You want a fit, rockin’ bod that can do anything? Then Do It All. Try everything. Go to yoga, run, jump, skip, lift weights, swing kettlebells, suspend your feet in a TRX, take bootcamp.
Bootcamp! If there’s ever a time to push yourself, it’s during a bootcamp class. Your body can handle way more than you think you can so find a local bootcamp class and sign up. Even if you can’t do the whole bootcamp session (most are 4-8 weeks long) call and see what a drop-in price is and go take a class. Trust me! Bootcamps can be super intimidating so here are some tips to help you get the most out of it… and not die. You’re welcome.
1. Find the right bootcamp for you and recruit a friend!
All bootcamps are different so try a few if you don’t like the first one. Some people prefer to be screamed at like in the military (think An Officer and a Gentleman) but some people don’t. I like to be pushed, definitely, but if you scream in my face, I’ll likely punch you. Or just not come back. Make sure you know what you want and like the motivational level of your instructor. Talking a friend into doing it with you will help too. It’ll keep you both accountable and will serve as built-in hang out time with your buddy. Two birds with one stone!
2. Pick a time of day that you’ll actually attend.
Most bootcamps happen in the morning, before work… and before 6:30am. If you aren’t a morning person, find an after-work bootcamp. If you hate getting up early to go sit at a desk, do you really think you’ll get up earlier to go run around and do pushups? Maybe. Maybe not. So find one you’ll stick to. If you pay for it and miss half your sessions, you’ll be more bummed than you were before. Can’t make it happen during the work week? Find a weekend camp.
3. Go early.
I know I just said to go later if you’re not a morning person. That’s true. BUT if you can suck it up enough to attend the early morning sessions, you’ll be better off. It’ll get it out of the way, you’ll be more energized throughout your day, and you’ll still be burning calories while you work! Multi-tasking is the ish.
4. Recruit help.
Can’t go because you have to take kids to school? Whatev. Get the hubs to take them, find a carpool, ask a family member to help you out. It’s only a couple days a week so bribe them if you have to, but try to find a way to make it work! Remember you have to make yourself a priority too! Don’t let your other responsibilities take ALL your time. If you want to get in better shape, talk to your loved ones and make a plan that will work for everybody.
5. Get competitive.
Keep in mind I didn’t say comparative. There will be all different levels of peeps in your class, but try to pit yourself against others in there! I’m not sayin’ throw down and start talking smack or anything, but push yourself to do as many or more reps, or complete a set faster than the people around you. It’ll make you better and you’ll feel really good about it later when you’re thinkin’ “I’m a beast too, suckas!” But only in your head… not out loud. Don’t be that person at bootcamp.
6. Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water the day before and bring water with you. Remember: take your body weight, divide it by 2. That’s the number of ounces of water you should be drinking a day. If you’re cramping up a lot in bootcamp, most likely you’re dehydrated. Don’t sabotage your body!
7. Know your energy levels and what you need!
To eat or not to eat… Some people can’t eat early before bootcamp, but I don’t last 15 minutes in class on an empty stomach so I have to have something. Your car doesn’t run without gasoline, your body won’t run without fuel. Eat a banana or half of a protein bar right when you wake up. Passing out in bootcamp is not the ish. If you can’t eat before a morning workout, make sure your dinner was a good one, the night before. Protein! If you’re class is after work, eat a snack an hour or two beforehand. Don’t stop at Starbucks or Mickey D’s on the way to your class. Puking in bootcamp is also not the ish.
8. Don’t stop. (get it, get it.)
You may be fatigued, you may think you can’t go on. But you can. Promise. If something is too hard, slow down, do 1 arm/leg at a time, or reduce your weight/resistance, but KEEP GOING! Stopping before you’re done with a set is a horrible habit to get into. If you don’t push yourself to get two more reps in, or run a little farther, you won’t get better (think if you never did anything harder in math than basic addition, you’d never get smarter). If you don’t know how to keep going, ask. Your instructor will help you out.
9. Listen to your body.
Like my hot-yoga post, if you feel faint, it’s because your body is forcing you to stop because it can’t handle what you’re doing. If you keep going when you feel bad, your body will make the decision to stop for you. The same goes for feeling nauseated. Know the difference between stopping because you’re muscularly fatigued, or stopping because you may pass out. The 2nd one is serious. The first one means you’re being a wuss. ; ) Kidding! Kind of. But seriously, folks: Drink water, eat a snack (banana, almonds) and chill for a moment if you feel bad. You can always start back up after a few minutes. Your instructors really don’t want to perform CPR if they don’t have to.
10. Have FUN!
Yes it’s bootcamp, yes it’ll be hard, but you should like your instructor, like the workouts, and like yourself afterward. Be on time and do what you’re told, but have fun with it! It’s not the military, so don’t get too crazy. Just do it for you. Do it for your body. Do it for your significant other so they’ll want to jump on you even more when you get home with your sexy self. ; )
Be A BEAST!
Questions? Ask away: fitwithflash@gmail.com
Info on my TRX Bootcamp here
Info on my TRX Bootcamp here
image via Barry’sBootcamp
i think i would die.
scratch that. i know i would.
Ha I live in LA! I don’t know if I could afford Barry’s Bootcamp! I do wish I could experience one someday! 😀
http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/
I DO want that rockin’ body, dang it. Maybe not boot camp, but I’ll do just about anything else.
I’ve been wanting to try this studio that just started – ballet, yoga and pilates all combined.
hi! i’m new to your blog and i love it! (i’m following you now too!)
i used to dance but now i’m really into fitness and teaching zumba! i really want to try a bootcamp this summer, you’ve totally inspired me!
xoxo
marissa
This is great advise! I’ve always wanted to try out a bootcamp, but have been hesitant too just because I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up. Thanks for the tips!
Ooo I love bootcamp but its definitely intimidating! I always feel great when I finish a class! Thanks for stopping by my blog…come visit again! 🙂
never been to a boot camp. i have an itch to go now. of course i say that and 10 minutes in i’ll want to go home 😉
is that you in the picture??
@megan: maybe, but try it. it’ll be fun.
@krysten: do it! those are the best for toning!
@marissa: welcome from italia! or b-town. wherever.
@amanda: yup. a shoot I did for Barry’s last year.
Go for it girl! I have never done boot camp, but I loooove running. It gives me an awesome natural high afterwards.
HUGS
You Are My Favorite
This post is now bookmarked for motivation! Thanks girlie! 🙂
just saw this post in your linky posts……this is a BEAUTIFUL picture of you!!
That’s a great looking picture of you!