Congratulations to the AMAZING Laura Ellerby, our May Camper Spotlight of the Month!
We absolutely LOVE having Laura as a part of our Forte Fitness family.
Since day one, she has been 100% dedicated and embraces everything that is thrown at her.
She has been through an incredible and life-changing journey, and she continues motivate everyone around her.
You really can’t help but be inspired by Laura after watching her work out!
So, here’s Laura in her own words….
“I joined Forte Fitness in January of 2012, a transitional time in my life, a time of many positive changes, boot camp being one of them.
It was shortly before that time that I had made the decision to change careers: from public school teacher to massage therapist.
I had been a business electives teacher for OCPS for a number of years, but because of low enrollment one year, I was transferred to a lock down facility for high risk males.
This transition, as you might imagine, was quite difficult for me. Long story short, I got burned out. During the summer of 2011, I decided to resign and change careers.
Not only did I change jobs, but I also decided I wanted to change other areas of my life.
Like many members, I decided to take advantage of a groupon for the 21-Day Belly Blast. At that time, Alicia was also running a 6 week transformation challenge.
I was so ready for change, and I jumped at that opportunity to see how much I could transform myself.
It was for six weeks, and I remember telling a friend: I’m going to be transformed in the next 6 weeks, just watch!
Boot camp has never been easy, but it has always been fun. That’s one reason why I love it.
Those first months I remember I was always the slowest, and sometimes still am. That fact didn’t bother me, however. I knew if I kept on moving, I was on track.
When we used to complete half mile runs for our fit test, it took me more than 5 minutes.
Alicia often sends us bits of motivation, but there was a particular piece that I have remembered more than any: compete against who you were yesterday. That bit of motivation kept me trudging along.
Although I was the slowest, I certainly was better than I was the day before.
I kept on moving, sometimes slow, sometimes fast, but I consistently stayed moving…and each workout I was better than I was the day before.
Eventually I became stronger and faster, and went from a size 12 to size 6, from 138 lbs to 125 lbs.
A particularly special milestone for me was when I ran my half mile in 3:48. That was my accomplishment to remember, quite an improvement from over 5 minutes.
What makes Forte Fitness special and unique is the relationship Alicia and her team have with its members and the community.
They are people who genuinely care about you and your progress. Birthdays are celebrated, helping hands are offered in times of need, you are held accountable for your efforts, and you are appreciated.
With all these tools available to help you achieve your goals, no matter what they are, success is your only option.”
Laura- we are SO proud of you and all that you have accomplished.
Here’s Laura’s Before & After Pics!!

