did I achieve all of the above, I also found a renewed sense of self.  This was only the beginning.

I shall never forget the experience of entering my first class; the intoxicating smell of incense, the beautiful tapestries covering the ceilings and walls and other items from foreign lands, carrying me off to another place in time.  As I looked around, I saw women of all shapes and sizes and wondered why they were here. Then the music came on and I knew why…it filled my spirit.

These students were not worried about how they looked or whether they had felt self-conscious coming in; they were enjoying what was given to them at that moment – a safe space in which to turn, move, feel and express themselves.  They were given an hour of peace, shutting out day to day worries to give something back to themselves. Many had come carrying different “baggage”, and were able to leave it at the door, and let go…. and dance.

Much healing goes on in my class now.  Belly Dance is such an ancient dance; it cannot be accurately traced back to its beginnings.  All there is to understand is that the dance itself was originally women dancing for women, for joy, to practice for childbirth, to release anguish and pain, which they could not discuss with anyone.When dancers begin to learn a move, they discover their bodies, the beauty if their stride, angles, and curves.  The muscles being trained are not used in most other forms of exercise, so it is exciting to feel a region of your body you never knew you had.

One learns how beneficial it is, not only for one’s body, but for one’s mind and spirit, as well.  It enables a dancer to enjoy the journey that will ultimately bring them to their end goal.

The physical benefits are so many; it makes it easier to open the hips for childbirth; it aids with weight loss, digestion, aches and pains, and also helps to increase flexibility and bone density.  Belly Dance infuses the student with good feelings, happy thoughts, serenity, and most of all, a greater sense of self.  Our bodies can serve us as no gym can, we use our own body weight and gravity to gently find our place within a position, and that power is undeniable.

I open my class with gentle warm up, breathing exercises and talk of the tradition, history, and reason behind the dance moves I am about to teach. Regardless of any physical issue or ailment one may have, the student and I find ways to overcome it, so they may participate at their own capacity.  My strong knowledge of anatomy and exercise Kinesiology enables the dancer to trust my guidance, and feel physically safe.  We laugh and smile, heads held high, we dance… just to dance.  I end my class with cool down, stretching, and breathing deeply, assisting the heart rate to calm and return to normal…then we close with a form of ancient yogic energy sharing…and, finally…Namaste (Hindi for “thank you”)….

You are never too big or small, klutzy or shy, to Belly Dance…. just dance as if no one is watching.

Shimmy! Cybelle

Cybelle can be reached at: cybelle_3@yahoo.com, and her website is  cybelleworldfusionbellydance.wordpress.com.

Please feel free to email any questions you may have.  She’s teaching in mid Savannah as well as The Arts Association on Tybee Island, where all are welcome to stop by any Monday at 6pm!  Check prior to attending any class, as schedules may sometimes change.

If you want more information on the class please contact Vicki Lyn Butrym’s Fitness Boot Camp Class is offered to all on Monday – Friday, “In Loving Memory of Paul W. Butrym.”

Contact Vicki Lyn at 912-598-3009,

Boot Camp Adventures Update – May 2010

I’d like to dedicate this month’s article to my late husband Paul William Butrym (June 7, 1958 – May 14, 2008).

Back in March of 2006 thanks to Tiffany Dennis, Paul’s Boot Camp became a new adventure on this little island.  I remember the very first morning of class I was 70 lbs heavier than I am today.   We had a very good turn out and the group became a team after just a few weeks.  We worked out every morning and each class started with a morning prayer.  We met every morning as we do now from 6am to 7am and for 3 years I had Paul yelling “kick it in, Vicki Lyn”.  I am so thankful that his group got started and changed my life.  I remember laying down the minute I got there and just thought about how I wanted to go back to bed.  It was hard, I will admit that.  I hated every minute of it. I could not run, I could not do a sit up, a push up… nothing and man did I cry at times.

It took time and a lot of dedication to get me where I am today and that is because Paul had a way with him when it came to motivating people.  He would make you feel good about yourself and always encourage you to do just a little more.  Paul had a lot of people he trained and they all loved him.  Paul is dearly missed on this island and he touched a lot of lives.  Paul was all about fitness from the time he got up in the morning, till the time he went to bed at night.  He was always doing something to keep him healthy and fit. And as most of you know this is the reason I keep this class going in his memory and collect donations only.  I am trying to give that motivation and inspiration to someone else and see how a little exercise can change your life as it did mine.

I lost Paul two years ago to a bad disease called alcoholism.  No matter how healthy he was this disease still took him at a young age.  No matter how strong and fit you are the bottle will win if you have that alcoholism gene.  My father died the say way Paul did also at a young age and it is a horrible death.  In the past few years people here on Tybee others have also died from drugs or alcohol and it is sad to see it happen.  For me drinking is not an option in my life anymore.  I have had my days of drinking and a lot of good ones.   But I also have to know my limits and my limit is none today.   Unfortunately Paul could not stay sober for long periods of time and one day it killed him on a very short bender.    God rest his soul and may peace be with him in a happier place.

Life was very hard in the beginning after his death and it took almost a year before I felt normal again.  As time has gone on you realize that you will be fine.  I know in my heart that keeping his morning class going and helping other people has made me a stronger person today.  I was able to continue his legacy and 2 years later I am still continuing this adventure.  I ask for donations only and these donations now go toward volunteer vacations with the National Hiking Society.  It really gives me something to look forward to and gives me a goal.  I am nowhere at the level Paul was in fitness but from the little bit I know from his teachings I have been able to pass on to a few more lives.  Everything happens for a reason they say and I honestly believe our paths crossed for a reason and I will continue on life’s journey.

It has been a long cold winter and it just is not the same without the warmth of the morning sun and the dolphins, but a few of us have continued on through the winter.  It seems to be easier to get out of bed now that it is not so cold, but summer warmth has not touched us in the mornings as I would like.  I crawl into my Jeep every morning and manage to keep going.  We managed to skip a few weeks this past month and felt so sluggish and tired all the time, but once we started back up again it was like a re-charge on my old battery.  I feel so much better now that we are back in the routine.  Believe me you, I try to think of an excuse every morning but when people are counting on you it makes you a little more responsible.  I still have a long way to go in the fitness career, but the little bit I do and the people that I meet makes me want to continue on this fitness journey.  Please call me or email me for more information and everyone is welcome to this class.  I am looking forward to meeting new people that are here on vacation that join us during these summer months.

We have also started a Belly Dancing class on Monday nights at the Tybee Arts Association from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  It is really fun, and it’s a great core work out.  I am enjoying the benefits of posture and hip motions.  I still don’t get how someone can move ½ their body one way, and the other ½ another, but that is why I am there so I can learn this.

If you want more information on the class please contact ddraqs@yahoo.com.

Bootcamp Adventures

Wow, I was one of the lucky ones to go and see the Premier of “The Last Song” before the movie was actually available to the public. I thought it was very good and I admit I did cry along with my son Joey who was sniffling next to me. It was really exciting to watch a movie that was made on the island we all live on and to watch it with your neighbors. To watch Disney film the movie here and then to watch it on the screen amazes me how they can make it look the way they do. I worked as an extra for two days at Wormsloe for the wedding scene and the reception and we had to do the same thing over and over all day. My feet were killing me – all the ladies had to wear heels.

Two days we were out there and it seemed like 60 seconds on the big screen. I did see a piece of my dress, but that was it. Also, I was honored to represent the Tybee Island Fire Department for the church burning scene. We worked from say 7:00 p.m. til about 1:00 a.m. and the only part of the fire that was shown was in the very beginning and it was April Moore and Todd Smith… Kudos to you guys! I was very proud to see my son, Joey Crook, in the background 6 different times. If you know Joey, you will see him even if you are not looking for him. Way to go Joey!

Let’s see what business it brings to our little island this year. Tybee Island is definitely on the map now.

The newest excitement on Tybee this month is Belly Dancing Classes. There was a Free Introductory Class recently and we had a good turnout. I counted at least 12 women and from what I could see everyone enjoyed it. Dee Dee is a very good teacher and I can see this class sticking around for a while. The physical benefits of belly dancing are your bone density will increase, it is low impact, helps you weight lose, prepares for child birth, relieves pms, improves posture, increases muscle tone, aids in digestion, works the back and low impact on the legs and knees. The Mental and Spiritual Benefits are that it lowers stress level, builds self esteem, provides a social outlet, heals the body through mind, body and spirit, infuses the body with positive energy and encourages creative thought through movement. Please join us on April 12th for the beginning of a new adventure.

Belly Dancing at The Tybee Arts Association – The first class (for now) will be every Monday night from 6:30pm-8pm. This is an hour and a half class. The FIRST CLASS will start on Monday, April 12th, 2010. The cost of the class is: $20 for non assn members (this is a 90 minute class remember) $17 for assn. members. Please contact Dee Dee at 912-414-1091 or email her at: cybelle_3@yahoo.com.

Well now back to the adventures of Boot Camp. Unfortunately we have still been inside working out in the mornings. I give it a few more weeks and it will start to be light enough for us to start enjoying the beach again. The temperature is great, but the thing that kills us is the time change. Slowly but surely it is beginning to get lighter earlier and earlier. I can’t wait. It has been on long cold winter and to be on the beach again is going to be so refreshing. We had a new member of our class this month. Debbie Ludwig from Maine showed up at Waves one day looking for me and was interested in boot camp. Not only did she show up at Waves looking for me, she actually bought something which gives me brownie points with my new bosses. It was a pleasure to have her with us, but it is always sad to see people leave after you have had time to spend some time with them. Tourist come and go all year and that is just the way it is. I have met so many people from teaching this early morning class and I enjoyed meeting every single one. It still kills me how people on vacation want to come to Boot Camp at 6:00 a.m., but they do.

Until next month, please eat right, exercise, think positive and pay it forward…

Hope to see you at Boot Camp!

Vicki Lyn

Vicki Lyn Butrym’s Fitness Boot Camp Class is offered to all on Monday – Friday, “In Loving Memory of Paul. W. Butrym.” Contact Vicki Lyn at 912-598-3009, or vickilyn62@gmail.com.

Boot Camp “ADVENTURES!”

I am so over this cold weather!!!  I miss working out on the beach soooo much.  We are still in the gymnasium starting at 6:15 a.m. these days.  We will be going back to 6:00 a.m. when the weather starts to warm up.

We have been doing a Jillian Michaels workout (trainer from the Biggest Loser show) for the past few months, and finally on level 3 and I feel great.  We really did work our way up to it and this last level is awesome.  We are burning a lot of calories, getting our strength training in and also our favorite, cardio.  I know that the only way to lose belly fat is low fat diet and lots of cardio.  It works everytime I stick to it.

I also feel very proud of myself that I have started to run a few miles in the mornings around Jaycee Park with my friend Tari also my little best friend Serena, my Yorkie.  I feel so much more energetic and happier and I now it has to do with the running again.  The last time I ran any distance was at the Shamrock Run downtown last March.  But I did have a broken elbow and ran with a sling on.  I just stopped after that and I can’t think of a reason why I did.

Tari Marcou is the one that got me running again and I am very thankful for that.  I want to thank Stephanie Hamilton and Randi Hemple who also inspired me from their running stories on Facebook.

One day I was in Wal-Mart and I decided to try on a pair of jeans.  Well to my surprise the 3-way mirror in the dressing room insulted me.  It is one thing to look in a full length mirror, but a 3-way mirror there is no hiding.  I said “oh no, you are not going to insult me.”  That also gave me the motivation to kick it in.  I can hear my late husband, Paul, yelling “kick it in Vicki Lyn” as a moaned and groaned trying to run around Jaycee Park once for a ½ a mile 4 years ago.  Now I enjoy it and after learning how to be fit over the past 4 years, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

To exercise every morning Mon – Fri at 6am for the past 4 years, is amazing for me and it can be for you too.  When you are ready to make fitness a part of your daily routine you will do it.  I just know that age is creeping up on me and I have to make this part of my daily life to continue to be a healthy and fit.

Being a Volunteer Fire Fighter on the island I have to keep in mind the number 1 killer for a Fire Fighter is a heart attack.   Yes, the question is actually on the test.  It’s very important for people that have high risk jobs to take care of themselves and cardio is the best way to do it.

In my article last month I aksed if anyone was interested in sponsoring me to go to Maui in September for my Volunteer Vacation to go work in the rainforest.  Do you know I have 7 sponsors so far from $25 – $100 donations.  I am ½ way to my airline ticket.  For those of you that are not familiar with volunteer vacations let me share the article below that our leader in St. John, USVI Jeff Chabot sent out regarding what our group accomplished in the week we were there.  We actually camped at Cinnamon Bay Campground and took cold showers, but it was well worth it!  I want to thank my sponsors for my upcoming Maui trip – Demery Bishop, April Nelson, Mermaid Cottages, Kimi Hassam, Tybee Island Weddings, Denise Perkins and Sandi and Dave Postle.  Believe me this is so appreciated.  I am so excited and thankful that people believe in me.  Please let me know if you would like to help me get the rest of my airfare.

Here’s the letter:

“We have had the American Hiking Society down in November 2009 to St. John that installed a new trial for the Park to the Jumbie Beach from scratch moving many 2000 lb boulders using some great team work. They also repaired many of the water diversion features “Rolling Grade Dips” on the upper Reef Bay Trail and recently I had the Sierra Club help move 8000 lbs of gravel from the Center Line Rd down the 75 ft stair case and down the first 1000 ft of trail regraveling and grading the trail as they went. Picture an army of ants all doing their part in moving it along. Everyone was very please and impressed again on what they pulled off.”

Remember, Boot Camp is year round, Monday through Friday at 6:00 am.  If any of you are interested in attending this class please contact me.  This class is donations only. The fee helps me continue my new adventures with volunteer vacations. I would enjoy your company and hope you have fun with us.

You can also stop by The Waves Surf Shop on Hwy 80 and visit me.  I am working there Thursday through Sunday nights just because I want to.  When you clean cottages all day, you can get lonely, so this is an opportunity for me to get out on the weekends and not have to feel I need to go out to the bar rooms to socialize.  And any of you that know me, know how I like to talk!  Did you know the Shark that hangs in front of WAVES is from a real shark from Australia?  It was actually made from a mold and transported here from New York.  So come by and take a real good look at it next time you go by.

Thank you again for reading my article and I hope I can help someone out there.  After losing 65 lbs fighting every minute of it in the first year or two, it was well worth it.  I am not the same person, I am a better one.

Ooh Rah… til next time…

Vicki Lyn Butrym’s Fitness Boot Camp Class is offered to all on Monday – Friday, “In Loving Memory of Paul. W. Butrym.”
Contact Vicki Lyn at 912-598-3009, or vickilyn62@gmail.com.

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