As their name implies, army boot camp workouts are inspired by military training. These no-frills, no-fluff programs, however, have gained a devoted following amongst civilians. Military-style boot camp workouts are held at fitness centers, private studios and martial arts training centers. Unlike dance-based aerobic workouts, boot camp workouts attract male and female fitness enthusiasts. Most boot camp workouts feature aerobic exercise, but complex choreography is avoided.
Origins of Boot Camp Workouts
Military recruits have always been required to undergo an extensive fitness training regimen. New recruits are required to take a fitness test, which involves sit-ups, push-ups and a 2-mile run. They have two minutes to complete their push-ups, and two minutes to complete their sit-ups. Scores are calculated by how may repetitions they can perform within that two-minute period. Likewise, recruits are timed on the 2-mile run. The subsequent army boot camp workouts were designed to improve the scores of all three tasks. They consist of calisthenic exercises, aerobic conditioning and obstacle course training to improve agility.
Features
Typical boot camp workouts include exercises such as jumping jacks, squat thrusts, sprints, sit-ups, squats and lunges. Weights, kettlebells, jump ropes and aerobic steps may be used. Music might accompany a boot camp class, but most instructors do not attempt to choreograph the exercises to the exact phrasing of the music.
Speculation
Army-inspired boot camp workouts became popular at civilian fitness centers in the late 1980s. Prior to the 1970s, most gyms were either all-male or all-female. The opening of coed gyms gave men and women the opportunity to socialize in a safe and healthy environment. Men, however, did not feel comfortable in the typical dance-style aerobic classes, which often included intricate movement patterns, followed by contortion-type flexibility exercises which were unsuitable for less-flexible male bodies. The army-style boot camp, with its easy-to-follow, yet physically challenging exercises provided the perfect solution.
Benefits
Army-style boot camp workouts can burn calories, and enhance muscular strength and endurance. Some boot camp workouts include military-style agility drills, such as hurdle-jumping, agility ladder training and medicine ball tossing. This type of training can enhance athleticism. Plyometric training, which involves jumping techniques, are also included in boot camp workouts. Plyometrics emphasize landing techniques, which involve flexion of the hamstring muscles. This type of training is often recommended to female athletes, who tend to have weaker hamstrings.
Warnings
Army boot camp workouts are often based on a no-pain/no gain philosophy. Some instructors interpret this to mean that modifications should not be offered to people with injuries, and that participants are urged to continue, even if they show signs of extreme fatigue and dehydration. Furthermore, some people may be turned off by the no-nonsense style of boot camp instructors. This is really a matter of personal preference, and has more to do with personal learning style than the qualifications of the instructor. Instructor personality and style, however, does influence exercise compliance. Anyone who finds the drill sergeant approach unappealing may be happier in a different type of class.
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