Good health requires exercise. The CDC has set federal guidelines for all adults with a goal of at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. However, for many people, exercising at home or on gym equipment can become monotonous. To shake up your routine and challenge your fitness level, consider a fitness boot camp class.
What to Expect
Boot camp classes are loosely based on the type of exercises and activities done during military training. Exercises are set up like circuit training, so you will do multiple exercises during a fitness class. The circuit will range from aerobic exercises, like running, jogging or jumping rope, to strength training and resistance exercises, such as free weights, pushup and sit-ups. Classes and levels of difficulty will vary according to the instructor teaching the class. Be prepared for outdoor and indoor training, as boot camp classes often take place in both environments.
Benefits
Boot camp fitness class benefits come from the mixture of both aerobic and strength training exercises. The aerobic portions of the class help strengthen your heart and lungs, while helping burn calories to lose weight. The cardio exercise in a boot camp fitness class, like all cardio exercise, helps reduce the risks for diseases ranging from diabetes and heart disease to certain forms of cancer, suggests the Mayo Clinic. The strength training portions of the class increase your muscle and bone strength.
Safety
As with any fitness program, you should visit with your doctor before starting a boot camp class. A physical exam will rule out any physical limitations that may make the class dangerous for your health. During class, stay in tune with your body. This means periodically evaluating how you feel. If you feel dizzy, light-headed or nauseated, or experience any pain, reduce the exercise intensity or take a break from the class until the symptom subsides.
Finding a Class
With boot camp classes growing in popularity, finding a local class is fairly easy, especially in larger cities. The "American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Journal" continues to place boot camp classes on its top fitness trend list each year. Call your local fitness center, or go online to find a list of nearby boot camp classes. Most classes charge a per-class, weekly or monthly fee. Some fitness centers offer free boot camp classes to their members.
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