Support from fellow recruits
Shake up your fitness routine
Here come the rewards from your hard work. "Studies show that maximum calories are burned when you do progressive weight resistance, then cardio," says Richards, and boot camp classes are structured to capitalize on weight loss.
Classes increase in difficulty as the weeks pass, allowing recruits to challenge themselves more and more without hitting the dreaded fitness plateau, when your body stops showing results from your workout. "People can be challenged and go ‘Wow! Now I can do this squat for a lot longer!' and be proud of their progress," says Richards.
Survivor Bootcamp, another company that offers military-style fitness in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, boasts an agenda that promises to help you challenge your limits, no matter what your skill level. If three push-ups is your limit, your sergeant may ask you to hit that target and then try to beat it with four or five push-ups next time.
No woman gets left behind
While you are encouraged to challenge yourself and try new things, boot camp fitness classes are not about diminishing self-esteem. In contrast, Richards reveals that as soon as recruits see results and recognize that their endurance is improving, their self-esteem rises.
"It may sound hardcore and it can be intense, but it works because it is challenging, nurturing and fun," she says.
In the battlefield, soldiers, police officers and other recruits depend on one another for support and the same is true for fitness boot camp. "Coming to boot camp is a time to be around other women and socialize while working towards personal fitness goals," says Richards.
Your own personal mess hall
While military personnel have regimented meals, boot camp fitness classes are not quite so strict. However, some companies provide meal plans or send out recipes by e-mail to encourage recruits to maintain a healthy diet.
When enrolling in boot camp fitness classes, look for instructors who are trained fitness professionals. To monitor your progress, they may take your measurements and record your weight at the beginning of your training camp and then at pre-determined intervals after that, calculating and explaining your weight loss and muscle gain.
You can expect a challenge, you can expect some fun and you can expect noticeable results. Instructors will kick your butt and you'll thank them for it when you see how great your tush looks in your favourite pair of jeans after you've risen to your ultimate body challenge!
Want to try something new but don't feel up to the challenge of boot camp yet? Try martial arts: the woman's work out instead.
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