Upclose With Fit Camp's Greta Blackburn Interviewed by Robert Ferguson of WellnessGalaxy.com Have you ever considered going on a vacation where you experience sunny beaches, meet positive people, learn new things, and return home weighing less than when you left? As amazing as it sounds, you may get to do just that after reading this interview and learning more about the woman I refer to as the real Ms. Fitness, Greta Blackburn. I first met Greta at her Fit Camp in Malibu, California in the summer of 2001. Full of energy, intelligent and the type of person who makes things happen, Greta provided those in attendance with an outrageously fun and fit get-a-way. The Fit Camp was well organized and my experience as a motivational speaker at the camp was fabulous. This great opportunity to work with Greta and witness first hand the increasingly popular, Fit Camp positioned me to meet the likes of fitness sensation and Ms. National Fitness, Tatiana Anderson and staff member, Brien Shamp who has dedicated his life to the possibility of health and vitality for all. As well, I hobnobbed with many of those attending the camp. In a few words, "It was great!" The Fit Camps consist of four days of fitness and nutrition seminars as well as a variety of stimulating exercise sessions developed by Greta and her professional staff. They have been hosted in Hawaii, California, and even on Mexican Cruises. Now Greta and her staff are gearing up for a world tour. Greta believes that Fit Camp is the best way for her to have the opportunity to properly educate individuals of all fitness levels, and give them a chance to get away from their day to day routines and improve their lives. I know this to be true because I served on Greta's staff and experienced the dynamic and motivational camp first hand. With her exposure in the fitness industry providing her many opportunities, from appearing on talk shows, to judging in Ms. Fitness USA pageants to becoming editor-in-chief of Ms. Fitness Magazine, who better to interview and learn more about today's fitness trends, weight-loss and how your next vacation may consists of attending the world famous Fit Camp? With all this said, we are delighted to have had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Greta Blackburn. Robert Ferguson: How did you get into fitness? Greta Blackburn: I paid my way through acting school in New York City by teaching "exercise classes" at a Jack LaLanne studio. After that, I always kept current with the latest trends in fitness. I was a bookworm as a kid and a late bloomer when it comes to fitness, but revenge of the Nerds is sweet. Robert Ferguson: With all the letters you receive as the editor-in-chief of Ms. Fitness magazine, would it be true to say most women are interested in losing weight? Greta Blackburn: ALL women are interested in losing weight. Robert Ferguson: In your opinion, why do you think so many women are stuck when it comes to weight-loss? Greta Blackburn: Most people just can't get past the first critical days of a weight loss plan-- when they need to shrink their stomach, break old patterns and reduce cravings for old, familiar, "bad" stuff. Robert Ferguson: With all the information currently available on the benefits of weight lifting, still many women avoid it like the plague. For those women who read this interview and are considering resistance training, what are your views on women lifting weights? Greta Blackburn: Women MUST lift weights to retain lean muscle mass. They HAVE to do it for the type of definition most women desire. It is CRITICAL for preventing osteoporosis. Robert Ferguson: Tell us about how your Fit Camp came together? Greta Blackburn: I was leafing through a magazine for kids in a waiting room somewhere and realized that the kids' camps sounded fun and that I wanted to go to one. So I made one up that had all of the elements that I would like in a sleep away camp and I made it happen. Robert Ferguson: How can someone register and attend one of your Fit Camps? Greta Blackburn: They can call us at 800/727-2888 or go to the website [fitcamp.com] and register there. Robert Ferguson: With your meeting with women from around the world, what are the most common concerns or issues women have when it comes to fitness and health? Greta Blackburn: Most women have very little time for workouts. They need something that is quick and fun and effective. Most women want to lose weight from what I call "Body Fat Central"-- the area from just below the bellybutton to just above the knees. Robert Ferguson: Do you follow a specific nutrition plan or exercise program? If so, would you please share it with us? Greta Blackburn: I eat whatever I want in moderation. My exercise is very eclectic. I run, bike, swim (I'm a triathlete) and I also love yoga. So on any given day I could be in the ocean swimming or running at the track or taking a spin class followed by yoga. I love my yoga videos by Bryan Kest--any of his series--and I do them more regularly than anything else. I also have a recumbent bike at home and use it a lot. Even if I have NO time during the day, I can take a half hour, plop on the bike with some reading I have to do, and get a workout. Robert Ferguson: We are aware that you travel quite a bit and remain in great physical condition. Traveling is also one of the biggest challenges for people wanting to lose weight and keep the fat off. What is your secret? Greta Blackburn: I find a gym wherever I go. I look in the yellow pages for a yoga studio and go for a class or I just put on my running shoes and hit the pavement outside the hotel. Working out on the road is not much more difficult than working out at home. It takes the same amount of motivation. Robert Ferguson: If someone picks up a copy of Ms. Fitness magazine, what can they expect from its content? Greta Blackburn: They can expect to see no B.S. information. They won't see a bunch of steroid queens talking about how they diet and train to stay in such shape and they won't see some scrawny, chain-smoking bulimic model ranting about how much she loves to eat and exercise or posing for workouts that it is obvious she has never done before. Just basic info for normal, everyday people who want to know what really works and not just hype. Robert Ferguson: Do you know Jack LaLanne personnally? If so, what was it like to spend time with such an fitness icon? Greta Blackburn: I've met Mr. LaLanne very briefly just to shake hands and say hi at awards banquets and the like. Robert Ferguson: What can people expect to learn by attending your Fit Camp? Greta Blackburn: At FITCAMP people can expect to learn what it is that makes fitness fun for them, so that they can then continue the good work at home. We shotgun people with all kinds of workouts and training tips, as well as diet and nutrition theories and let them "try them on" at camp. They get a chance to sample what's out there and find what will work for them. They learn more about what they already know and lots about what they don't know that they don't know! Robert Ferguson: For those who can't find Ms. Fitness magazine in their local book stores, is there a number they can call to get a subscription? Greta Blackburn: Call (541) 830-0400 Robert Ferguson: Thanks for the time Greta. You are truly a person of inspiration. See ya at the camp!