Meet Jasmine. From 200+ lbs to 173 and signing up for HYROX & 5k races!
Before Rampage
Before Rampage, I was “working out,” but I wasn’t intentional with my workouts. I was doing the bare minimum and wasn’t really committed to the process. I got tired of putting in what I thought was the work and not getting results.
Enter Rampage into the chat with ACCOUNTABILITY and FUN!
As a person who doesn’t see many people who look like me in this setting, it was a little intimidating at first. But I have never once felt out of place or uncomfortable at Rampage.
What Changed
When I started on 01/19/24, I was around 200+ lbs. With the help of Korey and our member check-ins, I focused on becoming more consistent and intentional.
I remember telling him I wanted to increase the number of times I came to the gym, and he looked at me like, “Yeahhh, that’s cool — but what if when you are coming, you’re not really getting better?” I was like, “Ohhhh okayyyy, I see what you did there.”
The COMMUNITY has also made a huge difference. PERIOD.
The coaches are always involved, helpful, motivating, and willing to give feedback — even when they’re taking the same class as me. The members bring BIG family vibes, and I’ve met lifelong friends by way of RAMPAGE.
Molly has also been so helpful with my relationship with food just through conversations and quick questions after class. I’ve never officially had nutrition coaching with her, but she and the other coaches are always willing to give you little gems, whether it’s about food or form.
“I just wanted to look good, feel good, and be able to eat tacos and margs lol.”
Where I Am Now
As of 9/2/26, I weighed 173.1 lbs, down from 200+ lbs when I started.
I used to just want to see anything under 200 on the scale, and I honestly thought anything under 180 wouldn’t look “good” on me for my height, shape, and build. I never really had a specific goal. But as a result of being more consistent and intentional, I’ve improved in all areas of the gym, which is CRAY because that was never the true goal.
My favorite accomplishment is being so, so, so, so close to getting an unassisted pull-up. I’ve also run my FIRST 5K — thanks to my partner in crime, Alessa 🙂 — and I’m currently signed up for DEKAFIT, HYROX, and a 10K.
From my talking back, to song requests, to twerking in any class, I’ve only ever felt embraced. So if you’re where I was: DO IT. And make sure you get involved. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve signed up for something “just for a shirt” and ended up having some of the best times of my life. lolssssss
Meet Aaron, who added 25lbs of muscle and can now easily keep up with all 4 of his kids!
Before Rampage
My entire adult life, I would have considered myself an “active” person, but I was never consistent with my workouts. I would go through bouts of deciding I was going to lift weights, pick up martial arts again, play sports more regularly, or go on a hike every week. That sort of “worked” in my twenties, but after my second child came around and I was in my thirties, I got out of an active lifestyle without even realizing it.
I knew I should work out, but maybe next month… or at the start of the quarter. Then came my third child, and I started to notice that I was losing lean muscle mass. That’s not good! I had a decision to make: Do I blame my physical decline on my age, my kids, and my busy schedule? Do I really believe that God said to take care of my body like a temple?
I decided it was time to stop making excuses and start working out at least three times a week for the rest of my life. I decided to make that decision once and never think about it again.
What Changed
The group workout style at Rampage has made a huge difference for me. It’s so nice to have attention from the coaches — so you don’t hurt yourself — while also getting to work out with like-minded people who are all rooting for you.
We all love fitness, we’re all trying to get better, we’re all at different stages of that journey, and we’re all excited to support each other along the way. No lonely, boring, isolated headphone workouts here. This is truly a place where everybody knows your name!
That consistency has been the biggest thing. Instead of bouncing between different activities or waiting until “next month” to get serious again, I’ve built working out into my life and kept showing up.
“I decided to make that decision once and never think about it again.”
Where I Am Now
I’ve always been lean — not skinny, that’s body shaming! — so my goal has always been to gain weight. Although this isn’t the heaviest I’ve ever been, it is definitely the strongest I’ve ever been. I’ve gained around 25 lbs of lean muscle since joining Rampage!
But the cardiovascular gains have been the real winner. I definitely didn’t realize how out of shape I was when it came to cardio. Now I feel a lot more confident in the longer, gritty workouts, and that carries over into my day-to-day life with my kids. I’m one of the only parents I see who actually practices soccer with my kids!
We all know what the keys to health are: diet and exercise. There’s no way around it, and there are no shortcuts. Our modern way of life doesn’t help us with either. So make the decision once: “I’m going to work out for the rest of my life.” Then work it into your time and your budget — you can find room for both. Now you don’t have to think about it ever again.
Hannah Scott. Lost 30lbs, competed in Adaptive HYROX and is a 2 year running Top Gym Attendee at Rampage.
Before Rampage
About 10 years ago, a doctor told me I would be in a wheelchair full time by 30. He said it as if it was inevitable. And if that is your story, I’m not trying to minimize it or label it as problematic, but it didn’t sit right with me that there was nothing — nothing — he could offer me except a timeline to my body failing me.
So I went looking myself.
I went with a friend to a spin class, and we were talking about running. I said, “I wish I could run, but I can’t,” and the coach from that spin class said, “I can help you run.” He trained me from running 50 meters for the first time ever to running a 5K. I discovered that that was the medicine. That was the cure no doctor had prescribed me: a person who coached me, a person who believed in me.
For years, I moved around to different gyms. I always found a couple of coaches, a couple of believers, and that was enough to keep me pretty consistent. I started attending Rampage when I started working at RCS because it was close. But the thing about Rampage is that it’s not just Gretchen, and it’s not just Bolta — although they are my champions. It’s everybody. I belong there as much as anybody else, and that’s really special. The coaching at Rampage creates belonging for all kinds of athletes.
What Changed
I think I’ve done all the programming at Rampage. Everyone should do at least some whole-group training because that encouragement and community are so valuable.
If, like me, you’re stuck in a loop of all-or-nothing thinking, then nutrition coaching with Molly is essential — and it goes far beyond what you eat. Before Rampage, especially with nutrition but really with everything, I was an all-or-nothing thinker. Working with Molly, Gretchen, Bolta, and the whole group taught me that’s just not how life works.
You don’t have to start over on Monday or lift better next week. You can grow every day, and every kind of growth counts. One step back doesn’t undo everything you’ve done. You just step forward again.
But if I had to pick one thing that has made the biggest difference for me, it would be the skill sessions. It goes back to having that coach who believes in you. Sometimes you just don’t know where to go next for growth, and those 30-minute skill sessions give you someone saying, “Try this. Try this this way. Practice this to get better.” You leave with actionable feedback you can use in whatever programming you’re doing.
“I belong there as much as anybody else.”
Where I Am Now
Now, I can lunge with weight. I can run a sub-12-minute mile. I can do a 10-inch box step-up. I completed an adaptive HYROX in New York City, and I’m doing Nashville next. I’ve lost 30 lbs, changed my body composition, and I’ve been a top attender two years in a row.
But the biggest change may not be a number.
I’ve learned that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to count. I don’t have to start over because of one bad day, one missed workout, or one step backward. I can just keep moving forward.
I’ve also learned that investing in yourself and doing the work of well-being will always be worth it, but like most things, it’s better if you don’t try to do it alone. Having a coach alongside you — guiding you and believing in you — makes it ten times more likely to happen, ten times more likely to benefit you, ten times more likely to stick, and 10,000x more magical.
Donovan Brackett. 44 Pounds Down: Finding Consistency, Confidence, and a Routine That Works
Before Rampage
I was working on weight loss on my own when my sister, Coach Becca, started coaching at Rampage. She invited my wife and me to an intro class, and we got started!
I had been trying to make a change, but starting somewhere new meant facing a new environment, new skills, and new people. Having my wife there with me made that first step a whole lot easier.
What Changed
The biggest difference has to be my sister, since she got me started. Right after that, it’s gotta be my wife. Having someone to go with made it easier to face the new environment, new skills, and new people.
I’ve exclusively done the group setting, usually two days a week. Without a gym buddy at the start, I don’t think I would’ve gotten to the point of feeling comfortable in the gym and making new friends there.
One thing I’ve learned is that consistency matters. Folks usually come to the same class time every week, so it’s the best way to meet people and make friends. Rampage also does 6-week plans with different focuses every day. If you come every Tuesday for three weeks, you start getting the hang of the same exercises and know what to expect without even reading the workout. But if you switch to Wednesday on the fourth week, you’ll be hit with totally different exercises. If you’re like me, that’ll be confusing and frustrating.
And if you’re trying to make a big change, your diet has to be part of the equation. I had to try several different ways of eating before I found a plan I could stick with. I’m going into my ninth month eating this way and am still going strong.
“If you’ve tried one, or even several, changes to your eating, don’t give up. Stay curious!”
Where I Am Now
I’ve lost 44 pounds, taken 3–4 inches off my waist, and gone from wearing large or XL shirts to being comfortable in mediums.
But the biggest change has been finding something I can actually stick with. I’ve found a schedule that works for me, a community where I feel comfortable, and an approach to eating that I’ve been able to maintain for nine months and counting.
There’s no perfect way to plan your eating. Find something that works for you, integrate protein/fat/carb info to know you’re working toward a goal, and then have fun!
Lisa Tarpley. 36 Pounds Down, a DEKA Race, and Stronger Than Ever
Before Rampage
I was working out at home, but progress was very slow. So my husband bought me a membership as a Christmas present. I was really paying for the coaching and nutrition help.
It took me about a year of classes before I felt confident enough to do any lift. Now I’m in year 3 and starting to see really great progress.
What Changed
Every coach has taught me something during a lift to make me better. They make me feel like I can do more and more. I’ve learned all the lifts and have lifted a lot heavier than I ever did working out at home.
The community has made me accountable. There are a few of us who check on each other when we don’t show up to class. The group setting is my favorite. I push myself more just by seeing what someone else is lifting.
I also used the nutrition program for one year, and I’m still using what I learned to help me be healthier and stronger.
Something specific that someone said to me keeps motivating me to go to class: “I only came today, because I saw your name on the list.” I love that I can motivate someone a lot younger than me.
“I’ve actually lost 36 pounds, but that is the least exciting part.”
Where I Am Now
I’ve lost 36 pounds and dropped two clothing sizes, but that’s just part of the transformation.
I’ve participated in a DEKA race, I can run a mile and a 5K, my energy is way high, and I’m lifting a lot heavier than I ever could when I was working out at home.
After three years at Rampage, I’m finally starting to see really great progress—not just in how I look, but in what I can actually do.
If you’re where I was before I started, my advice is simple: coaching, accountability, and a peer group are some of the most powerful things you can have to create positive lifestyle changes.
Ellen Osborne. From 100-Meter Struggles to an Ironman 70.3: A 2-Year Rampage Transformation
Before Rampage
I lost 115 pounds before joining Rampage through bariatric surgery and a complete lifestyle change. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t losing muscle, so I was working with a trainer at a big box gym.
I was struggling with injuries and not seeing strength progress. I went through the motions, but was consistently discouraged and always felt nervous going to the gym.
My friend Emily kept telling me I should come to Rampage for months, so I finally came to Bring A Friend Day on July 30, 2024, and joined the next day!
What Changed
Everything has changed.
I went from not being able to run 100 meters to running a half marathon and completing an Ironman 70.3, with Nutrition Coaching from Molly. When I started, I could barely jump on a 45-lb plate. Now, 20-inch box jumps are easy.
I barely knew how to lift the bar, and now I can deadlift 225, split jerk 125, and clean 130. I used to say I would never do a burpee. Now I love burpees and Devil’s Press! I can do wall walks now, too.
I was afraid to touch a dumbbell above 15 when I started, and now I consistently use 30s and above depending on the workout. Movements I only dreamed about are currently ones I’m working on.
Coach Joseph Bolta has been the biggest catalyst to the changes I have seen in my overall fitness. His coaching style, encouragement, and the way he challenges me have caused such a shift in my belief in myself. He makes me want to be better for me, not to impress anyone else.
I do small group three days a week and try to get in a group class once a week, and it fits my schedule so perfectly. Having a coach that really listens, explains things clearly, and gives 100% makes me want to give that 100% right back!
And the gym community is something I never imagined I would experience. I went from a big box gym where I recognized people and rarely spoke to anyone to having a whole team of wonderful friends. Truly, I have found my dearest friendships, travel buddies, and race partners because of Rampage.
“I went from trying to do the bare minimum, to striving to be the person who never phones it in.”
Where I Am Now
I just had my 2-year anniversary at Rampage, and I am a different person physically and mentally.
I’ve gone from struggling to run 100 meters to completing a half marathon and an Ironman 70.3. I can deadlift 225 pounds, split jerk 125, clean 130, do 20-inch box jumps, wall walks, burpees, and Devil’s Press. I’m consistently using 30-lb dumbbells and above depending on the workout.
But the biggest change has been my mentality. I went from trying to do the bare minimum to striving to be the person who never phones it in.
Working out is way more fun when you get to be around people you love!
Your environment matters. Having a place you look forward to, having people who believe in you, having GREAT coaching, and programming that is intentionally designed matters. If you want to constantly get better, be somewhere where people know your name and find out what you’re really capable of.
Rampage is the place.
Ashley Sousa. From Brain Surgery Recovery to Doing Movements She Couldn’t Do Before
Before Rampage
I have been working out since 2016. My old gym closed down during the pandemic, and I am lucky to have found a new gym home at Rampage in January 2025.
I had brain surgery in June 2025 to remove a grade 2 ependymoma from the fourth ventricle of my brain. While the surgery did not leave me with any intellectual or cognitive deficits, it has left me with terrible double vision and dizziness, as well as significant fatigue.
What Changed
Personal Training with Coach Joseph B. has been a complete lifesaver and a huge source of encouragement. He’s one of the few people who always believes I can do more and work harder and, surprise, I always can.
Since working with Coach Joseph, my endurance has improved so significantly, and I am able to do movements that I could not do at all just a few weeks ago. My fatigue and dizziness are still a thing, but improving all the time. I can push myself now during workouts in ways I couldn’t have dreamed of earlier this year.
Here is a very incomplete list of movements I can do now that I most definitely could not do before working with Coach Joseph: deadlifts, rowing, running, high knee lifts….
Walking into the gym and being greeted enthusiastically by everyone who knows me has also been an unexpectedly important part of my recovery. I love having somewhere to go every week to work on myself and soak up the love.
And I’m able to even sneak in an extra workout now every week. Coach Gretchen is always so patient and supportive.
“He’s one of the few people who always believes I can do more and work harder and, surprise, I always can.”
Where I Am Now
Today, I rode for the first time since before my surgery. It used to make me so dizzy I couldn’t stand to even ride for a short period of time, and today I did four rounds of rowing 8 cal as part of my workout.
I’m doing movements I couldn’t do just weeks ago, pushing myself harder, and continuing to see my endurance improve. The fatigue and dizziness are still there, but they’re improving all the time.
You can work harder than you think, and it will feel better than you can imagine.
