Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
Setting Up Camp
Jatin Arora, founder and head trainer, Boot Camp Yellow, decodes the trend of boot camps that’s taken fitness enthusiasts around the world by storm.
and healthy today, even when you’re on the move. While there are several popular paths you can follow to achieve your fitness goals, there is always the fear that the exercise will not be intense enough and motivation levels will dip. Enter boot camps. These fitness programmes are all the rage because they work on every muscle group, can be performed anywhere, don’t require much equipment, and combine two factors that are of utmost importance to those who want to stay healthy—exercise and nature.
WHAT ARE BOOT CAMPS?
Before we delve deeper into the subject, let’s understand what boot camps are. To be honest, they literally kick your boot. Boot camps usually swear by intense workouts—focussing on your strength and conditioning—and are designed to push a person beyond his or her physical and mental limits. They reinforce a sense of community, which pushes people to stretch their limits further. These outdoor training sessions are an affordable, efficient, and intense yet fun way to lose those extra pounds and get back in shape.
A typical boot camp session involves 10 to 15 people working out in an open space. The workout session usually begins with a 10-minute
warm-up, moves on to 10 minutes of focus on mobility, and then a 40-minute intense workout that includes exercises such as pushups, lunges, burpees, squats, partner exercises, and core strength, and interval training under the guidance of a certified trainer. The session usually ends with some light stretches.
Boot camps can be of many styles and variations. They create a community of likeminded people and help them achieve specific goals. Some specialised fitness boot camps include general fitness camps; sports specific boot camps such as running, bicycling, and soccer camps; women-only fitness boot camps; kids’ fitness boot camps; fitness boot camps for seniors; and weight-loss boot camps.
BOOT CAMPS VS GYMS
People generally prefer gyms because they can work out whenever convenient. But they forget how exercising in boxed-in gyms for long periods of time tends to get monotonous. Boot camps, on the other hand, are group workouts that help you connect with other fitness enthusiasts, which in turn gives you a sense of motivation and belonging. Plus, they are conducted outdoors, which helps you get your mind, body, and nature in perfect sync.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of a boot camp experience:
Talk to your trainer This is a must before your first session. Talking to your trainer will help you get started, set realistic goals, and work out, keeping your limitations in mind.
Be prepared to give up your favourite food Get ready to follow a strict, nutritious diet that is customised for your body type and lifestyle.
Be disciplined Make sure you are consistent and go to the boot camp every day. Discipline is important when it comes to achieving the body you want.
Give it your best shot Boot camps are meant to push you physically and mentally. Not all the techniques and exercises will be to your liking, or as per your comfort levels; focus on giving it your best and you will achieve the results you desire.
Keep yourself motivated Fitness boot camps can connect you with people who have similar goals. Mingle with your workout mates and
bond with them. Over time, this group can become your constant source of motivation and encouragement, and help you achieve even the toughest goals without letting you get perturbed.
THE RIGHT FIT
Be honest Boot camps push your limits from the word go. If you aren’t feeling fit, you need to be honest about it to yourself and the instructor.
Find a good trainer A boot camp, like any other exercise programme, is as good or bad as the trainer. The right trainer will not only guide you physically, but also motivate you, and give your fitness journey a boost.
Do your research Gather all the relevant information, including the intensity level, target group, and training style, before you join the boot camp.
Wear the right gear Like any other form of exercise, boot camps are most effective when you wear the correct attire. Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes will help you give your best. Also, make sure you carry water with you.
Build energy Boot camps require high reserves of energy. Make sure you consume a carbohydrate-based snack, such as vegetables or fruit, at least two hours before your session. After the session, have a protein-based snack to regain energy.