subject: What exactly is a fitness bootcamp? [print this page] What exactly is a fitness bootcamp? What exactly is a fitness bootcamp?
You may have noticed a magazine article about them, or seen flyers in local stores near where you live but chances are you've probably heard of a fitness boot camp. You may have even seen a group ofpeople with exercise mats working out in the parking lot of an office building or running together thougha park.
But while they may sound like some sort of military exercise, don't be afraid to look further into whatthey are all about. In fact, many people are starting to realize the benefits of participating in group ledexercise programs in an outdoor setting rather than the traditional "tried and true" methods they'veused for so long with limited results.
Boot camps are generally a no frills, back to basics, group exercise program run by fitness-minded individuals or companies. The participants don't exactly exercise in what you would call the normal'way. When I say basic, I really mean basic: no machines, no music and generally taking place in theoutdoors. Typically, the program is designed for all fitness levels, meaning the most advanced athletescan participate right next to the beginner.
Every boot camp program has its own character which is influenced by the type of trainer, theenvironment in which the program takes place and the people involved in the program. The trainermight be a current or former member of the military, a fitness trainer or someone who is looking toshare his or her wealth of knowledge. Some know what they are doing and others, not so much. Ineither case, having access to your own trainer at a fraction of the cost that you would pay for privatetraining is a big reason many people are making the switch.
The environment in which the program is held will make or break your desire to participate. Theprograms can be held indoors, outdoors, on the beach, or in the basement of a parking garage. Mostare held in the early morning but you can find some held mid day or in the evenings. The types of clientsenrolled in the program can be all female, all male, co-ed, co-workers, or complete strangers.
It's safe to say that no two programs are exactly alike and this is what draws many people to these typesof programs. So, it is important to test drive the program and ensure it's a fit for your fitness needs.
