Fitness Camp – No one left behind or no one left behind?
State-of-the-art fitness camps no longer subscribe to military-themed drill sergeant-style training. That’s a good thing because the very term “bootcamp” has intimidated many more than it has inspired.
The name “boot camp” itself represents a hostile, uncompromising, competitive, do or die attitude that would protect the faint of heart. These are groups where participants get caught up in the competitive spirit and overexert themselves to the point of vomiting or worse. The bottom line is that you’ve passed a pain tolerance test and done little in the way of proper exercise progression. The risk outweighs the benefit.
As the group exercise trend evolves, there are more alternatives that make a lot more sense. While it is good for the bootcamp operator to offer all bodyweight exercises so that no equipment or setup expense is required, the topic is limited. Participants appreciate variety and appreciate being presented with different fitness accessories or “toys” that can motivate them.
My groups of all ages and fitness levels particularly enjoy the overhead-anchored TRX suspension training straps that allow you to progress or regress in difficulty based on stance position. Obstacle courses with mini hurdles, agility ladders, Bosu balance trainers, and cone exercises can be performed not only by the most accomplished athletes, but also by the senior population looking to improve balance and gait. .
While early boot camps had an outdoor theme, some are offered indoors with just as much variety. Many people enjoy the comfort and continuity, while the outdoors offers an unpredictable element with the weather. On the contrary, I know that there is an outdoor training camp in Minnesota that runs year-round and in the snow. Much like the “Polar Bear” cold water swim club, the extreme weather makes it an elite distinction for those who pride themselves on being able to “weather it.”
The term “fitness camp” is used not only for group boot camps, but also for new Biggest Loser-themed residential weight loss programs. Most of these live fitness programs also offer walk-in services.
Regardless of the topic, the group environment generates a level of enthusiasm for nature from several people in a group. The magic number according to bootcamp operators is a minimum of 8 people to feel that electricity. The support and camaraderie will be provided by the group with very little from the instructor. Adherence is high due to the responsibility felt towards the group. No one wants to miss a class and if they do, they will be missed and find out. Everyone expects to be there and to be recognized as part of the group and that means you are likely to participate in more training.
Live in fitness camps offer one-on-one personal training and group workouts. In this way, the client receives focused technical instruction for weight training and personal evaluation. Group training allows the client to develop a sense of self-sufficiency and the confidence of knowing that they can control their own pace to overcome it. The proverbial bar is always raised a little higher.
So there you have it in a nutshell. A fitness camp and a boot camp are the same. However, no two are the same. Even with the same instructor and location, the variety is endless. Therefore, you can get more exercise by distributing more work to more parts of the body and changing it. That’s why Biggest Loser customers who are obese and out of shape can stay active and burn more calories longer.
Fitness boot camps are here to stay, so find one that works for you and welcome to the bunch!