Enduring a fitness boot camp
Published:Wednesday | November 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Boot camp fitness programmes quite often include a combination of jogging, running, sprinting, interval training, and plyometrics. Other variations include pull-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges, burpees, suspension training, and a variety of calisthenic exercises integrated with interval running or jogging with competitive games.
Body and free weights
Some exercises focus on weight training either with your own body weight, free weights, or machines. This is done with the intention of reducing body fat and improving weight loss. These activities will also increase cardiovascular fitness if performed for the right duration.
Boot camp fitness programmes are usually performed outdoors based on the availability of space and the personnel providing the service in a mode that is similar to basic military training. Boot camp fitness is also used to provide group-fitness classes that promote weight loss where emphasis is placed on camaraderie and team effort to motivate participants to work harder and succeed. However, there are those who are advocating the need for indoor fitness boot camps to counter climatic challenges that could restrict the programme.
The number of persons usually involved in a boot camp affects the group dynamics and helps to motivate participants. One of the major philosophies of the boot camp fitness programmes is all participants should work at his or her own pace as they team up and work towards one goal, either in pairs, small teams of threes or fours, or even two teams going head on.
Social support
The social support in the boot camp experience motivates its participants. This provides an option, especially for those exercisers who are looking for an alternative to the gym where they may feel inhibited. As a result of the team work at the boot camp fitness programme, the participants tend to make friends and socialise as they exercise, based on the mode of operation and the norms and values of the fitness provider and the institution facilitating the camp.
Fitness boot camp programmes are usually conducted for a period of four to six weeks. It is the norm for participants to be tested before they commence the camp to establish a baseline as well as at the end to establish how much has been achieved. The benefits of fitness boot camps are numerous and can be easily realised when themed fitness boot camps are organised to address specific needs.
Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.