In 2009, the American Council on Exercise listed boot camp training as one of the top exercise trends. Boot camp workouts can be described as back-to basics exercise programs. While they are often performed without any type of equipment, some programs use free weights. Some boot camp exercise programs are performed in a gym environment. Others are performed outdoors.
Speculations About Boot Camp Popularity
Group exercise programs became popular in the later part of the 20th century. They are usually performed to music, and some are highly choreographed. Although some people found these choreographed movements appealing, those who are less skilled at following movement patterns, and those with a limited sense of rhythm can only get minimal benefits from this type of program. Boot camp workouts provided the camaraderie of a group exercise class. However, the movements are not choreographed. If music is used, it is strictly for background. The American Council on Exercise has another theory about boot camp popularity. Their chief officer speculated that time and economic concerns would increase the popularity of low-tech, multi-benefit fitness programs.
Boot Camp Research
In 1998, the American Council on Exercise noticed that boot camp workouts were becoming more popular in fitness centers across the country. It decided to fund a study that analyzed boot camp benefits. The study was performed at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program. The researchers recruited six men and six women between the ages of 19 and 29. The subjects were given a boot camp DVD, and were told to practice the program at home until they were familiar with the movements. Then, they were asked to return to the lab for testing. The subjects were hooked up to devices that tested oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure. When the researchers analyzed the data, they discovered that the average subject burned 9.8 calories per minute.
History of Boot Camp Workouts
According to an article published in the Washington Post on March 31, 1998, the Royal Canadian Air Force Workout inspired the fitness movement of the 1950s. Boot camp workouts can be considered throw backs to the 1950s military-style exercise. In fact, it's not uncommon to hear a boot camp instructor tell a student to "get down and give me 20," as in 20 push-ups.
Types of Boot Camp Exercises
Boot camp exercises include jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, sqaut thrusts, lunges and squats. Some instructors incorporate kick-boxing type movements. Most classes intersperse the aerobic movements with the strength training exercises, thus creating a circuit type workout.
Warnings and Considerations
While instructor styles may differ, most boot camp trainers adhere to the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. This means participants should not expect modifications of the exercises. Additionally, you should not expect to be coddled. As such, this is not the ideal workout for pregnant women, frail seniors or anyone with an injury. However, it is an efficient type of training for sport conditioning. Due to the high impact nature of some of the movements, boot camp workouts should only be performed three times weekly.
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