Boot camps vary in style, depending on whether it is run by a franchise or owned and operated by a personal trainer. In a franchise the overall vision of the company is driven by the franchise. In an owner operated camp run by a personal trainer there is generally more flexibility and it can be more personal. Whether run by a Personal Trainer or a franchise, both have benefits. Franchises can limit the trainers creatively but also has some great positive benefits such as having multiple locations. Where owner operated boot camps can be more flexible and personal, but may not offer multiple locations. Boot camps should be Fun as well as varied. a great Trainer means a great boot camp session.
Boot camps should always be held outdoors that is the perfect environment for them. You have a soft surface for running and equipment is readily available such as park benches and play ground equipment the beach is also a great place to train as it offers resistance in the sand as well as resistance in the water.
There are several Boot camps opening up here in Australia who are following the United States and moving them indoors but let's face it we live on the Gold Coast who wants to train cooped up in some hall where the surface is hard on your legs, its hot, stuffy and offers no scenery whatsoever.
If you want to train indoors there are great fitness centers you can join and they often offer Boot camp classes included in their memberships.
If you are with the rest of us and love the outdoors expect to spend about a hour being challenged in a group setting of up to about 20 others. During a general boot camp session expect to be worked in both cardiovascular as well as through strength and resistance training this generally involves the use of body weight for resistance as well as using light dumbbells.
A good boot camp will start you off with a mild warm-up and progress on with strength resistance type training including using dumbbells, exercise bands, medicine balls or the resistance of your own body weight; this should always be done early on in the program to get the maximum benefit. If you start with high intensity aerobic exercise you will become tired and won't be able to perform the strength moves with correct form and this can and does lead to injury. You'll also work on flexibility in a stretch portion of the class; this is usually done at the end in conjunction with abdominal work and may incorporate elements of Yoga or Pilates depending on your trainer's qualifications.
To find a great boot camp you will need to try a few out most will offer from one session free up to one week free to see what they have to offer.
When you head along to trial your session keep in mind the points we have listed below. Boot camps should be training you both in strength and cardiovascular fitness as well as keeping you motivated and feeling a part of the team even if it is your first day. When trialing your boot camp keep in mind these things and try out a few before you commit.
1. Welcome -You should feel welcome and safe and part of a team at all times. While at feeling challenged mentally as well as physically.
2. Variety - There should be a mix of high intensity cardio and resistance training to strengthen all major muscle groups and the cardiovascular system.
3. Base Strength - After Boot camp, you should feel as if your entire body has been worked and you feel energized and ready to take on the day.
4. Motivation - A high intensity Boot camp should keep you motivated throughout the session this not only helps with the physical but also helps your mindset, which benefits in all areas leaving your session with added confidence
5. Weight Loss - Not all Boot camps cover our dietary habits but if you are serious in losing weight look for one that offers an added weight management program or offers dietary advice in the program. The weight loss that you experience during and after training will remind you of what you're training for and keep you motivated.
6. Habit Forming - Many fitness sessions are held first thing in the morning. The early start time may seem daunting at first if you're not used to it, but after two weeks, you may prefer to work out in the morning and keep exercise in your daily routine.
Keeping these few points in mind will help you to make the right choice but remember it starts and ends with you so Work hard and have Fun!!
Charlotte Parker
Certified Personal Trainer
Charlotte Parker Certified Personal Trainer. author and motivational speaker, founder of Butterfly bootcamp ladies Outdoor Personal training for information on any of our camps go to butterflybootcamp.com.au boot camp gold coast
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