Bootcamp - Fitness Fad or Wicked Workout?

Bootcamp.  Or should I say BOOTCAMP.  It tends to conjure up the image of an angry looking drill sergeant with tightly laced boots, frightening biceps and veins bulging from the neck.  But don't go running for the hills just yet... 

Fitness bootcamps have grown considerably over the last few years, both in popularity and format.  While the hard-core military style sessions still exist, nowadays you can try anything from a Bikini-ready Bootycamp to bootcamp getaways for a weekend workout in the wild.  The question is, just what are the benefits of these fitness bootcamps?

Bootcamp Workouts are Massive Calorie Burners

Because you’re moving rapidly from exercise to exercise working upper and lower body simultaneously, bootcamp exercise burns big calories. Expect to burn anywhere from 600-900 calories per hour during a single session due to the intense combination of moves such as jumping, running, calisthenics, push-ups, squats and lunges.

Bootcamp Workouts Give an Aerobic and Muscle Toning Workout at the Same Time

If your jam-packed schedule leaves you little time to exercise, you’ll love that a bootcamp workout is one of the most efficient programs around. Aerobic and strength training in a single workout means you’ll spend less time exercising  and more time burning extra calories at rest from your new uber-metabolism!

Bootcamp Workouts Alleviate Boredom

Yes, bootcamp workouts are challenging, but they’re definitely not boring!  Slogging it out on the treadmill can drag on forver, but with a bootcamp workout time zooms by as your brain is engaged in your workout.  If you jump in and give it a real go, bootcamps are great fun!

Bootcamp Workouts Provide Motiviation

Have you hit the gym lately?  How hard did you really push yourself?  The truth is, most of us fork out for a gym membership, go a few times, then fall into the black hole of ‘lack of enthusiasm’.  It’s tough to motivate yourself to start going again, especially if you’re flying solo. 

At bootcamp on the other hand, you’re surrounded by like-minded people and tend to push yourself a lot harder.  The end result - you achieve your goals earlier, you see results quicker and because of this, you’re more likely to keep turning up… and consistency is key to getting results. 

Bootcamp Workouts Build Confidence

There’s nothing more exhilarating than successfully completing a bootcamp workout. You’re tired and sweaty, yet strangely energised. Each workout builds confidence in your physical ability which can carry over to all aspects of your life.

Builds a Strong Mind

The mental benefits of bootcamp workouts are far too often overlooked.  In a group training atmosphere you’re surrounded by people in the same boat who are keen to give it a go.  It’s a positive environment where everyone encourages and motivates one another, plus, you get the extra motivation from the instructors who are with you every step of the way. 

And lastly there’s the added benefit of training outdoors… it’s been scientifically proven that exercising outdoors improves mental health, reduces stress, increases energy and lowers depression. 

So, if you’re in a workout rut and looking for a change, give bootcamp a try. If done regularly, results are almost guaranteed.

---