Yesterday I got up nice and early for Ultimate Boot camp. It’s a class offered throughout Boston in parks and on the streets. I opted to take the 7 am class (vs the 6 am which is entirely too early for me) and it was a chilly 40-degrees outside. When I arrived, I quickly realized that other participants all knew one another fairly well. These are what they call “boot camp junkies.” They sign up session after session. Most do not have gym memberships.
The boot camp is set up 3, 4 or 5 times a week. You pick your location and time. The sessions run from 6-2 weeks long. Each day you have a different trainer, usually the same one on Monday and Wednesday and a different one on Tuesday and Thursday. The trainers mix things up so the junkies don’t work the same muscle group two days in a row. I was told the previous day they ran hills on Beacon Hill with squats in between. Glad I opted for Thursday! I ended up joining the class for the last day of the session. The others were chatting about a party they had that night with the rest of the boot campers, presumably to celebrate their accomplishments.
We started with a jog around Boston Common to warm up. I’m not sure I could do this in the winter everyday given the nip in the air. The day was called “Trainers Choice.” The trainers are given body parts and workouts for each day to avoid overworking the same muscle group two days in a row. Sometimes it’s cardio and abs, other times it might be upper body. Today’s trainer Linea, said she caters to the more advanced but always provides modifications.
We did a dynamic warmup (similar to that of cross fit), then a ladder of exercises to complete in 15 minutes:
- 10 Burpees
- 20 Pushups
- 30 Squat Jumps
- 40 Bicep Curls
- 50 Step Ups (25 L, 25 R)
- 60 Walking Lunges
- 70 Bicycle Crunches
- 80 Skaters
- 90 Shoulder Taps
- 100 Crunches of Choice
We finished with some partner exercises and the class was over! The time flew by and I burned about 500 calories! I ran 5 minutes to the park so I subtract those calories. The only exercises I did not particularly care for were the skaters (my back hurt after about 40) and the crunches at the end but no one actually got to 100 because we ran out of time. However, since every class is different, it doesn’t really matter! Chances are, I would not have to do it again. The camp runs again this Monday for two weeks for a Hard Core Holiday workout. The prices vary based on the number of boot camps you have completed, the junkies pay less and the newbies pay more, a nice incentive for their dedicated fans.
To find a class near you, check out Ultimate Bootcamp. I definitely think I want to try another class to see how much it really varies. I felt challenged in the class I took but am always looking for new ways to really push my comfort zone. The class runs throughout the year. I’m curious what happens when the snow starts coming? My best advice is to dress warm, wear gloves and bring water.
12 Days of Christmas
Today’s giveaway is a brand spanking new pair of sneakers from Puma called the PUMAGILITY. It is a super light-weight, flexible training show for both men and women. It debuted on Black Friday and retails for $90. These would have been perfect for
PUMAGILITY is also great shoe for taking classes at the gym. “The pyramidal shapes that form the midsole and give the shoe its sculptured look are completely functional, too. It’s a nice little tech story: they compress on impact and widen the shoe’s base to create a stable platform — one that doesn’t compromise the shoe’s flexibility and lightness. Flex grooves provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition during a jog or a workout requiring side-to-side movements, too.”
I will admit I have not tested a pair of these but they sure do look cool! To enter today’s giveaway, leave comment down below.
Have you ever taken a bootcamp class, and if so did you do it throughout the winter? What happened when it snowed?
The winner of yesterday’s Gymboss will be announced at noon EST on my facebook page and twitter so make sure you “Like” or “Follow”. Also, one of my favorite stores City Sports is offering 25% off today for Friends and Family! Since being a reader=being a friend, here is a link to get the City Sports discount or click the image below.
UPDATE: 12/6/11 THE CONTEST IS NOW OVER. Comments will remain open but will not count towards winning.
