Want to dance at dawn in Ibiza? Try a boot camp
IAM flat on my back under the shade of a giant fig tree, sheltering from the heat of the Ibiza sun. Scantily clad, sweaty bodies surround me on all sides and there’s a lot of heavy breathing going on. Now you might be forgiven for thinking this is a glimpse into the netherworld of Club 18-30 on the party island, but far from it. (I actually went on a Club 18-30 holiday to Ibiza when I was 18, and my roommate and I shared the dubious honour of being the only girls not taken advantage of. I remain slightly disappointed to this day.)
Instead, this is No1 Boot Camp near Santa Eulalia on Ibiza’s east coast, and we are getting our bodies into shape. With every stretch we have to shout out the name of the singers of the 70s and 80s music that accompanies our exertions.
And forget the camp’s rooster crowing at 6.45am – it doesn’t stand a chance against the blaring discopop that is our alarm call.
Strangely enough, this rude awakening becomes quite addictive as the week goes on, and we all start to witness the benefits of boot camp. Daily rituals of military-style cardio workouts, core-stability exercises, yoga and conditioning stretches are balanced by long, scenic hikes in the hills, motivational lectures and team activities, often in the large pool.
Although our week involves the powerful combination of Tough Mudder-style endurance training in hot yoga conditions, we also still manage to squeeze in some sunbathing breaks.
Evenings are devoted to winding down in big, comfortable chairs, relaxing massages and beauty treatments for those who fancy a little pampering. Team spirit is paramount, so we always end with a gentle group stroll under the stars (with me taking occasional detours for a retail fix to nearby Sluiz – a sensational aircraft hangar of a shop).
But what makes No1 Boot Camp live up to its name are its phenomenal lead trainer and its innovative chef. Responsible in turn for our mindsets and our meals, master fitness trainer and mind coach Richard Parcell and skilled cook Kate Whale are an indomitable duo.
Constantly challenging any outmoded or unhelpful beliefs, Ricky’s mission is to equip everyone with a positive, productive attitude, so that goals and lifestyle changes can be implemented and sustained long after our time at camp.
His holistic talks and advice about adopting healthier ways of life hit home, and coupled with Kate’s astonishingly nutritional meals – gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, low-GI, yet still delicious – we feel set up and supported for the future.
We all lose weight, too (16lb for one guy in a week – I’m so jealous). And for the first time in my life I learn how to do a proper press-up.
I’m not a complete stranger to the gym, but normally I’d rather eat my trainers than do press-ups, so this is quite something. Cue more heavy breathing, and maybe just a touch of Donna Summer…