If your mental image of boot camp is rows of grunting men in camo performing endless push-ups, you’re a little behind the times. While the military still has their own version meant to test the physical and mental fortitude of new recruits, the fitness world has rebranded their format into boot camp workouts.
Similar to many other mainstream high-intensity workouts, these classes combine cardio and strength exercises in one full-body workout. Boot camp workout are extremely versatile, often taught in gyms, parks and even pools and you can even find a boot camp that supports a cause you care about.
We’ve rounded up seven of your options, so you decide which one you’d like to try (of if you want to give all of them a shot). Ultimately, the best boot camp workout for you is one that gets you excited about exercising so you keep coming back class after class.
1. Indoor Boot Camp Workouts
Indoor boot camps are typically offered in gyms or standalone studios that specialize in this fitness trend. The main benefit is that they usually come with all the bells and whistles of having a physical location — lockers, showers, towels and lots of different types of equipment.
For example, the boot camp classes at Atlanta-based True Fitness use TRX suspension systems, battle ropes, plyo boxes, medicine balls, power wheels, gliders, agility ladders, resistance bands and stability balls.
Then there’s boot camp workout pioneer Barry’s Bootcamp, which relies on standard strength training equipment as well as treadmills for the extra calorie burn that comes from running intervals.
Are They Right For You? Indoor boot camps are a good choice for you if you like a lot of variety and having a roof over your head.
2. Outdoor Boot Camp Workouts
More outdoorsy types may enjoy boot camps held outside the confines of the four walls of a gym. These classes don’t provide as much equipment — sometimes no equipment at all — so you’ll run and do a lot of body-weight exercises while enjoying the fresh air.
One drawback of these classes is that they may not be held year-round, depending on the climate you live in. When they are in season, though, you can expect variable weather conditions — rainy in spring, hot and humid in summer.
Are They Right For You? If you like the variety of changing weather and terrain and you want to feel like a kid on the playground again, an outdoor boot camp is a good choice.
3. Aqua Boot Camp Workouts
The tougher step-brother of water aerobics, water-based boot camps are harder to find, but if you live in a major city, you might be lucky enough to have this option. While working out in water provides less impact than working out on land, it also provides greater resistance.
Midwest gym chain Genesis Health Club’s aqua boot camp is a tough, one-hour water workout at an intermediate to advanced level. As such, this particular class might not be a good choice for beginners, but other aqua boot camps may be better suited for newbies. Or, you can build up a base of fitness on land, then make your way into the water.
Are They Right For You? If you have joint problems or you’re rehabbing an injury, but you still want a challenging workout, check out this boot camp varietal.
4. Online Boot Camp Workouts
Introverts and homebodies, rejoice! You don’t even have to leave your house to work up a good sweat. Online streaming services like Studio Sweat on Demand offer boot camp workouts you can do from the comfort of your living room.
Introverts and homebodies, rejoice! You don’t even have to leave your house to work up a good sweat. Online streaming services like Studio Sweat on Demand offer boot camp workouts you can do from the comfort of your living room.
Source: By Jody Braverman, CPT, FNS, RYT | livestrong.com
