Bootcamp seems to be the cool buzz word being thrown around a lot lately, so that got my wheels spinning. What does one expect from a ‘Bootcamp’? How long are they? Are you getting ready for something? Whatever makes you feel like you’re doing something I guess…
To me, without looking up the word, bootcamp implies that it has a start and a finish. And once you’re done, you’re done. Is it really that easy? If you’re out of shape and haven’t worked out in years, do you honestly think that some program will whip you into shape in 30 days? 60? 90?? Are you being measured at the beginning and end to show that you have ‘prepared’ for whatever?
And then what do you do after the ‘bootcamp’? Relax?
Don’t get me wrong. If you are working out at a high intensity for any period of time you are doing better than most and you will see some benefit. But don’t get the impression that a program that has an end date will give you the results you are looking for.
I’m kind of rambling here so I guess I will get to the point. Leave the ‘Bootcamp’ to the drill instructors that are preparing our young men and women for war. If you’re looking for a ‘Fitness Bootcamp’, try CrossFit.
Motor City CrossFit ‘bootcamp’ starts when you walk through the door – it ends on your last day.
Good post JD. I was in a “bootcamp” at Lifetime Fitness and at Motor City Bootcamp. The Lifetime one was three months at a time, although many of us just went back-to-back camps (some people continuously for several years). They started each session with single joint exercise (e.g., bicep curls) for the first month, compound movements (squats, burbpees, etc.) the second month, and compound movements with balance (like one-arm presses standing on one leg or squats on the BOSU ball). Needless to say, it was no where near as good as Crossfit. It was especially frustrating when you need to start over again with the simple exercises every three months. Very difficult to keep progressing that way. They also couldn’t scale like Crossfit, so the workouts tended to migrate towards the lowest common denominator. The worst part – no O-Lifting allowed! I am sure glad I discovered Crossfit and MCC. There really is no comparison.
That’s good to know Jim! I had no idea that you started at the beginning every time….that sucks!! And did you have to pay the same amount?? Seems like every time you go you should get an additional discount or something…