Boot camp... Attention!

First of all, sorry for the lack of blogging, this week in culinary school has been very hectic and since we're just learning the basics, they aren't exactly super exciting blog topics. (However, if anyone is interested in "knife cuts" and making stocks let me know.)

So, after a weekend of eating way too many yummy foods (hotdogs, chips, bagels and pad thai yum!) and workout days off, I decided I needed to get my butt kicked. Whenever I need a super workout, I will always turn to Boot Camp. Anyone who has ever attended a bootcamp or done a bootcamp video you know that while it is torture, it really does guarantee results.

Generally, "Boot camp exercise classes vary in style, depending on the teacher. But you can generally expect to meet outside, rain or shine. (Unless you're doing a video.) You'll probably spend an hour doing some form of cardiovascular exercise (running, hiking, interval training, or obstacle course challenges), along with strength elements (using dumbbells, exercise bands, or the resistance of your own body weight). You'll also work on flexibility in a stretch portion of the class, which may incorporate elements of yoga or Pilates."

Boot camp challenges your physical strength, endurance, and mental fitness. They are often based on the military style of training. Activities include jogging, sprinting, plyometrics, push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges, suspension training and a variety of other calisthenic exercises.
Most gyms, YMCA's, and personal trainers have their own boot camp regiments that generally start very early in the morning, but the benefit of these programs (besides the rigorous fitness regime) are the social benefits of camaraderie and team effort.

I, personally prefer working out at home and my favorite boot-camp regime comes from The FIRM bootcamp Maximum Calorie Burn. It is about an hour long and broken up into a warm-up, alternating 3 sets of plyometrics and weight training and 3 sets up high-intensity cardio, and ends with a cool down ab session. This is very intense but you feel great afterwards. Anyone who wants to kick up their work-out regimes a notch, I would suggest picking up boot-camp! Just prepare to work your butt off!