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 far 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 throwing up 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 no setup or equipment 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 above-the-head 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 prepared 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 the same variety. Many people enjoy the comfort and continuity, while being outdoors offers an element of unpredictability with the weather. On the contrary, I know there is an outdoor training camp in Minnesota that runs year-round and in the snow. Much like the “Polar Bear” cold-water swimmer’s club, the extreme weather makes it an elite distinction for those who take pride in being able to “ride it.”
The term “fitness camp” is used not only for group boot camps, but also for the 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 atmosphere generates a level of enthusiasm for the nature of various 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 carried 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 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 the feeling of being able to fend for themselves 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 thing. However, no two are alike. Even with the same instructor and location, the variety is endless. Therefore, you can exercise more 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 for longer.
Fitness camps are here to stay, so find one that works for you and welcome to the group!