Boot camp trainer becomes the client

Have you seen the Hair Club For Men commercials where the spokesman says “I’m not just the president, I’m a client”. Well, 8 weeks ago my husband and I were planning a whole new boot camp experience, called BCx. As we began to map out the program, I decided I wanted to experience boot camp as a client and not a trainer.

After a busy season, although my workouts still existed, I lost my drive and focus. Like many people, I was just going through the motions. Then my mom and dad both decided to do the program so I convinced my best friend, and workout partner, to join us. The decision was made! I was about to commit to 8 weeks of boot camp.

I have to admit I was a little nervous. Although I live a pretty public life, I am private about some things. I’m also not the most coordinated person in the world so I’ve never been one to take group exercise classes. Putting pride and fear aside, I did it anyway – and what a great experience!

Over the last 6 weeks I’ve been able to experience the benefits of the boot camp firsthand. Although everyone does boot camp for a different reason, it has a certain value to each individual. Some do it for social reasons, others do it for fast results, many do it for accountability and a few just like the challenge.

While driving to boot camp one morning, I thought to myself, “what would I do without boot camp?” Since I am in the 6:30am class, I can tell you very quickly what I’d be doing – sleeping! I don’t like waking up before 7:00am - and now I’m waking up at 4:30-5:30 every morning and loving it.

Another benefit I’ve discovered is balance. If it were up to me, I would just lift weights. Although I do run, I hate cardio and hate yoga even more. Since the current program incorporates several different types of training, it has forced me to do things I would never do on my own. It’s only natural to avoid things you aren’t good at and focus on your strong areas, but this leads to a very imbalanced body. Being a part of a program like this has taken me out of my comfort zone - and although I don’t like yoga, I know my body needs it desperately.

In addition, it’s helped me make time for myself. I tend to put work and tasks ahead of my training, eating, and pretty much anything else. Boot camp has helped me manage my time and prioritize. If it weren’t for the set times I signed up for, I would have procrastinated the day away, squeezing in workouts at the last minute Now, I get my workouts out of the way, rest better, have more energy, and am enjoying the fast results – not to mention the time with the members.

As a fitness professional, it’ easy for people to think I just love working out and dieting, but that’s not the case. Working out is always a chore for me. Dieting is a lifestyle, but I’ll always prefer a burger and fries. I’m doing boot camp because I know I need it, just like anyone else – and I’m hooked.