What is boot camp??

I was having brunch with an associate of mine the other day and we were sitting around talking about other people’s perceptions of the various boot camps we run, and of boot camps in general. We talked for awhile and came to the conclusion that most people really have no idea what a boot camp really is. Boot camps have become so convoluted with props, toys and gimmicks that the average fitness fanatic has no idea what to expect from a typical boot camp.

Let’s start with what it’s not. Boot camps are not sports or athletic teams. Too many specialized exercises Boot camps are also not one on one training. Not enough people. Finally, boot camps are not exercise routines like the aerobic classes at your local gym or recreation center. There, Everyone is expected to do virtually the same exercise with really no attention paid to injuries or limitations which is dangerous when working with groups of over 10 people.

So what is boot camp?

Simply put, the essence of a boot camp is group training. And creating a motivation to succeed within a group atmosphere is its staple. Everyone is given a specific exercise with modifications available for injuries and limitations and virtually Every exercise is done with a specific cadence or rhythm. That cadence helps to maintain congruence within a workout and also ensures that boot campers are accountable for the completion of any given exercise. That last one is the most important, because I have seen quite a few of these so called boot camps where everyone is doing an exercise given to them by an instructor with a stop watch timing each individual exercise as he walks around trying to encourage his troops to go harder or move faster.

So that in a nutshell is a Fitness boot camp. They are fun and exciting and can give you great results, not to mention you share a common bond with some awesome people. I hope this gives you a little bit of insight into Valley Forge Fitness and maybe boot camps as a whole. Have a healthy day everyone! Forge On!