What is a boot camp workout?
Boot camp workouts constitute a group workout with a coach who is giving directions. Boot camps are versatile in that the exercises can vary but they are usually conducted in HIIT (high intensity interval training) format, creating a total body workout with body weight, free weights and other resistance training– depending on the specific class. So why choose a bootcamp workout? How do you know it’s right for you? Let’s look at some of the benefits of opting for bootcamp training.
Results
Whether you’re looking to increase your fitness levels, burn fat or build lean muscle – boot camps are the place for you. The fast-paced circuit-training with minimal rest periods helps to increase your V02 max which means your stamina and endurance are improved, the prolonged high intensity of the workout helps encourage your body to torch fat and the resistance and ‘time under tension’, using a range of equipment, aids the growth of lean muscle mass, helping you become fitter, healthier and more toned, win, win… win!
Price
When you book a group class, rather than a 1 on 1 session – the price can be dramatically different as you’re not the only client paying for that timeslot, meaning that it is more affordable. Of course you can’t put a price on health and wellbeing, but if you can save a few pennies whilst investing in your fitness – it’s a no brainer!
Challenge and Accountability
When you workout alone, whether it be a run, swim, a weight session at the gym or anything else, it is not uncommon for us to perform below the standard we are actually capable of. When we are alone we have nobody to hold us accountable for our effort or to tell us we have 1 more mile, 1 more set or one more length left in us. Of course when you’re in a 1 on 1 session you have a coach to egg you on, but when you’re in a group you have a whole crowd to push through it with and you will be introduced to new exercises to push your body and see what you’re really capable of.
Motivation and morale
Leading on from the previous point, when you walk in to a bootcamp workout, you can expect a positive, energetic vibe – the group spirit is electric and you each motivate each other to do more – smashing through the movements together as a unit. Have you ever watched workout videos to motivate yourself to exercise? Bootcamps have that same motivational impact – seeing other people push through helps motivate you to do the same, and what’s more, you’re all there to support each other and egg each other on whenever someone’s morale begins to drop – you’re a team and you’re in it together.
Convenience
There are multiple ways in which a boot camp is particularly convenient – firstly, here at AM fitness we schedule the boot camp times to fit around most people’s mid-week work schedules or, for those who can’t fit that around work, there are also weekend slots to choose from. In addition to the convenient schedule, you don’t have to worry about setting up machines or deciding what exercises to do that day –and all the planning and prep is done for you – all you have to do is turn up.
Versatility
This may sound strange as I’ve said you’ll all be doing the same exercises – but you get to do them as intensely as suits YOU, we welcome all fitness and experience levels. If you have any physical condition which makes a particular exercise unsuitable for you, we can come up with an alternative so you’re not missing out – everyone is welcome.
Mental Health
It is well documented that two key components of optimal mental health are regular exercise and connection with others. When you opt for a bootcamp workout not only are you more likely to perform to a higher standard due to the group morale, but you will also benefit psychologically from the connection and support from your coach and your peers. The community feel and group achievement is unparalleled – not only are you strengthening your body, but you’re feeding your mind and soul by making positive and inspiring connections, improving social skills and building inner confidence and that, is priceless.
