All over the country, people who aren’t in the military are choosing to go to boot camp. Boot camp style fitness classes are among the hottest fitness trends going today.
Students typically meet early in the morning, for about an hour, before participants get ready for work. These classes focus on a full body workout, using simple methods and exercises that participants already know how to perform. The workouts are fairly simple; but they’re not easy.
By attending these classes you get a full body workout every morning, but your activities vary from day to day. This is one of the features of class that participants really like. They never get bored with the class because there’s something new every morning. Activities are centered around core fitness routines, like running, jumping rope and doing push-ups, much like you would find in military training. Circuit training is one of the critical elements in the boot camp fitness methodology. Participants get a good cardiovascular workout and gain strength at the same time. These “back to basics” exercises are intense, effective and simple, and they provide results fast. There are also class exercises, where participants work as a team, using each other to complete tasks like climbing
Most classes meet five mornings a week for a six week period of time. This intense schedule gives participants the chance to really see results and to build endurance and fitness quickly. At the end of the six week class, participants can sign up for another session, or continue the exercises at home. Because the classes focus on exercises that are simple, it’s easy to continue the routine at home if you choose. However, many participants find that they lack the motivation to keep up such an intense pace on their own. Having a fitness instructor and other participants nearby really does enhance the experience.
One thing that you won’t find at this boot camp is the drill sergeant calling you “maggot” and making you feel like a failure. Instead, boot camp instructors focus on positive motivation and encouraging participants to try new things. As participants see success, they’re more than willing to try new or more difficult fitness feats. Many people who have participated in boot camp classes have reported being amazed at what their bodies were able to accomplish. They report an amazing increase in strength and endurance in a short period of time. And, since the workouts vary from day to day, participants also find that they don’t experience the soreness associated with some exercise classes, where the same muscles are worked in the same way, over and over again.
Boot camps have been around for about two years, and have popped up all over the country. There are even some franchises that allow new owners to set up shop in their local area, using class formats and marketing campaigns already prescribed for them.
You’ll even find boot camp classes geared toward a particular type of participant. For example, there are classes specifically for women, and those specifically for men, which may provide a more intense workout. There are also really specialized boot camps, such as those that help soon to be brides get into shape before their wedding day.
It’s hard to tell if the trend toward boot camp style fitness classes will continue, but it’s certainly the hottest thing going today. If you’re looking for a great way to get into shape fast, and you don’t mind a seriously intense workout for doing so, then a boot camp might be just what you need.