An early morning wake-up call followed by gruelling physical challenges isn’t for everyone, but for many area residents this is a recipe to slim down, tone up and increase self-confidence.
Boot camp popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, transforming the kick-start program into a regular fitness regimen.
“I think the primary reason (people join a boot camp) is to kick-start their fitness regimen. At the same time, once they get into it, they use it as a regular workout program,” said Brandon Gaulden, owner and trainer at HardCorps Fitness Bootcamp.
Each boot camp class varies, teaching discipline and motivation while pushing participants with running, circuit training and weight training.
“Our instructors work out with the group to motivate the group,” Gaulden said. “It’s real training compared to using machines and being inside in a confined facility.”
He said each workout is progressive, with intensity increasing throughout the month-long session.
Jay Vitt, boot camp instructor at Servus Credit Union Place, said boot camps address all aspects of fitness to help participants reach their desired body composition.
“I try to focus on movement and being able to master your own body weight,” he said, adding he focuses on joint mobility, flexibility and cardio.
The structure of each class in the month-long sessions will vary with some focusing primarily on cardio while others zero in on strength.
He said each workout can be tailored to fit individual fitness levels, making it as challenging or as easy as desired.
“It all depends on how hard the person is willing to push themselves,” Vitt said. “Typically, you’re only going to get out what you put in, so it can go anywhere from the most challenging workout you’ve done to a walk in the park.”
Boot camps often reflect fitness trends, such as incorporating kettle bells, to entice more participants to sign up.
Vitt said the group atmosphere in boot camp is also a major factor in getting people involved.
“The group dynamic makes a huge difference for a lot of people as far as motivation,” he said. “A lot of times, it’s just people looking for a group atmosphere, something always changing, new challenges and a lot of people who are just trying to get new ideas for their training.”
Both Gaulden and Vitt agree that anyone, from teenagers to seniors, can participate in boot camp.
Boot camps are most popular in the months leading up to summer, as well as in the new year when people try to fulfil their resolutions, however, Gaulden said September is also a popular time for parents to get fit.
He said with kids heading back to school, more parents will fall back into their regular workout routines and sign up for a boot camp to kick-start their fitness program.
