Tiff-Fit Training’s boot camp in Greatwood

Houston Adventure Boot Camp’s evening class at Imperial Park

Melissa works on core-strengthening exercises

HEALTHy FAMILIEs

Boot CampsFitness

Fort Bend Residents Get in Shape with Challenging Fun

Written by Gail G. Collins

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June, a boot camp trainer, demonstrates low bounce squats to Susan

Jason works on achieving the perfect plank

Kristi fits in an early morning boot camp workout

DDebbie Buckner wanted to lose the extra baby weight she had been carrying around. Sasha Udengaard wanted to buy skinny jeans to tuck her boots into. To get in shape, both decided to try something a little different than the typical gym machines or usual cardio classes, so they signed up for a fitness boot camp instead. “I signed up because I like to work hard, and I needed someone to kick my rear back into shape,” Udengaard says. “I get teamwork and camaraderie out of the group. I love my boot camp and the feeling I get after each workout.”

Don’t Let the Name Scare You Boot camps have increased in popularity recently, because many women are finding the open-air atmosphere and instant network of friends a welcome relief from sweat-filled gyms. “Being outside when you go to boot camp is a different style of training, because you’re not working with machines,” says Stacy Agee, program director with Houston Area Adventure Boot Camp. “It’s a relatively new craze going on where you already have a support system waiting for you.”

Although the name “boot camp” may seem intimidating to some, Agee promises it’s not military-style at all. “We’re tailored to stay-at-home moms who want to get into shape, but not be supermodels or on magazines,” Agee says. “Even if you’re just starting out, there’s so many different levels that people won’t feel intimidated or left behind.”

What to Expect A typical boot camp experience involves circuit training, dumbbells, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, jumping rope, using exercise bands, bicep curls, running sprints, dips, and knee bends. Each workout and class is different from one day to another to keep the pace fresh and varied. “There’s so many things you can do with just your own body weight,” says Tiffany Nuno with Tiff-Fit Training. “You have fun, get a great workout in, and are pushing each other.”

Many boot camps are offered during the early morning hours, midmornings, or evenings. The classes vary in frequency from meeting every day to once a week, with participants paying between $100 and $300 monthly. Many of the early morning sessions are set to attract mothers and take advantage of the cool temperatures. “When I first started, there were a couple of gentlemen, but now it’s only women,” Nuno says. “I wish some of the husbands would come out to see how [awesome] their wives are and how tough and strong they are out there.”

More than Just a Workout Another advantage of boot camps is the individualized attention the participants receive. Those starting out might receive a low-impact exercise, while those who have more experience are challenged with high-impact routines. “In the beginning, it was really hard and has gotten much easier,” Udengaard says. “Then you change the way you do your workouts and add modifications when things start to get too easy.”

In addition to the physical activities, most trainers share stories on how to make lifestyle changes, too. Proper nutrition and activity choices help make the boot camps a long-lasting success. “That number on the scale, so many women are tied to it and sometimes that’s the hardest thing to get to budge, especially if you’re not getting proper nutrition, as well,” Nuno says. “Women start seeing and feeling their clothes fitting looser, their body fat coming down several percents and they are firming up and getting stronger. Boot camps improve your cardiovascular endurance. The number on the scale may be the last number to budge.”

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The Results Are In A typical one-hour boot camp can help burn between 450 and 600 calories. The high-intensity regime can also lower body fat and strengthen muscle tone. “I’ve lost close to 10 inches all over and more than 10 pounds and am still going,” Buckner says. “And I am amazingly stronger and so fit. It is fun seeing my friends each class, and basically, I feel much better mentally and physically after I go.”

Udengaard has also seen results since she began her boot camp classes a year ago. She lost 10 inches and 5% of her body fat, along with dropping two clothing sizes. “I can keep up with my 3-year-old so much easier now,” Udengaard says. “I am stronger and healthier than I have been in years.”

Both campers agree the variety, friendships, and focus on fitness have been worth the experience. “Don’t be afraid of the terminology,” Buckner says. “It’s fun, and you can do anything you set your mind to. The reality is that you may only be able to do one bent knee push-up today, but given time, you’ll be rocking out 30 full plank push-ups in no time. Just find the camp that is right for you and don’t give up.” SLM

JENNIFER HEATH enjoys being a freelance writer and full-time mom to her sons Landry and Ryan.

Elizabeth uses free weights during boot camp

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24 Hour Fitness281-565-335524hourfit.com

Baby Boot Camp713-515-1450babybootcamp.com

Fit Body Boot Camp281-410-1247fitbodybootcamp.com

Fitness Boot Camp 4U832-212-9061fitnessbootcamp4u.com

Houston Area Adventure Boot Camp713-858-4397houstonareabootcamp.com

Inner Strength Fitness832-978-6314innerstrengthfit.net

Lifetime Fitness281-340-3100clubs.lifetimefitness.com

Memorial Hermann Boot Camp281-725-5296memorialhermann.org

One 2 One Training Center281-313-1764one2onetrainingcenter.com

The Body Elite832-549-1660thebodyelite.com

Tiff-Fit Trainingtiff-fit.blogspot.com

Fort Bend Fitness

Boot Camps

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