Jenny Hendershott's Phat Camp

TESTIMONIALS

Jamie Oliver

In September, 2007 I attended the Dayton PHAT Camp. What a fabulous experience! I was made aware of PHAT Camp a couple of years ago through my trainer, Michelle Grissom (Elite Force Personal Fitness), who has attended past camps. I was in year two of training with Michelle before I had the nerve to give PHAT Camp a try. I'm so glad I did! If you are considering attending, DO IT--whatever your fitness level (but consult your doctor first if you are really starting from scratch). We were a large group--75 campers--but we had all ages in attendance, including a fantastic woman who was about 70 years old (I am 47), as well as a variety of fitness levels.

For me, there were so many aspects of the weekend that I enjoyed. Jen and her staff were extremely supportive of all us. All the participants were also supportive of one another. Throughout the weekend we not only participated in very challenging workouts (closely supervised by Jen and her experienced staff), but we also had the opportunity to learn about nutrition and the use of supplements, and to explore what may be holding us back from being our best by discovering our personal strengths. I am writing this three months after attending camp, but what I learned from Jen and what I learned about myself are still with me.

I am grateful to my trainer, Michelle, for encouraging me to attend PHAT Camp. Because she is an experienced PHAT Camper, she incorporates Jen's workouts in my workouts, which continues to challenge me. It is the best of both worlds, and I will say it again--if you are considering attending PHAT Camp in 2008, DO IT!!! You will be not only glad you did, but you will be so proud of yourself for challenging yourself to be better than your present best!

Jamie Oliver
Dayton, O

Amy Benoit

Just wanted to thank you for an amazing weekend! PHAT Camp was everything I was expecting and more. You truly know how to not only tech physical fitness but also emphasize the importance of mental fitness and overall wellness. You and your staff motivated and inspired me both physically and psychologically.

I am one of the women who “crossed the line” and revealed that I criticize myself daily. That exercise was very emotional for me, as well as for many other women I am sure, but it did make me realize that it is unnecessary negativity. Your positive attitude and your genuine spirit has truly inspired me to focus on the positive things in life, accept myself as I am, and strive to be the best in every aspect of my life. You and your staff created such a welcoming and down to earth environment - it was unforgettable.

The motivation and positive energy from this past weekend is still strong within me. Even during a workout last night, I was tired and wanted to take it down a step… but I remembered and envisioned the energy and motivation and encouragement from you, your staff, and fellow PHAT-Campers and I knew that if I was at Camp no one would let me give up – so why would I give up on myself?

Thank you for facilitating such an incredible Camp and I sincerely look forward to attending Camp (maybe even more than 1) next year.

Kathy DiNatali

Thank you for such an incredible weekend! Me and my friend were so pumped when we left camp we decided that instead of taking the train or taxi into Manhattan on Monday we would drive our rent a car (keep in mind we were 2 NC girls who live in a very rural area) How bad could it be and we certainly felt tough and confident after the weekend. All I can say is holy crap what an experience ya know the kind where maybe you were on a bumpy plane ride and you want to kiss the ground when you get out, well I wanted to kiss the ground when we returned the car later that day at the airport! Insane drivers all with scowls on their face…..I think they all needed your phat camp in a major way. LOL

Anyway I know I told you on Sunday that you had really impacted my life and I could not put it into words so I would write you. I grew up with a verbally and sexually abusive father. His definition of women is we were only good for one thing and that was what we had between our legs. I could go into lots of detail about a lot of things but you know what….they are in the past and they can stay there. My healing started about 5 years ago through the help of the Lord and realizing that I may not have an earthly father but have a heavenly father who loves me and created me just the way I am. It broke my heart to see the 3 girls that stepped forward and said they saw themselves fat 365 days a year because that used to be what I saw in the mirror. I did not like mirrors and I used to get ready in the dark so I would not have to see myself. Slowly I have been healing and starting to work out last year has really helped. At first I cardioed myself crazy and then discovered weights about 4 months ago. Yes, I also discovered the fitness magazines and read them from front to back and believed every single word and that’s where I found you and phat camp. I would say that on a weekly basis I was down to only maybe 3 days that I did not like what I saw in the mirror. Being there this weekend and listening to you and seeing other girls that I could relate to was incredible. The Lord used you to give me that final push I needed to say no more baby steps…..I am 40 years old and blessed with an incredible husband and son! I am a confident beautiful women who God created and I need to let the past go and not let it control me but for me to control my future. Time to believe in myself and be there for God to use me to help others. I can not thank you enough for what you did and what you do for women’s life you touch everywhere!

Keep up the great work you are doing. I will say a prayer for you next week and cannot wait to see you compete. No matter what happens you are # 1 in with me.

Jane Fortin

This past weekend has literally changed my life. Not only were the workouts, nutrition information and cardio routines informative but creative as well.

I want to say Thank you to you and the PC crew for helping me with my transportation. Your thoughtfulness and kindness relieved alot of stress. To Latisha Wilder my friend and trainer Thank you for encouraging me to go to Nashville. Your support and commitment is never ending.

I met so many inspirational woman. With every drop of sweat and tear that fell, we came togethor to support one another. That was an awesome experience! I learned alot about myself. Just getting through life is not an option anymore. I needed a goal. I started the intermediate meal plan and will stay on it till I see you guys in Dayton.

I feel so empowered that I know I can do anything or handle any obstacle thrown my way! Jen, Thank you for helping me to trust and believe. Your motivation is infectious, your knowledge endless, your life inspirational and your heart is genuine.

Oh, one more thing the Eat Smart protein is the best I have ever tasted. The protein pancakes phenomenonal!

Robin Bergstrom

            I just wanted to say that this was probably the best camp yet. I have been to three (MN, Chicago, Lake Geneva) and I have to say that I didn't think it was possible for camp to get any better, but it did.

            I learned alot, met some really cool people and learned more about myself. I am sure you don't remember one of the things you said to me at that very first camp I went to in MN? It was friday night and we were working shoulders......

           You told me to look in the mirror, not because I needed to check my form but because I should like what I see in the mirror and should be proud looking in it. All that weekend I tried to make an effort to look in the mirror (which I hated, but tried anyway). I spent the last year really working on my positive self talk and making sure what I am saying to myself is "good" stuff and not negative. This has made a big impact on how I feel about myself. This Sunday when we played "Cross the Line" and you asked if you wake up every morning thinking you are fat, I can honestly say that I don't. Of course there are occasions when I still do, but it is not everyday. A year ago, before that first Phat Camp, I would have had to cross that line. I worked hard and you were that "angel" on my shoulder reminding me to look in mirror with pride. Thank you so much for that.

           I am glad I was able to have a couple friends with me this weekend, my friend Angie and Julie (who I have only known for a short time and I didn't even know she had battled cancer). You will see me at the next one and I will bring more friends along. I have a hard time explaining what an awesome weekend it is and that it is really life changing (if you allow it to be). They think I am nuts to say that a camp where exercise can be life changing. If they only know. So, I will continue to bring more people with me to Phat Camp in hopes of more lives changed.

           I will continue to Thank God that your have found your purpose in life and that with each camp and everywhere you go that more lives will be touched and changed. You are totally amazing and I am so grateful and honored to have spent time with you.

Alexis Welsh

Jen and Staff -- I just want to thank you for the great experience I had had PHAT camp this past weekend. As I told you, Jen, I was very nervous about showing up as a 60 year old (well, almost 60), but everyone made me feel so welcomed. At no point did I feel that you were singling me out as "someone who would never make it through camp".

I enjoyed the challenges, and have the motivation to continue working with the aid of the knowledge and wisdom you all gave me this weekend. I began my weight loss/exercise journey on Dec. 4, 2006, and have lost 40 lbs since that time. With what I gained from you this past weekend, I know I can reach my goal of 100 lbs lost by Nov. 25, 2007 (60 year birthday).

God bless you all, and keep the baton going by continuing your passion for this life giving program!

Lindsey Balderson

WOW—where do I even start what an absolutely amazing weekend PHAT camp Atlanta 2007 was!!!!!!! I expected to come to the weekend to get more motivated on working out and get myself back into shape and back in the gym on a regular basis never in a million years did I expect it to be a life changing weekend like it was. When I first walked into the room where everyone was I will admit that I was a little taken back and thought to myself whoa I’m in the wrong place and I think that I’ve basically just wasted quite a bit of money cause I’m in a total different league than most of these girls and feel really out of place. Man was I ever wrong, now yes I did struggle cause I never realized just how out of shape that I was at 28 years old but I cant even begin to tell you how amazing Jenn you and your staff were and how comfortable ya’ll made me feel. Thru every struggle I had Jenn you were right there as well as my group leader Latisha (who was absolutely a total inspiration) and the rest of the girls in my group cheering me on, it was the best feeling ever to know that I wasn’t in it all alone and had so much support from everyone else.

I pulled into PHAT camp on Friday evening smoking a cigarette and not having a worry in the world and just thinking that I was living life to the best partying all the time and just staying on the go all the time and putting my health and fitness on the back burner for sure. In just one weekend Jenn you opened my eyes and taught me so much, I’ve met some really amazing people in my life and have been touched by so many people but I can honestly say that I’ve never been touched by someone as much as I have you Jenn. This past weekend you definitely did change my life, you opened my eyes to more things that I ever thought imaginable, you really put life into perspective for me and made me realize that it was time to change my life completely!!!!! I don’t think that I can tell you thank you enough for that. For the girl that pulled into camp smoking and have been smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for the last 13 years I can say that I still HAVEN”T touched a cigarette and have no desire to at all, and I’ve finally decided its time to put Lindsey first.

Jenn thank you so much for all that you taught me and for truly touching my life the way that you have, I could never put into words the way you have impacted my life mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I really do think that God brought you into my life and brought me to PHAT camp for a reason and I cant wait to see all the changes that I know He is about to do in my life and has already done in just a week!!!!!

Take care and I will definitely keep you posted on my progress.

Michelle Dunphy

Here are some pictures of my first figure show, which took place last Saturday in my hometown of Fredericton, New Brunswick. I’ve attached my before picture from the Toronto Phat Camp so you can remember who I am.

I cannot thank you and the Phat Camp staff enough for all that you gave me that weekend in June – the courage, inspiration and motivation to accomplish a dream and completely change my life.

I’m submitting my story to Oxygen! I’m definitely citing Phat Camp as the turning point in my journey. Thanks again and take care.

Tracey Turner

Phat Camp Experience:

Jen and her ladies are truly amazing. I did not know what to expect since I don’t truly follow the fitness industry. I learned of Phat Camp through Oxygen Magazine of which I am a subscriber. I can certainly say that I didn’t expect to have so much interaction with Jen and her staff on a personal as well as fitness level. The atmosphere was set by Jen the first day we arrived and it took off from there. We learned of some of the different women and their struggles, to include Jen and her staff. The sessions were not about finding out who was better than the other, it was about knowing that everyone, no matter who you are, struggle with something each and every day and we all need support. There were times when I shed a tear for some of the ladies to include myself for some of the rough times. I also shed the same tears when you saw each person busting their butts to get their workout on. I will always have in my heart and prayers Rhoda who opened her story and struggle to the group. Jen has been supporting her the entire way and for that alone she deserves her wings because she didn't know Rhoda. In fact, she met Rhoda at one of her Phat Camps. Heather, Leisha, LaTisha, Betsy and Jennifer did not miss a beat either. This is her staff and these ladies are AWESOME. There was nothing but support from all of them to each and every one of us the entire weekend and it is something that I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words. Jen is a Blessing to the Fitness industry. If you haven’t had a chance to meet her personally, you are truly missing out. They worked us hard, they laughed with us, cried with us and supported us. Phat Camp Rocks. If you’ve never been, you have to check it out. It is an amazing experience that I promise you, you’ll NEVER FORGET.

YOLO,

Tracey

Jenni, PHoenix
AZ camp 2007

In the beggining it was soo difficult I just felt like giving up, but i didnt I stuck through it.. It was an amazing experience.. At first i thought "o wow this is just great all these girls are tiny little things and im a 15 year old that is just one of the "bigger" ones out of the group (not the first time)" and totally thought that those girls were just going to watch me and just totally make fun of me.. But the thing is, they didnt.. They (as well as Jenny) made me feel so comfortable with myself that i thought hey this might actually be cool...Now i must say I do play softball and im in shape but still can not lose weight cause i have really bad eating habbits and also cuz i have epilepse which i did take medicine for that made me gain lots of weight. It was not a fun experience, i just felt alianted to all the other girls that were fit and thin. But going through this and getting advice from Jenny as well as other girls on how to eat was just so awesome. I can not wait til next year (and yes Jenny you WILL see me next year.) I am so gratefull i got to experience this. Hope it is just as fun and amazing for everyone else like it was for me. Thx so much.

Deborah Pierce

         I am a personal trainer who has followed the fitness/figure industry for a few years. I have friends who are former competitors, so I knew about the training and lifestyle of competitors. IN the back of my mind I always wanted to do it but I knew I could not. I did not feel I could transform my body to that standard, nor did I think I could walk on stage in a skimpy bikini and high heels.

         I attended Jen's PHAT camp last year (2006) and this was the FIRT time I felt the slightest bit of confidence. In listening to Jen and tesimonies of others, I began to ponder the possibility. A few weeks later I talked with a friend of mine who is a former MIss Olympia and she told me I had what it takes, and she put the icing on the cake that Jen baked for me. I donned a bikini and paraded around in front of the former Miss Olympia (with great trepidation I might add, how nerve wracking to have a Miss Olympia critiquing you in a bikini). HOwever, she gave me honest feedback, told me what areas I needed to focus on, which areas were my strengths, and she looked at me and said, "Deborah you CAN do this, I have NO doubt whatsoever" she gave me a pep talk about my physique and my personality, and how BOTH were in my favor in the spotlight. So, 8 weeks out from the Debbie Kruck Classic, I made the decision to go for it.

          I trained and dieted for 8 weeks, and in August, my friends and I Flew to Daytona, where I placed third in my first figure show. I was thrilled. I NEVER thought I could even do such a thing, much less place that high. It all started at PHAT CAMP. I went there to learn more training techniques. I had no idea I would walk away with the confidence to compete in a figure show. I will be returning this year with friends in tow. JEN YOU ARE THE BOMB, and I love ya....

Karen J

This past weekend was so motivating for me. I do not plan on ever competing but I have been working out for over 20 years. I really needed some ideas on mixing up my workouts since I tend to do basically the same exercises over and over. Because of this is obviously the reason I have not been able to change my body the way I would like. I have also been in an emotional rut turning 40 this past June.You know, when you look in the mirror and can find a 100 things that were not there just a year ago. I am going to ATTEMPT to stop doing that . I have been spending so much energy on something that can not be changed. What a waste to time!!! YOLO!!

Jen exudes such positive energy which inevitably you absorb while at camp. I left there on Sunday with a much brighter outlook. I cannot wait to incorporate this new training style to my workouts. She is so funny, down to earth and honest. It is obvious she truly enjoys what she does and wants to help everyone in the room. I would also like to say that Jen's support team Michele, Heather, Betsy and Tammy were awesome. I want to thank them all. (kick ass Michele and Heather at your upcoming shows!).

I enjoyed meeting all the women who attended. Everyone worked so hard and had such a great time. I loved hearing all theirstories and why they were there. I wish each of you all the best and hope you all reach your goals. Thank you Jen for inspiring all of us. I am so looking forward to returning to camp next year. Good luck at the Olympia!!!!
Love and thanks,
Karen J
New York

Melissa Pearo

Let me start by saying that I’m truly a “Body Built by Jen”. In January of 2006, I was not even aware of the existence of figure or fitness competing. That is when I attended my first Phat Camp in Phoenix, AZ. When I signed up for the camp, I was not really aware of who Jen Hendershott was or what Ms. Fitness Olympia or Ms. International was. All I knew was that Jen had won a couple of fitness contests, she looked really good, and I wanted to learn more about working out, getting fit, and being healthier.

Just arriving at camp was a real eye opener. Several women were amateur competitors and arrived with ice chests in tow, full of nutritional food. I thought to myself, “These girls are really serious about this stuff”. I was thinking more along the lines we’d do a little exercise, talk about eating better, and then maybe grab a sandwich or slice of pizza. I was really in for an awakening!!!!

When Jen introduced herself to the group, I remember her asking if anyone was “star struck” when meeting her in person. My first thought was, “This woman is really full of herself, who would be star struck meeting her? She’s just a fitness woman who’s won a couple of contests”. Then I looked around and over half the women had raised their hands. I was obviously not up to date with the fitness world and had no idea the degree of influence Jen has had on the industry.

The second day of camp was more than I expected. Lots of cardio, lots of weight training, and some really good nutritional and motivating information was given. By that second day, I had already made up my mind I would be attending another camp that year.

I had Jen develop a meal plan for me. My diet was lacking nutritionally in some (or maybe all) areas to say the least. My normal diet consisted of Mt. Dew for breakfast, pizza and Arby’s at least twice a week. Ranch dressing was a staple at almost every meal, and what isn’t better with cheese on it? After receiving Jen’s email detailing the meal plan, I laughed, and responded by asking when she’d be sending me something with some variety. She convinced me to give it a try and see what happened. She obviously knew what she was talking about because it took just three weeks to notice a major difference. By that time, I’d signed up for my second Phat Camp in San Francisco, just 8 weeks after the first.

After returning home from the San Francisco camp, I was more motivated than ever and ready to really start working hard and make some changes to my body. I started following Jen’s meal plan and was determined to see what I could accomplish. I had never considered competing before, but as I was visibly noticing the changes in my body, I began to consider giving it a try.

I was told about a local NPC competition in Edmond, OK to be held Sept. 16. It would be a small scale show and good for a first time competitor. Then, I searched online for some inexpensive competition suits, as I did not want to spend a lot of money on something I may never do again. (LOL!!!) So, I ordered the least expensive suits I could find, which were very plain, but adequate enough for my first show.

Researching online, I noticed the Europa Super Show in Dallas. Being only a 2 hour drive away, I thought it would be a good idea to attend a show before attempting to compete in one. While attending the pro show on Friday, I was approached by one of the event coordinators. He seemed to think I should be competing in the figure competition. I explained I’d never been to a show, much less competed in one. He asked if I had my suits with me. Strangely enough, they had just come Fed-Ex the day before, and for some unknown reason, while packing for the weekend, I put the suits in my bag. I had only tried them on once and they really didn’t fit properly and needed alterations.

Somehow, I was convinced to register for the figure competition to be held the next day. So there I was, set to compete for the first time at one of the biggest shows in Texas; three weeks out from my intended initial competition, no stage experience, and having suits that didn’t even fit appropriately. I was so thankful Jen had gone over some instruction on posing at camp. Everything moved so fast I didn’t even have time to get nervous. I can’t explain how shocked and thrilled I was to go home with a 2nd place trophy and qualifying for Nationals!!!

Three weeks later, it was time for the Total Package competition. I was extremely nervous, but felt more prepared than before. I ended up not only placing 1st in the Figure Tall, but also winning the Figure Overall. I decided to enter the final Oklahoma competition of the year, the Red River Classic, in Norman. I knew it would be tougher, but I was determined to give it my best.

By this time, I was really starting to enjoy the whole competing experience. I even decided to go to Las Vegas to cheer for Jen in the Olympia. It was amazing to see all the pro women. I was now able to recognize some faces from the fitness magazines and place names with them. There was one amazing figure after another. The fitness finals were incredible. I was able to cheer for Jen and was excited to see her place 3rd.

After getting home from Vegas, I was hooked. I had set my sights on the Olympia stage. I searched the NPC schedule again and found another competition relatively close, the John Sherman Classic in Houston, TX. Even with the Red River competition less than two weeks away, I entered the John Sherman, which was two weeks after that. That meant four competitions within 10 weeks.

The Wednesday before the Red River, I woke up with the worst sore throat ever. I was terrified. I had to put all my workouts on hold and just try to rest and get better. While I did somewhat recover before the competition, I was still not at my best. Even so, I was able to take home 1st place in the Figure Tall Class as well as another Overall title. What an accomplishment!

By this time, I was beginning to have doubts about signing up for the John Sherman. I thought mayb it wa too mch to try in such a short period. Maintaining such a low body fat percentage and sticking to my diet was really starting to get tough. However, I stuck it out, and was even more amazed when I again took top honors and placed 1st in the Figure Class C and also won the Figure Overall. What an amazing 10 weeks! Three Overall wins!!! All because I wanted to get a little more motivated with my work out and signed up for Phat Camp.

I’ve now been accepted to compete in the first Amateur Arnold Classic and will compete in at least two of the national shows in 2007. I’m going to take a little time to relax, enjoy Thanksgiving, and then start preparing for next year. I hope I find it just as exciting and amazing as 2006.

THANKS JEN, FOR AN AWESOME YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!