Apr 14 2010
Fitness Boot Camps – Do Not Be Afraid!!
What do YOU think of when you hear the words fitness boot camp? There’s a common misconception out there that the boot camp leader is like a drill sergeant and your workout is impossible to get through at any fitness level. I swear when I tell people about my boot camp I can see it in their eyes……..they’re picturing in their head the movie “Full Metal Jacket” with R Lee Ermey screaming at the Marine recruits and belittling them. People automatically write off fitness boot camps as a possibility for them to get in shape, without even trying one out, based on the name.
While there are several different types of boot camps within the fitness umbrella, they are all pretty much geared toward the general population and not for elite athletes alone. The “boot camp” name is really just a fitness concept which borrows “some” traits of a military boot camp. These traits include the group atmosphere, some military style body weight exercises, timed intervals, and a boot camp leader. The main focus of most fitness boot camps, and what I find important in my own boot camp is having fun and getting in shape at the same time. Working out does NOT have to be boring and dull, and that’s why boot camps work. With new workouts every day, it keeps your attention and most of all it keeps your body guessing , which avoids hitting plateaus. The boot camp leaders are there to motivate you to get the most out of your workout, not to scream at you to do more reps.
The reason why boot camps work for all fitness levels is the timed intervals. Instead of saying “ok now everyone do 20 squats” and watching half the group stand around and wait till everyone is done, you say “ok 60 seconds, let’s do mountain climbers” and everyone finishes at the same time. This keeps things moving at a good pace and it doesn’t draw attention to people who are just starting out and are not at the same level as everyone else. Another great thing about boot camps is the way people root for and motivate each other during class. In my opinion boot camps are the best option for people to get in shape in this economy, because you get a great workout led by a Certified Personal Trainer at a fraction of the cost of 1 on 1 training.
So, the next time you see the words fitness boot camp………have no Fear!! The only thing you should be afraid of is not trying it out based on what you think you know about it. Like my boot camp, many boot camps offer a free trial to see if it’s something you’d enjoy before you sign up. Keep an open mind and you’ll be surprised how much fun you’ll have at boot camp.
