Bootcamp Training: Why It Works

By Sondra Forsyth

By Joe Vennare

Sometimes going to the gym can be a chore. We have to create a training plan and master the machines. Just when we start to get into the swing of things, all of these things start to lose their luster. LetΓÇÖs be honest, strength training machines and cardio equipment arenΓÇÖt very much fun. They donΓÇÖt leave us longing for more. Workouts can be boring. WhatΓÇÖs worse is that over time they become ineffective.

If youΓÇÖve ever felt like there has to be more to this exercise experience, youΓÇÖre right. There has to be more and there is. ItΓÇÖs called bootcamp training.

Bootcamp: What To Expect When You Enlist

Bootcamp is where we send soldiers to become all that they can be. A fitness bootcamp is the place you should go if you want to be more ΓÇô more fit, more active and have more fun.

Team Up

Instead of exercising by yourself, youΓÇÖll be a part of a group or a team. ThereΓÇÖs a sense that youΓÇÖre all in this together. YouΓÇÖll be encouraged to do your best. YouΓÇÖll have the support of others. YouΓÇÖll work harder than you thought you could.

Get More

With a coach or ΓÇ£drill instructorΓÇ¥ watching you while you work out, thereΓÇÖs a good chance that you will get more out of your bootcamp workouts than your solo gym routine. Since your team has your back, youΓÇÖre willing to try harder and do more. Plus, your training sessions are programmed for you. You donΓÇÖt have to develop the workouts on your own and hope that they work. Leave that part to the instructor. You just have to show up and put in the sweat.

Test Your Limits

When we work out on our own, weΓÇÖre more likely to do things that we like, the things that weΓÇÖre good at. The very same workouts over and over again. ThatΓÇÖs not the case when you sign up for a fitness bootcamp. Bootcamp workouts are modeled after military style basic training. These workouts are used to create total body fitness. That includes running and jumping, sprinting and squats. ThatΓÇÖs right, all of the things you might be avoiding. But theyΓÇÖre the very same things that will make you better, stronger and more fit.

Have Fun

When you participate in a bootcamp, thereΓÇÖs a good chance youΓÇÖll make new fitness friends, learn new training techniques, use different equipment, and make progress. Wow, that actually sounds like fun! ThatΓÇÖs right, getting in shape can be a good time. Joining a fitness bootcamp can certainly help make sure that happens.

Be Prepared

If youΓÇÖre ready to enlist in a fitness bootcamp, go in with an open mind. There will be people at different fitness levels. Some experienced exercisers, others who are new to the scene. You might know all the moves, you might not. The important part is that you take the experience in stride. Go at your own pace. Do what you can. Make improvements over time. DonΓÇÖt worry about going all out at first. Look to make bootcamp an exercise habit that sticks.

Joe Vennare is the Physical Therapy & Fitness Director at LeanonLife.Com where this article originally appeared. He is a one of the nationΓÇÖs top fitness trainers, a freelance writer, and a fitness entrepreneur who co-founded of Hybrid Athlete, Kettlebell CardioΓäó and Race Day Domination. Follow him on Twitter, @JoeVennare.