LOOKING TO HUFF AND PUFF TO THE LATEST FITNESS TREND? GROUP TRAINING LIKE BOOTCAMP IS ALL THE RAGE.

IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT FOLLOWING THIS LATEST FITNESS FAD, PULL OUT THOSE NEW RUNNING SHOES, RIP THE TAGS OFF THE SHORTS, AND INVEST IN SOME STRONG DEODORANT. IF YOU CAN GET UP ENOUGH COURAGE TO WALK THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR, THIS TREND IS SURE TO STICK!

THINKING ABOUT TRYING OUT A BOOTCAMP CLASS?
HERE ARE SOME PROS AND CONS.

PROS:

The accountability factor
The group often relies upon one another to carry out drills, so individuals are more likely to stay committed.

Instant gratification
You’re more likely to reach your fitness goals faster because of the structured program design.

Entertainment value
The friendly, inspiring and encouraging environment is a major draw.

Cost effective
Participants like the specialized attention and feel like group training meets individual needs, even though it’s conducted in a group setting.

The tried and true
As with many exercises, benefits include weight loss, conditioning improvement, increased energy levels, decreasing body fat, increasing lean body mass, increased mood and energy levels.

CONS:

Your trainer loves others!
Group training does not offer the same quantity of personalized attention, as a one-on-one session.

Shy?
Shy people will need to overcome the fear of entering a group setting on the first visit.
So, what is making this trend the fitness must-have of the year?
“People want to work with a trainer because trainers have specialized education in multiple aspects of fitness; but many people can’t afford one-on-one,” says Ervin Zubic, Vice President of Personal Training for Lifestyle Family Fitness. “Group training offers consumers lots of bang for the buck.”
Group training offers many of the mainstream health benefits consumers seek: weight loss, cardio conditioning and muscle gain. In addition, group training provides extra perks, such as: nutritional guidance, flexibility training, and injury prevention.
“Plus it’s fun because like-minded individuals and participants form relationships to keep one another committed and they get plugged in socially,” adds Zubic. “It’s always more fun to share the pain.”
During tough economic times, trainers are one fitness splurge many folks seem to maintain. In some cases, people are cashing stocks and liquidating assets to be able to maintain their personal training habits.
Here is what trainer Ed Sturm, from Florida, had to say:
Pattiy Hill is just a regular person who struggles to make ends meet. She could barely afford the training we provided her; but she also could not afford to pass up the training.
Ms. Hill started training with me in May of 2007, weighing 266 lbs with a body fat percentage well in excess of 50%. She had just been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic joint pain. After 13 months of training with myself as well as with my PT Manager Lisa Jolly, she lost 124 lbs, cut her body fat down to 20% and went from a size 26 to a size 4.
Pattiy is now free of diabetes as well as cholesterol and blood pressure medication. Her joint problems are gone and her entire life has changed.

HOW TO ENROLL
There is an additional fee to work out with a certified personal trainer. BOOTCAMP sessions are held nationwide at all Lifestyle Family Fitness centers. Members pay $240 to participate twice weekly or $360 to participate three times each week. Non-members pay more.

Class sessions last six weeks each and begin on the following dates: April 6, June 22, September 1 and November 9. See the front desk for class hours. Gift cards can be used for this service.