My goal is to try one new Group Exercise class a week. 
Early one Sunday morning, I found myself in a 90-minute Boot Camp. Instead of sleeping in, I dragged my husband to Boot Camp with me as a “bonding experience.”
I had needed some weight training and I love being outdoors. I was a committed new recruit to class. The same cannot be said for my husband, but he humored me and joined in the fun.
The term “Boot Camp” has its roots in basic training camp for new recruits to the US Navy or Marine Core.
At Midtown, Boot Camp enthusiasts are not recruits for the military, of course, but rather choose the class to get strong and push themselves beyond the limits of a Stairmaster. Our Boot Camp classes are popular among members who enjoy fresh air, intense training, and outdoor team camaraderie which cannot be replicated in a studio.
The workout mimics the fast-paced interval training originally created by the military. Just like a Drill Sergeant, the instructor will not hesitate to call you out if you are not giving it your all. I was committed, I was a fighter.
My husband?
Not so much.
Secretly, this was a highlight of the class. A man who boasts about how strong he is and can leg press over 1,000 pounds ran for water breaks every ten minutes. Furthermore, he could not finish one minute of 10 pounds (yes, just 10 pounds) of single leg lunges without whining.
This class was a humbling experience for him and he is now motivated to go every week with me. His first goal, finish the class!
As for me, Boot Camp kept me challenged and motivated to push myself harder than usual. I felt strong and eager to go back again for more.
If you are not currently taking Boot Camp or an interval-style of training classes, make it a goal to add this to your fitness plan. Boot Camp will motivate you to strengthen your weaknesses and improve your mental focus.
Boot camp will also boost your metabolism by:
Building Muscle
Building muscle allows you to maintain a high metabolic rate and helps you lose weight. A simple strength training program twice per week can limit your muscle loss and keep your metabolism running high. Boot camp incorporates strength-training exercises using both hand weights and body weight.
Interval Training
Increase the “afterburn.” The harder you work, the more calories you will burn both during and after your workouts and your fitness levels will really improve. Short bursts of power combined with a variety of exercises will prevent you from ever getting bored.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Boot Camp may include running along with other cardiovascular aerobic exercises. Your heart and your lungs are the engines that run your cardiovascular system. By strengthening them you increase the engine’s horsepower, making it run smoother and more efficiently. In other words, boosting your metabolism.
Midtown offers Boot Camp classes 7 days a week. Classes are included in your membership fee and are found on the Group Exercise schedule.
Do not be intimidated. Be motivated. Boot Camp can strengthen your body and your mind.
Have you tried Boot Camp? What did you think of the class?
