I copied the following from wayoflifebootcamp. I thought it was a good explanation of what a lot of boot camp classes are like. What is a Boot Camp? A fitness boot camp is large group training designed for fat loss, muscle tone and full-body conditioning. Most boot camps place a strong emphasis and building a strong core and functional strength while losing body fat at the same time. The term “boot camp” was initially derived from the training that military would have to go through when first being initiated into their military branch. It often derives images of a drill sergeant yelling out commands as his trainees do push-ups down in the mud. However, this is not the type of boot camp we are talking about here. Most fitness boot camps are more like large-group personal training. They involve the guidance and motivation of a qualified professional trainer who uses positive reinforcement to motivate his or her clients. That said, there are some fitness boot camps that are more like the drill sergeant, yell-in-your-face army style, but those have become less popular in mainstream training. Not everybody likes to be yelled at while they work out…go figure! Boot camps started to become popular in 2005 and have risen rapidly in popularity ever since because of the high rate of success amongst it’s participants in weight loss, satisfaction and it’s inherent ability to create friends and build community. What kind of equipment do they use in boot camps? Similar to Crossfit, boot camps use a wide variety of equipment and bodyweight exercises. Push-ups, kettlebells, dumbells, medicine balls, tires, bands, lunges, you name it. There are many styles of boot camps and each one will use different equipment based on it’s approach. RKC instructors preferred tool are kettlebells. TRX suspension trainers are the preferred tool for TRX instructors. Boxing boot camps use things like heavy bags and jump ropes. Who are boot camps best suited for? Unlike Crossfit, who tends to focus more on the “elite athlete” crowd, the typical boot camp can cater to almost any fitness level. Some boot camps are less intense, some are more, but for the most part you can be a beginner, intermediate or advanced fitness level and still get a great workout for you in a boot camp. Boot camps are not like fitness classes where there is an instructor up front leading a class and everyone follows exactly what the instructor does…well, sometimes, but not usually. A commonly used boot camp training model is the use of circuits, which makes it much easier to cater to many different fitness levels and age groups. For example, you may have a 1-minute push-up station where in a group of people one person may be 50 lbs overweight and they may accomplish 10 modified push ups, while the athletic person next to them does 40 push-ups in that same minute. They perform at their own level, yet they encourage each other and feel the same intensity. The amount of reps or weight has nothing to do with intensity. It all depends on the level of the participant, and that’s why there’s strong comraderie built within a boot camp despite the difference in fitness levels. How competitive are boot camps? This varies between camps, but typically boot camps focus on team-building rather than competition. When there is competition, it’s usually pretty friendly and not taken too seriously. Things to be careful with in boot camps: Not everyone should be doing a fitness boot camp. If you have injuries that you can’t work around, a heart condition or certain joint issues bootcamp may not be the best fit. Also, this doesn’t apply to every camp, but the typical age range is best suited for age 18 to age 65. That said, there are 10 year olds and 73 year olds that have been in boot camps and have done just fine…it’s all about knowing your limits. There are of course specialty camps that work with other age groups that may be better suited for younger or older populations. What is the boot camp nutrition philosophy? Nutrition approach can vary greatly from camp to camp. Most camps give an option to follow a “read-it-and-it-eat” type nutrition plan OR a food logging option where you write down everything you eat and give your food logs to your trainer for feedback and accountability. Every one is different, so no single approach works the best for everybody. The important thing is to find what works for you and to stay consistent with it. Conclusion on boot camps: For most people, boot camps are a great way to get in shape, lose weight, and have fun and make friends while doing it. Because most boot camps can cater to any fitness level, you shouldn’t worry about being in any certain shape before you start…that’s what boot camp is for, to get you in shape! With the wide variety of exercise, it’s non-competitive and supportive environment and the combined strength and cardio exercises, you’re sure to get great results from boot camp as long as you stick with it.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 16:14:46 +0000
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