My closest friend Dara and I have been working together for the last two years – it was a bittersweet day last Tuesday when I taught my last Belly Bootcamp class for her in High Park.

Dara started her company, Fit Family, just after her first baby was born four years ago, and has built it up to be one of the G.T.A.’s most recognized and respected pre- and post-natal bootcamps going. I couldn’t be prouder to have been a part of it.

I started teaching Fit Family’s Saturday pre-natal class when Dara went on mat-leave with her second baby and slowly took on more and more classes as needed. At my peak, teaching between four and six classes every week, I was in great shape… when I wasn’t in pain from the hundreds of squats and pushups that is! It brought us closer together (when I would drop by to have “staff meetings” with buckets of coffee and not much actual business!); but it also pulled us apart at times as her business grew and she needed to be the strong business-woman she is. I respect her tremendously and we can whole-heartedly agree that working with your best-friend – while always fun – isn’t always the ideal situation.

And so I move on. But I couldn’t just drop off the face of the Belly Bootcamp Planet without offering some sincere thanks. To everyone who ever participated in any Belly Bootcamp class with me, I have appreciated and admired your drive and tenacity. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – you are an inspiration. I wish all women had the healthy respect for their bodies that you do.

More specifically – I’d like to thank the few that for me – stood out from the crowd:

Beth and Arianna: You were there at the beginning and were a huge support for both Dara and myself. I know she’s thanked you numerous times, but I’d like to say a thank you of my own. You are inspiring trainers and instructors and gave me a lot to aspire to… And you thoroughly kicked my classes’ butts when you subbed for me! Kisses to you both.

The Belly Bootcampers: There are a few of you who I feel like I’ve been seeing a few times a week for a life time… And for some of your babies – that’s true. Alexandra, Ivana, Melanie, Jessica, Karin, Laura and Stephanie – it has been a joy to help you stay fit through your pregnancy and then to get you back into your “skinny jeans” once baby arrived. It has been thrilling for me to get to know you and, subsequently, your babies. Cari, Kim, Marissa, Andrea, Chantal, Stacy and Julie – I have loved having you join us in our post-natal classes – getting to know you and having cuddle time with your little ones have been some of the high points of my weeks over the past two years. Thank you – everyone.

Dara: I’ve said it every which way, and then I’ve said it all again. I wish you all the success in the world – in business as well as life and love. You will always have my support. Thank you. I love you.

Okay… Enough sap for one day. Stay tuned for my upcoming business ventures and development in the West End and Mississauga, email or call me if you’d like to re-connect over buckets of coffee, and keep working hard in those classes!

Perhaps you’ll see me one day soon as a sub… Dara – you must want a day off eventually??!!