When you see “Bootcamp”, do you get a little worried? Are you concerned it may be kind of shouty military?
Is that the case?
If you think it’s like this at Bootcamp, let me put your mind at rest – it isn’t, not at all.
It’s a popular misconception that bootcamps are sort of Sergeant Major type drill affairs. And in fact, this has really come about from portrayals of military training in films and what have you, especially from the 1980s and 90s, where there was a kind of an aggressive, fake-macho, way of so called encouraging people to exercise.
What I’d say is that, for the bootcamps I’ve visited in the UK, nothing could really be further from the truth. It may well be that ex-military personnel who are taking the classes will be your instructors. And that’s a great thing because they really, really do know what they’re doing and have great experience, and are able to and will provide superb support, value, and encouragement. What you won’t find is that they or anybody else will shout at you make you feel small, make you feel nervous, make you feel scared, put you down any of that sort of stuff.
If you ever come across that, just walk away, get away from that bootcamp and never use it again.
On the whole, what you’ll find is a very, very supportive environment. Yes, you will get pushed. And actually, you know, some of the time a little bit of extra encouragement is always welcome. After all, we’re not going to bootcamp to take it easy and have a laugh. Yes, there is a social element, but the reason for going is to get fitter, or to get fit in the first place. And in order to do that, we do need to push ourselves.
Good instructors will adjust the workout to suit your own personal requirements, your own personal ability. So, if you want to push yourself harder, or you’re finding certain exercises difficult, your instructor will take that into account and make sure that you get the best out of the bootcamp session that you’re attending.
In summary, although it may well sound like bootcamp is a military style operation, in truth, it isn’t. It’s supportive, encouraging and a fun place fun to get fit, or fitter.
And you’ll generally be out in the local park, in the fresh air, in all weathers, encouraged by the people who are with you and by great instructors.