This is a fast paced total body workout, which includes intense movements that’ll leave you wanting more.

A fitness boot camp is a type of physical training program conducted by gyms, personal trainers, and former military personnel. These programs have been increasing in popularity for the past several years.

Boot Camp training often combines running, interval training, and many other exercises using weights and/or body weight to lose body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, increase strength, and help people get into a routine of regular exercise.^[1] Many programs offer nutrition advice as well. It is called "boot camp" because it trains groups of people, typically outdoors, and may or may not be similar to military basic training.

The term 'boot camp' is currently used in the fitness industry to describe group fitness classes that promote fat loss, camaraderie and team effort. They are designed to push people a little bit further than they would normally push themselves in the gym alone. Boot Camps are often organized outdoors in parks^[2] using bodyweight exercises like push ups, squats, suspension training and burpees, interspersed with running and competitive games. The idea is that everyone involved works at their own pace as they team up and work towards one goal, either in pairs, small teams of three or four, or even two teams head on.

Boot camps provide social support for those taking part. This provides a different environment for those exercisers who get bored in a gym and so find it hard to develop a habit of exercise. Participants make friends and socialize as they exercise, although how strict the trainers or drill instructors in charge can be will depend on the company running the camp. Members of fitness boot camps are usually tested for fitness on Day 1 and then retested at the end of the camp, which usually runs for between 4–6 weeks.

Fitness bootcamps are often based on the military style of training. Usually held outdoors the activities include jogging, sprinting, plyometrics, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, suspension training and a variety of other calisthenic exercises. An advantage of a bootcamp is that the large group dynamic will often help motivate the participants.^[3]

References

1. ^ Monge, Stefanie. "Fitness boot camps are a big business in Omaha". http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1208&u_sid=10227135. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
2. ^ Karen, Matthews. "Open-air exercise: Fitness boot camps hit the parks". http://www.eagletribune.com/pulife/local_story_168093853?keyword=secondarystory. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
3. ^ Bothum, Kelly. "Fitness boot camp an intense 4 weeks". http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070116/ENG11/301160019/-1/NEWS01. Retrieved 2009-05-11.