NO GYM? NO PROBLEM!
Inspired by the open country and abundant fresh air, a new Get Fit organisation has taken to the rolling hills of Chatsworth Park. Nic Pattison jostles with sheep, cattle and deer to meet the health-conscious folk who submit to the exacting disciplines of a ‘Fitness Boot Camp’.
THEY PROMISED ME increased fitness levels, improved muscle tone, increased energy, faster running times, increased strength and much more. Moreover, they promised to achieve all that in a four-week ‘Basic Boot Camp’ that involved just three, one-hour, exercise sessions each week. Frankly, it sounded a bit far fetched, but with my husband’s best wishes ringing in my ears, I set off to join the group.The first question was ‘Why call it Boot Camp?’ First impressions dispelled any fears of military discipline, monkey bars, heavy weights and drill instructors barking orders. The essence soon became clear at the first briefing: it is all about personal goals and self-discipline, the key elements in a military lifestyle. Becci Kay, one of the instructors and part owner of Fitness Boot Camps Ltd explained that “If you have a real desire to achieve results, if you truly want to reduce body fat, increase fitness levels and live a healthy lifestyle you will definitely do it with our help.”
Although success is not guaranteed, Becci could point to plenty of evidence to show that those who show commitment and who adhere to the guidelines, methods and tools Boot Camp provides can achieve results they never thought was possible. My group of six trainees seemed suitably inspired by the message and set out on the first task, the initial fitness assessment.
The shrinking tree
The test includes two laps around a tree that appears to be miles away. Becci says that most first-timers feel they could never do two laps, but at the end of the four weeks all recruits are amazed to find that the tree is much nearer then they imagined and can whiz around it without catching a breath. Our little group puffs and pants around the course, eager to put on a good show. Press ups to follow, which are a sterner test but the ever-chirpy Becci has good news for us, “One new recruit at the Boot Camp in May did 27 press ups on the first day but could easily double that Day 12.” With brave grins, we look forward to our own transformation on Day 12.Becci is soon joined by Matt Kay, her business partner, training mentor and brother. Matt, the founder of Fitness Boot Camps Ltd, explains that they work with a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds. “Bootcamp recruits have ranged from 17 to 74 years of age,” he says, “and our camps are designed for anyone and everyone. With few exceptions, they discover new levels of motivation for health and fitness, they meet new friends and have a lot of fun. We never ask our trainees to do something they don’t want to do, but we provide the support they need to achieve their potential.”
The Boot Camp regime embraces the philosophy of general fitness, including physical exercise and a holistic approach to healthy living. “The problem with healthy-living programmes is that there are too many mixed messages”, says Matt. “We try to keep it simple: ‘sleep well, relax, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly’”. The message was constantly repeated on my Boot Camp course and reinforced by the issue of a pedometer on the first day and in a weekly email with advice on what to eat, including sample menus. The email also suggested extra exercises for non-Boot Camp days. “Those who follow the advice get the benefits”, says Matt, “and will soon notice improvements in mood levels, energy and reduced stress.”
Matt and Becci do not want to limit the Boot Camp approach to programmes focused on fitness. Next January they will launch a new ‘Weight Loss Boot Camp’ that will offer individual nutrition plans and home-based workouts. The new programme is aimed at people who want to lose weight but cannot commit to the regime of Fitness Boot Camp sessions at Chatsworth.
The keys to motivation
For now, the outdoor fitness based approach seems to be delivering good results. For one of my group, Sue, aged 53, Matt and Becci have completely transformed her life. Before attending their fitness sessions last year, Sue could not manage a gentle jog and would never have considered herself a runner. Now she has slimmed from a size 16 to a size 12 and runs with a friend every week. Sue has even taken part in the Cancer Research Race for Life. She says that she found the key to motivation was an exciting outdoor group exercise programme: “I’ve found new energy and have fewer problems with my joints. I am so pleased with myself for persevering.” The fitness Boot Camp is hard work but it is also fun to run outside in the fresh air, listening to the birds singing and being encouraged by other members of the group. Not even bad weather could deter my fellow trainee, Louise, who is 27 and from North Wingfield. She says, “When it’s raining and the prospect of lying in the mud doing push-ups is daunting, you are encouraged by the other people around you.”
Mandy, who cheerfully admits to being 40, says that she has experienced “amazing results” from following the Boot Camp programme. She took a long 12 minutes to finish her first test run but cut that to six and a half minutes on the final test. Mandy was so impressed, she persuaded her husband Mark to join the programme. Mark says he has lost his ‘love handles’ and over a stone in weight. He says he has re-discovered the pleasure of exercise: “I have been running on my own and have started to walk instead of using the car.”
The great outdoors
Matt Kay finds that many people gain most enjoyment from exercising in the open air. “Unless you are young and already reasonably fit, a gym can be an intimidating place” he says. “The outdoor approach is much more fun, especially for those who spend their lives indoors: after a hard day’s work the last thing they want to do is queue up for machines in a loud, busy gym. Outside, it’s really de-stressing.”There were no dissenters at the end of our four-week course. Vicky, aged 52, looks at least 10 years younger. She says that she signed up to Boot amp “to get fitter and run a 10 Km race in under an hour”. In achieving her goals, she has found a new lease of life. “Getting fit has altered my whole outlook on life” she says with a broad smile, “I used to suffer from depression but now whenever I feel down, it’s on with the running shoes and out into the park. Afterwards I feel fantastic. That may sound silly but it really works.”