On November 2, I started working out four days a week participating in a boot camp class at my gym. It was WAY out of my comfort zone, but I knew I needed a change. Bobby had done a week long trial of the boot camp and assured me I would do great, so I hesitantly signed up and started the class. Everyone was super friendly and I ended up LOVING it. I was admittedly in a running rut, and this was just the change I was looking for.
Was I still running? Yes! But just twice a week instead of 3-4 times, and I have been keeping very low mileage. Now that I am a month into the boot camp, I can honestly say I feel so much stronger. Before, I was so injury prone when I ran because I have weak glutes and hips. The strength work has made me stronger all over, and I love how I feel at the end of a class (I average burning around 625 calories!)
Anyway, one thing I wasn’t expecting was for it to help my running so much, since I was only running 2-3 miles twice a week. Imagine my surprise when I went for a run the other day and ran FASTER with LESS EFFORT than before I started the class when I was running 3-4 times a week and averaging 15-20 miles a week. Call me a believer! I know I still need to work on upping my mileage, but I am impressed with myself so far. Never did I think I would be running up and down a field pushing a sled, doing dozens of burpees in a row, or squatting with weights on the bar and saying it’s not heavy enough.
I have done “strength work” on my own for years, but I never really pushed myself like this class pushes me. I just work so much better in a class environment with a coach yelling at me to go faster. Everyone is different, but this is definitely my jam. I just want to encourage anyone who is afraid of trying something like this as a supplement to your running, to just DO IT! I know with the new year coming up a lot of new classes and programs will be offered, an dI hope you will jump outside of your comfort zone like I did, you may find something that you LOVE!
QOTD: Have you ever done a boot camp class? Have you done a workout outside of your comfort zone?
Awesome job! Sounds like a great class – I’m impressed with the amount of calories you burn every time!
I got out of my comfort zone with Pure Barre this year. I love each class and the challenge of it. It may be low impact but it’s far from easy.
agreed! I have only taken one class but it was tough!
I love bootcamp classes. They are such a good workout!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
yes they are!
So awesome Heather! I LOVE doing classes because it motivates me.
I love this! I’m currently injured and working on hip strength, and I can already see a difference just from doing my PT exercises. I’m hoping to take some new classes at the gym after I’m cleared to do all activities because I know that’s what I need to get stronger. Great job on getting strong and running faster! AND for going to that new class in the first place – that’s so hard to do!
Good job! I have had a hip injury before too and def. noticed a difference after my PT exercises!
Over the past couple of weeks I have been looking at this strength training/bootcamp like class at the gym. I always say I am going to go, but so far it hasn’t happened. This was the push I need! I am going next week!
Did you go?!?