“I joined Gumsaba last winter to get in shape for my April wedding. My fitness goal was simple: to firm up. I had not exercised on a regular basis in a couple of years, so I was a little apprehensive to begin. To my amazement, I immediately began to enjoy the burn in my legs, stomach and arms. I started eating healthier (and I’m a girl who loves her sweets). Within a few weeks, I noticed my legs were firmer, my arms started to get definition and my stomach was stronger. But it wasn’t just my body, my mind was clearer. The work outs helped me cope with wedding stress. Setbacks seemed surmountable. During jogs, I would prioritize what I had to do for the wedding that day.
I could not have met my goal without Coach Michelle! She is fantastic! She is encouraging and caring. Plus, she changes the work outs daily so it’s always fresh. The classes are made up of a really good group of women who care about each other and push each other. I had no idea how much I would enjoy boot camp and exercise when I started. Michelle makes it fun and helps us to challenge ourselves. When I was on my honeymoon safari in Africa, there was no exercise but sumptuous buffets: breakfast, lunch and dinner! I missed my work outs and couldn’t wait to get back to Gumsaba! I would encourage all brides to sign up for boot camp. It is the best wedding present you can give yourself.”
- Jane Smith (Sunshine Boot Camp!)
“Gumsaba Boot Camp is addictive! Most people need their coffee in the morning, I just need my boot camp. Everyday consists of something different, I never get bored or in a rut, which inspires me to push myself. Michelle is so creative and truly has a passion for health and wellness. I’m in good hands with Michelle and look forward to my morning workout each and every day! Thanks for everything you do!”
- Courtney Mathews (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)
“This is the first organized workout I have ever done in my life. I was always active enough when I was younger to feel decently fit. Now that I’m 50 I figured it was time to get serious about my fitness. My wife has been a bootcamp member for 4 years and has always extolled the virtues of a great workout so I decided to give it a try. I was concerned that I would not be able to keep up since I was starting from ground zero but Coach Parko did a great job of pushing each session just hard enough for me to get the most out of it without injury. Each day there is a new twist that works a new muscle or two. I’m amazed at the increase in strength and stamina after just 4 months!
Thanks Coach!”
- Jim Wood (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)
“I have always exercised off and on over the years, but this is the first time I’ve exercised consistently for over 3 1/2 years! Love being outdoors, meeting new friends and our instructor, Michelle, motivates us to push ourselves to do things than I thought I could never achieve.”
- Sue Lyon (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)
“Allen has orchestrated really great workouts, and I have lost 13 pounds in the first month. There is considerable variation in the workouts. You never get bored. Allen is very engaging and personable. He never misses to observe when your form starts to slip. He provides feedback in way that you just simply want to work harder. He is outstanding at adapting the workout for those that have injuries or physical limitations.”
- Bill McDaniel (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)
“I have done a lot of personal training and classes in my 20+ years of working out and Michelle Brown is by far the best trainer I have ever had the pleasure to work out with. Her approach is fun and motivating, and her boot camp classes are amazing. I always get a great workout and am never bored. In addition, she excels at tailoring the group class to each individual, whether you want more intensity or if you need an alternative exercise to accommodate an injury. And finally, Michelle is one of the most principled and ethical people I have ever met. She makes a difference in the lives of so many people and animals, the planet is just a better place with Michelle Brown on it!”
- Stacy Roach (Danville Boot Camper)
“This class is a group of the most beautiful women inside and out. The dedication she has created within us gives us our determination to constantly improve. Quitting is not in our vocabularies or our capillaries thanks to our awesome teacher Michelle Brown. She constantly amazes me with new drills. She is a very personal and caring instructor who knows how to use 60 minutes to crack the whip! Its my best hour of the day, I wish I could take her home with me. Life feels good when we know we have done our best to improve it. Thank you.”
- Sue de Lima (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)
“Lunch time Boot Camp …. Is the best ever!
Michelle Brown is a great instructor that who will adjusts her exercise routines to fit everyone’s fitness level and still manage to KICK BUTT! It takes all the stress away and makes you feel better physically and mentally. I know I’m stronger and happier than I’ve been for years.
Love, love, love my Boot Camp.”
- Ruby Madrid (CytoSport, Inc., National Channel Manager)
“Michelle is one of the best instructors I have ever experienced. She really pushes us to do our personal best, but in an encouraging and supportive way. Bootcamp is one of the first work outs I have actually stuck with because of it’s variety. It’s something a little different and new everyday. You will not get bored with this work out!!
I mean every word of it!!”
- Michelle Culver (Danville Boot Camper)
“I want to share my experience with Gumsaba Boot Camp for anyone who might be interested in joining. What I don’t want to do is share my age but does Baby Boomer ring a bell ? The only reason I mention this is because I thought there was a limit on how good you could look up to a certain age. I discovered that, that’s not true. Through hard work, determination and a great coach you can turn the clock back. My coach Michelle Brown keeps us focused, motivated, informed and successful. It’s like having your own personal trainer.
There are other perks as well. Our entire workouts are outside which is very invigorating. Every session is different, so we are able to work on a lot of different muscle groups. We are also a very social and caring community of woman who support each other. Were all ages and we work hard and play hard. I would recommend this to everyone to come by and check us out. You’ll find me there the one with the great body of course.
Happy Fitness!”
- Adrienne Bloom (Walnut Creek Boot Camper)



















This class is a group of the most beautiful women inside and out. The dedication she has created within us gives us our determination to constantly improve. Quitting is not in our vocabularies or our capillaries thanks to our awesome teacher Michelle Brown. She constantly amazes me with new drills. She is a very personal and caring instructor who knows how to use 60 minutes to crack the whip! Its my best hour of the day, I wish I could take her home with me. Life feels good when we know we have done our best to improve it. Thank you.
Allan has orchestrated really great workouts, and I have lost 13 pounds in the first month. There is considerable variation in the workouts. You never get bored.
Allan is very engaging and personable. He never misses to observe when your form starts to slip. He provides feedback in way that you just simply want to work harder. He is outstanding at adapting the workout for those that have injuries or physical limitations.