A fitness boot camp is a type of intense fitness class designed to push the physical limits of participants in the class. It often occurs at early hours of the morning to make it even more challenging, but it can be offered at any time of day. A fitness boot camp class can be a great way to get in shape and to jump-start a fitness program, but it can be extremely physically strenuous, so it is best to check with a doctor first, and not to begin it without any prior exercise routine.
A few different basic exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, crunches, and lunges will generally be included in fitness boot camp routines. Other exercises may take place on exercise machines, and participants may be asked to run on a treadmill or use a stationary bike. All of these exercises are usually performed in rapid succession so the heart rate remains elevated for the entire duration of the fitness class. This will encourage weight loss and boost aerobic benefits, such as endurance and cardiovascular health.
Usually, a boot camp class will only last for a few weeks or months, rather than being a sustained exercise program. Some people may then sign up for another boot camp if they wish, or switch to a different exercise program. A boot camp like this will usually help to build muscle in addition to aerobic benefits, but it is important to stretch after each class to remain flexible, as well as to warm up and cool down before and after each class to prevent injury. A boot camp class may be loosely modeled on military training routines, and is designed to be extremely intense and difficult, and to help people get results fast.
The instructional methods of a fitness boot camp will be different than any other fitness class. Rather than positive encouragement, as is common in many fitness classes, a fitness class like this will typically feature a more assertive instructor who may yell commands, and attempt to get participants to work harder through aggression. This style of exercising is not for everyone, though some people find that this type of challenging workout makes it easier for them to push through any pain or discomfort. This style of class will typically be a bit longer than many other fitness classes; many are an hour or more, once again to make the class more challenging and to really test the strength of the body and the willpower of the participants.