Fitness Boot Camp Success: Fourteen Tactics
In most fitness boot camps, almost everyone starts with the goal of weight loss, most of these people usually agree to change their habits, stick with the program, and begin a nutrition program.
Despite ample evidence from successful boot campers that the it works;
Despite the fact that boot camp is a challenging but still fun program;
And despite the fact that most bootcamps offer a supportive culture, there are some who don't change their habits.
Why? I have heard many excuses for not changing habits:
1. I do not have time. 2. I feel ok, why change? 3. I have other priorities now. 4. I know I need to change my lifestyle but I am not ready yet. 5. I do not feel comfortable doing the program. 6. I do not want to look stupid trying to figure out the exercises.
These psychological roadblocks can be overcome with commitment and support from family and friends. Many people start a diet and/or exercise program only to find themselves back at square one after just 3 months. Why do some people who are informed about the body changing benefits of starting a boot camp and a supportive eating plan often fail?
Because They Fail to Plan, They Plan to Fail.
Many initiate an exercise program at too high an intensity and then succumb to an injury, which derails their entire program. Others set unreasonable goals and expectations, such as losing 10 or more pounds per week, or getting in shape in 2 weeks. Still others may not consider obstacles in their life-styles, which prevent successful adoption and maintenance of an active way of life.
For instance, do you overlook time and place opportunities for workingout?
Are you a self-motivated or do you need a coach or friend to provide accountability?
The guidelines listed below may help you in picking your fitness bootcamp:
1. Write down reasons why YOU want to participate in a boot camp program.
2. Find a fitness boot camp you enjoy and feel safe doing.
3. Choose a fitness bootcamp that is within driving distance (less than a 15 minute drive in rush hour traffic).
4. Make sure the boot camp is taught by a certified fitness trainer. The top training certifications are NASM, NSCA, ACSM, and ACE. Make sure your instructor has one of these certifications.
5. If you are a beginner, start at a slow pace.
6. Boot Camp is a unique program so set realistic goals. Set a goal of attending camp everyday. That's it. No performance measures. Just set the goal of showing up every single day. I remember a boot camper, Jennifer, who had just returned after missing 1-year because of pregnancy. She told me her goal was to run faster than the most athletic woman in the entire camp, Monica, someone who had been attending camp multiple times per day for more than two years. She tried to pass her on EVERY run despite my warnings to her. She nearly killed herself trying to keep up. But most important, she couldn't maintain that pace everyday after such a long layoff. She injured herself. Learn from her mistakes.
7. Set realistic deadlines on your goals (i.e. comfortably fit into a size 8 by June).
8. If you miss a few days, just pick it up again. Do not use a lapse as an excuse to quit or allow other demands of life to distract you.
9. Keep daily diet/exercise records.
10. Find a buddy to workout with.
11. Do not use weather as an excuse.
12. Reward yourself weekly when you accomplish your goal.
13. Check with your physician before starting a bootcamp program.
14. Be more active ALL day long!
Finally, ask yourself, "how can I achieve my goals and enjoy the process?"
Just Do It! - 17268
Despite ample evidence from successful boot campers that the it works;
Despite the fact that boot camp is a challenging but still fun program;
And despite the fact that most bootcamps offer a supportive culture, there are some who don't change their habits.
Why? I have heard many excuses for not changing habits:
1. I do not have time. 2. I feel ok, why change? 3. I have other priorities now. 4. I know I need to change my lifestyle but I am not ready yet. 5. I do not feel comfortable doing the program. 6. I do not want to look stupid trying to figure out the exercises.
These psychological roadblocks can be overcome with commitment and support from family and friends. Many people start a diet and/or exercise program only to find themselves back at square one after just 3 months. Why do some people who are informed about the body changing benefits of starting a boot camp and a supportive eating plan often fail?
Because They Fail to Plan, They Plan to Fail.
Many initiate an exercise program at too high an intensity and then succumb to an injury, which derails their entire program. Others set unreasonable goals and expectations, such as losing 10 or more pounds per week, or getting in shape in 2 weeks. Still others may not consider obstacles in their life-styles, which prevent successful adoption and maintenance of an active way of life.
For instance, do you overlook time and place opportunities for workingout?
Are you a self-motivated or do you need a coach or friend to provide accountability?
The guidelines listed below may help you in picking your fitness bootcamp:
1. Write down reasons why YOU want to participate in a boot camp program.
2. Find a fitness boot camp you enjoy and feel safe doing.
3. Choose a fitness bootcamp that is within driving distance (less than a 15 minute drive in rush hour traffic).
4. Make sure the boot camp is taught by a certified fitness trainer. The top training certifications are NASM, NSCA, ACSM, and ACE. Make sure your instructor has one of these certifications.
5. If you are a beginner, start at a slow pace.
6. Boot Camp is a unique program so set realistic goals. Set a goal of attending camp everyday. That's it. No performance measures. Just set the goal of showing up every single day. I remember a boot camper, Jennifer, who had just returned after missing 1-year because of pregnancy. She told me her goal was to run faster than the most athletic woman in the entire camp, Monica, someone who had been attending camp multiple times per day for more than two years. She tried to pass her on EVERY run despite my warnings to her. She nearly killed herself trying to keep up. But most important, she couldn't maintain that pace everyday after such a long layoff. She injured herself. Learn from her mistakes.
7. Set realistic deadlines on your goals (i.e. comfortably fit into a size 8 by June).
8. If you miss a few days, just pick it up again. Do not use a lapse as an excuse to quit or allow other demands of life to distract you.
9. Keep daily diet/exercise records.
10. Find a buddy to workout with.
11. Do not use weather as an excuse.
12. Reward yourself weekly when you accomplish your goal.
13. Check with your physician before starting a bootcamp program.
14. Be more active ALL day long!
Finally, ask yourself, "how can I achieve my goals and enjoy the process?"
Just Do It! - 17268
About the Author:
Fitness Boot Camp FX is the Fullerton fitness boot camp based in Fullerton California. Visit Boot Camps in Fullerton for more information.
posted by X - Men at
9:19 AM
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