Bootcamp vs. Gym

I’ve belonged to a few different gyms in my adult life. I’ve taken dozens of group fitness classes and worked out on machines by myself for years. I’ve even shelled out for one or two personal training sessions. Some of these things have certainly made a different in my athleticism and my health; but, none have given me the complete fitness package that I feel I’m getting from Bootcamp.

It’s not the gyms’ fault that I haven’t reaped the benefits that they often promise. All of the equipment is there. I could hire a personal trainer and sign up for a variety of fitness classes and get myself to the facility a handful of times per week. In that scenario I’d be sure to enhance my fitness level. But, to afford a personal trainer at a gym or to motivate and educate myself on the right ways to workout are both financial and time burdens.

I have found that for me, I need to be pushed. I’ve been working out in my home for a year. I have a nice little at-home gym there in my basement: treadmill, elliptical, bike, and free weights. And yet, I stick to the same routine. I love cardio. I loathe weight training. Therefore, I head straight to the familiar and stick with cardio machines. Sure, my heart is probably in great shape. But I’m not getting the full fitness package that strength training provides.

Even when I bust out my 80s-inspired 8 minute fitness video (eight minute arms, eight minute abs, etc), I’m not getting the results I want nor am I pushing myself to improve my abilities. I can easily spend 60-90 minutes working out on my own but I rarely maximize that time to get the best calorie burn or results.

The strength training and personal touch that I’m getting with Bootcamp is what makes this experience so valuable to me. At Bootcamp I get the benefit of attending a regular program with the same two instructors. Mike and Jen know what each camper done in the past and plan our weekly routines according to our fitness abilities and goals. It’s like having a both personal trainer and group support all wrapped into one. Each day the exercises are different. They are always challenging. They are generally fun.

I am glad to have stumbled into this fitness experience. While this might not be true for everyone, for me, one hour of bootcamp a day has improved my fitness significantly compared to the 90 minutes I’d spend in the gym. I credit that success to the knowledge and motivation I get from Mike and Jen and the encouragement I get from the other campers.

Because of the great experience I’ve had so far with Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp, I voted for them on MyFoxPhilly.com’s HOT LIST. I hope Fox Philly gives Mike and Jen the credit they deserve for the program they provide.