[guccimamma]

It seems like it would be the answer for me, as I need someone to motivate me. Has anyone done this? Will the instructor make me cry? I am kind of a marshmallow (I literally have 15 pounds around my middle that have not left...last kid was 5 years ago)

[redney]

I'm doing a bootcamp through my gym, 3 days a week for between 1.5-2 hours each time. There are 5 students and 1 instructor in my group, so it's pretty individualized.

It's definitely not a traditional "bootcamp" exercise program where it's getting yelled at and stuff like that. The instructor is awesome - super fit, athletic woman who plans a variety of exercises - like running, power walking, machine work, lunges, jumprope, spinning, crunches, etc. - and coaches/encourages each of us through. She'll say things like "C'mon redney, just 10 more squats! You can do just 10 more, can't you?" and it motivates me to do it, know what I mean?

If you have a specific bootcamp in mind, why don't you call the gym or instructor and ask them about the format and style of instruction?

I hope you find one you love! I love mine for the variety of activities we do and her positive encouragement.

Good luck!

[cherll]

well, i went to actual bootcamp...lol.. but my gym has classes that are actually pretty fun. get to know someone in the class so that you feel obligated to show up and chat and get your workout on. the instructors in the classes are very understanding and you feel so great afterwards. i put weight on around my middle section too and have been going to various classes aside from cardio on my own and a weekly session with my trainer. i

[MichelleD]

I've done the boot camp style workout at a place that ONLY does this kind. It was GREAT!!! To be clear, I am NOT in shape. I am thin and have defined (muscular) arms and people tend to confuse that with being in shape. So, I am not biased in any way because the workout broke me down.

No, they don't make you cry or yell at you but they gently push (encourage) you so you wont give up. I totally loved it and the only reason I'm not still attending is because it's a 45 minute drive from my house one way and I have to either pay for parking or drive around looking for parking on the street which sucks!!

I say go for it!

[lp1062]

I did a boot camp everyday for 6-7 months last year. Our routine was four days in camp and one day kickboxing in the studio. On the weekend we had at home workouts to do. We also had to log in our meals. The log included our daily water intake and the amount of fiber and protein we ate.

It was a lot of work but I loved it. I was not the kind of person that enjoyed P.E. classes so I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. The first two days I thought I was going to quit but I kept on going back.

I found out that I'm pretty competitive with both myself and others. The instructors were great. Yes, they do push you but they do it in a supportive way. The fellow bootcampers are also great support. We rooted for each other. I never felt that comraderie anywhere else.

I did it because I wanted to lose weight and get stronger. I only lost about 5 pounds but I got much stronger and faster. The hard thing for me was that I was 51 years old and most of the class was much younger, stronger and faster. There were only a few near my age but I think we gained everyone's respect for not giving up.

I did have a hard time with injuries. I had problems with my knees and my shoulder. Eventually, it was the shoulder injury that forced me to quit. I'm still having problems with it and had surgery for something else so I haven't been able to continue. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if I could. I think you should try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[Charlie]

I take a bootcamp class every Tuesday, in fact I just got back from the gym. I dont cry during classes but sometimes I feel like it, especially when he makes us run downtown because the weather is too "nice" Lmao. I love this class tho and is doing so much good for me, its cardio all 60 minutes long. I love it so much I hardly miss it.

One advide I have is to strech out every morning after your class, you will be less sore.

[Sunshine]

I have been at a boot camp fitness camp for 8 (very long, long weeks!) I get home Saturday. Boot camp itself is tough. Lots of drills, pushups, situps, more running, at one point I was running down the beach with a parachute tied around my waist! I have lost 20 pounds and more over I have lost 16% body fat, and 30 inches. I was a 14 when I got here and now 8/10 some 10's are great some 8's are. I also did intense weight training, endless amounts of cardio and spinning. When I get home I will continue with the weight training as I love the muscle definition I have and the abs I have worked so hard on. I also am looking forward to adding aerobics back in my life as I think that really helps lean me out. Im not bulky at all, Im just stronger than I have been ever. So, boot camp is great, but Im SOOOOOO ready to switch it up a little when I get home. Boot camp will only be 2 days a week now! My trainer at home will guide me. I think the nutrition I learned has been a life saver. SO! Thats my take on Boot camps!

[cherll]

yaY!!^ never thought i'd say this but that sounds like fun and definitely a huge accomplishment.