Fitness Bootcamp
How do I know it’s for me? Will I live through it? What is a fitness bootcamp?
These are all excellent questions. Certainly, you do not want to get into something if you don’t know what it is or what you will be doing. And yes, you will live through it!
What is a fitness bootcamp?
Fitness bootcamps are physical conditioning programs that are generally held at outdoor locations such as parks. They are made up of groups of people, so 10 or 30 people may make up a boot camp class.
Boot camps can be geared towards different types of groups, or be general in nature. Examples are boot camps for kids, camps for teens, men, woman, and troubled youth. Some groups may attend a fitness bootcamp for specific training reasons, such as cheerleaders. Boot camps can also be used as a team building event for co-workers.
Bootcamps can be very different from one another. Some programs run several days to several weeks in length, while only attending for a set period of time per day. Other fitness camps are considered live-in facilities, where you will stay for an extended time. Live in facilities, also known as a Fitness Boot Camp Retreat provide living quarters (some quite nice), food, exercise, basically round the clock support.
Benefits of a fitness bootcamp are inherent in the training. Providing a more rigorous workout routine than what you would likely put to use in a gym, the results can be greatly sped up. Bootcamp workouts combine several forms of exercise in quick succession to provide fast and effective results. Strength training, running, suspension training (like fitness boot camps, suspension training is hugely popular and growing rapidly), push ups, etc. For a set period of time, you are on the move.
Of course, one reason these programs are so popular is that they work.
I think that another reason they are so popular is the group mentality. You aren’t in this by yourself. The programs are there for you to succeed. You can work at your pace, and you will have support. Unlike going to the gym, where you may not know anyone, have zero support, and not have the motivation you need for success.
How do I know if attending a fitness bootcamp is right for me?
These programs really are for anyone interested in improving their physical condition. From beginners to serious athlete, a program like this can and will benefit you.
Although anyone can participate, I strongly suggest seeing a doctor first. As with any new activity, getting a checkup is critical.
If you are interested in creating a long term physical training program, this is a great way to learn some great exercises and how to put them together for the best results. The fact is exercise is work. But, exercise can be fun. And this is important. If you exercise and see no results, suffer injuries, or plain get bored, the result is inevitable. You quit.
However, if you start seeing results, start feeling better, don’t get hurt, and you can change up your routine a bit, it becomes fun, effective, and you keep at it. Not to mention, you will make friends!
So simply put, this is definitely an option for you.
Please at all times make sure to keep some tips in mind when considering a fitness bootcamp for yourself or someone you love. Although the benefits can be great, there is no point in putting yourself at risk.
1. Search for boot camps in your area. Do not just find one and sign up. Compare prices, training, instructors, and anything that may be specific to you.
2. Talk to friends, family, and co-workers who may have attended a bootcamp and get their input.
3. Confirm that instructors are trained to instruct. They should be qualified to teach fitness.
4. Confirm that staff members are certified in first aid. This is a must!
5. Generally, and almost exclusively, you will be outside. Dress appropriately. Bring the right attire for the season. Good or better footwear, shorts and sweat pants, light jacket. You know the drill!
6. Water!!! Do not forget water. It is imperative that you stay hydrated.
7. You will be training/exercising with a group of people. Don’t let that stop you from getting a friend to sign up with you. You already spend time together. You will now have someone to keep you motivated after the boot camp is over.
Here are a few boot camps to consider;
Kids Fitness Programs.
Obesity in kids in increasing constantly. When I was young, there wasn’t so much indoor activity available as there is now. Get your kids into one of these programs and show them that exercise can be fun. Teach them how to get into and stay in shape. They will learn proper nutrition. Some kids have confidence issues. Some kids pretend to not have confidence issues. No matter what, being in shape, looking and feeling good, can boost your childs confidence, raise their grades in school, keep them out of trouble, and keep them occupied! A fitness bootcamp for your child is a win-win situation!
Juvenile Boot Camps and Boot Camps for Troubled Teens.
It is unfortunate that we have troubled youth. But we do. A structured, physically demanding fitness bootcamp can help create an environment that will, hopefully, pull the young person out of harms way. Many young people lack confidence, social skills, leadership, responsibility, and even desire. They have no direction. An exercise program, structured in the form of a boot camp can do tremendous good. Again, do your research. Some programs are better than others. If your child is starting down the wrong path, consider one of these programs where they can build themselves up on the inside as well as the outside.
Adult Fitness Boot Camps.
Adults have issues just like young people. Lack of confidence, unhappy with their appearance, whatever it may be. There is no reason to suffer. Get busy. Get active. No excuses. Put down the remote. I know you can do it! Getting in shape can help with so many aspects of your life.
Find out more about how a fitness bootcamp can benefit you.
You can find a definition of fitness bootcamp here.
Filed under Fitness Bootcamp by on Aug 3rd, 2011. 
Fitness Bootcamp -
What kind of workouts will I perform?
When looking at a fitness bootcamp, you will find that some bootcamps offer more variety in their workouts than others. While you will likely do similar exercise that target cardio, strength training, endurance, weights, some fitness bootcamps have become quite creative in their approach and this makes for a more pleasurable fitness experience. I feel that the variety in the challenges can create a fun factor that takes away some of the “dread” people feel when they “have” to exercise. We are talking fun!
Fitness Bootcamp – Boot Camp Workouts.
As I said, some of the exercises will be similar in many, if not all bootcamps. Exercises like running, pushups, pullups, bodyweight exercises, and other exercises you may be familiar with. But, creative bootcamp trainers have developed exercise programs that are effective, fun, and challenging. And with the advent of some new workout equipment, the sky really is the limit.
When you attend a fitness bootcamp you are likely to start your program with a short warm-up period. After that you will begin a training period that will result in much sweat, lots of effort, and short break times between exercises. One reason bootcamps are effective is the speed in which you can move on to the next exercise. Also, the ability to target all parts of the body quickly and easily.
Often times when a person trains or works out at a gym or at home, they limit their ability to go to the next level. How many times have you seen someone go into a gym, jump on a treadmill for 30 or 40 minutes, and leave? Or someone who hits the free weights, lifts for 30 minutes and hits the shower? These are great exercises, but they are very limiting.
Suppose in that same 30 to 60 minutes you do the following;
- warm up
- strength train
- cardio
- develop your endurance (sprints)
- resistance exercises
- body weight exercises
- cool down
You have now completed a full body workout. You are developing strength, stamina, coordination, endurance, decreasing fat, toning and developing muscle, and you are having way more fun than running on a treadmill for 40 minutes.
So, some fitness bootcamp exercises you are going to encounter are;
- pushups-great upper body work, and there are many ways to perform pushups
- running/sprints-speed, endurance, cardio
- suspension training-a great total body workout
- dumbbells-either for lifting or enhancing other exercises such as pushups
- group exercises-can include moving obstacles, races, plyometrics, obstacle courses, drills, and many other types of activities.
You will find the variety will help keep you motivated and interested. This is why you will find a fitness bootcamp to be so much more effective than what you are used to doing!
Nutrition
I have to say something here about nutrition. You will probably find that the foods you eat play a large part in your success. I know for a fact, you can some results simply by eating better. If you do not take your diet into consideration, you will be disappointed. Your diet may be the most important part of your fitness plan.
Do not confuse diet with dieting. They do not mean the same thing. I think dieting has some negative connotations, while diet is simply what you eat. Dieting can be as bad or even more dangerous than the current “diet” you consume. You can take a quick look at what I mean by diet.
Take your food or eating habits into consideration and see if it needs modification. As in, cut out the Mickey Dees!
Also, you are going to be more active than you may be used to. Remember to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. And don’t stop drinking water because the exercise has stopped. Your body needs water to operate properly.
You are taking the right steps by attending a fitness bootcamp. Don’t stop short of making your goals happen!
Filed under Fitness Bootcamp by on Aug 3rd, 2011.
What exactly is a fitness holiday, and why would you want to take one? I mean, you’ve worked out and kept in shape all year! Or for that matter, maybe you haven’t!
But why would you want to attend a fitness bootcamp or what some call a fitness holiday, when you can exercise at home the rest of the year?
Well, there are many reasons why you may want to take a fitness holiday and we will talk about that here!
Fitness Bootcamp – 5 Star Fitness Holidays
Whether or not you are seriously active throughout the year, holidays and vacations from work are sure to arrive. So what do you do with your free time when these changes in your routine arrive?
If the event is a holiday vacation, you may have family obligations, but you may still have time left to take a fitness holiday. Now, what tends to happen to many of us around the holidays? We over
indulge. We have the best on intentions, but sometimes our fitness routines get put on hold, our mouths go into overtime, and we overeat. Or just plain don’t have time to keep up with a routine. If this happens to you,
the holidays are perfect for a fitness getaway.
If you are taking a vacation from work, going to a fitness retreat may be just the thing for you as well. What better time to either continue with your existing fitness, or to begin putting a fitness plan in place.
You now have time to focus on something important, your health. As an added benefit, you can learn quite a bit about getting fit, and get pampered at the same time.
Health Retreats – Fitness Bootcamp By Day Destination Spa by night
You now have the time; what to do with it? A fitness vacation is a great alternative to what has become commonplace. They are available all over the world, sometimes in quite exotic locations.
You could stay at a health resort in California or Florida. Or maybe you like Canada, Thailand, Mexico, or Europe. Pick a location; fitness bootcamps in resort settings are becoming more and more popular
everyday.
And at the end of the day, you can take advantage of the spa services available such as massage and other traditional resort services.
The great thing about these newer fitness resort destinations is the comprehensive instruction you get while there. And, you get to bring home with you the knowledge you gained.
Because we are talking about a fitness bootcamp, obviously you will participate in physical activities. But you can also learn about wellness, nutrition, and healthy cuisine.
Fitness holidays can vary in length, but a week is a good amount of time to shoot for. Unless you have more time!
Who are fitness vacations for?
Fitness vacations are for anyone looking for a change to the typical vacation. Something different, motivating, invigorating, exciting.
They are for people looking to meet like minded people.
The nice thing about taking a fitness vacation is you get the same kind of variety as you would from a fitness bootcamp, but possibly with different equipment and certainly a different environment.
Some resorts are going to be on the ocean, so if you wanted to surf, run on the beach, or experience exercise in the sand this may be for you. Good food, fun activities, and nature at her finest. What
more could you want?
Kayaking? There’s that too! Use your imagination; you can find something for you!
And when you return from your fitness bootcamp / fitness spa, you can join your local fitness bootcamp to keep yourself in optimum health for next years fitness retreat!
Filed under Fitness Bootcamp by on Aug 9th, 2011.
When you are looking for the best workout program to get you in the premier physical condition of your life, you want to make sure it is a complete physical fitness program. So what does this mean exactly.
A fitness training program that covers all aspects of your health and well being includes your physical training, mental training, and nutritional training. And a good fitness bootcamp will provide all of this and more.
The Complete Physical Fitness Program
1) Physical Fitness Training. If you are trying to get into the best shape of your life, the physical fitness training seems obvious. But, it is important to note that not all exercise programs are created equal. When you are ready to take your fitness to the next level, the type of training you participate in can make a huge difference. And I think that it is a mistake to not research your available options. Everything you do should be geared to making this decision a success. You need to find a program that you enjoy and will stick with. If you have previously tried a gym membership and it didn’t work out (no pun intended) look at other options. And this is where a fitness bootcamp comes in.
2) Mental Training. Now that you have made a decision to take control of your life, you need to get your brain involved. Your brain is a master of letting you off the hook. It will tell you it’s okay to not workout today. Go ahead and grab a beer, a bag of chips, and the remote. After all you’re hungry, thirsty, and need entertainment. Ha! Your brain is in self preservation mode; it thinks! It knows there is going to be discomfort. And it is right. But the discomfort isn’t always going to be there. You need to make a commitment to yourself and stick with it. Once you begin to exercise and see results, the discomfort fades. It becomes something else. The chemicals that are released in your body are like natural drugs. You will begin to feel better. And because you chose a fitness bootcamp as your physical fitness program, you have others right there with you. Feeling your pain. With their brains giving them the same okay’s. If you have found a good program, your instructor is going to discuss the importance of sticking with it, and give you tips to keep your brain in the game!
3) Nutritional Training. Nutrition plays a much bigger role than some people think in how quickly you see results. After all, if you were a couch potato and now your doing pushups, running laps, and how many other exercises, you are sure to see results, right? Wrong! There are certainly other factors involved here. You must create a nutrition plan to go along with your exercise plan. If you continue to take in too many calories, you will negate the benefits of your fitness training program! Eating smart is part of creating a complete physical fitness program. As an interesting aside, if you really like to eat ( like me!) there are plans out there where you can eat more than you can imagine. It’s just eating the right foods. And again, if you participate in a fitness bootcamp you will get very good information and help from your instructor.
Conclusion; A fitness bootcamp is the overall best workout program!
Go and get fit!
Filed under Fitness Bootcamp by on Aug 13th, 2011.
We are all familiar with the personal trainers that provide total fitness and weight loss programs to the stars of Hollywood and those at the top of the ‘Rich List’. Lately the profession has been expanding into the masses of us ordinary folk. But today we can see even that has changed as the fitness bootcamp has gained in popularity. So what makes people choose a fitness bootcamp workout over a gym membership or even a personal trainer?
Fitness Bootcamp vs. “The Gym
First of all there are the costs. A personal trainer could set you back upwards of $100 an hour. A gym membership which you usually have to pay for a minimum of 12 months will be in the region of $50-$100 a month. These costs soon add up. But the fitness bootcamp costs can start from as little $20 a session, depending where you live. This is because the bootcamp fitness session costs are spread over a group of participants.
Talking of the group, this is one of the critical factors of the success of fitness bootcamp classes. How many of us would have the will power to actually go to the gym at least once a week for 52 weeks? How hard do you actually motivate and push yourself when you are there alone? The power of group motivation, bonding and camaraderie in the face of adversity or a challenge can be amazing.
Compared to a gym, you get a fully qualified personal trainer, even several sometimes. That fitness bootcamp trainer has a defined and proven workout program customized to the group and your level. You will get direction, purpose and someone kicking you up the butt if you slack off. As humans we generally like to know what we are supposed to do and often like someone else to lead. What did you get when you joined your gym? A sub-standard assessment and medical, a cursory tour around the equipment and some fuzzy suggestions for routines I bet. But then there was no one doing what you did either to exercise with. Compared to a fitness bootcamp exercise program, at a gym you will falter, slack off, waver, become disillusioned and not go back.
You will also loose fat faster and get fit quicker at a fitness bootcamp. Intense sessions in the fresh air usually will burn off in excess of 500 calories each time. For many of us that is about 20% of out daily required input. That’s in one session. On some of the longer stay away boot camps, it is not unknown for attendees to lose 10-15 pounds in their time there. There is nothing like it for kick starting any diet and keeping your weight losses on track. That is such a huge uplift as well.
Summary
So really the reasons for choosing a fitness bootcamp over other methods are simple. It is cheaper, better value, better run, motivational, will get you lean and fit quickly and is incredible fun into the bargain as well. Get with the program today and it will be the best decision you ever made.
Filed under Fitness Bootcamp by on Aug 17th, 2011.
