I am 5 weeks into my training program with Coach Mike, and it's turning out to be the best thing I've ever done for myself and my health. I did not grow up with athletics, but I have belonged to a gym for the past few years, and I've signed up for a "bootcamp" down by the Charles. When I go to group classes at the gym, I do my best to follow along with the instructor up front, and then I leave. Sometimes I can make it a few times a week, sometimes weeks would go by without working out. Then there's the "strength training", which for me, was a hodgepodge of exercises that I had done with trainers in the past or read about here and there. Nothing I've done before compares to the holistic approach to fitness that Mike has. He doesn't just tell you that fitness is a lifestyle, he breaks it down and shows you in a very approachable way what exactly that means. Fitness goes beyond the few hour-long workout sessions with him every week. By being able to reclaim accountability for my health (ie, staying on top of measurements and weekly goals), I am motivated to eat healthily and stay active throughout the week, and not just for the few hours a week I spend in his classes. And the workouts themselves are thoughtfully put together, there's strength and cardio training specifically designed for results. It's also Mike's enthusiasm that really sets the tone for the whole experience. His positive attitude, and the encouraging group dynamic of my fellow bootcampers, makes the workouts fun. No matter how many people are in his classes, he has his eye on everyone and their form and pace, to make sure everyone is getting the most out of their time with him. And Mike's especially responsive to personal needs and to feedback as well. CYBBC has been the polar opposite of anything else I've done in the past. Everything is deliberate and consistent, and there's no room for excuses not to reach the fitness goals that you have (be they to lose weight or improve performance). His program has helped me take control of a part of my life that frustrated me for so long. Once you go CYBBC, you can't go back! read more

5 Reasons Why Change Your Body Bootcamp with Michael Alves is Newton's Best Workout! 1. The workouts are fun, challenging, dynamic, creative, inclusive, and varied. All the workouts are designed to correspond to the desires and challenges of the season, including beach inspired workouts and extra cardio around the holiday season. Also, beyond the regular weekday workouts Michael offers bonus workouts to promote camaraderie and further support progress. 2. Michael is passionate, professional, and supportive. By signing up for this bootcamp you get so much more than a great workout. You also get useful nutritional and fitness information through weekly emails and newsletters and a coach who says hello to you every time you walk into his class. 3. Accountability! If you are looking to change your body or loose weight this an ideal approach. Michael offers numerous ways of tracking progress and holding one accountable. 4. Team oriented environment. Michael a encourages all students to work as supportive team members to each other. Many of the workouts are done in teams to encourage this approach. This helps you to feel supported and support others and to achieve your highest potential through healthy competition and mutual support. 5. It works! What Michael offers is so much more than a bootcamp class, it's lifestyle shift and it works. In just 2 months I can feel and see the changes in my body, I'm letting go of habits that don't support my health, not because I "should", but because it just feels so good to feel great! Through all the information and support Michael offers, I am becoming the healthiest and most fit I've ever been and beginning to believe that this can last a lifetime! Thanks Michael, for the positive impact you have on people's lives! We are beyond fortunate to have you and your program here in Newton! read more

I am a 37 year old full time working mom of two and I knew I needed to lose weight, eat healthier and be more active. I know I am not the type of person who can motivate independently so gym memberships or work out DVDs would never work. In the past I've spent a LOT of money working with personal trainers who were good but ultimately I was switched from one trainer to another and often left to my own devices in between sessions (resulting in sitting around eating too much junk). I also found with work/family I needed a set schedule that worked for me. I found Change Your Body Boot Camp and decided to try for the first month. Boot camp to me meant show up 2 or 3 mornings a week and hope for the best. So I was pretty surprised to get an initial call set up soon after I signed up where Coach Mike spent time to review my current and desired state as well as my motivation behind it. There was a very specific schedule, orientation and measurement session so I knew exactly what to expect. I got the sense Mike was going to hold me accountable for achieving my desired result, which indeed has been the case. At Change Your Body Boot Camp, you get more then just the scheduled classes (which by the way is a motivating team environment). Mike makes every person a priority. He keeps in touch outside of class, is always available to answer questions around diet and exercise and is extremely organized, professional and fun. I've lost weight and inches, lowered my cholesterol, improved my eating habits, sleep better, have more energy and feel amazingly stronger. I know this is not a short term fix but a definite change in way I live. read more

I've been a member of CYBBC since August of 2012 and I'm addicted! I consider it to be an investment in my physical well-being, but there are so many other benefits. You sleep soundly, you feel strong, and even though I'm only 5'2", everyone thinks I'm at least 5'5"! It's amazing how you carry yourself when you're strong, confident, and happy! My BMI and body fat % have improved dramatically, great blood pressure, and my waist is over 5" smaller than when I started! At 43, I feel the best I have ever felt. I'm stronger, faster, and more productive in my daily life. Mike truly cares about the success of each member and will encourage, challenge, and push you to be your best. Unlike the regular gym, you won't find yourself skipping workouts, sleeping in, putting your fitness off...(you will get a message from Mike if you do;) You will feel the difference in your life and you won't let yourself go back to your bad habits. It's about cameraderie, competing with your best, and a taking responsibiltiy for your wellness. Try it out and people will notice your energy and positive attitude.. guaranteed! Love it! read more

Change Your Body Boot Camp is the whole package. Great work out, great team atmosphere, great trainer! On top of all that this boot camp offers nutrition guidance too, that varies depending on your goals. Mike has designed the boot camp so people with different goals and different abilities can all complete the same workout and make it challenging for themselves. Coach Mike as well as classmates are always encouraging and supportive! I had gone into my first trial month with a goal of losing 20lbs in 3 months. I managed to not only meet that goal, but exceed it by losing 30 lbs in 3 months. I have never felt better or been in better shape. I am able to do things that I never thought I would be able to do. I find myself now finding exercises that used to be difficult to easy and I am looking for new ways to challenge myself. Change your body boot truly does change your body, but I have also found it life changing. This program has helped me to build confidence as well. I would highly rec read more

I belonged to a gym for many years, going whenever I felt like it, but when I gradually gained 10 lbs over a year, I knew I had to do something different. I decided to give CYBBC a try. It was the best decision I could make for my health. I followed Mike's nutrition plan & work out sch. lost 14 lbs in 3 months, down to size 2 & stronger than I've ever been in my life. Change Your Body Boot Camp is the best of the both worlds, A personal trainer in a small group setting. You get the one to one attention of a personal trainer, regular check-in from Mike, holding you accountable, while sweating along your very supportive teammates. You set your own personal goal & everyone is there to help you reach it. Give it a try. IT WORKS! read more

I have been meaning to add a review, since I tried out Change your body boot camp via Yelp last summer. After the trial, I was hooked. I work full time and am a mom to 2 great kids and I love to work out. But, I was not making exercise a priority in my life. When my kids starting getting fasting and stronger than me, I knew it was time to prioritize my own work outs. The early morning sessions make fitting it into my schedule easier, and Mike makes sure you get there and get the work out in. He also keeps you accountable for working out on your own- something I needed. I would recommend change your body boot camp to anyone who wants to get in better shape and stick with a program. read more

Change Your Body Boot Camp is a great program. I have done several boot camps, and have found this one to be the best. Mike Alves really knows his stuff. He is a very passionate, intelligent, confident and intense coach. Mike is a motivator and really pushes everyone to take their work outs to the next level. He focuses on form, therefore resulting in no injury. The work outs are challenging and always different. Mike focuses on working all body parts and is constantly mixing things up. As a health coach I am well aware of all kinds of exercise out there in and around the Boston area and I believe that this one really works! read more

Since I started Change your Body Boot Camp over 3 years ago I have lost 25 pounds and maintained it. I achieved a level of fitness I never thought I would get to. Mike makes sure each participant is using correct form to ensure that they get best results from the program. Each workout is a little different so I feel challenged (in a good way ) to improve at each workout. The value added benefits like measurements and testing to chart your progress , grocery shopping tours and nutrition discussions, and challenge workouts on the off week are great and help to keep you motivated. I definitely encourage you to try it out! read more

This class ROCKS - can't say enough about it. You get a total body workout every class, with sweat dripping down your nose almost every class. There are people of all levels: fast, slow, heavy, skinny, older and younger. Mike works with all of us to challenge our bodies and find the athlete within, truly, with very minimal equipment (sometimes just you and your bod). Working out next to people who want to get stronger and faster has been so motivating, fun, and addictive! Mike's gift is that he can get you going in a very fun, so supportive kick-your-butt kind of way ..all to a rockin' playlist! read more

I am NOT a morning person, but 3 days a week, the hour between 6-7am is often my favorite hour of the day. That is when I am at Change Your Body Bootcamp. If I'm going to be up that early to work out, I want to get my butt kicked. Mike clearly knows his stuff. And he uses his knowledge to create challenging and effective workouts which he coaches with passion and enthusiasm. Besides the results, the best thing about Mike's classes are how fun they are. The people are great, and Mike creates an environment of positive energy and support amongst the class which I have not found anywhere else. read more

Mike is amazing, a magician in fact. As a 63 year old woman, it never occurred to me that I could get in shape. I travel from Cambridge, through 28 stop lights to get to this fantastic class. Mike works miracles with his earnest commitment to helping us succeed. He encourages each of us to work hard for our own benefit and for the well-being of the group as a whole. I recommend this boot camp experience for ANYONE who wants a challenge and a fun experience too! read more

The minute you start your trial period with Mike as your coach you know you're in for some major changes. It is all about deciding what you want to change and no matter the amount of fitness you already do or do not do, you will improve doing this program and following the suggestions. You will feel better, look better and you'll even have the measurements to prove it. Each class is different and you'll always have the support of your classmates. read more

I've been in Mike's class nearly ten months and still as engaged as I was in month one. I've improved my 5K times drastically, I am way more flexible than I was when I started, and all my vitals (blood pressure, stuff like that) are improved radically. It's also important to note that this class is truly fun (even at 6AM) , and the other classmates are super supportive. read more

Coach Mike brings the perfect mix of positive energy, motivation, accountability and reliability to an exercise program that is not only about getting into the best shape ever but about a healthy way of life. For the past 3 years I have continued to benefit tremendously from Mike's boot camp - I feel stronger, more energized, more flexible and with better stamina overall! read more