by Lara McGlashan
Copyright © 2000 Muscle & Fitness Hers, Weider Health & Fitness.
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Push–ups, pull–ups, sit–ups, jumping jacks, wind sprints, squat thrusts. Sound
like high school gym class? It should, but it also describes the new workout trend
spreading across the country. Many group instructors are using a back–to–basics
approach to physical conditioning programs, combining good old calisthenics and
total–body movements to create a killer class sporting the appropriate military
moniker 'boot camp.' If you're ready to shake up your gym routine and face new
challenges, boot camp is just what the drill sergeant ordered.
The format for a typical boot–camp class is essentially the same
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| nationwide: a circuit–type class with continual movement from one activity to
the next, with little to no rest in between. This, however, is where the similarity
ends. The diversity of the instructors and the continual morphing of the classes
keep people coming back for more. 'Every class is different,' says Dove Rose of
Dove's Bodies in Studio City, California. 'We utilize the same techniques each
time, but change the exercises and the routines to keep people from getting bored
and plateauing.' |
Each instructor, whether a 20–year Navy SEAL veteran or a lifetime classical
ballet dancer, has developed a personalized program to push you to your limits.
The classes are essentially a free–for–all, and typically include a wide range
of activities. For instance, one class might consist of kickboxing moves, sprinting
and going through obstacle courses outdoors, while another might take place in
a studio and involve weight training with dumbbells interspersed with plyometrics
and aerobics and ending with a few yoga moves for a cool–down. Stationary cycling,
hip–hop dance moves, stair running, hiking and even meditation are all fair game.
Military or Masochistic?
Not all classes are as strictly militant as the title implies, but boot–camp
instructors find that participants enjoy the discipline and no–nonsense approach
of the soldierly format. 'I believe the military structure of the program adds
a real sense of camaraderie to the class,' states Raphael Verela, owner and creator
of Optimum Boot Camp in Venice and Malibu, California. 'When you're with a group
of people, it's a lot easier to push yourself to that limit you wouldn't attain
if you were alone.'
Add to that a pinch of peer pressure and you've got yourself some serious incentive.
Tim Seals, an instructor in the Sergeant's Program in Washington, D.C., says:
'I quiz my people on what they ate the night before. If someone ate badly, the
whole class has to do push–ups.'
Sound masochistic? Perhaps. But boot–camp participants benefit from the motivation
and encouragement provided by both the instructors and their fellow grunts. 'I've
had people cuss me and everyone else out one morning,' Seals notes. 'But there
they are the next day, ready for more. We push people and they like that. We don't
want them to fail, and therefore, they don't.'Not all classes are as strictly
militant as the title implies, but boot-camp instructors find that participants
enjoy the discipline and no–nonsense approach of the soldierly format. 'I believe
the military structure of the program adds a real sense of camaraderie to the
class,' states Raphael Verela, owner and creator of Optimum Boot Camp in Venice
and Malibu, California. 'When you're with a group of people, it's a lot easier
to push yourself to that limit you wouldn't attain if you were alone.'
Weather or Not!
Since boot–camp classes take place both inside and outdoors, those of you in
Chicago or New York are probably scratching your heads and thinking, what if it
snows? 'Wear a hat,' advises Patrick Avon, creator and director of the Sergeant's
Program. 'We go outside as much as possible.' Remember, this is boot camp!
'The rain and snow are just adversity, and adversity is inevitable,' says Ramona
Graham, owner and creator of Fitness Boot Camp Inc. in Greenville, South Carolina.
'Why whine about the rain? Just readjust your attitude and you'll be fine.'
But an attitude adjustment is arduous when the wind is whipping by at 50–miles
an hour and the skies are unloading their bounty. It's enough to make you ignore
that early morning alarm, but what if you go AWOL? 'In my program, there's no
penalty if you don't show up,' Ramona Graham explains. 'We don't shame or insult
anyone into attendance.' But more militant instructors have a different approach
for no–shows.
Needless to say, 50 people jumping on your lawn at 6 a.m. is incentive enough
to show up, but most students remain tenacious about attendance even without that
threat. Ramona Graham states:
'We're finding that people love these classes because of the social aspect. We
have informal gatherings and have coffee or go for a hike in the woods. It becomes
more than just a workout you're forced to do.'
Says Avon: 'Some of these guys have been in the same class for 10 years! We have
this one group that goes out west skiing every winter, and another group that
just went to Italy for a marathon. These people, who started out as total strangers,
are now best friends.'
'Fit To Be Tried' (continued)
What makes these programs even more extraordinary is the individualized attention
and personalized service the participants receive. 'I take an intimate approach
to my clients,' says Ramona Graham. 'I get to know them one–on–one, and give them
whatever they need—be it motivation, a shoulder to cry on or nutritional advice.'
Most long–term programs like Ramona Graham's require a series of pre–screening
tests to determine your individual level of fitness and your needs as a participant
in the program. According to the results of your tests, you'll be placed in a
suitable level. Avon explains: 'Our boot camp is designed to give people the basics
of fitness. It isn't designed to kill anyone, but rather to raise the client's
fitness capacity to an acceptable level. People who are already fit go right into
the level class appropriate to their needs and goals.'
Many programs also work with registered dietitians and nutritional counselors
to better guide and motivate the participants. 'Diet and nutrition are 75%-80%
of the battle,' Verela states. 'If you follow the nutritional program we provide,
you're going to get the results you want.'
Most instructors at the Sergeant's Program have a military background, and take
a no–nonsense approach to their nutritional counseling. 'Most people know what
to eat, but they need a kick in the [butt] every once in a while,' Avon notes.
He and his instructors keep it simple, offering basic nutritional guidelines and
advising people on their dietary choices.
Because of the progressive nature of the programs and the changing needs of the
participants, students find that they never get bored or outgrow this type of
class. 'Their fitness goals evolve as they continue,' Avon explains. 'It's our
job as instructors and motivators to keep them moving forward toward new goals.'
Re–enlistment is common, and Ramona Graham needed to hire more staff to keep up
with the growing demand for her classes. 'I'm finding that I have an 80%-90% re–enlistment
rate,' she says. 'People graduate and sign right back up for more.'
Swat Now?
Choosing your program should be a careful decision, as many require long–term
commitments. Verela states: 'We feel like a commitment situation is a better incentive
for people to come on board. If you participate correctly and follow the nutrition
program we provide, you'11 see results in a few months.'
You'll want to choose a program that suits your individual personality and needs.
If you're a gung ho weekend warrior who likes to play in the mud, go for one of the more military
outdoor programs. If don't enjoy using a rope to climb over a wall in the pouring
rain, don't enlist in a program that requires this of you. Not all programs are
long–term or outdoors, and many fitness centers offer boot–camp programs in an
indoor classroom environment.
After you choose a program, check with your program director to make sure you
have all the equipment necessary for your class. Some ask you to bring weights,
rubber bands, jump ropes and even reflective vests. Wear comfortable workout wear,
and if you live in a cool climate, layers of clothing so you can remove them as
your body temperature rises. Running shoes and cotton socks are recommended for
most classes, as well as workout gloves and sunscreen for outdoor events. And
bring your positive attitude! 'Leave your problems at the door,' says Ramona Graham.
'Be team–oriented and open to everyone and everything, and you'll be successful.'
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