2007 CAMP TESTIMONIALS
Chicago Camp
| Camp Savage is by far the most thorough competition prep out there. Cathy's expertise and enthusiasm make it an invaluable tool for all competitors. I was so impressed with all the information that she managed to pack into just one weekend. She covered nutrition, choreography, strength training, posing, resources and endless tips that no one else will ever think to tell you. I believe that anyone who is thinking of competing, should begin the journey by attending a Cathy Savage Camp. It is definitely the best investment I've made in preparing for the stage! The greatest lesson I learned at Camp Savage is that competing is about more than just the show. It is about the journey and the friends I make along the way. Savage girls have a shared spirit of enthusiasm for fitness and a desire to excel that bonds us together. Now, when I hit the stage, I won't be competing against the other girls, but alongside them as a friend and supporter. Nancy Zirkel |
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After having been an athlete my whole life, I went through a difficult period of injury, weight gain, and depression. Four years after graduating, I've lost 82 pounds through diet and exercise. But at this point I feel like I need a new sport to keep me motivated and get me the body I desire. I began reading Oxygen and seeing some of the fitness and figure competitors, I found out about Cathy Savage. So I signed up for Camp Savage Chicago 2007. I had know idea what to expect and I was nervous about attending. But I'm so glad I did! Although, I knew of fitness and figure from watching it on TV and seeing it in magazines, the idea that I could do it too was so motivating! And my fellow campers were so incredibly kind and supportive. I never felt like anyone was "catty" or mean spirited. I was surrounded by talented, driven, and beautiful women and
I had a great time. Cathy, Paula, Toneka, Andi, Nicole, and Stacy
taught me more in a day and a half than I ever thought possible.
They were completely approachable and great listeners. I even
got to sit with them at dinner and I never felt like the "odd
man out". And most of all they believed that I could be ready
for an upcoming show and were completely supportive of my previous
weightloss. I'm so grateful that Cathy came to Chicago when she
did. Camp was (2 words) PHE-NOMINAL! I can't wait till she comes
back!!! |
| I began training to compete, officially, eight weeks ago... knowing only what I read in magazines and watched on TV. I read in Oxygen about Cathy's Competition Training Camp and signed up almost immediately. Time seemed to fly and I ended doing my first competition with help just from the DVD "Ready, Set, Show!" I felt very confident and won... only to qualify for Ms. Fitness USA in Vegas - three weeks from that day! Luckily, Camp Savage Chicago was the following weekend and I was SOO thankful to get that training in before I go, last minute, to a televised show! The DVD was wonderful, but it is COMPLETELY different with hands-on coaching, personal assessments, people to adjust your posing - and not to mention the skills I learned! The workout and dance portion were incredible; I can't believe
how many new things I learned. I met wonderful people that allowed
me to buy their suits and costumes (since I was on such a time
crunch) and also got an amazing photo shoot from John Lathrop
after camp. It's definitely worth the trip! I've recommended this
camp to everyone I know even thinking about competing. I'll host
a show in Dallas any time you want! |
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Cathy and her staff are absolutely amazing. In all my years of athletics, I have never been to a camp that was more motivational and inspiring. Cathy finds a fun way to incorporate just about anything you will need to know about competing into her camp. She also takes the time to talk to each person individually to talk about realistic goals. Cathy and her team are truly inspirational and will make a huge impact in your life. Thank you for everything that you do! Lisa Mueller
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| Cathy's camp was wicked!
I had an absolutely brilliant time! I flew all the way in from
the Netherlands just to see her; because I want to be the best
and Cathy really is the best! I was really nervous because I thought
everyone would be in brilliant shape but it really doesn't matter
what stage you are at. She taught me how to up my game from stage
1. Her camp helped me gain all the knowledge from tanning to nutrition
that I needed. I was amazed with how friendly everyone was and
how welcoming they were. Cheers Cathy! |
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What Can I Say!!!! |
| As always, Cathy came
to us with her unbelievably upbeat spirit. I saw many girls come
to camp unsure of themselves and quite nervous, and saw the same
girls leave filled with motivation, hope, and self confidence
thanks to Cathy and her amazing crew. Every time I meet with Cathy,
I bring home something new, even after ten years of competing!
Camp is most definitely a place for beginners and veterans. If
there was a way we could bottle Cathy’s positive attitude
and energy, we would make a fortune. Thanks so much for everything
guys! |
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As a personal trainer I see all types of people
with different styles of motivation, determination and goals.
It was such a great experience to see and meet a group of women
with the common goal of taking their fitness to the most disciplined
dedicated level of actually preparing to get on stage.
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Jan Camp
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My camp experience was probably the best time I personally have ever had. I felt completely welcomed and comfortable from the first moment, and I didn’t know anyone prior. I met wonderful people from all over the US, my roommates were great! It was a special weekend for me to be free to learn and fuel my passion with no reservation or fear of being compared. Cathy and her crew of MANY are so fun, entertaining and energetic, that I didn't even want to go home when camp was over. I could have enjoyed another few days of sweating, laughing, growing, sharing and dreaming. My only wish is that I would have gone to camp sooner. Dustina Alley |
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I attended Camp Savage in January and it was such
an amazing experience. It was so funny how everyone called me "Ms
Alaska"… Anyway, I am a newly wed and my husband was
deployed to Iraq 3 months after we got married for a 15 month deployment.
I told myself I could either mope around and feel sorry for myself,
eat, drink and get depressed or I can take control on this time
I have in my life and focus on myself, my body and my mind. I chose
the later. |
Camp Savage also gave me great hints from how you need to constantly smile on stage as well as eating clean. Nutrition plays such a big roll in how you feel and look ...I had no idea how eating right can make you feel so much better on the inside and out! I chose to participate in camp savage because I wanted to learn more about fitness, meet others that are interested in fitness, and to get out of Alaska and have a good time! Victoria Clark |
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I first learned about Camp Savage in an issue of Oxygen magazine.
I will never forget when I decided I was going to do it. I was on
the stair climber reading at my gym and I saw pictures of Cathy and
one of her fitness camps with all of these girls I have always looked
up to. I read that there was one coming up in a few months in Boston.
I have always wanted to compete ever since I was young and saw these
beautiful bionic looking women fly through the air with these great
outfits on! (does it get much better than that!) That is when I jumped
off the stepper, ran over to my husband and said "this is it!"
I think I scared him, I was so excited. I went home that night and
booked my flight. I knew this was the kick in my pants I needed to
compete. I attended the Camp in January of this year and the experience is one that you can never beat. I learned so much incredible info! I was killing myself dieting and lifting improperly. Camp made competing, and just leading a healthy fit lifestyle attainable! I just needed a plan and everything became much clearer. The women that you meet and the friends you make are amazing! You can't help but leave totally pumped and inspired! I think I grew more as a person in that weekend than I have in the last five years. I went from being somewhat shy and intimidated in new situations, to wanting to do the "Savage Strut" in the grocery store. |
| Needless to say, all of this new found confidence had
to be put to use in a competition. April of this year was my first!
I had the time of my life! I could not stop smiling. Every woman in
the world deserves to feel how I felt that day on stage. Nothing could
stop me! I could have never done any of it without Cathy and all of the great women who have inspired me to be a better person in every aspect of my life. Camp was so much fun! All of my stories for weeks later started by saying "this one time, at fitness camp..." I can never thank everyone enough for giving me the confidence I needed to fulfill a dream and this is only the beginning. Lori Harder Minneapolis, MN |
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I attended the January 07 Savage Camp.......And, It changed my
life! Although at 40, some in my circle would like to equate my behavior to that of a "mid-life crisis," I'm happy to announce to those naysayers, that this is who I am now, It is essentially my permanent (and healthy) way of life. How wonderful it is to eat properly (for the most part), exercise and hold myself straight and tall, with the confidence to do whatever I decide to do! I can never thank you guys enough for helping me to find within myself the confidence not only to do a show, but to "start fresh" so to speak. I love that the savage philosophy does not just focus on the physical, but on the whole person, mind body and soul. I feel whole and revitalized and complete. Life really does begin at 40!! Linda Delormier |
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I know it sounds trite, but Camp Savage changed my life. I have
always struggled with my body image and physique. I was called big
boned as a young girl and felt my legs were huge. At camp, I realized
that my muscular legs are actually an asset in this sport. Standing
in full length mirrors next to other fit girls made me see that
my body isn't all that different than theirs. Being a little older
(34) than the average camper, I felt confident and proud of my post-baby
body. I knew I could compete and wasn't completely out of my league.
What a feeling for someone who has always felt like the big girl.
Koren Henderson |
Feb Camp
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Everyone always asks, 'So, what do you do at fitness camp-work out all weekend?' It inevitably turns into a 30 min. conversation with me sharing what Camp Savage is all about. For anyone who has ever had any interest in fitness whatsoever it is truly a life-changing weekend that is all about YOU!! From the moment you walk into the CSF studio, you feel the warmth and energy of Cathy & her staff & how dedicated they are to making you feel comfortable & confident. Saturday is filled to the brim with workouts, nutrition sessions, the ins & outs of contest prep for EVERY federation, in-depth question & answers where the staff welcomes countless inquiries until they are ALL answered, & a newly found network of absolutely incredible women!! |
| With dinner, dancing, & booty-shakin on the Saturday night agenda, by Sunday morning I felt like family & was already planning my next camp!! The inner confidence I felt at the end of my 1st camp returns now whenever someone asks me about my experience...even now, I hear Journey's, 'Don't Stop Believing,' in the background & Cathy is telling me I can do anything I put my mind to!! Megan L. Hoffman |
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I "met" Cathy and her team via email in 2003 when I decided it was time for a change! I had a baby in January of 2002 and I wanted to lose the baby weight. I always wanted to compete in fitness competitions (I used to watch them on ESPN) and she told me about her upcoming camp. The first CAMP SAVAGE I attended was in January of 2004 and WOW. I NEVER thought that I would learn SO much about the sport. I was about 35 pounds away from where I wanted to be to compete and with the encouragement of Cathy and her team, and not only was I was on stage May of 2004 competing in Ms. Bikini in Minneapolis, I did fitness in August of the same year! I never thought I would be able to reach my goal in that amount of time and I did! The feeling I had before I walked on stage for the first time was undescribable! CAMP SAVAGE gave me such great tools that I continue to use to this day. I always come back for a refresher because not only can you NEVER learn enough, it's always great to see the all the wonderful girls that this sport has brought together who I now consider my friends! CAMP SAVAGE really goes above and beyond and it made my dream of competing a reality! Monifa Sims |
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In 1996, I competed in my first fitness
show. I had no idea what I was doing and no one to turn to. Eleven
years later, I am going to compete in another fitness show but this
time with the help from Cathy Savage and her staff. I learned about Cathy back in 1996 when she was choreographing routines but passed up on the opportunity of learning from her. This time I am doing it the right way. I went to Camp Savage last February and not only had an amazing time but learned a great deal from posing, choreography, nutrition, tanning, what to wear and what not to wear, etc. It was an amazing experience with a bunch of amazing people. |
I recommend Camp Savage to anyone who wants to learn how to compete the "right" way from figure, bikini, fitness and bodybuilding.
Thanks to you, Cathy, and your staff for giving us women someone to turn to for help in fitness and nutrition and leading us the right direction.
Melissa Wilson
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Having been an athlete my whole life...being competitive is innate to me. After I completed my collegiate sports career, I felt left with this huge void and lack of competitiveness left in my life. I started finding myself competing with my fiancé over the most ridiculous things...like the T.V. Remote!! I dabbled into fitness modeling by chance and started hearing this crazy buzz from other girls about "preparing for a show" and "Cathy Savage." I became intrigued to find out more about these shows that would allow me to combine my passion for training, competing and modeling. I immediately went home and "googled" Cathy Savage!! I signed up for her camp over the summer and I was SO glad I did. Cathy and her staff are amazing and such a great resource for anyone looking to compete and show up prepared! I met wonderful women who all had the same passion for fitness. Everyone was so supportive and genuine about their desire to help you! |
| I had no idea about
the nutrition aspect of the competitions, the different federations
and the required poses! I feel so blessed to be able to call myself
a "Savage Girl" and I am looking forward to working with
Cathy and her staff and get on stage for the first time this year!
My most memorable moment "learning the crotch and ass" !!!! Liz Coughlin |
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The weekend at Camp Savage was a life altering experience. I went to learn about competitions and training, but I had no idea that I would have left with the confidence and life long friendships that I gained. I was extremely nervous to go to this camp, as I did not know anyone who was going!!! Everyone was so welcoming, and within minutes I felt comfortable. The staff at Camp Savage were so helpful, but most of all genuine people. It was so great to be around a group of girls who were so fit and beautiful, yet kind and sincere people. I learned everything I need to know to lead a healthy and fit life. On top of that we learned all of the necessary factors to competing on stage. It was so great to see the transformation of everyone participating in just one weekend. I am so thankful that I was able to attend this camp, and I plan to go to as many more as I can.? Anyone who is interested in fitness and competing should attend at least one CAMP SAVAGE!!!! Rachel Ibbison |
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Attending Camp Savage was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my life! Competing in figure was always in the back of my mind. When a friend suggested I train for it I immediately knew where to turn, Cathy Savage! I quickly enrolled in the Summer 2007 Camp to embark on my journey into figure training. Camp was even better than I could have ever imagined. I met people who actually shared the same passion for fitness and nutrition as me.I am now training and eating clean for my first competition on October 6th in NYC. |
| Cathy and her team are so great at supporting, believing, and inspiring all of the Savage Girls. I am honored to be a part of the Savage team. Getting expertise advise, support, and motivation from the Savage Team has changed my life! Jennie Rosman |
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I want to thank Cathy
for an inspirational weekend. I came this weekend with the idea that I
would never compete without getting a $6000 tummy tuck after giving birth.
I expected Cathy to tell me, in a nice way, that my goals were hopeless.
Well, the complete opposite happened. Cathy took one look at me and said-“You
are competing!” Cathy, you have given me new motivation to continue to
work hard and achieve my goals. I have worked so hard over the past two
years, after tipping the scale at 220 in August 2003, and now being 130
lbs, and a size 2. I just wanted to show everyone what I accomplished
and to motivate others that it can be done! I am so looking forward to
working with you over the next few months!
Patti Pijaca,
Massachusetts
Camp Savage is top of the line and Cathy’s knowledge is unprecedented.
I have walked away form camp a better person and an even better competitor.
I have also made friends for life.
Emily Schneider, North Carolina
Camp Savage was so
much more than I had ever expected. Cathy and her staff were so helpful
and willing to answer any questions I had about competing. With no experience,
I feel ready to jump head first into competition prep journey! Anyone
who is interested in getting on stage should get to CAMP SAVAGE.
Amanda
Spittle, Massachusetts
Camp Savage was worth
every penny. Even though I have already competed, I still picked up many
tips that I overlooked in past competitions. The camp was fabulous!
Stacy Aulner, Illinois
MS Fitness,
national finalist
Camp Savage had the
total package regarding preparation for shows. (fitness and figure ) Not
only did I learn about nutrition, training, posing, and suit selection,
but there is such a positive support system. I am walking away feeling
more energized, prepared and confident. You would be crazy not to make
the trip-I am hooked!!
Jen Clark,
California
Camp Savage 2006 was
my first time at camp and in Boston! It was fabulous experience learning
about the show prep. But the best thing about the weekend was getting
to know all the girls from around the country. Cathy and her staff did
a great job making everyone feel comfortable. It is wonderful knowing
that no matter where I go to compete, I will now know someone at any show
as I most likely met them at Camp Savage!
Jen Padlo,
California
NPC and FAP competitor
Camp Savage was where
I finally found my place. I was surrounded by women just like me, women
with drive, femininity and a passion for staying fit. The camp was filled
with information on every subject from diets, walking in heels, training,
etc.
Carrie Mitchell,
Vermont