Check out my column in Max Sports Magazine!

8 Reasons to Join a Boot camp
by Maria Kang

I’m a HUGE fan of boot camps. Not only have I taught one hour boot camp classes as a Group Exercise Director, but I also instructed outside boot camps for a short period while living in San Francisco. In the last few years we have seen regular boot camps turn into niche markets for mothers, teens and couples. If you have ever thought about joining a great, full-impact boot camp class, here are my 8 reasons why you should definitely follow that urge.

1.       It’s usually Inexpensive.
Participating in a boot camp allows you some one-on-one access to a trainer without the heavy hourly fee.  Not only will the trainer push and guide you, but they can also assist you with your diet, provide professional tips and motivate you to work and train harder.  

2.       It’s Fun.

The circuit changes monthly and keeps you challenged and motivated. Usually they work on drills using a variety of different training tools like cones, ropes and dumb bells. The skills taught challenge your central nervous system and makes you focus on each action, versus staring aimlessly at a television on an elliptical machine.

3.       It’s Outside
Instead of being confined between white walls and fluorescent lights, you are training in a natural setting where the sun is your light, the grass is your mat and the air is clean and fresh. Most often, we lose touch with nature and the natural beauty that surrounds us because we are walking on cement, in an office building or staring at a computer all day. Training outside is a perfect way to get some natural healing.

4.       It’s Teamwork.
You get to be around energy of people who are enthusiastic and motivated to improve their physical bodies. Naturally you will pick up that energy, add to it, and be held accountable to it. In most successes in life, you will notice that the vibration of people around you either serve you or deter you from your goals.  When you are with a group of people for several weeks, you get to learn more about each other and develop a commodore of fitness friendship that you would be unable to in a cold, fitness gym.

5.       It’s Circuit Training
Circuit training is a nonstop strength and aerobic routine, in which you are completely engaged in the workout the entire time. It’s a great calorie burner and will challenge your heart! This form of exercise has continually proved to be a fast, efficient and effective way to get your workouts done in a flash!

6.       It’s Functional Training
Functional Training is another term for ‘real life’ skills. That means lunging while raising your arms, or running on dirt vs. a conveyer belt. Most gym exercises focuses on one body part at the time and rarely challenges your cognitive ability. Since boot camps are held outdoors, it targets your most natural state of awareness and therefore challenges and improves your cognition.

7.       It ‘s  a Short Term Commitment
Most boot camps only last 12 weeks. If you don’t like it, you can stop. If you do like it, you can join again. It’s that simple.

8.       It’s a workout you can take anywhere.

After you learn the basics, you can buy the equipment (which are inexpensive to purchase) and keep it in your car for whenever you need a good outdoor workout. The tools you learn can be applied for the rest of your life and will serve as a great investment  when you are traveling or lack a nearby gym.

Boot camps are a fun, fast and effective way to burn calories, meet friends and get a personal trainer for cheap. I highly recommend looking into boot camps in your area, to not only change up your routine, but challenge yourself outside of a gym environment.

Happy Training!