G.I. Jane - Is it the right track for you?

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

24 Jan 2007 08:55 AM

When I say G.I. Jane, I'm not referring to enlisting in the military, though I know many people who do this and they leave it in better shape than they ever thought possible. Instead, I'm talking about the fitness craze that's headlined on Oprah and is making waves on the fitness circuit - they call it boot camp. If you want to reinvent yourself and give yourself a body makeover - a boot camp is the way to go.

So What is a Boot Camp?

It's not quite about running 50 miles with a pack on your back and dropping to give you fifty push-ups every few minutes. So what is it? Well, first and foremost, boot camps are targeted primarily at women. I've only heard of one or two of these boot camps being aimed at co-eds. There are rumors of similar types of camps being targeted at tween and teenagers in the future.

It's important to recognize that boot camps don't require that you be in tip top shape, you just ned to have some experience with exercise and a safe bill of health from your physician to make sure that your health won't be affected adversely by participating in the boot camp itself. Oh and if you have an ego, most camp instructors advise that you should check it at the door - boot camp fitness is not about being a show off, it's about getting yourself in shape and enjoying the benefits of the class itself.

So What Will You Have to Do?

Boot camps are about four weeks in length, the longest one I've ever seen was scheduled for six weeks. You need to be prepared because the boot camp will require a one hour workout every day, regardless of the time of year, five days a week. There will be no two workouts that are alike and you'll go through drills of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, Pilates, yoga, running and much, more.

Two camps that I know of actually engaged in outdoor hiking activities as often as they did indoor workouts and they also utilized the swimming pool for laps and more. You'll always warm up and you'll always cool down after the workout. These five days a week can seem almost impossible when you get started, but I have every indication that they are a fabulous way to really get yourself back on the mark fitness wise and I know one bride who lost the three dress sizes she wanted to lose by hitting a boot camp for six weeks and then returning to her regular workout afterwards.

Have you ever participated in a fitness boot camp?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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