In many bootcamps, almost everyone starts with an initial goal of weight loss, many of these people verbally agree to change their habits, commit to the program, and begin a supportive eating plan.
Despite lots of proof from successful people that the program works;
Despite the fact that boot camp is a challenging but still fun program;
And despite the fact that many boot camps offer a loving and supportive culture, there are some who do not change their habits.
Why? There are many excuses for not changing:
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 boot camp. 6. I do not want to look like an idiot 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 start an exercise program at too high an intensity and then succumb to an injury, which ruins their program. Others set lofty 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 example, do you overlook time and place opportunities for working out?
Are you a self-starter or do you need a personal trainer to provide companionship and accountability?
The guidelines listed below may help you in picking, planning and implementing your boot camp program:
1. Write down the reasons why YOU want to participate in a bootcamp 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 professional. 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 slow.
6. Boot Camp is a challenging 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 lady in the entire camp, Monica, someone who had been attending camp multiple times per day for more than 2-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 deadlines on your goals.
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. Workout with a friend.
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. Think and Be Active! At the park where we meet for boot camp we meet in one of two locations. The two locations are about 100 meters away from each other. Every morning I see campers who have parked at one of the farther locations with their automobile turned off. Most will start the vehicle back up and drive 100 meters to the meeting spot. This is ridiculous. If you have a weight loss goal you should be parking on the other side of town and jogging to camp – not driving.
Finally, ask yourself, “how can I achieve my fitness goals and enjoy the process?”
Then Do It!
